February 1, 2024

February 1, 2024

Volume 54 - No. 5

WHEN PASTORS LOSE THEIR FAITH

By Friedrich Gomez As is commanded by their very faith, they tend to their flock of believers, counseling them through the vagaries of life, guiding them through troubled waters, and preaching Sunday sermons about clinging to their faith in God and trusting Him as their personal Redeemer, Anchor of Strength, and Deliverer from eternal damnation.

However, it would be supremely naïve and totally unrealistic to assume that these very pastors are, themselves, immune to “the storms of life.”

What happens when these very men of God suffer from their own personal struggles?

Who is there to counsel them, in return, if they falter from that most insidious and unspeakable of cruelties: When church leaders, ministers, and pastors – themselves -stop believing in God and become atheists?

uncomfortable, and even angry. Humans can be unpredictable at a moment’s notice. Some church followers may become overly-defensive, threatened, and even resentful for bringing up such an incendiary topic in the first place.

A CRISIS OF FAITH: A GROWING REALITY.

Others may see it as a “divisive” topic, while some might harbour a staunch refusal to even acknowledge that such a “crisis of faith” even exists among their pastors, ministers, and other church leaders.

Such a topic of discussion may cause some people to become squeamish,

And yet, the number of pastors and church leaders who are slowly los-

The Paper • 760.747.7119 online: www.TheCommunityPaper.com

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ing their belief in God, is a growing reality.

Whether we like it or not.

And for those ministers who remain quiet in their spiritual struggles and have yet to come forth as atheists – this rising number may, yet, be even higher than we are aware.

MINISTERS OFTEN FEEL CHURCH LEADERS IGNORE THEIR PLIGHT. By refusing to believe that such a “crisis of faith” even exists among

Faith

See Page 2

The Paper • Page 2 • February 1, 2024

Faith from page 1 the clergy is an easy, but erroneous, reason for some church leaders to remain uninvolved and, thus, stay within their “own comfort zone of denial,” according to many exministers, as well as currently-active pastors, who have testified to being relegated to virtual isolation in their own spiritual struggles.

However, such detached thinking can be insensitive – even cruel – by abandoning pastors during their greatest hour of need.

So say many pastors and ministers, even to this day, under the safety of anonymity.

For far too long, church leaders – even by their own admission -- simply ignored this crisis of faith. In retrospect, they had erred in judgment for expedient reasons. For many, it was fundamentally “taboo” to even discuss such a shocking phenomenon among one’s own religious peers. It could court scandal, even compromise the integrity within the House of God. In short, it was “Forbidden Fruit” that was best kept silent, for fear of disrupting – even destroying – the trust and faith of congregants who religiously attend church services every Sunday and who look to their pastors for guidance and strength.

After all, if a congregation’s own

Give Us This Day Our Daily Chuckle

pastors could (truly) doubt the very existence of God, what immeasurable spiritual damage could that unleash to the established faithful?

Or to the young and impressionable children, the very future of the church? All of whom look to their church pastors as spiritual role models.

Some former pastors and ministers claimed that when they needed counseling in their own ‘faith-faltering’ that, surprisingly, the church hierarchy and board members simply “side-stepped” any such dialogue, not choosing to be involved in such protracted and “uncomfortable discussions,” which church elders felt should not be happening in the first place.

In such real-life scenarios, preachers often voiced a feeling of abandonment and confusion, a feeling which they confided to their spouses and other family members, all of which only further parlayed into their “faith crisis,” and causing even deeper division within family, friends, and religious colleagues.

A TERRIBLE PRICE TO PAY. Stepping down from the pulpit due to disbelief is a ponderous change in one’s spiritual life, not to mention the loss of one’s entire career and the years invested into that career. Most pastors have families, spouses, children, and a need for steady financial income.

wine?” she guessed.

“No,” the boy replied.

She tasted another drop and asked, “Champagne?”

“No,” said the little boy. “It’s a puppy!”

This week, a compendium of wit, wisdom and neat stuff you can tell at parties. Enjoy!

A valuable parting gift . . .

On the last day of school, the children brought gifts for their teacher.

The florist’s son brought the teacher a bouquet of flowers.

The candy store owner’s daughter gave the teacher a pretty box of candy.

Then the liquor-store owner’s son brought up a big, heavy box. The teacher lifted it up and noticed that it was leaking a little bit.

She touched a drop of the liquid with her finger and tasted it. “Is it

Older Man Scam . . .

Women often receive warnings about protecting themselves at the mall and in dark parking lots, etc.

This is the first warning I have seen for men. I wanted to pass it on in case you haven’t heard about it. A ‘heads up’ for those men who may be regular customers at Lowe’s, Home Depot, Costco, or even WalMart. This one caught me totally by surprise. Over the last month I became a victim of a clever scam while out shopping. Simply going out to get supplies has turned out to be quite traumatic. Don’t be naive enough to think it couldn’t happen to you or your friends.

Here’s how the scam works; Two nice looking, college-age girls will come over to your car or truck as you are packing your purchases into your vehicle. They both start wiping your windshield with a rag and

Ministers changing careers in their middle or late years can experience a horrendous financial nightmare, unpaid bills, house foreclosure, bankruptcy, lingering spiritual conflict with a still-religious spouse, other marital conflict, even divorce, as well as alienation from extended family and friends and even possible rejection from one’s own children.

Ironically, it is a path the Biblical Job might be more suited to traverse.

Some former pastors wish to remain anonymous in fear of further reprisals, retribution, and even fear of personal harm.

As one ex-minister stated: “Full–time clergy or even religious business leaders, who have come to the realisation that their faith is a sham, risk financial hardship for their families. Religious people in the community will almost certainly talk about ‘that poor family with the atheist mom or dad’ and then put them on various prayer lists.

If most of your friendships, family relationships, and even your marriage are based on this common set of beliefs, you risk losing it all.”

Such anguish from “faith crisis” can be soul-crushing, as one testimonial reveals the feeling of unexpected abandonment, a stated: “And I understand, from my exit of pastoral ministry, the pain of being

hurt by those you’ve given your entire life to, and by friends – many of whom you’d suspect would support you in those challenging times – and who now question your decision and your faith.”

PASTORS AND MINISTERS NOW SPEAKING UP. Despite the powder keg they sit upon, and the widespread incendiary condemnation from former peers – and even vilification -- pastors and ministers of all faiths – are finally speaking up. After all, it is both a cornerstone for every Christian – as well as secular moral ethics -- to be openly truthful, and never deceitful, in whatever you do (an admirable trait whether one is Christian or non-Christian).

To preach Sunday sermons or any moral homilies, while masked with hypocritical disbelief is obscenely wrong, in both worlds – secular or Christian.

In his early ground-breaking book, “Ex-Pastors: Why Men Leave the Ministry,” Dr. Gerald J. Jud conducted a wide-spectrum poll among erstwhile pastors who ceased believing in a supreme being. In his book, there is this riveting testimonial: “I left when my prayers were meaningless literary productions. When Faith continued on page 3

Windex, with their breasts almost falling out of their skimpy T-shirts.

(It’s impossible not to look). When you thank them and offer them a tip, they say ‘No’ but instead ask for a ride to McDonald’s.

So please, send this on to all the older men that you know and warn them to be on the lookout for this scam. (The best times are just before lunch and around 4:30 in the afternoon.)

You agree and they climb into the vehicle. On the way, they start undressing. Then one of them starts crawling all over you, while the other one steals your wallet.

Name That Hymn!

I had my wallet stolen Aug. 4th, 9th, 10th, twice on the 15th, again on the 17th, 20th, 24th, and the 29th. Also Sept. 1st, 4th, 8th, twice on the 16th & 17th, and very likely again this upcoming weekend.

So tell your friends to be careful.

What a horrible way to take advantage of us older men. Warn your friends to be vigilant.

Wal-Mart has wallets on sale for $2.99 each. I found even cheaper ones for $.99 at the Dollar Store and bought them out in three of their stores.

Also, you never get to eat at McDonald’s. I’ve already lost 11 pounds just running back and forth from Lowe’s, to Home Depot, to Wal-Mart.

Sunday morning a pastor decided to do something a little different.

He said ‘Today, in church, I am going to say a single word and you are going to help me preach. Whatever single word I say, I want you to sing whatever hymn that comes to your mind -- the pastor shouted out’ CROSS.’ Immediately the congregation started singing in unison, THE OLD RUGGED CROSS.’ The pastor hollered out ‘GRACE.’ The congregation began to sing ‘AMAZING GRACE, how sweet the sound.’

The pastor said ‘POWER.’ The congregation sang ‘THERE IS POWER IN THE BLOOD. Chuckles continued on page 12

The Paper • Page 3 • February 1, 2024

Faith from page 2 hymns only evoked a comfortable nostalgia, and when my sermons could not say what I felt. And when the Bible became only literature. When missions and social actions became just philanthropy and civil rights.

And when Jesus became a man, and when God died on my lips.”

In slowly growing numbers, “men of the cloth” are finally giving voice to their inner-most turmoil and spiritual struggles and, sadly, there are relatively few within their own Christian communities who will reciprocate the love and counsel which they, themselves, once received from these ex-preachers. This allegation is strongly adhered to by countless expreachers on various surveys.

Instead, many former ministers have received hate mail, even death threats, from members of their erstwhile congregations. One ex-Christian preacher stated the following: “The majority of them (emails and phone calls) from staunch Christians were pretty hateful.

Ironically, I received more comfort and love from non-Christians. Nonbelievers never tried to keep me from my former religious beliefs – they just accepted me, with no hiddenagenda of their own.”

