August 3, 2023

San Marcos Vista Carlsbad

Oceanside Valley Center

Gorillas We Almost Missed

By Fyllis Hockman

BWINDI NATIONAL PARK, Uganda - The eight of us huddled together, staying close and quiet as we were warned. A soft cough escaped from one of our party and the guide shot us a glare. We were told that, if we were scraped by a stinging nettle, don’t even think about screaming.

And be sure to stay at least 25 feet away.

That rule was to protect both us and the gorillas. Because they share 98.4 percent of our DNA, gorillas are susceptible to human-borne illnesses. We’re carriers and they have to be protected from us. They’re wild animals, so we have to be protected from them.

You have to really want to see them because it involves at trek of up to seven hours, depending upon where they are.

The Paper • 760.747.7119

online: www.TheCommunityPaper.com

email: thepaper@cox.net

There are about 880 mountain gorillas in the world. Almost half are in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in southwestern Uganda,

The hike is intimidating. You need sturdy hiking boots, gloves for the nettles, and plenty of water. A walking stick is mandatory.

We were feeling pretty good about ourselves as we maneuvered through the steep climbs and slippery descents traversing

narrow ravines.

Until we entered the forest.

There was no semblance of a trail. The guides chopped one with machetes. The rocks, roots and brambles beneath our feet were not visible because of the thick underbrush.

With walking stick in one hand and the porter’s hand in the other, I kept moving, though at times the porter

Gorillas

See Page 2

Gorillas

from page 1

was either dragging me up or saving me from sliding down steep slopes.

I felt my arm might be pulled off by the porter or my legs by the clutching vines.

By the time we got to the designated area, the gorillas had left.

But down another steep embankment about 15 minutes later, we came into view of a couple of gorillas chowing down in the bush. They were fun to see but were mostly hidden in the trees and bushes and several of us felt it hadn’t justified the arduous journey.

Suddenly, the mammoth silverback - the alpha male of the group - turned from chowing to charging. It came very close before the tracker waving his AK-47 quickly sent him into retreat. Both tracker and silverback remained immune to our pleas to try that again after we got our cameras ready.

It was 4:30 p.m when we got back to our bus, which we had left at 9:30 a.m.

While our half of the ElderTreks group was hacking our way through the jungle, the

Give Us This Day our Daily Chuckle

other eight members were mingling with a group of the great apes on a road right near our lodge.

After hearing of our experience, they said they felt a little guilty but were happy to explain they saw their first gorilla within 20 minutes of leaving the lodge. Fifteen minutes later, they reached a banana plantation that a group of 19 gorillas was gleefully dismantling.

Good for the gorillas, bad for the farmer, though the trekkers did take a collection to compensate him. At one point, they said they were totally surrounded by gorillas. So much for the 25-foot rule.

While gorilla-trekking is touted as a highlight of the trip, it was only part of a 16-day adventure that included safari-game drives on both land and water in multiple wildlife reserves, chimpanzee tracking, scenic terrain, cultural outings that included a meeting with members of a Pygmy tribe and a demonstration by a traditional medicine man who used indigenous herbs to cure almost any ailment, and a lunch of native Ugandan delicacies prepared by a farmer and his wife. For more information about the list of ElderTreks destinations for travelers 50 and over, call (800) 741-7956 or visit eldertreks. com online.

FUN GAME: Next time someone says “So much for global warming,” push them into a snowdrift and run away.

I always have the strangest dreams after eating Mexican food. I like to refer to them as “jallucinations”.

I’m putting “Not Dying” on my Bucket List.

Someday I’ll look back on all of this, under oath, in front of a jury of my peers.

Silverback

– Size, height and lifespan

Gorillas live in groups or families led by a Silverback. Silverback doesn’t refer to a particular species of gorillas but a mature male gorilla. Silverback gorillas are distinguished by a grayish white hairline around the back and shoulders. A male gorilla that is too old to be a juvenile but too young to be a Silverback is referred to as a blackback. A silverback is much larger than a female. Compared to a female, a silverback gorilla has a larger head, body and can weigh up to 270 kilograms. A male gorilla becomes an adult at about 8 years of age. This is the time most

leave the group to leave alone or join other males. At this point, they are still referred to as Blackbacks. It is only when they become fully grown (at about 12 to 13 years of age) that they become silverbacks. This is also the time when the hair down their back and across the shoulders becomes whitish or greyish in color.

A mature and lone blackback or silverback will live close to a particular group and attempt to dethrone the dominant silverback

The limerick’s callous and crude, Its morals distressingly lewd; It’s not worth the reading By persons of breedingIt’s designed for the vulgar and rude.

***

I’m at that awkward stage. Between birth and death.

Teacher: Give me a sentence using the words, defense, defeat and detail.

And you tell me to exercise?? I don’t think so.

I’m retired. Go around me. ***

Now that I’m older here’s what I’ve discovered:

1. I started out with nothing, and I still have most of it.

2. My wild oats have turned into prunes and all-bran.

3. I finally got my head together, and now my body is falling apart.

I’ll do almost anything to lose weight. But exercising and eating properly is where I draw the line.

If you had 100 monkeys typing at 100 keyboards you’d get Nancy Pelosi’s notepad.

With Twitter, Facebook, and now Google Buzz, we have more ways than ever to say nothing to people we don’t know.

All you need is love. And Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to buy lots of needless, expensive things to prove it.

Cleanliness is next to godliness on the list of things I’m not interested in today.

***

The limerick is furtive and mean; You must keep her in close quarantine, Or she sneaks to the slums And promptly becomes Disorderly, drunk and obscene.

A bather whose clothing was strewed, By winds that left her quite nude, Saw a man come along, And unless we are wrong, You expected this line to be lewd.

Student: When a horse jumps over defense defeat goes before detail.

As I was lying in bed pondering the problems of the world, I rapidly realized that I don’t really give a rat’s behind. It’s the tortoise life for me!

1. If walking is good for your health, the postman would be immortal.

2. A whale swims all day, only eats fish, drinks water, and is fat.

3. A rabbit runs and hops and only lives 15 years.

4. A tortoise doesn’t run and does nothing, yet it lives for 450 years.

4. Funny, I don’t remember being absent-minded.

5. Funny, I don’t remember being absent-minded.

6. If all is not lost, where is it?

7. It is easier to get older than it is to get wiser.

8. Some days, you’re the dog; some days you’re the hydrant.

9. I wish the buck stopped here; I sure could use a few.

10. Kids in the back seat cause accidents.

11. Accidents in the back seat cause kids.

12. It’s hard to make a comeback

Silverback continued on page 4

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

Gorillas

“My son is dying,” says the mother. “Can I get you anything to drink?”

What a heckuva conversation opener.

I am standing in an average residential home. In the entryway. Visiting a little boy.

The woman’s son is on hospice care, lying on a bed in the den. There isn’t much they can do for him, the nurse says. “We’re just making sure he’s as comfortable as possible.”

There is a TV going in the den. It’s playing some children’s show I’ve never heard of. He’s lying there. Weak.

He’s 13. He likes guitar. Sports. He loves Elvis. There is an Elvis song blasting on his iPhone.

“How’d you get into Elvis?” I ask. He shrugs. “I just like him.”

I am sitting by his bed now. His mother gives me a sweet tea and a moment alone with him.

I am crying now.

The Elvis song is “Trouble.” Classic blues “stop-time” tune. From the movie “King Creole.” I know stuff about Elvis because my old man was an Elvis freak.

The kid wants to talk about Elvis. So we do. We talk long and hard. I can see his parents watching from the other room. I feel a little weird being here. I don’t want to say the wrong thing.

I am here because the kid read one of my books and actually liked it. His mother contacted a friend of a friend who knows my wife. And well, here I am.

Pretty soon, he’s done talking. Now we’re just watching television. The TV is blasting some stupid car commercial, an advertisement trying to sell something. And suddenly this commercial strikes me as so insanely shallow. There are little kids lying in hospice beds. And some corpora-

Oodles!

City of Vista Food Truck Fridays

egies and techniques to overcome obstacles and achieve challenging goals.

tion is on TV trying to sell $180,000 luxury vehicles.

He was a foster kid. He was a “crack baby,” that’s what many called him, his mother tells me. Because of this, he’s had health problems all his life. His adoptive parents got him from the foster system. His immune system was weak. His body was brittle.

I see evidence in his living room of a life well-lived. I see boyish items strewn everywhere. Video games, baseball accessories, cleats, aluminum bats, boy toys. I see Auburn University football paraphernalia— but hey, nobody’s perfect.

He was found in a supermarket parking lot, shortly after his birth. Lying in a baby carrier. Abandoned. He was crying loudly when a passerby noticed him.

He was adopted by an older couple who I’ll call Judy and Tom. The couple brought him home as a baby even though they were in their mid-50s.

They gave the boy the life they wished they could have given to their own child—a daughter who died when she was an infant.

Judy and Tom were great parents. They kept their new son involved in extra-curricular activities. He played travel baseball. His new parents have done everything to keep him somewhat healthy. They gave him whatever he wanted.

“I’m going to miss my parents the most,” says the boy. “I love the way my mom makes me laugh. She’s so funny.”

Elvis keeps singing in the background. And I am crying so hard that my ears are now clogged.

The boy doesn’t notice, but I am a complete wreck.

Because when I look at him and I don’t see him. I see the genetics of his birth parents. His mother. His fa-

Food Truck Fridays is a new special event being held each Friday night through September, in downtown Vista at the corner of Citrus & Broadway. The event features six food trucks and live music from 5:30 pm-8:30 pm.

***

Summer Sunday Concerts August • 1-5pm Moonlight Beach

400 B Street • Encinitas

Moonlight Summer Sunday Concerts are back! For four Sundays across July and August, enjoy free live music from local bands at Moonlight Beach!

Sunday, August 6 Headliner: Brawley 3-5pm Opener: Good Day - Bach 2 Rock Band 1-2pm

California Honky Tonk at its best. A stellar group of artists playing country music ranging from the traditional era to modern times.

Sunday, August 20 Headliner: The Silent Comedy 3-5pm Opener: Donna Drive 1-2pm

Brothers Joshua and Jeremiah Zimmerman with their band The Silent Comedy create rough-hewn, expansive American rock and roll.

Artists subject to change. Admission is free and open to the public. Be sure to follow all beach rules.

For assistance, please contact City staff, email, (760) 633-2746.

***

Carlsbad Chamber

First Friday Breakfast

Friday, August 4 • 7:00am-9:00am

Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa

5480 Grand Pacific Dr. Carlsbad, CA 92008

Are you ready for a transformation? Are you looking for ways to empower your employees and transform your business? Look no further than “Achieving Extraordinary Results: How to Transform your Life in 90 Days.” This talk is perfect for both individuals and businesses seeking practical strat-

Inspired by Gary Keller’s “The ONE Thing,” this powerful talk provides a step-by-step account of my 90-day transformation journey. Discover how I made sense of the chaos in my life, how a focused mindset helped me unlock my true potential, and how choosing the right priorities helped me achieve extraordinary results.

Whether you’re looking to improve employee engagement and productivity, increase revenue, or simply take your business to the next level, this talk is for you. Learn how to inspire your team, cultivate a growth mindset, and achieve success beyond your wildest dreams. Register Now!

Claude Jones, has a passion for creating opportunities to help others succeed. And for over a decade, his life’s mission has been focused on encouraging, inspiring, and motiving others through his words and actions.

***

Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting

August 7 • 10am to noon San Rafael Church 17252 Bernardo Center Drive Rancho Bernardo, Parish Hall Free monthly meetings for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners are held the first Monday of every month from 10 am until noon at San Rafael Church, 17252 Bernardo Center Drive, Rancho Bernardo, in the Parish Hall.

Our featured speaker for Monday, August 7th is Jeff Seckendorf from the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego who will present “Living with Purpose”. 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.

***

S E A N D I E T R I C H

Local News

Several County Parks to Close in August

Five San Diego County parks will be closed in August, a safety measure taken each year because of the expected high temperatures.

El Capitan Preserve in Lakeside, Hellhole Canyon Preserve in Valley Center and Mt. Gower County Preserve in Ramona will be closed Aug. 1 through 31. In addition, Agua Caliente and Vallecito County Parks near Anza Borrego are closed all summer; they reopen Labor Day weekend.

The closures also provide Department of Parks and Recreation staff an opportunity to conduct much needed maintenance including trail restoration. This work is done in the early morning or evening while it is cooler.

There are more than 100 other County parks and preserves to explore during the month of August. Cool off at a splash pads, on a lawn or under the shade of decades-old oaks. Go birdwatching at San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve. Or enjoy a free Summer Movies in the Park screening at dusk after it cools off.

If it is really hot, consider staying home or plan your next hike by

taking one of these virtual tours of some of the County’s most popular trails.

If you do go out for a hike, be smart about it! Here are some safety tips to consider:

• Let someone know where you will be and when you plan to return.

• Hike with others, never alone.

• Leave your dog at home for difficult hikes. Even “easy” hikes may be too much for your dog when the air or ground are too hot.

• Take plenty of water to stay hydrated. Rangers recommend one liter (about a quart) for every 2 to 3 miles.

• Wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.

• Take breaks in shade, if possible.

• Take a fully charged mobile phone, map and/or GPS.

• Wear lightweight, light-colored, ventilated clothing.

• Bring along a warm jacket if you plan to stay out after dusk. Wear sturdy shoes with traction for slippery rocks.

• Follow all posted safety rules.

• Bring ample food, sunscreen to reapply, a flashlight, first aid kit, multi-purpose tool and a whistle.

• Know your limitations; choose

trails that match your level of physical fitness and areas where you are not going to get lost.

For additional information on visiting County Parks, visit sdparks.org.

Man About Town

by lyle e. davis

Passing in

Peace

. . .

Strange, what our minds do.

A vivid memory keeps coming back to me of an incident in my life that rather surprised me. And impressed me.

A ;number of years ago I had stopped off at Dixon Lake to drop off some supplies or take care of some type of business, I don’t recall the exact details. My wife and my staff told me about an abusive customer who had just arrived a short time ago and

wanted to rent a boat, get a fishing permit, bait, tackle, etc. A fairly routine transaction in our fishing resort business. While at the service bay he began to berate my wife and complain about the price of the rental boats, of the bait, of the need and the attendant cost to purchase a fishing permit. . . you name it, he complained about it. He was loud, boisterous, and rude. “His fishing partner seemed rather embarrassed about it,” my wife said. “He tried to calm him down several times - but he just went on and on.” He had visibly shaken my wife and my staff and now I was fuming.

A short time later, as luck would have it, the offending fisherman was walking toward his car, with his fishing partner, apparently to retrieve some additional fishing gear. He was pointed out to me and I stormed after him, with a fire in my belly and blood in my eye.

I confronted him. “Excuse me, but are you the really big tough guy that throws his weight around when talking to women?”

“What do you mean?,” he asked.

“Well, I understand that you are unhappy with the prices and the service here and that you chose

New Affordable Housing In San Marcos

The County of San Diego and City of San Marcos are celebrating the grand opening of 100 new affordable housing units for low-income families. Built in partnership with Affirmed Housing Group, the Alora apartment complex is located at 604 Richmar Avenue and is a mix of single and multi-bedroom units. The County provided $6.25 million for the project from the County’s Innovative Housing Trust Fund. For families who are one crisis away from homelessness, affordable housing is invaluable. More information about Alora is available on the Affirmed website at https://www.affirmedhousing.com/

to take your unhappiness out on my wife.”

“Oh, was that your wife that served me?”

“You got it, mister. Now, I’m going to refund every penny you spent with me and I’m gonna ask you to leave this lake. I don’t want you here.”

“Is that right?,” he said.

“That’s right,” I said and moved closer to him, the adrenalin pumping, ready to do battle, if need be.

His fishing partner, a rather large man, stepped between us. He looked me in the eye, with calm demeanor, and said, simply, “Please. . .let us pass in peace.”

It was as though a candle had been blown out. The fire in my belly was extinguished. The blood in my eye faded away. The adrenalin ceased to pump. I relaxed.

These six simple words. . . “Please . . . let us pass in peace.”

The fishing partner, a gentle giant if ever there was one, had defused a potentially explosive situation. There was a quiet serenity about this man that lent strength to his

Silverback from page 2

as soon as he is strong enough. If he fails to dethrone a leader of a particular gorilla family, he will attempt to steal females from that group to form his own. It is important to note that some males never leave their original group on reaching maturity. They will stay loyal to the dominant silverback and help protect the group from intruders. This arrangement is more common with mountain gorillas and rare with Western lowland gorillas.

Where to See Silverback Gorillas

Whereas it is possible to find several silverback gorillas in a group, there is only one dominant silverback. The dominant silverback is the leader of the group and has absolute authority. He dictates what it to be done and when. He determines when to eat, rest and is entitled to mate with all the females in the group. Gorilla mating is often initiated by the female upon reaching maturity. The dominant silverback controls a group containing between 5 to 35 individuals. A gorilla group contains several females, adolescents/juveniles, infants and some adult males. Females leave the group upon reaching maturity to avoid mating with the father.

soft and simple words.