EX-PASTORS & MINISTERS FORM THEIR OWN WORLDWIDE SUPPORT GROUPS. Quoted as saying it was a necessity which they never adequately received within the church infrastructure, former clergy have created their own websites, blogs, and online support groups whereby they can interact, better understand, and seek counsel and acceptance away from an often hostile, even life-threatening world.

Many former pastors, both men and women, use anonymous names to ensure their safety in the face of death threats, sometimes from their own erstwhile church members.

THE CLERGY PROJECT. One such ex-pastor support group on the world internet is called “The Clergy Project.” Since its founding in 2011 with only 52 members, it now boasts over half-a-million members and is growing faster – and that’s just in the U. S. Since many pastors and ministers and church leaders who are atheists, but, secretly remain in the pulpit and church hierarchy, the true (worldwide) number in the Clergy Project is unknown – but it is assessed to be “staggering!” on a global scale.

In 2024, The Clergy Project continues to grow enormously to form participants from around the world,

where even (currently active pastors) can anonymously discuss and seek advice and counsel regarding their own church challenges and personal faith crisis.

The Clergy Project website describes itself as such: “The Clergy Project is a (worldwide) nonprofit organisation that provides peer support to current and former religious leaders who no longer have faith. The group’s focus is to provide online forums for its participants, and assistance through career transition grants, hardship grants, and free sessions of psychotherapy.”

THE CLERGY PROJECT INCLUDES PEOPLE OF ALL FAITHS. The online participants are, to repeat, not just for ex-pastors, but, also for (currently active)church leaders, pastors, ministers, and preachers of (all denominations) who currently hold pastoral jobs in their respective churches, temples, or synagogues today.

As The Clergy Project describes in its own words: “Though most Clergy Project participants come from various streams of Christianity, membership also includes those of Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Scientology.”

Often, these pastors who remain active in their respective churches, must be discreet when conversing with ex-pastors who have since been ostracised. The Clergy Project is only one example for refuge and, as with other similar support sites, has been readily “vilified,” and said to be “demonised” by some opposing Christian followers, as well as from Judaism, Islam, and Scientologists.

For many participants around the world, The Clergy Project continues to be a “free choice” opportunity for those who wish to seek refuge by exercising their right to freely-choose and participant, as they wish, in such an organisation, without undue condemnation.

REASONS WHY FAITH FADES & PASTORS STOP BELIEVING. A national survey among ex-pastors, themselves, often corrects a popular misconception as to why these ministers lost their faith in the first place. However, one dynamic seems reasonably certain, as revealed by the poll: “There are as many different answers to this question as there are people whose journeys led them to stop believing.”

For most ex-pastors, ministers, and other preachers of various denominations worldwide, the following Faith continued on page 5

Oodles!

Looking for things to do? Places to go?

Check out Oodles every week for listing of civic and service club meetings, and more!

Have an event you need publicized?

Email it to: Lisa.ThePaper@gmail.com The Paper goes to print on Tuesday morning.

You are more likely to get published if you: • Submit your press release by the previous Friday.

• Keep It Simple: who, what, where, when, why.

• Send us something we can copy/paste. Please no brochures or flyers.

• Send photos as attachments, not embeded in the document.

Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting February 5th • 10am to noon 17252 Bernardo Center Drive Rancho Bernardo

S.D. Blue Star Mothers Drive Through Donation Event February 10 • 11am to 1pm 230 E. Park Blvd., Escondido

Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting for all North County Inland Communities. Free monthly meetings for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners are held from 10 am until noon at San Rafael Church, 17252 Bernardo Center Drive, Rancho Bernardo, in the Parish Hall.

The San Diego North County Blue Star Mothers, a local chapter of Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., will be holding a drive-through donation drop-off event to provide Care Packages for deployed military on the USS Carl Vinson. The event will be held on Saturday, February 10, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the American Legion Post located at 230 E. Park Blvd.,in Escondido.

Our featured speaker is Chris Buscher, Executive Director of the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego. Separate breakout sessions for People with Parkinson’s and care partners will follow the presentation to discuss successes and challenges.

Come learn, share, meet, and enjoy the free refreshments with other involved Parkinson’s persons. Please call (760) 749-8234 or (760) 5181963 if you have any questions. *** Escondido Woman’s Club Meeting February 5 • 10:30am 751 N. Rose St., Escondido The Escondido Woman’s Club February meeting will be on Monday, February 5th, starting at 10:30am, at their Clubhouse, 751 No. Rose Street (corner of Mission Ave.), Escondido. Guests are welcome.

The program will be about the ‘Next Step Service Dogs’. Reservations are required by Thursday, February 1st, if you are staying for lunch. Guests and potential new members please call the Clubhouse at 760.743.9178 and leave your name and phone number. Someone will return your call. Cost of lunch is $20.00/person. We look forward to having you at our meeting.

Ideas for donations include: cash/ check, beef jerky, granola bars, powdered drink mixes or flavor for water, socks, beanies, hand warmers, chips, cookies, nuts, ramen, body wipes, deck of cards, crossword puzzles, sunscreen, male and female toiletries, candy, and gum.

If you cannot make it to the drop off, but would still like to donate, please contact Shannon Kennedy to coordinate a pick up at 714-656-7767.

The Blue Star Mothers of America is a non-partisan, non-sectarian, nondiscriminatory, 501(c)(3) designated public charity. Our mission is to support our active duty sons and daughters; veterans and veterans’ organizations; and causes that promote a community awareness and motivate support for our service members.

For more information go to: www. bluestarmothersofamerica.org. *** Hidden Valley Vista City Council of Beta Sigma Phi International Queens Court Luncheon February 10 • 11am 100 Holland Glen, Escondido The Hidden Valley Vista City Oodles continued on page 12

HOME INSURANCE NON-RENEWED? DON’T WORRY ~ CALL R.D. HANSON INSURANCE AGENCY 760-747-8882 RICKHANSON12@GMAIL.COM

The Paper • Page 4 • February 1, 2024

Local News

More Rain On The Way Where To Get Sandbags The Jan. 22 storm brought historic rainfall to the county, causing flood damage to many homes and businesses. Forecasters say more rain may arrive this week.

To prepare for potential flooding or soil erosion, people can visit several locations for sandbags.

You should call ahead to check availability, since some locations may have a limited supply.

Be sure to bring your own shovel to fill your bags.

Sand And Bags Escondido Escondido Sports Center 3333 Bear Valley Parkway M - Fri., 8:00 am-5:00 pm 760-839-4668 (Bring a shovel) *City residents only (ID Required) Limit 10 bags per resident* Oceanside 3210 Oceanside Blvd.

Hours vary 760-433-3316 Bring a shovel

*City residents only; 10 sandbags per resident* San Marcos 201 Mata Way Available 24 hrs.

760-752-7550 Self-service in parking lot Vista 1165 E. Taylor St. M-Th. 6:00 am-4:30 pm Every other Fri. 6:00 am-4:30 pm 760-643-4545 *City residents only (ID Required) Limit 10 bags per resident* Palomar Mountain Fire Station #79 21610 Crestline Rd. 760-742-3701 Pala Mesa Fire Station #4 4375 Pala Mesa Dr., Fallbrook 760-723-2024 De Luz Fire Station #16 39431 De Luz Rd., Fallbrook 760-728-2422 Rincon Fire Station #70 16971 Highway 76, Pauma Valley The last time I was at the sports arena a bunch of doobies were being passed around and the place reeked like marijuana. None of that nonsense going on last night.

Just a bunch of princesses having the time of their lives. That was so cool to see all of the children so excited. Haven’t had that much fun in a long time.

|760-742-3243 Valley Center Fire Station #2 28205 N. Lake Wohlford Rd. 760-751-7605 Bags Only Deer Springs Fire Station #11 8709 Circle R Dr., Escondido 760-749-8001 Deer Springs Fire Station #12 1321 Deer Springs Rd., San Marcos 760-741-5512 Miller Fire Station #15 9127 W. Lilac Rd., Escondido 760-728-8532 Ocotillo Wells Fire Station #61 5841 Highway 78, Borrego Springs 760-767-7430 Deer Springs Fire Station #13 10308 Meadow Glen Way E, Escondido 760-751-0820 San Pasqual Fire Station #84 17701 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido 858-573-1322

Letters to the Editor I would like to see The Paper do an article about the proposed construction of 274 apartments on the current property of Bethel Baptist Church on Felicita Road.

(Apparently, the property is already in escrow.)

Our Escondido city council has approved the rezoning of Bethel Baptist Church in Escondido Letters continued on page 10

Below: (That’s Alex’s mommy, Andy, to the right. Looks like she’s having fun as well).

Note: This is probably my favorite photo of Alex. She was only about 4 or 5 when this event happened . . . . she is now, 12 years old, I believe.

Man About Town Another Memory From The Past Brought a tear or two of happiness to Grandpa’s eyes ...

I knew that Kenny and his girl friend, Andy, were taking my granddaughter, Alex, to see “Disney on Ice” last night.

She even dressed up as a princess for the occasion.

I was anxious to learn if she had a good time.

It would appear from the photo below, that she did: This morning’s comment from Kenny:

Here is a more current photo of her. She is growing up!

Alex, now 12 years old and in the 7th grade, with her dad, Ken, and her prized (and colorful) dog, Karma *** Among my many accomplishments, both good and bad, I can now add a rather unique feature.

Last Sunday, I was kicked out of church.

I had decided to take my dear friend, Friedrich Gomez, to hear my other dear friend, Pastor Richard Huls, preach. Pastor Huls, though retired, still conMan About Town continued on page 14

The Paper • Page 5 • February 1, 2024

Faith from page 3 reasons did (not) apply to their own loss of faith (according to repeated global surveys): 1. The erroneous accusation that ex-pastors never had a deep enough belief in the first place was not relevant.