“Fine,” I said. “If you’ll follow me to the office I’ll arrange for a refund.”

About 15 minutes later the first fisherman appeared. When I first saw him, not being sure of his intentions, my anger flared up again, the adrenaline began to pump; I had assumed he reappeared to renew hostilities and was preparing myself to defend and attack.

It was not necessary. He had calmed down. Quite probably due to the gentle giant talking to him.

“I want to apologize for all that has happened today,” he said. “It’s no excuse for my behavior, but a lot has happened to me. My wife left me for another man, one of my best friends. I lost my business. My mom has come down with terminal cancer. I’m afraid everything just caught up to me and I took it out on your wife.”

Touched, I offered my hand to him. “It takes a big man to

Applicants Sought for Prop. M Bond Oversight Committee

Palomar College is seeking local residents to fill a vacancy on its Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee (ICOC), which reviews the expenditure of Proposition M funds. In other words, the committee oversees how the college spends the remaining capital improvement funds from Prop. M, approved by voters in 2006.

The member-at-large position is a 2-year term, which will begin upon approval of the Palomar College Governing Board.

Approved by voters in 2006, Prop. M is a $694 million bond measure that has enabled the Palomar Community College District (PCCD) to make extensive modernizations and improvements at its San Marcos campus; open education centers in Rancho Bernardo and Fallbrook; and fund a variety of other projects during the past 16 years.

The ICOC remains in place while the remaining funds from Prop. M general obligation bonds are allocated to existing and future projects. The committee is responsible for ensuring bond proceeds are expended only for the

Man About Town

from page 4

apologize. I know how hard it is to do that. I did not know about your misfortunes. I hope you’ll come back to our lake another day when the atmosphere is better and you can enjoy yourself. I wish you well.”

With that, he nodded; and left.

Neither he nor the Gentle Giant has returned. At least, they have not made themselves known to me. And I regret that. I would like to know this man better. To learn if his life has improved any. To perhaps be his friend. Most of all - - - I would like to have met and known the Gentle Giant. He must be a rather special human being. I would like him as a friend. He who has the ability to calm hostilities with just six little words. . . “Please. . .let us pass in peace.”

copyright 1994 - lyle e. davis

Why hold a sale with great merchandise marked 40 to 80% off and then have no one available to service arriving costumers?

Just one more reason why I HATE to shop!

Even when shopping for myself. Lemme ‘splain you.

purposes described in the Prop. M ballot measure.

Applications to be appointed to the ICOC can be obtained on Palomar’s website at http://www.palomar. edu/icoc or by contacting Heather Sutton at hsutton@palomar.edu or 760-744-1150 ext. 2116. Applications must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on August 25, 2023.

Candidates must be at least 18 years old, cannot be any employee, official of the District or any vendor, contractor or consultant of the District, and must reside within the PCCD, which stretches from Camp Pendleton and part of Oceanside in the west, to Borrego Springs in the

I finally decided to bite the bullet and buy a whole new wardrobe. For years my wardrobe has consisted largely of tennis shorts, polo shirt, Birkenstock sandals. That was both formal wear and casual wear.

I decided it was time to buy (a) long pants, (b) a sport jacket or two, (c) at least one pair of new shoes, (d) several pair of socks to go with the new shoes, and, (e) two or three short sleeve shirts. I was prepared to spend $1000, maybe $1200, maybe even $1500.

Clever lad that I am I first consulted my trusty computer and sought out stores that carried the shoes I was interested in, black and brown tasseled loafers. Penny’s and Macy’s had them. Or so the computer said.

Off to Westfield Shopping Plaza with my ex-wife Mary.

Arrived at Penny’s, checked out the shoe department. Not one sales person in sight. Walked up and down the shoe rack rowsdid not see the shoes I wanted. Moved over to the Men’s Wear department. Found a lovely dark blue blazer - needed to see if they had it in my size and, if not, did they have a tailor to alter it? Nary a soul available to inquire. Saw a number of other sports jackets that looked like possibilities. Same with sports shirts. Still, no

east, and from the Riverside County line to Poway and Rancho Penasquitos in the south.

State law requires that the ICOC membership include at least one student enrolled and active in a community college support group, such as student government; one member active in a business organization representing the business community; one member active in a senior citizens’ organization; one member active in a taxpayers’ association; one member active in a support organization for Palomar College, such as the Palomar College Foundation and President’s Associates; and two members of the community at large.

one to assist me.

Fed up, I left that department; stopped and got three samples of men’s cologne from a different department to take home with me. Mary found a purse she liked. $69, discounted to $20. Pretty good buy. I bought it for her.

Before we left the house she said, “I’ve nae money.”

Sez me, “You don’t need any. You’ve got the daddy. I’ll buy you whatever you need and want.”

(Mary is legally not able to access her bank account. I’m her court appointed conservator and have to take care of all her finances).

Net sale to Penny’s? $20. They lost several hundred, perhaps a thousand dollars in sales from me. I won’t be back.

Hopped in the car and drove to the other end of the shopping center to visit Macy’s (too far too just walk. I have a bad back and long walks become difficult for me).

Macy’s had lots of sales people available, very friendly, very helpful. What a change! And they, too, had great discount sales.

Went to the shoe department and while the computer said they had the shoes I wanted they were out of stock. But they ordered them

A majority of the members must possess expertise in one or more of the following areas: large-scale construction operations, municipal/ public finance, expertise with agency/entity budgeting, and project management. The committee may not include any employee or official of the district, or any vendor, contractor or consultant of the district.

Under the ICOC bylaws approved by the Governing Board in September 2006, terms of service are generally two years with a maximum of three consecutive terms. Members are not compensated. The college anticipates that the ICOC will meet quarterly.

The ICOC bylaws stipulate the group will receive and review the district’s annual independent performance audit and annual independent financial audit; inspect college facilities and grounds for which bond proceeds have been or will be expended; review district efforts to maximize bond proceeds; inform the public and Governing Board about the district’s bond expenditures; present an annual written report to the Board; and provide other input.

for me. Bought two pair of loafers. About $150.

Saw a number of sport coats that looked good, as well as slacks and sport shirts.

But I was tired and decided to call it a day and head home. Tomorrow? I’ll head right back to Macy’s and finish buying my new wardrobe.

I’m wondering if Penny’s will go the way of Sears and have to close a number of stores. If the lack of service is any indicator I’m betting they will not survive. Once I finish my shopping, hopefully by tomorrow, I will have completed my wardrobe (and shopping) for another half century.

What fun.

Man About Town continued on page 13

5th District Supervisor Jim Desmond

Supporting Local Firefighters Self-Driving Cars?

Recently, I was able to tour Waymo, which is an autonomous driving technology company owned by Alphabet Inc., Google’s parent company. Waymo is similar to a self-driving Uber.

Though it was a bit eerie getting in a car that didn’t have a driver, I was really impressed by the safety and convenience of the process. The way it works is using an app (similar to Uber) you summon a car and enter your destination.

Once the car picks you up, you put on your seatbelt and press go on the screen.

by the other human driver.

The Waymo vehicle easily reacted to yields, four-way stops and other scenarios it encountered. During the tour, I learned about the various components that make up the technology, including sensors, cameras, and advanced software that enables Waymo’s self-driving cars to navigate through complex environments seamlessly.

I believe that autonomous driving technology like Waymo’s will transform the way we travel and create safer and more efficient transportation options for people around the world.

Local fire departments are essential for public safety. By responding rapidly to wildfires and other emergencies, they save countless lives. Ensuring they have the means to perform this critical task has been a big priority for me in Sacramento.

Through recent budget cycles, I have obtained almost $14 million for fire agencies in many parts of San Diego County. For example, I acquired funding for the Rincon Fire Department for a new brush fire apparatus and other badly needed upgrades. Just last week, I was invited to a community ceremony inau-

gurating the Valley Center Fire Protection District’s new brush fire apparatus, purchased with funds I was able to secure from the state budget.

I obtained these funds when California’s budget picture was much brighter, with surpluses in the billions. But this session, despite California’s current deficit, I was able to secure funds for both the San Miguel Fire Department in East County, and North County Fire, serving the

Marie Waldron continued on page 14

A Word from San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones Steps to a Water Smart Landscape

a hands-on experience to make the landscape upgrade easier for all community members. A water smart landscape does not mean cacti and dirt, but can include beautiful California native plants that bloom with color! See below for the list of topics and workshop dates this month and for September:

• August 16 – Design: Shaping Your Space

• August 30 – Plants: Inspiring Choices for Our Region

One of the most impressive things about Waymo’s technology is the extensive testing and safety measures in place. We don’t want to admit it, but humans cause the majority of accidents. A recent study done by Waymo showed over a million miles driven and only two accidents with their cars, both of which were caused

Let me know what you think about driving cars, and, would you like to see the technology expand?

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

CLEAR Almost Made Us Miss Our Flight

I want an apology!

When Russ Higgins and his family try to use CLEAR, a security screening service, to verify their identities at the airport, they find a long line and almost miss their flight. What does CLEAR owe them?

Q: My family’s long-awaited spring break trip was nearly derailed at Dulles Airport because of an unexpected failure of the premium security service CLEAR.

showing a lack of empathy. This incident raises concerns about the reliability and value of CLEAR’s services and highlights the importance of addressing such issues to prevent other travelers from experiencing similar frustrations.

I’d like a public apology to my children from the CLEAR leadership team.

~ Russ Higgins, Falls Church, Va.

As our weather patterns get more unpredictable, we must improve our water usage and landscape to combat water waste. I am excited to invite the community to join the city’s free workshop series featuring tips on redesigning and enhancing your landscape. These in-person workshops will educate the community on actionable and technical skills, while providing

• September 13 – Water & Irrigation: Utilizing a Precious Resource

• September 27 – Installation & Maintenance: Protecting Your Investment

Are you interested in more water smart tips and tricks to save our water? Sign up for news alerts regarding San Marcos initiative and sustainability programs through our website.

We arrived an hour before boarding. My family was shocked to find CLEAR’s security line moving slower than the TSA PreCheck line. The employees displayed a lackadaisical attitude, refusing to expedite the process despite my family’s pleas and my young children’s tears.

The situation escalated to the point where my family had to beg fellow travelers at the front of the line for mercy.

We narrowly made our flight, reaching the gate just two minutes before boarding closed. The employees in Dulles were not interested in helping me, so I contacted CLEAR in writing. Dishearteningly, its response was robotic and dismissive,

A: CLEAR is a membership service that offers a “quicker” way to verify your identity at the airport. Rather than show your ID or passport to a TSA agent before the screening, you use CLEAR’s eye or fingerprint scanner. Faster screening through CLEAR costs $189 per year. The company’s website is filled with promises that you will get through airport security faster.

Clearly, CLEAR shouldn’t have kept you waiting.

But this happened during the busy spring break travel period. I always

Problem

Assemblymember Marie Waldron and Valley Center Fire Chief Joe Napier.

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 give credit to President Dwight D. Eisenhower, (1953-1961).

Most Americans had never been more than 50 miles from home, so Ford’s “Model T” was a great revelation. 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.

The East and some Midwestern states were well paved. Few roads in the Southwestern and Western states were nothing more than a two-track mud or dusty pathway

Historically Speaking

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

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 crosscountry 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, not private enterprise. Ol’ Henry was a known miser. He “made” money, he didn’t spend much of it.

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

Travel Troubleshooter

by Christopher Elliott

Highway to determine viability of the road. 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.

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 became nearly impass-

Historically Speaking continued on page 12

Budget says we drove through a hailstorm. Now it wants me to pay $2,133

When Candace Welch returns her rental to Budget in Sioux Falls, S.D., the company bills her $2,133 for hail damage. Just one problem -- there was no hailstorm.

Q: Last spring, I rented a car from Budget in Sioux Falls, S.D. We were in Sioux Falls for approximately an hour after picking up the vehicle and then drove to Montana. I returned the car, undamaged, to the same Budget location a week later.

A few weeks later, I received a claim for hail damage from PurCo Fleet Services on behalf of Budget. It was asking for $2,133 to repair hail damage.

PurCo claims there was a hailstorm in Sioux Falls while we were there. There was no storm at that time or at any other time on our trip. I have proven there was no storm by sending PurCo weather reports, but they will not listen.

Budget and PurCo have added other damage to the body shop report. They sent blurry photos with the damage mysteriously hidden under the reflection of overhead light in

every photo. Please help us. Candace

Welch, Belfast, Me.

A: Something’s not right with your damage claim. Budget should have talked to you about any potential damage when you returned the car -- if, indeed, the car got pelted with hail while you had it.

Waiting until weeks after you returned the car to report damage to you makes me suspicious. But the fact that there was no recorded hailstorm in your area for the entire week, plus the blurry photos, makes me deeply suspicious.

The correspondence between PurCo and you is fascinating. The company is basing its damage claim on two things: First, there was no reported damage to your car before you rented it. And second, there were reports of hailstorms in Sioux Falls when you rented the vehicle. However, as you note, you were only in Sioux Falls briefly and then drove to Montana. You sent documentation that showed the weather along your route was clear. Reviewing the car’s GPS records would have confirmed your story.

I’m not sure why the company wouldn’t do that. You should always take “before” and “after” photos of the inside and outside of your rental car to verify the car wasn’t damaged. It appears you didn’t do that. You should also ask a car rental company representative to do a quick inspection and sign off on the car when you return it. Hail damage is not difficult to spot, so if there was a problem, you could have filled out a claim form on the spot.

By the way, if you have auto insurance or travel insurance, it would probably cover hail damage. You wouldn’t have been on the hook for $2,133.

Let me be clear: If you drive a rental car in a hailstorm, you’re responsible for any damage. But the car rental company has to do the damage claim the right way. Someone should have spoken to you about any damage when you brought your car back instead of broadsiding you with a claim weeks later. And the photos should have been clear and timestamped, showing that you returned a car with hail damage.

I like the way you handled this. You kept a comprehensive paper trail, and you reached out to the Budget executives I list on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org, to plead your case.

Of course, there’s another side to this story. So I decided to ask Budget about the claim. A few days later, you received a letter from the company saying that you had been added to its Do Not Rent list. That’s common when you have a billing dispute with a car rental company.

About a week later, Budget contacted you again. This time, a manager told you that Budget would close your claim, which means you will not have to pay the $2,133 repair bill. Your name has also been removed from the Do Not Rent list.

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.

© 2023 Christopher Elliott.

Map of the Lincoln Highway.

Travel Advice for Surviving the Summer of 2023

Travel is officially back this summer -- and along with it, all the high prices and headaches that make it unbearable.

“Travel is chaotic this summer,” says Sasha Gainullin, CEO of the travel insurance company battleface. “And travelers are looking for ways to handle the chaos.”

Fortunately, there are some new expert summer travel survival strategies that can help you get through it.

For example, battleface just teamed up with AirHelp, a claims management company for air travelers, to create a travel insurance plan that pays you for every flight delay. The new program, AirPayout, sends you $110 if your airline delays you for three hours or more, cancels your flight within a week of your departure, or diverts your flight. That’s on top of any compensation your airline offers.

“Call it what you will -- the postCovid travel bump, revenge travel, or the new normal -- but it seems like everyone is traveling right now,” says Christina Tunnah, general manager of marketing and brands for World Nomads.

Travel insurance companies may be on to something. But this summer’s biggest pain points -crowds, delays and high prices -- will require more than a good policy. I have some pro advice on handling these problems. And in a moment, I’ll give you a tip that no other travel columnist dares to suggest.

How to Manage Summer Crowds

When everyone wants to go to Ocean City, Galveston or Catalina at the same time, crowds are inevitable.

You can avoid the throngs of visitors by choosing a contrarian destination. Consider a place in Florida’s Northwest Gulf Coast, such as

Destin, Fort Walton Beach, or Panama City, which saw record visitors during the pandemic. It has some of the prettiest beaches in the world, with white sand and turquoise water. But it’s also within driving distance of big cities like Nashville and Atlanta. When the pandemic ended, people wanted to go farther -- and the crowds thinned.

David Demarest, a spokesman for The St. Joe Company, a land development company in Panama City Beach, Fla., says driving vacations are a great opportunity to avoid crowds and save money.

“With the growing uncertainties and expenses associated with air travel this year, maybe travelers should once again focus on destinations within driving distance,” he told me.

My favorite expert strategy for avoiding crowds is smart timing. Even on the busiest days during peak season, you can still find moments of serenity in the early morning. Try visiting the hotel breakfast buffet at 6:30 a.m., and you’ll find a cheerful staff eager to help you. At 10 a.m., not so much.

And that crowded beach is practi-

Reverse Mortgages

has fallen since late spring, it’s still high. Domestic airfares averaged $284 for the first half of the year, which is the highest in recent memory. Average daily room rates are up slightly from last year’s record levels ($156 per night). Bottom line: Travel is not cheap.