2. Also the mistaken opinion that former pastors leave their faith because there is a difference between ‘studying’ God and ‘experiencing’ God. And, therefore, the erroneous accusation that these ex-pastors never truly ‘experienced’ God was not the case.

When former ministers give their own answers for ceasing their own belief in a supreme being, the reasons are greatly varied, complex, and often unexpected. There is no “one-size-fits-all” simple answers for everyone.

faith, I now found myself no longer convinced by my own arguments and debate. All the power-points of belief I once used and once found so compelling – were gone!”

Many men of the pulpit waked away from their faith for very complicated reasons.

One pastor studied at two different evangelical seminaries, earning a master’s degree from both seminaries, and even pursued studies at the higher doctoral level.

After preaching for several years, teaching, counseling his peers during spiritual doubts, and even writing for Christian magazines – he, himself, finally stopped believing in God.

nificance better than most.

RESULTS OF THE PASTOR SURVEYS 2016 to 2023.

Disclaimer: We must point out that this is not a true scientific researchbased study. It is simply an extensive online survey conducted from September 2016 through March 2023. Keep in mind, this survey is with “active” pastors as well as “ex-pastors” lumped together, so there is no “breakdown” as to what percentage represents “ex-pastors” versus “active pastors” to any specific question.

However, there are more active pastors on the survey (73%), than ex-pastors.

For others, there are too many doctrinal contradictions; too many shady Biblical cover-ups, and historical fictions passed on by most dubious sources.

The results may actually shock you, as these pastors are free enough to express their true, innermost thoughts without fear of censorship, retribution, chastisement, or loss of pastoral jobs.

The countless reasons for loss of faith are too varied and too extensive to list here.

The complexities of reasons seem endless, and sometimes erudite in nature.

Their identity was kept anonymous so that unrestrained truth might be made manifest.

However, for many of them, the more these scholarly pastors read in the Olde and New Testament, the more questions they had.

In the final analysis, most came to the conclusion that the historical Jesus was only a man, and he never rose on the third day, as was later added to the Gospels in Biblical Scripture. For some, the Pauline Letters were of no help in various ways.

The worldwide survey questions are much too expansive to be presented here in their entirety, so here is just a brief sampling.

The process for deterioration of faith can be a tediously slow process, and gradual, sometimes taking several years deep into one’s adult life.

As one theology and seminary professor admits: “More things didn’t truly make sense to me – what the Bible said – and then more things didn’t add up.

As a staunch-defender of my own

Nevertheless, for most ex-ministers, it is most insulting and overlysimplistic to merely use the blanket cliché labeled on them, such as “Not having a deep enough faith to begin with.”

They once preached that very position, themselves, and know its sig-

1. At any time during your pastorate, have you truly doubted your call to the ministry?

Yes = 64% No = 36% 2. Have you ever considered leaving the ministry due to loss of faith (to active pastors only)?

Yes = 85% No = 15% 3. As a result, do you struggle with

depression?

Yes = 61% No = 39% 4. Do you struggle with anxiety?

Yes = 65% No = 35% 5. Have you or do you regularly see a counselor or therapist?

Yes = 35% No = 65% 6. At any point, have you considered taking your own life?

Yes = 29% No = 71% 7. Would you consider the previous church you worked at (or presently work at) to be spiritually “healthy”?

Yes = 42% No = 58% 8. Would you consider your church (or previous church) to have a healthy staff culture?

Yes = 48% No = 52% SHOCKING FACTS THAT (ADD ANXIETY) WITH DISBELIEF IN A GOD. In general, a pastor and minister’s life is not always an easy path to begin with. It can be a most challenging job with many responsibilities attached to it. And as a church-goer, you may be completely unaware of the following statistical facts: (A) 60% of U. S. pastors consider themselves overworked. One survey showed that 80% of pastors’ families believe that the pastoral ministry is affecting their families negatively.

Faith continued on page 13

SANDAG Launches Nationwide Search For Next Chief Executive Officer The SANDAG Board of Directors has launched a nationwide search for a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO); applications are being accepted through Friday, February 23.

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in leadership as well as transportation and regional planning, capital development, and operations.

Some of the characteristics listed in the CEO recruitment brochure include: • An individual who values unity among Board members and possesses the political acumen to build bridges and consensus around the complex, and often politically sensitive, diverse transportation issues experienced by all segments of the region’s population

supervisors who are appointed from each of the region’s 19 local governments.

• An individual who exhibits a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and can demonstrate efforts around DEI in previous roles • An individual who embraces the clear delineation between the role of the CEO and the role of the Board of Directors • An individual with credibility, integrity, and the ability to build trust • A visionary with knowledge of regional planning and sustainable multimodal transportation systems who will support cli-

mate planning efforts throughout the region • A strong mentor and leader for employees, with the ability to hire and retain exceptional talent, and who encourages professional development, transparent communication, and team-building The SANDAG CEO will be responsible for leading approximately 400 employees, will oversee a $1.2 billion annual budget, and will report directly to the Board of Directors, which is made up of elected mayors, councilmembers, and county

Interested candidates should visit the CPS HR website for more information. The SANDAG Board is expected to appoint the next CEO in May 2024.

Visit SANDAG.org/ceorecruitment to learn more.

About SANDAG SANDAG is the regional agency that connects people, places, and innovative ideas by implementing solutions with our unique and diverse communities. We are committed to creating a San Diego region where every person who visits, works, and lives can thrive.

The Paper • Page 6 • February 1, 2024

5th District Supervisor

Jim Desmond

Mental Health Priorities In 1967, many state hospitals serving persons with mental illnesses were closed, but local programs to address their needs were inadequate. In 1991, oversight of mental healthcare was placed under county control, but by 2004 it was evident that this realignment hadn’t improved the situation.

In 2004 voters approved Proposition 63, the California Mental Health Services Act (MHSA). The MHSA focuses on developing programs aimed at prevention and early intervention, housing, supported employment, as well as training mental health professionals, along with technology and infrastructure for community mental healthcare systems.

California’s mental health needs are staggering, but the MHSA hasn’t been significantly changed in 20 years. In 2022 the California Mental HealthCare Foundation reported that almost one in seven adults (about 4.4 million people) and one in 14 children (about 621,000) are experiencing some form of mental illness. And one in 26 adults and one in 14 children have trouble functioning in their daily activities. Needed updates include expansion of services for those with substance use disorders (SUDs), allowing MHSA funds to pay for SUD treatments, added resources for housing, and additional community support for prevention and early intervention.

MHSA is overseen by a 16 member commission, including representatives from law enforcement, education, the Legislature, family members of persons with severe mental illness, business and others. MHSA funding, financed by a 1% tax on personal incomes over $1 million, provides 30% of California’s public mental healthcare budget. Over the years, about $31 billion has been generated.

I have long advocated expanded access to mental health treatments.

Getting a handle on mental health, including SUDs, will be a big factor in controlling homelessness and crime. As Vice Chair of the Assembly Health Committee, and as a member of the Select Committees on California’s Mental Health Crisis and on Fentanyl, Opioid Addiction and Overdose Prevention, my efforts will continue.

Disappointing Vote A few weeks ago, I shared the unfortunate news that a judge deemed a Sexually Violent Predator, Alvin Quarles, for placement back into San Diego County. For over three years, Mr. Quarles terrorized our communities, committing heinous acts of rape against a dozen women.

Last week, we had a Board meeting and I brought forward an item to support Congressman Darrell Issa’s Federal legislation, “Stopping Sexually Violent Predators Act.” This Bill would prevent Sexually Violent Predators from being placed outside of a correctional facility or state hospital.

For more information on San Diego County’s MHSA programs, please click: here

Sexually Violent Predators currently receive federal funding for their treatment and healthcare, and this Bill would prevent them from receiving federal funding UNLESS they are in a correctional facility or state hospital. State law says an SVP must receive treatment and healthcare to be released into the community.

For an electronic version of this article, please visit: https://ad75. asmrc.org/

Therefore, this Bill would prevent SVPs from being placed in the community.

Assemblymember Marie Waldron, R- Valley Center, represents the 75th Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes the cities of Poway, Santee, portions of the City of San Diego, and most of rural eastern and northern San Diego County.

A Word from San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones

Lace Up Your Adventure Boots For The City Hike

There are so many opportunities in and around San Marcos to explore its beautiful nature. Grab your favorite hiking boots and join fellow residents for the San Marcos Bernardo Mountain/Lake Hodges hike this Saturday, Feb. 3 at 9 a.m. (sign-in is at 8:30 a.m.). It’s a free event that will help you embrace Mother Nature!

Participants will meet at the San Dieguito River Park parking lot, 12655 Sunset Drive., Escondido 92025 (south of Via Rancho Parkway past The Hodges Golf Learning Center). Participants can expect to hike 7.4 miles on the Bernardo Mountain trail and gain 800’ of elevation.

I’d like to remind all of some safety tips for hiking: • Stay hydrated: Make sure to bring plenty of water.

• Pick up after yourself, let’s keep our environment clean.

• Use official trails, stay away from natural and sensitive habitats and be cautious of your surroundings.

• Be mindful of our community by not shouting or screaming.

For more information, visit the Parks and Recreation webpage at www.san-marcos.net.

Unfortunately, and I must say, I’m a bit surprised, my colleagues voted against this. I am very disappointed that they would not support stopping the placements of Sexually Violent Predators in our community. The vote, which failed 3-2, would have supported legislation to prevent Sexually Violent Predators from being placed outside of a correctional facility or state hospital.