If you’re not sure if this is a good time to book, you can get some peace of mind by using CheapAir. com’s Price Drop Payback. It reimburses travelers up to $100 if the price of their ticket drops after their purchase. And this may be the summer to use it. “The later you can travel in the summer, the bigger the bargains,” says Jeff Klee, CEO of CheapAir.com.

cally abandoned at sunrise, which is also one of the best times for a long walk.

What To Do About Delays

Delay rage is a thing this summer. But it doesn’t have to be your thing.

If you still haven’t booked your tickets for your summer vacation (you’re a little late, by the way), there are a few things you can do to make your trip less delay-prone.

First, you can easily find out if your desired flight is delay-prone. Some online travel agencies display that information next to the flight. If they don’t, just look up the flight number on Flightaware, which shows the average delay. You can find the historical actual departure and arrival times, as well as the flight duration, at the bottom of the screen. Compare those to the scheduled times and duration, displayed at the top, for that day’s flight.

As a general rule, the earlier you leave, the better. The first flight of the day is less likely to be delayed. Start a road trip at the crack of dawn and you’ll be at your destination before rush hour. If you’re not sure, you can always talk to a qualified travel consultant. I have a free guide on how to find the best travel advisor on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org.

Also, look for maximum flexibility, not just for flights, but also hotels and tours.

Another problem is that people will spend lots of money on airfare and hotels and then try to pinch pennies on activities like tours and restaurant meals. But if you do that, what’s the point of traveling? A much better strategy is to find a more affordable destination where you can stretch your dollar.

It doesn’t even have to be in the United States. I’m in Thailand, where the exchange rate makes the entire country as affordable as it’s ever been. It is also shoulder season -- technically, monsoon season -- so many hotels have availability.

Bottom line: This summer is not the time to save money on travel unless you can get creative. Consider a less expensive destination.

My

Unconventional Advice: Delay That Trip

I told you I had some unusual advice for you, and here it is: If you want to survive summer travel, don’t go now. Everyone else is trying to hit the beach, visit a national park, or tour a popular museum. Your best travel strategy is avoidance.

I know, I know. A travel columnist telling you not to travel. But honestly, I’ve never seen it like this. If you can delay your trip until early September, you’ll avoid crowds, high prices and what Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection calls “Airmageddon.”

Laura Strickler Retirement Finance Specialist

760-518-9839

www.laurastrickler.com

A reverse mortgage can help turn the value of your home into cash without having to make monthly mortgage payments and can help you better manage your financial future. It can provide you with the means to supplement your monthly income, cover healthcare costs, pay off existing mortgages or other financial obligations, fix up your home, or simply gain peace of mind.

Broker, DRE 01200868

NMLS 315848

“Find a trusted partner with a flexible cancellation policy to allow for some added peace of mind,” advises Adam Lawless, a spokesman for Viator. With all the summer delays, you don’t want to be locked into an appointment you can’t keep.

How about high prices?

Even though the price of air travel

You can thank me later.

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 reach him by email at chris@elliott.org.

Illustration by Christopher Elliott

Chuckles from page 2

when you haven’t been anywhere.

13. The only time the world beats a path to your door is when you’re in the bathroom.

14. If God wanted me to touch my toes, he’d have put them on my knees.

15. When I’m finally holding all the cards, why does everyone want to play chess?

16. Its not hard to meet expenses . . . they’re everywhere.

17. The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth.

18. These days, I spend a lot of time thinking about the hereafter. I go somewhere to get something, and then wonder what I’m hereafter.

19. Funny, I don’t remember being absent-minded.

Be sure to send this to your kids or relatives also so they know what happened to you.

To help save the economy, the Government will announce next month that the Immigration Department will start deporting seniors (instead of illegal’s) in order to lower Social Security and Medicare costs.

Older people are easier to catch and will not remember how to get back home. I started to cry when I thought of you.

Then it dawned on me... oh, shoot... I’ll see you on the bus. ***

God Said:

“Frank, you know all about gardens and nature. What in the world is going on down there on the planet Earth? What happened to the dandelions, violets, milkweeds and stuff I started eons ago? I had a perfect no-maintenance garden plan. Those plants grow in any type of soil, withstand drought and multiply with abandon. The nectar from the long-lasting blossoms attracts butterflies, honey bees and flocks of songbirds. I expected to see a vast garden of colours by now. But, all I see are these green rectangles.”

St. FRANCIS:

It’s the tribes that settled there, Lord. The Suburbanites. They started calling your flowers ‘weeds’ and went to great lengths to kill them and replace them with grass.

GOD:

Grass? But, it’s so boring it’s not colourful. It doesn’t attract butterflies, birds and bees; only grubs and sod worms. It’s sensitive to temperatures. Do these Suburbanites really want all that grass growing there?

Chuckles

continued on page 13

San Diego Humane Society’s Photo Fundraiser Comes at Critical Time with Shelters Over Capacity

Each year San Diego Humane Society ‘s photo fundraiser and pet calendar raises funds for our vital services which include animal sheltering and adoptions, investigations of animal cruelty and neglect, veterinary care, education programs for youth and adults, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.

With 2,487 animals in care, San Diego Humane Society is currently at 163% capacity for dogs and 180% capacity for cats. On July 7, 2023, the nonprofit set a new record with 2,584 animals in care. The Photo Fundraiser helps raise money for the organization’s vital services, which include animal sheltering and adoptions, investigations of animal cruelty and neglect, veterinary care, the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife and so much more.

It’s easy to participate. Submit your favorite photo of your pet, then get your family and friends to vote for your pet’s picture.

Your entry includes a free copy of the 2024 calendar that will be mailed to you in the fall of 2023. Plus, all photo entries with 5 votes or more are GUARANTEED inclusion in the calendar or on the

collage pages. Win great prizes. Your pet could win a professional photo shoot and be featured on a full month spread of our 2024 or 2025 calendars, or you could win tickets to our annual Fur Ball gala and other special gifts.

How many votes do I need to have my pet featured on a month spread in the calendar?

The top vote-getter from each category (dogs, cats and other pets) will win a featured month spread in the 2025 calendar.

All other entries that meet eligibility requirements will be considered for month spreads in the 2024 calendar.

“You can make a lifesaving difference for the animals who depend on us by entering this friendly competition and showcasing your favorite pet,” said San Diego Humane Society Executive Vice President Brian Daugherty. “We are hoping to raise at least $125,000 to help us save more lives, so please help us encourage everyone to get involved.”

For more information how to participate in the 2024 Photo Fundraiser, visit sdhumane.org.

Pet Parade

Princess Bubblegum

Princess Bubblegum is pet of the week at your Rancho Coastal Humane Society. She’s a 2-year-old, 9-pound, female, Domestic Short Hair cat with a Brown and White Tabby coat.

Princess Bubblegum was a stray in Riverside County. She was transferred to Rancho Coastal Humane Society through Friends of County Animal Shelters (FOCAS.) She loves her toys and could live with kids 8 or older.

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

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

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

Oodles from page 3

El Camino Quilt Guild Meeting

August 8 • 9:30am

El Corazon Senior Center

3302 Senior Center Dr., Oceanside

Our August speaker is Emily Baily of https://auntemsquilts.com. Her lecture is “When Life Falls To Pieces, Make a Quilt!” Workshop -”Getting the Most Out of Your Die Cutting System - Making Piecing Fun!” on August 9th is open to non-members. Guest fee is $10.

For more information – elcaminoquilters.com or email info@elcaminoquilters.com. ***

You Are Sacred Gathering of Native Americans

August 10-13

Los Coyotes Reservation Campground

2300 Camino San Ignacio Road Warner Springs

A 4-Day gathering for us to embrace our culture and traditions. This free event is for Native and Indigenous folx aged 18- 30 provided by ‘ataaxum Pomkwaan.

The GONA is a safe space designed for the support of healing and the building of healthy communities.

For more information contact Cassie Whitten at 951-297-0483, email: cassiewhitten7@gmail.com ***

Escondido Senior Travel Meetings

Escondido Senior Travel Service’s

holds a monthly meeting at 1pm in the Park Avenue Community Center, 210 Park Avenue. The next meeting is September 11, 2023. No meeting in August. Upcoming trips are Knox Berry Farm, September 28 and Laughlin, October 30, November 1, 2023 and December 7, Christmas with Sinatra.

The Travel Office is located at the Park Avenue Community Center, Escondido, and is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10 A.M. to 12 P.M. Phone number 760 2941851. Call for details. ***

Escondido Chamber

Ribbon Cutting

August 10 • 11:00am-12:00pm

Staples Escondido

1358 W. Valley Pkwy • Escondido

Join the Greater Escondido Chamber of Commerce, General Manager Ray Jauregui, and his talented team at Staples Escondido as we gather to celebrate their rebranded store with an official Ribbon Cutting ceremony.