Time and time again, we have witnessed these placements despite overwhelming public outcry against such decisions. My duty as a policymaker is to ensure these placements do not happen in our community.

I’m going to continue to look at all the ways we can stop these monsters from being placed in our community and I urge you to call your lawmakers to also work together to stop this!

San Diego County District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond, 1600 Pacific Highway, #335, San Diego, CA 92101, United States http:// www.supervisorjimdesmond.com/

Problem Solved

by Christopher Elliott

“Burned” by my Hamilton Beach toaster oven.

Why can’t I get a refund?

Ronald Crossley’s Hamilton Beach toaster oven doesn’t work. And apparently, neither does the Hamilton Beach customer service department. How does he get this appliance fixed?

the toaster oven. Obviously, they know paying for a lawyer would be dumb, but are there any legal avenues? Do these corporations have the right to rob people? ~ Ronald Crossley, Coplay, Pa.

Q: I returned a Hamilton Beach toaster oven earlier this year because of functional and design problems that made it useless.

Specifically, the upper element remains “on” in any mode and burns food.

A: Your Hamilton Beach toaster oven shouldn’t have burned your food, regardless of the warranty.

The average lifespan of a toaster oven is five years. You had yours for just over a year.

Before the return window passed, I emailed Hamilton Beach asking for at least a confirmation of their having received the toaster oven. I got a reply requesting a few business days -- and then, nothing.

I asked Hamilton Beach for a refund. Despite several attempts to contact the company by phone and email over a month, it did not respond.

I’ve never encountered such poor customer service, and hope you can provide some advice or help me recoup the $130 I spent on

And that’s the problem: The toaster oven is out of warranty, and you’re asking the company for a refund outside the return window. Based on the paper trail you’ve sent, it looks like the company doesn’t quite know what to do with your case.

Your problem falls under a gray area. You contacted Hamilton Beach about the problem with your toaster oven before the warranty ran out, but you didn’t return Problem Solved continued on page 12

The Paper • Page 7 • February 1, 2024

Historically Speaking

The Nation’s Highway System ‘Ike’ and Henry Built

By Tom Morrow If you could determine the person most responsible for our nation’s massive Interstate highway system it would have to be Henry Ford, but the history books will credit President Dwight D. Eisenhower, (19531961).

Early in the 20th century Ford made cars affordable for the average working family but there were a limited number of roadways on which to travel. Few roads in the Southwestern and Western states were nothing more than a two-track mud or dusty pathway cut through the landscape connecting one village or town with another.

Travel in the West was a real challenge, In 1919 and 1920, two future U.S. presidents were involved in the development of our cross-country highway system. In 1920, the first

major highway in the U.S. was built by the “Old Trails Road Association, a private organization that built a Missouri roadway connecting St. Louis and Kansas City. At that time the Association’s president was Jackson County Judge Harry S. Truman of Independence, Mo. Later, in 1926, the Association determined roads be split into several “numbered” highways throughout the nation. A portion of the “Old Trails Road” from Chicago to Los Angeles would later become the iconic U.S. Route 66.

The “Lincoln Highway” became the first coast-to-coast roadway running from New York’s Times Square to L.A. The Old Trails Association proposed automobile manufacturers donate 1 percent of their annual revenue to building the various national roads. All the major company heads complied except one … Henry Ford. He declared highways were the responsibility of the national government and not private enterprise.

Ol’ Henry was a known miser. He “made” money, he didn’t spend it.

Henry Ford

Dwight D. Eisenhower

The convoy was headed by Lt. Col. Dwight D. Eisenhower. Results of the Army’s mission encouraged Congress to pass the “Federal Aid Highway Act of 1921, which greatly increased matching state funds. Various states contributed to building and improving roadways connecting to the Lincoln Highway.

became nearly impassable during bad weather, especially rain, leaving much of it little more than a deeprutted roadway.

In 1919, before there was any real organization connecting the West to the East, the U.S. Army mounted a car and truck convoy to travel the length of the new Lincoln Highway to determine viability of the road.

Eisenhower reported that the Lincoln Highway through Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana was in “fairly good shape,” much of it paved, but the roadway from Illinois on to the West was mostly a dirt trail. The road

Until roads were built in the various western states, the “Oregon Trail” often was used by early motorists, especially those driving tall-wheeled vehicles like Model T Fords.

After the Army convoy excursion, young Eisenhower (“Ike”) vowed to Historically Speaking continued on page 14

Travel Troubleshooter

by Christopher Elliott

Help! My bed & breakfast doesn’t have a bathroom!

Q: I booked a room at a bed & breakfast in New Albany, Ind., through SuperTravel, an Expedia affiliate. When I arrived, I discovered the room didn’t have an attached bathroom. You had to go downstairs to access the bathroom.

The SuperTravel website did not tell us about this.

We asked for a refund, but SuperTravel refused, citing its norefunds policy. I contend that what we purchased was not what they provided and not subject to the norefund policy.

I have initiated a dispute through our credit card company, but it sided with SuperTravel. I am appealing the decision.

SuperTravel’s refund policy has a clause that says they make “no refund for causes beyond their direct control.” But as an Expedia affiliate, they have access and control over the information that they provide to consumers on their website.

Expedia and Booking.com both list

the same property on their sites, and they show the information about the detached bathroom. I believe I’m entitled to a $469 refund because SuperTravel chose not to provide us with that information before we made the purchase.

Chris, you helped me in 2013 with an airline problem, and I’m appealing to you now. Can you help me? ~ Evonne Hopkins, Livermore, CA A: It’s true, your accommodations at the historic bed & breakfast did not have a dedicated bathroom, which is not that unusual in an older inn. But SuperTravel should have told you about it before you booked -- that was important information to disclose.

While it’s true that your reservations were “prepaid” (in other words, nonrefundable), it is also true that you had a contract with the Expedia affiliate that implied you would have your own bathroom. A bathroom is a standard feature in a Western hotel room, like running water and electricity.

It looks like you did not stay at the historic inn and found alternate accommodations. That’s good, because if you had stayed there, a refund would be all but impossible. And you would probably be surprised by how many readers of this column will stay in a hotel or vacation rental and then request a full refund. It doesn’t work that way.

I’m surprised that your credit card company didn’t side with you. This was a glaring omission by your online travel agency, and you should have received a full refund on appeal. I have seen travelers with much weaker cases win a credit card dispute. (But that’s another topic.)

I list the names, numbers and email addresses of Expedia’s customer service executives on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott. org. A brief, polite email to one of them might have pressured SuperTravel to help you. I also publish a free guide on how to book the best hotel at the lowest rate for the next time you are trying to book your

accommodations.

Could you have avoided this? Possibly. As you note, several other online sites noted the bathroom problem, so you might have run a quick search before booking. Incidentally, you could have called the property yourself and might have gotten an even better deal. B&Bs, like hotels, prefer dealing directly with their customers.

You reached out to my advocacy team, and we contacted SuperTravel on your behalf. In response, SuperTravel credited your card for the full amount of your stay.

“Whatever nudge you provided to SuperTravel was enough to do the trick,” you said. I’m happy we were able to help.

Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps consumers solve their problems. Email him at chris@elliott.org or get help by contacting him on his site. © 2024 Christopher Elliott.

The Paper • Page 8 • February 1, 2024

What To Expect When You Travel This Spring Break It’s not too soon to start thinking about your spring break. That’s because this spring break may be the busiest one -- ever.

$53. Rates in Orlando are around $31 a day.

Gas prices will fall to an average of $3.36 per gallon. That’s a drop of almost 5 percent from last year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Experts are looking for prices to slide during the winter months, followed by a gradual increase by Memorial Day.

Fortunately, it will also be one of the most affordable ones in years -- but only if you do one thing.

“You have to plan ahead,” says Sangeeta Sadarangani, CEO of Crossing, a multinational travel agency headquartered in London.

“Beat the rush by booking your vacation in advance -- ideally by January -- to avoid last-minute airfare hikes and limited hotel availability.”

There are ways to get ahead of the 2024 spring break crowds. The herd is moving to the same predictable places. Time is also on your side.

Plus, there are some spring break travel mistakes that I can help you avoid. I’ll tell you all about those in just a minute.

Where’s everyone going for spring break in 2024?

Orlando is the number-one spring break destination for domestic travel, according to research by Allianz Partners. In fact, Orlando has been the top U.S. destination for the last eight years.

Internationally, Mexico dominates the list. Cancun and San Jose del Cabo came in first and second on the 2023 list, and Puerto Vallarta and Mexico City were in fourth and ninth place. Allianz expects the 2024 list to show more love for Florida and Mexico.

Other travel companies are seeing similar trends. Arch RoamRight says the top destination for Americans is the United States, followed

Illustration by Aren Elliott

by Italy, Mexico, the Caribbean and New Zealand. So that’s probably where you’ll find a lot of spring breakers in 2024.

People will be crowding to those places like never before, experts say.

“Spring break will be very busy this year,” says Rob DelliBovi, founder of the hospitality recruiting firm RDB Hospitality. “The travel economy is fully back, with 2024 predicted to be the first year since COVID that beats out 2019.”

In fact, crowds are inevitable if you’re traveling this spring.

“If you want to avoid the crowds, consider traveling to destinations off the beaten path, and always plan ahead for travel delays,” advises Daniel Durazo, a spokesman for Allianz.

You may also get a deal on your trip. But you have to move fast.

What are prices like this spring break?

Spring break travel, which is defined as travel in March and April, is still quite affordable, according to early predictions.