With a focus on the community of small businesses and consumers, Staples in Escondido provides innovative printing, shipping, technology, travel and recycling services, along with products and inspiration essential to the new ways of working and learning. Staples Stores serve millions of customers from entrepreneurs and small businesses to remote workers, parents, teachers, and students. Explore Staples, the Working and Learning Store, at your local Staples Store. Free to attend.

Oodles continued on page 12

Pet of the Week

Meet Hadie! She is a sweet, shy girl who is ready to find all the joy this world has to offer with a new best friend by her side! This darling 9-month-old great Dane mix is good with children of all ages and gets along with other dogs at the dog park and the dog beach! She enjoys thrilling games of fetch followed up by some sweet snuggle time. Bonus: she also truly loves bath time! If you have patience for a puppy and a lifetime supply of care and love to offer, she would make an amazing companion! Hadie is available for adoption at San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido Campus at 3500 Burnet Dr. If you have questions about the adoption process, you can visit sdhumane.org/adopt or call 619-299-7012.

Online profile: https://www.sdhumane.org/adopt/available-pets/animal-single.html?petId=870548

The Computer Factory

845 W. San Marcos Blvd. 760-744-4315

thecomputerfactory.net

“Connected” in modern vernacular refers to the “World Wide Web”. Whether we like it or not, it’s here to stay. In the last two decades the Internet has become the single most important repository of knowledge and the World’s most common vehicle for mass communication. For the younger generations and those that follow them, there is no choice. The Internet is here and its evolution will shape not only their lives but also the future of mankind. Those of us who grew up in a world before the Internet are the last generations to have choices. We can fully embrace the Internet and use its connection to advancing technology to adopt changes that improve our life and allow us to conduct our affairs more efficiently. Or we may choose to use only those Internet features that improve

What do we really need to stay “connected” ?

the way we do the things we’ve always done like banking and communicating with friends and relatives. We may even opt to reject the use of Internet technology altogether and just keep living our lives the same as we did in the 1960s.

Most of us don’t stop to consider how pervasive the Internet has become since the advent of “broadband” in 2001. Among the devices we use to access the Internet are GPS, mobile phones, tablets, smart TVs, game consoles, notebook PCs, wristwatches, EBooks, digital cameras, and “digital assistants” like Siri, Alexa and Hey Google. The majority of Internet access is shared between mobile devices (mostly phones) and PCs (desktop, notebook, All-in-One and micros).

Our focus here at The Computer Factory is on Windows PCs.

Today’s PC is essentially an Internet terminal with some standalone capabilities.

The estimated PC unit sales volume for 2023 is 267 million units continuing a decline from the peak year sales of 352 million units in 2011. In spite of a decade of declining sales, there are more PCs in use than ever and each year that number continues to edge upward. How can there be a steady year to year rise in PCs being used when PC unit sales have been falling for over a decade? The obvious answer is that PCs today have a much longer lifespan than in years past. Nearly any PC built since 2010

has enough power and speed to handle the Internet and standard stand-alone applications. We built the PC I’m using to write this column in 2010. We upgraded the HDD to an SSD in 2020. If we reformatted it with Windows 10 and put it on the shelf, the price would be $200. It would be as capable as any new PC for the kind of tasks most business and home users require.

The point here is that as Internet access became the primary function of most PCs, CPU speed, hard drive size, RAM count and DVDs lost their relevance to practical functionality. Quality, durability and reliability became the primary considerations, at least to the professionals who manage “enterprise” networks. The professional ITs responsible

for the function of networks in these highly demanding government, school and corporate environments developed system specifications that included multi-year on-site warranties. Manufacturers responded by using expensive high reliability components in these systems. As a result “Enterprise” PCs are often double the price of similarly configured “retail” PCs. “Big box” retailers sell low cost PCs with limited single year off-site warranty largely to the relatively unsophisticated home and small business “price” shoppers.

The Refurbs we sell are “enterprise” style and are the best alternative for most home and small business environments. Don’t forget to bring in your old PC for a free evaluation of its upgrade or trade-in potential.

Refurbished “Enterprise” Grade PC VS New “Retail” PCs

Half the Price.

Twice the reliability.

Higher quality components. Windows 10 or 11 Pro or Home.

Why pay twice as much and get half as much?

Over 60 notebook, desktop, All-in-One & Micros in stock

John Van Zante’s Critter Corner

Happy Tales to You – Until We Meet Again

are new beginnings for children who struggle to read.

We all knew that kid, or were that kid, who was terrified when their elementary school teacher called on them to read out loud in class. Decades later, there’s still no “smiling until then” when it comes to reading or speaking in public.

Roy Rogers and his lovely bride, Dale Evans, sang “Happy Trails” at the end of every show.

Happy trails to you, Until we meet again. Happy trails to you, Keep smiling until then.

While that song was the end of each show, the “Happy Tales” reading program at Rancho Coastal Humane Society and other programs like it across the country

In the Happy Tales program, children six and older read aloud to the dogs, cats, and rabbits who are available for adoption.

Each child is supervised by a parent or guardian. One little girl came with her grandma, who had listened as the girl struggled to read her whole life. This time, the girl brought her favorite book and a pillow to sit on. She made herself comfy in front of a curious

When she finished a full page without making a single mistake or stutter, she turned the book around to show the pictures to the dog.

Grandma turned and pretended she was looking at another dog. She was actually wiping her eyes. She didn’t want her granddaugh-

ter to see tears and think she had done something wrong.

One mom told me her son enjoyed reading to the animals so much that he read to their dog, at home, almost every day. His teacher noticed the improvement.

Your child doesn’t have to be a poor reader to join Happy Tales. It can be just for fun. It can be part of your search for a new pet. Or you can schedule a special session of Happy Tales for your small group.

Who cares about the clouds when we’re together?

Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.

Happy Tales to you, Until we meet again.

Husky in a kennel.

Historically Speaking

from page 7

able during bad weather, especially rain, leaving much of it little more than a deep-rutted roadway.

Until roads were built in the various western states, the old “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 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.

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 “caronly 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

Oodles

from page 10

Escondido Chamber Business After 5 Mixer

August 10 • 5pm - 7pm

Cordiano Winery

15732 Highland Valley Rd. Escondido

The Chamber’s Business After 5 Mixer is a social/networking event that gives you the chance to visit a host business and network with other Chamber members, along with business and community leaders. At Business After 5, you will have the chance to introduce yourself to other members, exchange business cards, make new business contacts, win a door prize and enjoy a cocktail and hors d?oeuvres.

This month: Join the Greater Escondido Chamber of Commerce and host Cordiano Winery for an evening of networking, authentic Italian cuisine, stunning views, and spectacular wines. Cordiano is a family-run vineyard with a casual, outdoor eatery featuring thin crust pizzas, pastas, and Italian desserts.

Opening in 2008, Cordiano Winery is all about enjoying life to the fullest and sharing that experience with friends...both old and new. They earned the “Best Winery”

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, 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.

The “Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate & Defense Highways,” using the German scheme as a network of controlled-access highways, con-

award in the 2022 Best of Escondido Eats competition, so be sure to join us for a truly memorable experience!

Please RSVP to ensure food and parking availability.

Members Free Non-Members $20.00

Table Sponsors $150.00

***

Carlsbad

State of the Community

August 18 • 11am - 2pm

Join more than 500 business, civic, community leaders, and Mayor Keith Blackburn to discuss the state of the Carlsbad community and share ideas to plan for a successful future.

Register at https://web.carlsbad. org/atlas/events/carlsbad-state-ofthe-community-3286/register

***

Carlsbad’s TGIF Concerts in the Parks Carlsbad’s TGIF Concerts in the Parks series, one of the city’s most popular summer activities, is back in person this summer and celebrating its 36th anniversary with an exciting lineup of performances

nects 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

that will have crowds dancing the night away.

Calavera Hills Community Park

July 28: Jungle Fire (Afro/Latin/ Funk)

An Afro/Latin Funk band creating a melting pot of Afro-Caribbean and West African rhythms with a heavy break beat funk.

Alga Norte Community Park

August 4: Betamaxx (1980s)

A high-energy, nostalgia-filled rock concert that keeps the dance floor packed from beginning to end with an 80s music experience.

August 11: The FABBA Show (A Tribute to ABBA)

An homage to pop sensation ABBA that will take you on a glittery, sparkling, and truly magical journey back to the disco and the 70s.

*** ther. Two young lovers who went off the rails and fell into bad company.

This boy is paying the price for it. In a way, this makes me angry. In another way it makes me mourn.