Airfares are about the same as they were a year ago. The average domestic airfare is $267 during spring break, up about 1 percent from 2023, according to the travel app Hopper. Fares to Europe are also flat ($650 roundtrip). But if you want to visit Mexico and Central America, you’ll pay 14 percent less ($444) and destinations in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific are even cheaper -down 26 percent ($1,160).

Car rental prices will average just $41 per day in the U.S., a 36 percent drop from last year. Rates vary based on location, says Hopper. A spring rental in Miami is just $19 per day. In Houston, you’ll pay

Lodging rates will average about $220 per night domestically.

You’ll find the best deals in places like Las Vegas, where rooms go for just $125 a night. But destinations like New York, where rooms average $424 per night, may be out of reach for many traditional sunand-fun spring breakers. (Hopper’s methodology for analyzing hotel rates changed from last year.

But in 2023, lodging rates were 43 percent higher using the previous system.)

Bottom line: If you book now, you could save some money. If you wait much longer to start thinking about spring break, you’ll almost certainly pay more and might not even find a flight.

Don’t make these spring break mistakes.

Spring break has its own pitfalls.

Here are a few mistakes you’ll definitely want to avoid: Waiting Too Long To Book “The current travel climate requires more foresight,” says Fahd Khan, a marketing director for a private jet charter company. “This spring break, the biggest mistake travelers make is underestimating the lead time needed for planning.”

Not Working With An Expert Given that this is going to be one of the busiest spring breaks in recent memory -- and maybe ever -- you may want to work with a professional. “This spring break is a different animal,” warns David Bakke, who publishes a personal finance site.

Being Inflexible Lee Friedman, an expert on Caribbean travel, says by mid-January, she already had 25 families booked for vacations. But she noticed that many of them were stuck on leaving and returning on weekends -- when everyone else wants to travel. And they insisted on having nonstop flights. But a little flexibility can save a lot of money. “For families experiencing sticker shock Spring continued on page 14

The Paper • Page 9 • February 1, 2024

A Story About One Of My Oldest Clients I had a call recently from an adult child looking for ways to care for their father. He’s about 85 and his home is paid off. The issue is that “dad” either needs in-home healthcare or he needs to consider moving to a care facility. The kids want what’s best for their dad and want him to be happy while receiving care.

The choice is difficult. As I mentioned last week, moving is not fun at any age. Unless you’re leaving home for the first time, then it’s exciting! The issues that can factor into the decision are cost, quality of care, comfort-both physical and emotional and overall well-being.

This reminds me of one of my oldest clients, Sam. Sam lived in Rancho Bernardo. He was 99 years young when we first started talking about his options. We were also joined by his greatnephew. Sam was very hard of hearing, but that was really his only limitation. He still drove but needed help with his meals and cleaning and shopping. Sam was still so sharp mentally. I remember him telling me that he had two master’s degrees! Wow, what an accomplishment!

Sam loved his neighborhood and had a support network that would check in on him daily.

Sam’s nephew just wanted to make sure Sam was fully informed about the reverse mortgage program if that’s what he decided to set up. Once I met with Sam and his nephew, Sam agreed to proceed with the required counseling session. Sam’s nephew also attended the counseling session.

We then proceeded with the reverse mortgage application and set up Sam’s reverse mortgage to advance him $3,000 per month. That would cover the cost of his in-home healthcare and give him a little fun money.

Sam lived to be 102 years old. He died in his home the way he wanted. His nephew was glad to have been able to help his uncle remain in his home and keep his beloved caregivers.

They had been able to assist Sam during those last years.

After Sam’s passing, the home was sold and the reverse mortgage was paid off. The remaining equity from the sale of the house went to Sam’s estate and was disbursed as Sam directed.

brought additional concerns and obstacles. Sam was overwhelmed with the thought of going Sam’s home was paid off and he had no other through his entire home and figuring out what to debt. He and his nephew were concerned about keep, what to give to loved ones and friends and the cost of his 24 hour care. At the time, his what to donate. I bet if you look around your own Please call me today with any questions you monthly cost was about $2,500 per month. Sam home, no matter what age, this process would may have about this unique and helpful loan had been paying his caregivers from his savings overwhelm you as well. program! account. The concern was that the savings would soon be gone and he would have no way to pay Then, Sam was not the least bit enthusiastic about Laura Strickler for his care. And while the caregivers started out moving into a care facility where he would be Retirement Mortgage Advisor just helping Sam, they became integral members surrounded by strangers. Even though there are NMLS #315848 of Sam’s “family”.

760-518-9839 really wonderful care facilities available, when Laurastrickler1@gmail.com you first move in, most of the time, you don’t There was discussion about selling his home know anyone. Not everyone is mentally or emowww.laurastrickler.com and moving into a care facility. But that option tionally prepared to take that step.

The Paper • Page 10 • February 1, 2024

The Pastor Says . . .

Letters from page 4

Recognition My profession as a clergyman has often necessitated my being in cemeteries as an officiant. I have been overwhelmed by the thought of all those who have lived and died. Who were they, and what did they do? Sometimes, there are moments of expression on the tombstones, such as a loving father and mother. People often remember children for their position with God and their entire lives. The older cemetery tombstones have more personal expressions regarding hobbies, hopes, and successes. The military tombstones have the rank, date of service, family, connections, and awards, such as the Purple Heart. It is lives lived and now over. Time will, for the most, erase the deeds and familiarities from the living. And now the elements, an occasional flower, and time will fade the tombstone markings.

Therefore, I recognize a few who have given so much to our lives. Pat Archer, a Boy Scout leader, dedicated countless hours to developing character and spirit, teaching at Palomar College, and his dedication serving in the military army reserves. We recognize him as he is committed to the national cemetery at Miramar. I also recognize those who have volunteered at the historical society in Escondido for years.

Pastor Huls Only a few speak about the many volunteers on the Escondido police department and the various community groups, such as the interfaith services with lunches, meals, clothing, distribution, and services through the Salvation Army. Churches often get bad press, but many work through special food drives and donations to the needy. Civic clubs are often unrecognized, but a search will show countless hours and projects to better and strengthen the community.

How do we measure those acts of sacrifice, devotion, and care? We really can’t. Jesus said, “If you give a cup of cold water to a person in my name- i.e., spirit, you are giving it to me. You shall not lose your reward.”

As the deceased is committed, there is the confidence that their deeds follow them. And Jesus did say,” Love your neighbor as yourself.” All that is done is fulfilling that mandate. Part of recognition is to take time to appreciate all that is being done and has been done before the ravages of time and erase all these good deeds from our memories of those who have given so much. It would be appropriate for the community to have an annual appreciation day in honor of thousands who have contributed so much to our lives.

Pastor Huls

for the purpose of selling off a large portion of their property to Trammel Crow for the purpose of constructing 274 apartments.

This would put three story buildings right on Felicita Road, add between 274 and 474 cars to the already impossible traffic and would probably tie up Felicita Road for years, just as the construction of houses south of this location has congested traffic for years. This is a bad idea.

The church would tear down it’s sanctuary and rebuild it on the east end of the property with three story eyesores right on Felicita Road. This deal was almost done in secret, with a small percentage of the neighborhood contacted for a zoom meeting and one live meeting at the church.

We learned of the zoom meeting after the fact, when a Bethel attendee told us about the deal. I was told that only 15 residents zoomed and none of my neighbors were online. BTW, we live one block from the church. This construction would be a travesty for South Escondido and should be stopped. The city council needs to listen to the desire of our neighborhood.

Regards, Ron Hanson

Pet Parade

Pet of the Week

Purrmione Granger

Mookie

Purrmione Granger is Rancho Coastal Humane Society’s pet of the week. She’s a 4-year-old, 9-pound, female, Domestic Short Hair cat with a Red Tabby coat

Visit Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas or log on to www.SDpets.org.

Meet Mookie! This majestic mutt is truly a masterpiece – he’s the perfect combination of sweet, playful, joyful and outgoing! Mookie will appreciate your patience as he adjusts to a new home and routine with you. Once he’s comfortable, he’ll wake up every day with a wagging tail and infectious excitement for getting out and exploring the world! Walks, toys and treats are some of Mookie’s favorite things, and (of course) spending time with his favorite people! This dapper dog has lived with kids and other dogs previously and cohabitated great with these friends! If this two-year-old lab mix seems like the perfect addition to your family, come meet Mookie (890761) at San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido Campus at 3500 Burnet Dr. Jan. 26-28, adoption fees are 50% off for adult dogs (7 months and up) – like Mookie! If you have questions about the adoption process, you can visit sdhumane.org/adopt or call 619-299-7012.

Open 11 to 4, Friday through Monday, and by appointment Wednesday and Thursday.

Online profile: https://www.sdhumane.org/adopt/available-pets/ animal-single.html?petId=890761

Purrmione Granger was at another local shelter before being transferred to Rancho Coastal Humane Society through Friends of County Animal Shelters (FOCAS.) She loves other cats. Playing with a wand toy is the fastest way to her heart.

The $100 adoption fee for Purrmione Granger includes medical exam, spay, up to date vaccinations, and registered microchip.

The Paper • Page 11 • February 1, 2024

Move Over “Fibber Magee And Molly” character was unique and yet, Fibber and Molly interacted with them with non- judgmental good humor according each the full measure of neighborly love and respect.

The Computer Factory 845 W. San Marcos Blvd.

760-744-4315 thecomputerfactory.net

Maybe we’re not there yet but Nome and I are getting closer every day. The “Fibber Magee and Molly” show was a weekly radio sit-com that ran from 1935 to 1956.

Through the 1940s and early 1950s it was the most popular show on radio. As a kid I was a faithful listener from the late 1940s until dad got us a TV set in 1952. Each week Fibber and his wife Molly interacted with the endless stream local characters that rang the doorbell at 79 Wistful Vista. Each of the “townies” that stopped by the Magee house each week was a caricature of some unique human frailty. They were intemperate, pompous, cantankerous, snobby, just plain dumb or an annoying little girl. Each flawed

There was Mayor LaTrivia, Doc Gamble, Mrs. Uppington, Wally Wimple, Alice Darling, Gildersleeve, Beulah, Myrt, The Old Timer and my personal favorite, “Teensy” the annoying little girl. There were many more characters, each with a distinctive personality. Molly and Fibber (Marian and Jim Jordan) each voiced many of the visiting characters. While Fibber spun fantastical yarns and chased cockamamie get rich schemes, Molly was always the practical voice of reason.

While the Magee’s didn’t seem to have any particular focus outside their affection for and humorous connection with the characters in their community, we at least have a focus. We help our characters deal with computer problems and Internet issues. Fibber and Molly created humor by listening carefully and responding to the steady stream of problems brought by their neighbors. Like the Magees, we listen carefully to our “characters” as they explain problems, issues or needs from their point of view. Once we thoroughly understand the problem, we can usually figure out a way to help.

fection is part of being human. We all have a healthy dose of it. Fibber and Molly had it and so do we. But what made the Magees so special was that they accepted their flawed town folk at face value and made no effort to change them. They didn’t waste time judging or criticizing their neighbors. They simply interacted openly and honestly and created comedy. We all know that Fibber Magee and Molly we not real people. They were a successful result of the partnership between two Vaudeville comedians (The Jordans) and their friend, comedy writer Don Quinn.

The Fibber Magee and Molly show was the last comedy icon of the

golden age of radio. It is gone now and there really hasn’t been anything quite like it since. But we’re still here, listening to and interacting with our ever growing cast of “townies”. Like Fibber and Molly, we don’t judge our characters. We listen and then try to help them find solutions. We’re all from Wistful Vista in that each of us is different and all afflicted with some amount of human imperfection. The World would be a much better place if, like the Magees, we could stop thinking about our differences and concentrate on solving our problems. We try to emulate Fibber and Molly every day and, in real life, it doesn’t always work. But when it does, it’s a great feeling.

The Four Things You Need To Stay Connected (1) Internet Access - Any ISP (2) Any PC - Windows • Apple (3) Any Smart Phone - AIOS • Android (4) Smart Speaker - Alexa • Siri • Google

Questions • Information • Hardware?

Call Or Stop By Talk’s not cheap, it’s free!

28 years as “downtown merchants” in beautiful San Marcos have slowly mellowed Nome and I. We now understand that imper-

John Van Zante’s Critter Corner

Are You Fostering Feelings About Becoming a Foster? is a foster, the other members of the family are an extension of the team. That means everyone agrees to follow the rules for the pet (behavior, exercise, no jumping, no sneaking food scraps under the table, etc.) If another member of the family violates the rules, you’re not doing that pet any favors.

Most people understand that they can’t just walk into an animal shelter then walk out with a foster pet.

It takes planning, training, understanding, and commitment. Being a foster care volunteer means you’re joining a team that is working together to provide care for that pet, with the goal of placing it in its forever home.

If you’re considering becoming a foster, sit down with your family and make a list of everyone’s questions. If one member of the family

Listen. The rescue or shelter knows more about that pet than you do.

They’re giving you the tools you’ll need to be successful. If you think you know more than they do, you’re probably wrong.

Your Foster Care Coordinator is probably working with a trainer or behaviorist. They have evaluated the pet, and they have a plan you need to follow.

At Rancho Coastal Humane Society our plans include Positive Reinforcement Training. No hitting or “breaking” a dog. Teach it what you want,

then reward it for good behavior.

It might be living in your house, but it’s not your pet. As a foster, you agree to report any problems or concerns. Nothing is too insignificant. Report it.

Everybody has opinions. Some might conflict with your foster agreement. You don’t take the pet elsewhere for training if you don’t agree. Again, it’s not your pet.

Fosters can accomplish things in

their homes that would never be possible in a shelter. Fosters save lives.

Shelters and rescues NEED foster care volunteers, especially during the spring and summer. Filling out a foster application doesn’t commit you. It just says you want to learn more.

If you’re one of those people who says, “I would adopt them all!” Don’t worry. We won’t let that happen. It wouldn’t be good for the pets.

The Paper • Page 12 • February 1, 2024

Upcoming Meetings:

Chuckles from page 2

Oodles from page 3

The Pastor said ‘SEX’ The congregation fell into total silence.

Council of Beta Sigma Phi International will hold its’ Queens Court Luncheon, “Crowns of Flowers” on February 10, 2024, beginning at 11:00 A.M. at Meadowbrook Village Christian Retirement Center, 100 Holland Glen, Escondido, CA.

Everyone was in shock. They all nervously began to look around at each other afraid to say anything.

Then all of a sudden, way from in the back of the church a little old 87-year-old grandmother stood up and began to sing ‘PRECIOUS MEMORIES.’ Don’t Mess With Old People Two businessmen in Florida were sitting down for a break in their “soon-to-be” new store. As yet, the store wasn’t ready, with only a few shelves set up. One said to the other, “I bet any minute now some senior is going to walk by, put his face to the window, and ask what we’re selling.”

No sooner were the words out of his mouth when, sure enough, a curious senior walked to the window, had a peek, and in a soft voice asked, “What are you sellin’ here?”

One of the men replied sarcastically, “We’re selling buttheads.”

Without skipping a beat the old timer said, “Must be doing well ...only two left.”

Moral: DON’T MESS WITH OLD PEOPLE! The Biology Exam Students in an advanced Biology class were taking their mid-term exam.

The last question was, ‘Name seven advantages of Mother’s Milk,’ worth 70 points or none at all. One student, in particular, was hard put to think of seven advantages. He wrote: 1.) It is perfect formula for the child.

2.) It provides immunity against several diseases.

3.) It is always the right temperature.

4.) It is inexpensive.

5.) It bonds the child to mother, and vice versa.

6.) It is always available as needed.

And then, the student was stuck.

Finally, in desperation, just before the bell rang indicating the end of the test, he wrote...

7.) It comes in 2 attractive reusable containers. ***

Cost is $23.00 per person. Menu choices are made with the reservation.

RSVP by calling Susie at 760-8893552 by February 3, 2024.

Chapter Queens will be honored.

Beta Sigma Phi is a social, cultural and philanthropic International Sorority, headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, with chapters throughout the world. If you are interested in belonging to a special organization and make many new friends, call Patty at 707-315-9209. *** Escondidio Senior Travel Monthly Meeting February 12 • 1pm Escondido Senior Travel’s next monthly meeting is February 12, 2024 at the Park Avenue Community Center at l:00 PM. Upcoming trips are: Taste of Los Angeles, March 26, 2024 ; From the Desert to the Farm, April 6, 2024; Coastal Tour, May 15-17, 2024 ; and Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash presenters June 12, 2024.

The Senior Travel Office is located at the Park Avenue Community Center and is open Monday, Wednesday & Friday 10:00-12:00.

Phone Number 760-294-1851 Lake Hodges Native Plant Club Meetings 17110 Bernardo Center Drive Lake Hodges Native Plant Club Meetings. (lhnpc.org) Are you Interested in California Native Plants to save money on water, bring more birds and butterflies to your yard? Meet people who love plants and gardening! seniors, this should help you understand them a little better, and if you are not a senior yet........ God willing, someday you will be......

We went to breakfast at a restaurant where the ‘seniors special’ was two eggs, bacon, hash browns and toast for $7.99.

$2.99 Special

“Sounds good,” my wife said.

“But I don’t want the eggs.”

If you are a senior you will understand this one; if you deal with

“Then, I’ll have to charge you $8.49 because you’re ordering a la

Monday, Feb. 26th Presentation: Next to Nature by Joseph Rivera Presentations start promptly at 6:30pm. For more information please visit our website: lhnpc.org *** Cardiff Farmer Market Every Saturday • 10am - 2pm Cardiff 101 Mainstreet Association is hosting a weekly Farmers Market every Saturday from 10am to 2pm.

Located at MiraCosta College San Elijo Campus, the new farmers market is a Certified California Farmers Market, featuring locally sourced produce sold by local farmers. The Cardiff Farmers Market will also have an array of related food products and prepared food vendors, along with a curated group of makers and craft vendors. *** Chess at Park Avenue Community Center Wednesdays from noon to 3pm Home of Escondido Senior Center 210 Park Avenue, Escondido Chess players of all skill levels are welcome every Wednesday in the shuffleboard building from Noon to 3 pm. Large boards and pieces provided. Follow the signs or ask at the front desk for directions. *** Free Tax Filing Help Our IRS sponsored program offers free tax-filing help low income seniors. We’re looking for compassionate and friendly folks to join our team of volunteers preparing taxes for the upcoming season at the Escondido Sr Center. You’ll receive training and continued support in a welcoming environment. You will not only learn new skills, but also get a great feeling from helping someone else. We also need computer tutors and receptionists to help our local seniors. Call 760 4800611 if you are interested.

Problem Solved from page 6 it until after the warranty expired.

If there’s a takeaway for the rest of us, it’s that you should always return an item before the warranty expires to avoid any confusion.

The warranty confusion probably melted Hamilton Beach’s collective brains. Your correspondence suggested that it knew something was wrong with the toaster, but hey, rules are rules. As I note in my guide to getting a repair, replacement or refund for your broken appliance (available for free on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org), your toaster oven came with an implied warranty that it would work -- and that it would not burn your food -- beyond the express warranty that apparently caused Hamilton Beach to freeze up. In other words, I think you had a strong case.