“I hope my birth parents know I

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.

love them,” the boys says, randomly. “Even though they didn’t love me, I still love them.”

Nobody speaks.

“They know,” says his mother, finally.

After our visit is over, we get our photograph made together. The boy says, “Do you think you’ll write something about me?”

“Of course I will,” I say.

He smiles. “What will it be about?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” I say. “It will probably be about how beautiful you are. And about how much you like Elvis, and baseball.”

Another smile. “Will you post it before I die?”

I most definitely will.

Sean Dietrich

The Visit from page 3

Dwight D. Eisenhower

Henry Ford

Harry Truman

from page 9

ST. FRANCIS:

Apparently so, Lord.They go to great pains to grow it and keep it green. They begin each spring by fertilizing grass and poisoning any other plant that crops up in the lawn.

GOD:

The spring rains and warm weather probably make grass grow really fast. That must make the Suburbanites happy.

ST. FRANCIS:

Apparently not, Lord. As soon as it grows a little, they cut it - sometimes twice a week.

GOD: They cut it? Do they then bale it like hay?

ST. FRANCIS:

Not exactly, Lord. Most of them rake it up and put it in bags.

GOD: They bag it? Why? Is it a cash crop? Do they sell it?

ST. FRANCIS:

No, Sir, just the opposite. They pay to throw it away.

GOD: Now, let me get this straight. They fertilize grass so it will grow. And, when it does grow, they cut it off and pay to throw it away?

ST. FRANCIS:

Yes, Sir.

GOD:

These Suburbanites must be relieved in the summer when we cut back on the rain and turn up the heat. That surely slows the growth and saves them a lot of work.

ST. FRANCIS:

You aren’t going to believe this, Lord. When the grass stops growing so fast, they drag out hoses and pay more money to water it, so they can continue to mow it and pay to get rid of it.

GOD:

What nonsense. At least they kept some of the trees. That was a sheer stroke of genius, if I do say so myself. The trees grow leaves in the spring to provide beauty and shade in the summer. In the autumn, they fall to the ground and form a natural blanket to keep moisture in the soil and protect the trees and bushes. It’s a natural cycle of life.

ST. FRANCIS:

You better sit down, Lord. The Suburbanites have drawn a new circle. As soon as the leaves fall, they rake them into great piles and pay to have them hauled away.

GOD:

No!? What do they do to protect the shrub and tree roots in the winter to keep the soil moist and loose?

ST. FRANCIS:

After throwing away the leaves, they go out and buy something which they call mulch. They haul it home and spread it around in place of the leaves.

GOD:

And where do they get this mulch?

ST. FRANCIS: They cut down trees and grind them up to make the mulch.

GOD:

Enough! I don’t want to think about this anymore. Katie, you’re in charge of the arts. What movie have you scheduled for us tonight?

ST. CATHERINE:

‘Dumb and Dumber’, Lord. It’s a story about....

GOD: Never mind, I think I just heard the whole story from Frank.

Man About Town

from page 5

I recently joined a Facebook forum, BBQ Pitmaster Secrets. Fascinating! Habit forming!

I enjoy cooking, partial to soups, but have not done a lot of bbqing. Am tempted to begin trying. We have a bbq in the backyard but I’m not sure how to get the best out of it. It appears “smoking” meats is very popular. Not sure I can do that on my equipment. Time to do some reading and studying on the “fine art.”

Some of these ribs, pork roasts, (butts and shoulders), chicken and fish . . . all look mighty tempting.

Smoking usually means starting something in the morning and then leaving it alone for 8-12 hours. I like that. Doesn’t sound like a lot of work.

But I have a BBQ that is propane fueled. Not sure how to smoke with that; I know it can be done but haven’t learned how. Yet.

Will have to watch a few videos and maybe query some of the expert “pitmasters,” and see how a rookie who is a total klutz at most everything. About all I know how to do is scribble . . . and that’s why I have this column. And this newspaper.

I’ve decided to focus at least 20% of my daily activities on inventing a time-travel machine. Once perfected, I’d like to go back to when I was about 35 years old (retaining, of course, all of the vast knowledge I have since accumulated over the ages), and about 50 lbs lighter. (I have zero interest in going back to when I was 18 or so).

I would incorporate the ability to be visible or invisible, my option, so that I could, for example,

go back to the time of Hitler and, while invisible, hit him in the face with an axe. Goering, too. And Eichmann. I would go back to the time of Ghengis Khan and ask that he try to be a little nicer and more considerate of his fellow man.

I would also go back and visit some of my old girl friends. Never really had a bad relationship with a woman . . . we always parted best of friends. Some, however, I never got to tell how much they meant to me and how it was important to me that they were part of my life. I would like to do that. Might not mean a whole lot to them. It would to me.

I would probably spend even more time with my two sons. We had a good father/sons relationship . . . but I could have done even better. I probably should have encouraged them more. Who knows what they might have accomplished?

I would go back and listen in on all of the war planning activities . . . on the plans for the Normandy Invasion . . . on the discussions when Harry Truman decided to drop the A-Bomb.

So many things I would like to do . . . if only I could hurry up and finish this here invention.

I know! I’ll buy a couple bottles of wine and a case of beer and we can all get together this weekend and work on the invention together! And, yes, I’ll give each one of you a ride in our time machine.

Show of hands . . . who’s coming this weekend? And where do you want to go? And what era? To see whom? Visible or Invisible? Taking orders. First come, first served.

I get to be the first to see and visit with Jesus. I’ll report back to each of you.

Chuckles

The Mighty Mojo Page

Interfaith Community Services to Hold Community Healthcare Day

Interfaith Community Services is proud to announce its upcoming “Community Healthcare Day” event in partnership with Neighborhood Healthcare, scheduled for August 15th. This event, aimed at empowering our neighbors in need will take place at 550 W Washington Ave. Escondido CA 92025, where diverse vendors will host booths and offer a range of services entirely free of charge.

The “Community Healthcare Day” event is an embodiment of our unwavering commitment to the wellbeing and dignity of our neighbors in need. By collaborating with multiple vendors and healthcare partners, Interfaith Community Services aims to provide comprehensive and much-needed support to those experiencing hard times throughout North County San Diego.

During this event, attendees will

Problem Solved

from page 6

recommend that travelers give themselves at least an extra hour when flying domestically during busy times. You say you arrived at the airport an hour before your flight started to board, that might have been cutting it too close.

CLEAR should have also been prepared for an influx of air travelers during spring break. Adding extra staff might have helped move things along at the check-in area in Washington. Ultimately, CLEAR has no control over how fast the TSA screens passengers. I’ve seen longer lines for TSA PreCheck and CLEAR in the past, which is disheartening for people who pay extra to get a faster screening.

None of this should be necessary. There are better ways to screen passengers than the TSA’s outdated methods. It shouldn’t be necessary to fingerprint, scan and prescreen airline passengers. Everyone should receive the same treatment in the airport security line and be screened quickly and efficiently.

You contacted CLEAR in writing and asked for a refund for your membership. You also shared your

have the opportunity to access a variety of critical services, such as:

General Health Check-ups and Screenings

Gift card raffle

• Gift bags giveaway

• Food Available

• Showers courtesy of Humanity Showers

• Haircuts and shaves by Ivy League Barber Academy

• Clothes from Ashley’s Hope

• Foot exams

• Laundry services provided by Lived Experiences

• Tents and tarps giveaway

• Community resource assistance

• Other fun surprises and services

The event will feature a welcoming atmosphere, fostering a sense of community and understanding. It will not only offer vital services but also create a platform for individuals to engage with compassionate

experience and asked that it be “taken seriously.” In response, a representative refunded you $33, which represents your prorated membership for the year.

“I will share this feedback with local leaders so they can address it right away,” the representative added. You never heard from anyone at CLEAR after that.

I think a brief, polite appeal to one of the CLEAR executives I publish on my consumer advocacy site might have gotten you a more substantive response. (After receiving your case, I published those contacts on the site.)

But I can help with that. I contacted the company on your behalf. You received a call from a vice president at CLEAR. The executive asked you detailed questions about your experience at Dulles so that he could provide coaching to the airport team.

“He also acknowledged that the initial customer support response I received was tone-deaf and assured me that the matter would be addressed internally,” you said.

“Overall, I feel heard and am impressed that someone at such a high level in the company took the

volunteers, connecting them to resources that can help improve their quality of life.

“We believe that everyone, irrespective of their circumstances, deserves access to essential healthcare services and support,” said Jazmin Oregon, Director of Supportive Service from Interfaith Community Services. “By bringing together different vendors and partners, we hope to make a significant impact in the lives of our homeless community members and provide them with the care and attention they truly deserve.”

We extend our deepest gratitude to all participating vendors and sponsors who are making this event possible through their generous contributions and dedication to helping those in need.

If you would like to be part of this

time to personally reach out and address my concerns.”

CLEAR offered you two free years of membership as an apology, which you accepted.

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.

transformative event by volunteering or offering support, please reach out to communications@interfaithservices.org.

Join us on August 15th, as we come together as a community to uplift and empower the vulnerable during the “Community Healthcare Day” event. Together, we can make a difference and demonstrate that compassion knows no boundaries.

About Interfaith Community Services:

Interfaith Community Services is a non-profit organization dedicated to Helping People Help Themselves by providing comprehensive social services, essential resources, and supportive care. With a vision of a thriving, inclusive community, Interfaith Community Services strives to break the cycle of homelessness and foster self-sufficiency for those facing challenges.

Last week in Pala I participated in a ceremony recognizing the new partnership between the California Office of Emergency Services (OES) and the Pala Fire Department, establishing a historic mutual aid relationship between the state and a tribal fire department. Though this didn’t involve a funding request, I supported this important agreement in the Assembly. As a result, a new brush fire engine provided by OES will be stationed in Pala to serve that community and surrounding areas.

Marie Waldron

from page 6

Fallbrook area. The two districts will each receive $500k, to be used for new fire stations and future upgrades. And in previous budget cycles, I also secured millions for the Deer Springs Fire Protection District, North County Fire and the San Marcos Fire Department, for new stations and safety enhancements for firefighters.

As your Assembly representative, I do all I can to make sure our local fire fighters have everything they need to do their jobs safely and effectively as they risk their lives saving ours and keeping our region more fire resilient.

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.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9013041

The name of the business: Jasmine

Masssage Center, located at 313 Killgore Street, Oceanside, CA 92058. Registrant Information: Ramida Herridge, 313 Killgore St., Oceanside, CA 92058. This business is operated by an Individual company. First day of business:

11/17/2014

/s/ Ramida Herridge with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/20/2023

6/29, 7/6, 7/13, 7/20/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9013141

The name of the business: Skullys Entertainment, located at 413 Autumn Dr., San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant Information: Skullys Entertainment, 413 Autumn Dr., San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: N/A

/s/ Joshua Hayes, CEO with Jordan

Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/21/2023

7/6, 7/13, 7/20, 7/27/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9013122

The name of the business: CSL

Advertising, located at 15565 Walton Heath Row, San Diego, CA 92128. Registrant Information: Cathy S. Leopold, 15565 Walton Heath Row, San diego, CA 92128. This business is operated by an individual. First day of business: 1/7/1995

/s/ Cathy S. Leopold with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/21/2023

7/6, 7/13, 7/20, 7/27/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9012609

The name of the business: SavTec, located at 153 Mayfair St., Oceanside, CA 92058. Registrant

Information: Phenome Pool & Spa Service Inc., 153 Mayfair St., Oceanside, CA 92058. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: N/A

/s/ Solomon Thomson, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County

Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on

6/12/2023

7/6, 7/13, 7/20, 7/27/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2023-9011294

The name of the business: Mastiff Kitchen, located at 3038 University Avenue, San Diego,CA 92104.

Registrant Information: Tugboat

Sausage Company, Inc., 657 Brightwood Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 2/22/2023

/s/ Jacob Bartlett, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/23/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9011295

The name of the business: RAD Burger, Fluster Cluck Hot Chicken, The Pig’s Gig BBQ, Mastiff Kitchen, located at 8360 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, #112, San Diego, CA 92111-1321. Registrant Information: Mastiff Sausage Company, Inc., 8360 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, #112, San Diego, CA 92111-1321. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 2/17/2016

/s/ Eric Gallerstein, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/23/2023

6/1, 6/8, 6/15, 6/22/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9011294

The name of the business: Mastiff Kitchen, located at 3038 University Avenue, San Diego,CA 92104. Registrant Information: Tugboat Sausage Company, Inc., 657 Brightwood Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 2/22/2023

/s/ Jacob Bartlett, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/23/2023

6/1, 6/8, 6/15, 6/22/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9009425

The name of the business: Golden Acres, located at 300 Carlsbad Dr., #217, Carlsbad, CA 92008.

Registrant Information: Maryam Kavousi, 300 Carlsbad Dr., #217, Carlsbad, CA 92008. This business is operated by an individual. First day of business: 4/26/2023

/s/ Maryam Kavousi with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/27/2023

5/25, 6/1, 6/8, 6/15/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9013820

The name of the business: Lucy’s 24 Hour Cleaning Service, located at 1954 West Dr., Apt. #11, Vista, CA 92083. Registrant Information: Lucia Ortiz Cortez, 1954 West Dr.,

Apt. #11, Vista, CA 92083. This business is operated by an individual.

First day of business: 1/1/2017

/s/ Lucia Ortiz Cortez with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/29/2023

7/13, 7/20, 7/27, 8/3/2023

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF QINGHAN WANG, Decedent

Case No. 37-2023-00025973PR PL-CTL

Assigned for all purposes to: Hon.

Daniel S. Belsky

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO 1100 Union Street San Diego, CA. 92101

CENTRAL COURT HOUSE

AMENDED PROBATE OF WILLAND FOR LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION WITH WILLANNEXED; AUTHORIZATION TO ADMINISTER UNDER THE INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES ACT

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and per sons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate or both, of QINGHAN WANG. A petition for probate has been filed by CHARMAINE JI in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA. 92101. Central Court house, - Probate Division. The Pe tition for Probate requests that CHARMAINE JI be appointed as personal representative to adminis ter the estate of the decedent.

The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the In dependent Administration of Es tates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without ob taining court approval. Before tak ing certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed actions.)

The inde pendent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the pe tition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: 11/21/2023

Time: 10:30 AM.

Dept: 504

Address of court: Same as noted above.

If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court

before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as de fined in Section 58(b) of the Cal ifornia Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a no tice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person in terested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for petitioner: Russell M. DePhillips, Esq. MILBERG & DEPHILLIPS, P.C. 2163 Newcastle Avenue, Suite 200 Cardiff by the Sea, CA. 92007 760.943.7103 DOP:

7/13, 7/20 & 7/27/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9014361

The name of the business: Tinny’s Pet Sitting, located at 5723 San Miguel Road, Bonita, CA 91902. Registrant Information: Tinn Thi Nguyen, 5723 San Miguel Road, Bonita, CA 91902. This business is operated by an individual. First day of business: 7/10/2023

/s/ Tinn Thi Nguyen with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 7/10/2023

7/20, 7/27, 8/3, 8/10/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9013212

The name of the business: Barncat Productions, located at 1112 Brioso Ct., Vista, CA 92081. Registrant Information: Terry Constantine, 1112 Brioso Ct., Vista, CA 92081. This business is operated by an individual. First day of business:

1/7/2023

/s/ Terry Constantine with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/21/2023

7/20, 7/27, 8/3, 8/10/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9014365

The name of the business: Level 5

Design, located at 29602 Platanus Drive, Escondido, CA 92026.

Registrant Information: Michael Timothy Smee, 29602 Platanus Drive, Escondido, CA 92026. This business is operated by an individual.

First day of business: 4/1/2016

/s/ Michael Timothy Smee with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 7/10/2023

7/27, 8/3, 8/10, 8/17/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2023-9012363

The name of the business: Little Lulus CC, LLCC, located at 330 West St., #4, Oceanside, CA 92054. Registrant Information: Little Lulus CC LLC, 330 West St., #4, Oceanside, CA 92054. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: 6/7/2023

/s/ Natalia Bagai, CEO with Jordan

Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 6/7/2023

7/6, 7/13, 7/20, 7/27/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9015099

The name of the business: Vacation In Paradise Transportation, located at 3145 Tiger Run Ct., #107, Carlsbad, CA 92010. Registrant Information: Vacation Vehicle Rentals LLC, 3145 Tiger Run Ct, #107, Carlsbad, CA 92010. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: N/A

/s/ Kameron Panahi, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 7/19/2023

8/3, 8/10, 8/17, 8/24/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9015308

The name of the business: DFS Orange County, located at 2022 Oceanview Road, Unit A, Oceanside, CA 92056. Registrant Information: directo Fulfillment Solutions LLC, 2022 Oceanview Road, Unit A, Oceanside, CA 92056. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: 6/1/2023

/s/ Jeffrey W. Wichert, Presidentwith Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 7/21/2023

8/3, 8/10, 8/17, 8/24/2023

Only the Bold, the Best and the Brightest read The Paper 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