I publish the names, numbers and email addresses of the Hamilton Beach customer service executives on my site. A brief, polite email to one of them, following the steps of the Elliott Method for resolving your case, might have helped.

But the more I looked at your case, the more I realized this needed a professional to nudge the company along. Something got stuck somewhere.

You contacted my advocacy team, and we gave Hamilton Beach a nudge. It didn’t respond, so my team gave Hamilton Beach another nudge. That seemed to work. A representative emailed us and said, “I escalated this request to our consumer affairs team and they have ordered him a new oven.”

You decided to sell the new oven and try a different brand of toaster oven. After what you’ve been through, that’s understandable.

Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy (https://elliottadvocacy.org), a nonprofit organization that helps consumers solve their problems. Email him at chris@elliott.org or get help by contacting him at https://elliottadvocacy.org/help/ © 2023 Christopher Elliott.

carte,” the waitress warned her.

replied.

“You mean I’d have to pay for not taking the eggs?” my wife asked incredulously.

She took the two eggs home and baked a cake.

“YES!” stated the waitress.

“I’ll take the special then,” my wife said.

DON’T MESS WITH SENIORS! ***

“How do you want your eggs?” the waitress asked.

Employment application blanks always ask who is to be called in case of an emergency. I think you should write, “An ambulance.”

“Raw and in the shell,” my wife

••••

The Paper • Page 13 • February 1, 2024

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760.445.7502 Ask for Frank Advertise Your Business & Services Faith from page 5 (B) Approximately 51% of pastors’ marriages end in divorce, which is only a slightly lower rate compared to the secular U. S. public at large.

The very fact that the aforementioned may have shocked you, reveals that people, in general, may tend to take their pastors and ministers for granted, sometimes forgetting that they, also, are of flesh and blood and, therefore, are vulnerable to the vagaries of life.

Add to all of this, a possible “crisis in faith” which they may be struggling with.

As one religious source pointed out: “Regardless of what your religious denomination may be, your pastor or minister may be losing his/her faith. Or has already lost it. And yes, they may still be in the pulpit. And you have no clue.”

(Source: https://www.pastoralcareinc.com>statistics) (1) Over 1,500 pastors and ministers have left the ministry every month of last year (2023).

(2) 90% of pastors felt unable to meet the demands of their job. In

•

www.thecommunitypaper.com

another study conducted by the Francis A. Schaeffer Institute of Church Leadership Development, a staggering 90% of pastors surveyed felt that they were not adequately trained to cope with ministry-coordination and the demands of the congregation. This statistic is up 50% from earlier records taken in the late 1980s.

(3) 77% of pastors surveyed, truthfully confessed that they have experienced ‘burnout.’

Although these particular surveys show the hardships of ministering, these finding are not the core reasons why pastors lose their faith in God. However, these conflicting and punishing challenges do, in fact, add anxiety to pastors who are already “drowning in self-doubt and in need of counseling and relief from spiritual burnout,” as described by participants under the safe haven of anonymity – and who are privately undergoing a “deep crisis of faith, i.e. a disbelief in a Christian God.” NEVERTHELESS, EVEN EXPASTORS MISS CHURCH TRADITIONS. Even though pastors and ministers have left their pulpit for lack of belief in a divine being, that is not to say that they do not miss the cama-

raderie and joyful feelings of church traditions.

It is not unusual for many life-long atheists as well as ex-pastors who now join the ranks of atheists and agnostics, to still sing “catchy” religious songs, such as “Amazing Grace” without embracing the Christian tenets.

Objectively speaking, a beautiful song is a beautiful song, regardless of the message behind the attractive melody. You don’t have to be a Christian to appreciate beautiful hymns.

Some non-believers can still enjoy the beautiful voices of church choirs.

And you don’t have to be a ‘believer’ to admire the beauty of worship services and the warm relationships which go along with it.

Even staunch atheists, such as Bill Maher, surrender some measure of praise, but only with a harsh caveat:

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SUMMATION: In the final analysis, whether one is a believer or non-believer, there will always be those who will wish to continue the fight by casting stones at one another.

Instead of just tolerating our individual right to be (peacefully) different.

There is an olde, sometimes forgotten, parchment of paper which clearly contains this guarantee in life: “Everyone in the United States has the right to practice his or her own religion -- or no religion at all.”

Wouldn’t it be nice if we just honoured those simple words of wisdom, without conflict or hatred?

Those words, by the way, are found in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

“Jesus, as a philosopher is wonderful. There’s no greater role model, in my view, than Jesus Christ.

It’s just a shame that most of the people who follow him and call themselves Christians act nothing like him.”

(Interviewed on “The (Bill) O’Reilly Factor” television show, 26 September 2006.)

Friedrich Gomez

The Paper • Page 14 • February 1, 2024

Historically Speaking from page 7

Spring from page 8

do everything he could to improve the nation’s roadways. Years later President Eisenhower would oversee the creation of our modern Interstate Highway system. Ike fashioned the Interstate system after the German autobahn he saw during the end of WWII.

for flight prices, consider taking the kids out of school for one day to travel on a Friday or Monday.

Or, consider an overnight stay at a connecting airport, such as Miami International or JFK, to keep prices down.”

Today, much of the Lincoln Highway still exists as U.S. 30, which follows nearly the same route between Lincoln Park in San Francisco and Times Square in New York City. Much of U.S. 30 parallels Interstate 80.

Germany’s autobahn was started in the mid-1920s, but its construction did not make progress beyond the planning stage due to the Great Depression. One of the sections was planned as a “car-only road” crossing Germany from Hamburg south through Frankfurt then on to Switzerland. When Adolf Hitler became chancellor in 1933, sections were completed by the late 1930s and early 1940s, but construction eventually was halted because of World War II. Interestingly, the first autobahn section was completed in 1932 between Cologne and Bonn, officially dedicated on Aug. 6, 1932, by Konrad Adenauer, Lord Mayor of Cologne and future Chancellor of West Germany.

Today, the “Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate & Defense Highways,” using the German scheme as a network of controlled-access highways, connects most principal cities across the nation. The Interstate system extends throughout the contiguous United States and has routes in Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico.

After Eisenhower became president in 1953, his administration developed plans for the Interstate system.

Construction began in 1956 and was proclaimed completed in 1992. The cost of construction was approximately $114 billion (equivalent to $521 billion in 2018).

The Interstate system uses a numbering scheme in which primary Interstates are assigned one- or twodigit numbers and shorter routes are assigned three-digit numbers where the last two digits match the parent route. Example: Interstate 805 bypass for the I-8 and I-5 in San Diego.

One-quarter of all miles driven in the U.S. use the Interstate which has a network of 48,440 miles. Because of its heavy use, especially by truck traffic, the system is constantly under restorative construction. However, many Interstate sections are continually in serious need of repair.

Thanks to “Ike,” our lives have been greatly changed because of the Interstate … for both good and bad … good for travel, bad for the futures of dozens of small towns and cities which are by-passed.

And if you’re booking non-refundable items, or flying to your destination, don’t forget travel insurance. You’ll want to buy coverage as soon as you book your trip, says Carol Mueller, a vice president at Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection.

“That will ensure coverage in case of unforeseen events,” she says.

(I have more strategies in my ultimate guide to spring break travel on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org.)

Smart Travelers Have Found This Alternative To Spring Break Reality check: Traveling during spring break could be madness.

Martha Miller, an author who lives in Valencia, Spain, recalls planning a spring break trip to Seville recently.

“My son had 10 days or so off from school, but I didn’t realize it coincided with the Easter holidays,” she recalls. “I also didn’t realize how important those holidays are here, especially in Seville.”

Hotels were overpriced, she paid $800 for a rental car, and she could

Man About Town from page 4 ducts services every Sunday at Fairwinds Retirement Home in Oceanside. I’ve attended his services on about three occasions.

Remarkable in that I am not a Christian and have specifically forbidden members of the clergy to attend my funeral/memorial services (Pastor Huls being the exception. He knows my views on religion and respects them.

He may attend the burial service if he wishes and if he speaks I know he will speak as a friend, not as a preacher. He will respect my wishes and neither preach nor prosletize.)

Friedrich picked me up at my home and we were on our way.

Timing was perfect. We arrived at 10:15am, services were to begin at 10:30am. Pastor Huls arrived just seconds before us, was clearly pleased to see both me

never find parking. The attractions were often inaccessible because of the Easter festivities.

It was, she says, “a huge mistake.”

What should she have done? Waited. “It would have been less expensive,” she says. And less busy.

Some Travelers Are Skipping Spring Break Entirely “We’ve noticed airline tickets and hotel costs continuing to go up, up, up,” says Michelle Long, who works for a retail company in Austin, Texas. “I think we might just stay home this year and plan something after spring break. We’ll save money, deal with less crowds and have better control of our experience.”

Elliott’s Tips For A Better Spring Break No question about it, this spring break will be the one against which other spring breaks will be measured. In just a few weeks, fares and hotel rates will probably start to climb, and we’ll see record visitation at traditional spring break destinations. “This spring break will set a new standard,” says Syed Lateef, CEO of a vacation rental company based in Chicago.

a long weekend by taking a Friday or Monday off. Or schedule your travel around a school-sponsored event that you don’t have to attend, such as exams or teacher conferences. It doesn’t even have to be a whole week.

Visit A B-List Destination Durazo, the Allianz spokesman, is right: Many people are headed to Orlando for spring break, so you’ll want to stay away during the busy times (but go in May and September, which are notoriously slow). Instead, set your sights on a B-list destination for spring, such as a northern beach resort. I’ve spent spring break in places like Savannah, Ga., and Charleston, S.C., and they are fun and not too crowded.

Skip It This might be the year to skip spring break altogether. Instead, save your money and plan a trip in mid-May, just before the Memorial Day holiday. You’ll spend less than you would during the summer -- airfares and hotel rates will be lower -- and you’ll still get the warm weather (depending on where you go).

Book your trip for early February or late April. Even with kids in school, there are ways around traveling during spring break. Plan

Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can email him at chris@elliott.org.

and Friedrich, shook hands with both of us.

they assumed I was visiting a resident, I presume.

We signed in and reported to the room where Pastor Huls holds his services. I managed to have a brief, very friendly chat with Lisa, one of Pastor Huls two twin daughters, then entered the room . . . at which time I was kicked out of church.

No problem.

So how do you get ahead of it?

Plan An Alternative Spring Break

A very nice lady asked to meet with me in the hallway and I joined her. She explained, in a very courteous manner, that the services were not open to the public, only residents of Fairwinds, and Friedrich and I would not be allowed to attend the services.

I totally understand, particularly in this age of COVID and we agreed to leave. When Pastor Huls found out he was disappointed but he, too, understood.

The fact that I had attended three previous times were because the staff did not know who I was;

I can now boast of yet another accomplishment that very few people have succeeded in doing.

I’ve been kicked out of church.

PS: I took Friedrich out for breakfast, after picking up Mary and having her join us.

All in all, a rather unique Sunday.

The Paper • Page 15 • February 1, 2024

LEGALS

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9025753 The name of the business: Lilac Beauty By Mahshid, located at 12004 Carmel Mountain Rd., #19, San Diego, CA 92128.

Registrant Mahshid Mirafzal, 1824 Castle Glen, Escondido, CA 92150. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Mahshid Mirafzal with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 12/27/2023 1/11, 1/18, 1/25, 2/1/2024 STATEMENT OF WITHDRAWAL FROM PARTNERSHIP OPERATING UNDER FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9000049 Fictitious Business Name, Waring Court Pediatric And Adult Medical Group, located at 3230 Waring Court, Ste J, Oceanside, CA 92056. The original statement of this fictitious business was filed in San Diego County on 1/6/2020 and assigned file no. 20209000342.

The following partner has withdrawn: Victor Michael Dalforno, 3500 Bedford Circle, Carlsbad, CA 92008. /s/ Victor Michael Dalforno with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County

Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 1/2/2024 1/11, 1/18, 1/25, 2/1/2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9000524 The name of the business: Hartwell Medical, located at 6354 Corte Del Abeto, Suite F, Carlsbad, CA 92011. Registrant Tri-Tech Forensics, 3811 International Blvd NE, Suite 100, Leland, NC 28451-8894.

This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 1/8/2024 /s/ James Arthur Seidel, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 1/9/2024 1/18, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8/2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9000207 The name of the business: Inspired Advocacy, located at 244 Treasure Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant Megan Moriarty McNicholas, 244 Treasure Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Megan Moriarty McNicholas with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 1/4/2024 1/18, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9000155 The name of the business: Ocean Hills Realty, located at 4949 Marin Drive, Oceanside, CA 92056. Registrant Christian F. Ostergaard, 4949 Marin Drive, Oceanside, CA 92056.

This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 1/1/2024 /s/ Christian F. Ostergaard with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 1/3/2024 1/18, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8/2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9000500 The name of the business: Jazmin Housekeeping, Located at 1591 E. Vista Way, Vista, CA 92084. Registrant Teresita Hernandez, 744 Highland Dr., Vista, CA 92084. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business: 7/13/2023 /s/ Teresita Hernandez with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 1/8/2024 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15/2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9000204 The name of the business: BG Company Entertainment, located at 4859 Calle Del

Palo, Oceanside, CA 92057.

Registrant Jose Luis Bernal, 4859 Calle Del Palo, Oceanside, CA 92057. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Jose Luis Bernal with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 1/4/2024 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15/2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9000227 The name of the business: AAA Hardscape SD, located at 133 Buna Pl., Vista, CA 92084.

Registrant AAA Hardscapes LLC, 133 Buna Pl., Vista, CA 92084. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company.

First day of business: N/A /s/ Andres Navarro, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 1/4/2024 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15/2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9000992 The name of the business: Gratzl Equipment, Gratzl Heavy Equipment Rental, located at 31034 Valley Center Rd, Valley Center, CA 92082. Registrant Michael Leslie Gratzl, PO Box 1674, Valley Center, CA 92082.

This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business:

3/1/2006 /s/ Michael L. Gratzl with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 1/16/2024 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15/2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9025520 The name of the business: Gain Wellness Center, located at 12396 World Trade Dr., Suite 201, San Diego, CA 92128.

Registrant Mandeep WaliaBhatia, 9519 Lavender Star Dr., San Diego, CA 92127.

This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 9/1/2018 /s/ Teresita Hernandez with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 12/22/2023 1/18, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8/2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9001541 The name of the business: All In Mobile Detail, located at 1210 S. Nevada St., Apt G, Oceanside, CA 92054. Registrant Shevin Jerry Coe, 1210 S. Nevada St., Apt G, Oceanside, CA 92054.

This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 1/1/2011 /s/ Shevin Jerry Coe with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on

1/22/2024 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22/2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9001868 The name of the business: Coastal Shine, located at 684 Shenandoah Ave., San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant Matthew Joseph Garcia, 684 Shenandoah Ave., San Marcos, CA 92078.

This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Matthew Garcia with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 1/25/2024 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22/2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9000879 The name of the business: Solara Calderon, PHD, located at 1106 2nd Street #458, Encinitas, CA 92024. Registrant Solara Calderon Psychology Inc., 1106 2nd Street, #458, Encinitas, CA 92024. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 1/1/2024 /s/ Solara Calderon, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 1/12/2024 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22/2024

First, I discovered America, then I discovered The Paper Ever since I can remember I’ve had the burning desire to discover new places, new adventures. Because of this, I set out to discover a new country . . . and I was successful. I even ventured inland a great many miles where I discovered a place I called Minnesota. “This,” I thought, “would be a great place for Scandinavians.” So I headed back to Norway to recruit settlers.

While I was gone, some clown named Columbus claimed he discovered America.

Life ain’t fair. Except life also give us The Paper. I read it whenever and wherever I go exploring and only buy from those who advertise in The Paper. It’s a Viking thing.

Your friend, Eric the Red

The Paper • Page 16 • February 1, 2024

Rediscover San Marcos: New Year, New Downtown North City and Restaurant Row continue plans to grow and cultivate the city’s sense of community, purpose and place in San Marcos Two projects are supporting economic growth in San Marcos – the ongoing build out of North City and the upcoming redevelopment of Restaurant Row. Both include residential, commercial and outdoor spaces that encourage residents to live, work and prosper here.

“San Marcos is a tight knit community, and after celebrating 60 years as a City in 2023, it is amazing to see North City become the new downtown we envisioned it to be as we enter this new era,” remarked City of San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones. “And with the new Restaurant Row set to begin construction this year, I’m so optimistic that these two destinations will shape our city’s future as a place where residents can thrive at work and in life.”

The vision of North City is to bring San Marcos together with a deliberately designed pedestrian friendly downtown center, and with a multi-billion dollar budget, Sea Breeze Properties will ultimately bring 3,400 new residential units to the area, 340,000 square feet of retail space, a million square feet of office and lab space and a hotel with over 200 rooms.

Sea Breeze is focused on bringing the right businesses and restaurants to North City, even if that

help our businesses recruit happy employees, who can work and enjoy life in San Marcos. Everything we need is here.”

The aim of attracting local businesses to the area is well underway, as earlier projects to develop the CSUSM community brought family-owned and local businesses like Wynston’s, an ice cream shop, and Copa Vida, a craft coffee spot, along with anchors like Draft Republic, Buona Forchetta and Union Cowork.

North City means taking their time to fill all open retail spaces.

“Our goal is to bring local businesses, great restaurants and a unique retail offering to San Marcos that add to the City’s vibrant culture,” said Darren Levitt, Vice President at Sea Breeze Properties. “We are committed to creating a space attractive to people at all life stages. We want people to be able to envision their future here.”

Another notable project is the redevelopment of San Marcos’ Res-

taurant Row, originally founded in the 1970s, is also set to be reimagined with 202 new housing units, a park with pickleball courts and an all-wheel rolling plaza, and over 10,000 feet of commercial space.

“We are so excited for the improvements coming to our community,” said Tess Sangster, economic development director for the City of San Marcos. “It is an honor to serve San Marcos alongside such innovative and creative companies, and I really believe that destination centers, like North City and the new Restaurant Row,

The Paper

The efforts by Sea Breeze have not gone unrecognized, as North City recently received top honors from the California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) with an Award of Excellence for its innovative, collaborative foundation and creation.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from CALED for a project that has truly changed the landscape and heart of San Marcos,” said Tess Sangster. “North City has become a thriving destination that mixes independent restaurants and retailers with urban living, student housing, co-working and community events.”

For more information on the City of San Marcos, visit https://www. san-marcos.net/home.

Owned & Operated by a Veteran lyle e davis US Army, Entertainment Director 1957-1959 Brooke Army Hospital Fort Sam Houston, Texas “The state of Texas was never invaded while I was on duty at Fort Sam. You could look it up!”

War Correspondent South Vietnam - 1967-68 Assimilated Grade/Rank Lt. Colonel, MACV (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam)