September 7, 2023

San Marcos Vista Carlsbad Oceanside Valley Center

“

I Love You, Mommy, Goodbye.”

By Friedrich Gomez

Every year, this part of the 9/11 story is mostly never told.

Shockingly, even the greatest, most powerful, and most influential news outlets talk about 9/11 every year but keep what you are about to read – almost entirely unknown.

This exclusive investigative report

Final 9/11

Twin Tower Messages to Loved Ones

for The Paper needs to be told and (retold) every year – loud and clear – so that the American people can know the (entire truth) of what truly happened that terrifying day.

The American people deserve to know.

More than 1,000 phone calls were made in just 10 minutes after the first plane, American Airlines Flight 11, struck New York’s Twin

The Paper • 760.747.7119 online: www.TheCommunityPaper.com email: thepaper@cox.net

Towers – and thousands more kept calling as the horror unfolded.

Some reached loved ones, others left heart-tugging messages.

In 2023, this month marks the 22nd Anniversary of that infamous terrorist attack.

“IF WE DON’T MAKE IT OUT ALIVE, PLEASE NEVER FORGET US!”

New tapes of emergency September 11 recordings have been periodically released through the years since 2001 and are now entrusted to “The National September 11 Memorial Museum” as well as “The Never Forget Fund,” both in New York. Both of these institutions pledge to honour and keep alive the legacy of those anguished and final 9/11 calls before they perished . . . and

9/11

See Page 2

9/11

New York 9/11 Memorial Museum and the “911 Never Forget Me Fund” for assisting me in this cover story.

to never forget them, or what they often (begged) of us -- in various voice recordings, in the final seconds of their life:

“If we don’t make it out alive, please never forget us.”

Every day, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., The National September 11 Memorial Museum has conducted tours for countless Americans, children, students, teachers, families, and the general public who can experience more than 40,000 images and photographs, 1,400 artifacts, and more than 3,500 oral recordings, and over 500 hours of videos.

These daily tours all salute the more than 3,000 people who died during the attack, including those from the Pentagon, American Airlines Flight 77, United Flight 93, and all those First Responders who risked their own lives, and died, in their efforts to help their fellow Americans.

Even despite advance ticket sales (which supports the 9/11 Memoriall), the tours are overflowed, seven days a week, with excess capacity crowds – all wishing to learn, never forget, and forever honour their precious fellow Americans who perished – the brothers and sisters to us all.

I wish to openly thank both The

Give Us This Day our Daily Chuckle

Of the nearly 230 cover stories that I have written for the weekly magazine, The Paper, this one was the most difficult and soulcrushing for me.

And she becomes suspicious when he asked her to tell their two small girls, Elizabeth age 4, and Claire age 9, and his oldest boy, Brian age 12 – just how much he loves them all.

grove’s call abruptly ends.

Herewith, are some of the most listened-to audio recordings at the Museum exhibits, comprising the “Final 9/11 Twin Tower Messages to Loved Ones.”

DATELINE: WORLD TRADE CENTER, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 11, 2001.

Kevin Cosgrove, age 45, father of three little children, was one of the few people still on the line to 911 emergency dispatchers.

At the time, Cosgrove is vice president of the Aon Corporation located on 105th floor of the South Tower just moments before the entire South Tower collapses.

Shortly after 8:46 a.m. (Eastern Standard Time) he frantically calls his wife Wendy, but keeps composed on the phone to protect her from concern.

But his wife’s instincts tell her otherwise, just by the manner in which he is speaking.

He tells her how much he loves her.

Just wanting to hear her voice, he stays calm, and warmly ends the call expressing his love and that he’ll be coming home early.

Unknown to Cosgrove at the time, at precisely 8:46 a.m., the adjacent North Tower in the World Trade Center One, was struck by the hijacked American Airlines Flight 11.

The terrorists onboard had their final flight path fly south over Manhattan, and then plunged the plane at a ferocious 440 mph into the north façade, slicing between the 93 rd and 99 th floors!

Although short on details, Kevin Cosgrove and his coworkers had heard the loud mysterious impact, and now the black billowing smoke is clouding their vision in their own adjacent South Tower.

Shortly before 9 a.m., Kevin Cosgrove frantically calls the 911 emergency operator.

COSGROVE TO EMERGENCY OPERATOR: “My wife thinks I’m all right. I called and said I was leaving the building and that I was fine . . .”

The operator hears a very loud boom on the other end, and Cos-

Both parties are unaware that at exactly 9:03 a.m., just minutes into their emergency call conversation, Cosgrove’s South Tower (World Trade Center Two) was just hit by a different hijacked plane.

Terrorists onboard United Airlines flight 175 made their approach from the southwest, over New York Harbour and then crashed between the 77th and 85th floors at a most terrifying 540 mph.

The horrific impact is just five floors below Kevin Cosgrove’s feet.

The emergency dispatcher quickly calls him back. He answers.

COSGROVE: “Hello! We’re looking in . . . we’re overlooking the Financial Center! Three of us! Two windows broken! Lady, there’s three of us in this office! We’re not ready to die, but it’s getting bad!”

911 OPERATOR: “We’re getting there.”

COSGROVE: “Doesn’t feel like it, man! I got kids! There’s smoke really bad now!”

911 OPERATOR: “Sit tight and we’ll get to you as soon as we can.”

from page 1 9/11

continued on page 3

biggest feet in da third grade. Is dat becuss I’m Norvegian?”

“No,” said Sven, “It’s because you’re NINETEEN.”

••••

This gal I used to date wasn’t the sharpest knife in the drawer.

We were sitting at on outside patio, sipping on some tea when a truck rolled by carrying loads of sod.

The pen is mightier than the sword. And considerably easier to write with.

••••

The biggest lie I tell myself is . . .”I don’t need to write that down. I’ll remember it.”

••••

NEW GENERATION

. . sell him on Ebay!”

••••

The Harvard School of Medicine did a study of why Jewish women like Chinese food so much.

The study revealed that this is due to the fact that Won Ton spelled backward is Not Now.

••••

Of course, you can’t be from Minnesota and not know a few Lena and Ole stories . . . or variations of them. But, in this day and age, it is hazardous to use any jokes about ethnic groups. Many politicians and other public figures have gotten into trouble by using ethnic jokes. It is much safer to tell a story using a lost civilization like the Hittites. You’ve read about the Hittites in the Bible. They no longer exist. So, with your permission, I would like to tell you a story about two Hittites named Ole and Sven.

Ole’s neighbor Sven had a boy, Sven Junior, who came home one day and asked, “Papa, I have da

“That’s what I’m gonna do when I win the lottery,” she said.

“What’ that?” I asked.

“Gonna send my lawn out to get mowed.”

••••

A guy brought his wife a glass of water and two aspirins.

She looked surprised and said, ‘I don’t have a headache!!”

He said, Aha!”

••••

Daughter: “ Daddy, I am coming home to get married. Take out your cheque book.

I’m in love with a boy who is far away from me. I am in Australia and he lives in the UK. We met on a dating website, became friends on Facebook, had long chats on Whatsapp, he proposed to me on Skype and now we’ve had two months of relationship through Viber. Dad, I need your blessings good wishes and a big wedding.”

Father: “Wow! Really! Then get married on Twitter, have fun on Tango, buy your kids on Amazon, and pay through Paypal. And if you get fed up with your husband.

If the world were a logical place, men would be the ones who ride horses sidesaddle.

••••

Teach a child to be polite and courteous in the home, and when he grows up, he’ll never be able to merge his car onto the freeway.

••••

Is it just me, or do buffalo wings taste like chicken?

••••

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

9/11

from page 2

COSGROVE: “I know you’ve got a lot in the building, but we’re up on the top! Smoke rises, too! Come on! I can hardly breathe now . . . can’t see! It’s really bad! It’s arid! We’re young men! We’re not ready to die!”

911 OPERATOR: “Hello?”

Much of the tape is muffled and nearly inaudible . . . except at the very end.

COSGROVE (screaming into the phone): “OH GOD PLEASE, NO! PLEASE GOD! NO!”

The call ends abruptly for the final time. At precisely 9:59 a.m. the South Tower collapses, exactly 56 minutes after being struck.

Pedestrians on the ground are running away from the Trade Center Complex as the second tower collapses, which is the South Tower that Kevin Cosgrove is in.

As people on the group are running away from the building complex, running towards the Hudson River, the huge ‘debris cloud’ engulfs them!

The tremendous impact and concussion caused by the collapsed debris hurls many pedestrians half a block in mid-air, blasting them against a fence, as the survivors later testified on voice recordings.

The resulting debris and the sheer force of the wind-blast destroyed over a dozen adjacent and nearby structures, which ultimately leads to the collapse of 7 World Trade Center at 5:21 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

Kevin Cosgrove’s remains were found in the rubble.

He is buried on 22 September 2001 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Huntington, New York.

At the National 9/11 Memorial Museum, Kevin Cosgrove is memorialised at the South Pool area, on Panel S-60, where his widowed wife, Wendy Cosgrove, a schoolteacher, has made certain her husband’s story and life was never in vain.

Per her wishes, his voice recordings will forever live, and never, ever be forgotten.

FINAL CALLS TO LOVED ONES FROM FLIGHT 93.

CeeCee Lyles, mother of four, was a flight attendant on the illfated United Airlines Flight 93 on September 11, 2001.

It was hijacked by terrorists just fifteen minutes after departing Newark, New Jersey en route to San Francisco, California.

In mid-flight, she desperately dials home, twice, on her mobile phone to speak to her husband.

Unfortunately, after completing a late night shift as a police officer, and in a deep slumber, her husband never even heard the phone ring and, thus, never received her incoming call.

This is the voice message that her husband found on his voicemail.

CEE-CEE LYLES: “Hi, baby. I’m . . . honey, you have to listen to me, very carefully. I’m on a plane that’s hijacked. I’m on the plane. I’m calling from the plane. I want to tell you that I love you. Please tell the children that I love them very much. And honey, I’m so very sorry. I don’t know what to say. There’s three guys, they’ve hijacked the plane . . . we’ve turned around and I heard there have been planes that have already flown into the World Trade Center. I hope to see your face again, baby. I love you. Bye.”

Of the four aircraft hijacked on September 11, United Airlines Flight 93 was the only one that did not reach the hijacker’s intended target.

During the passenger’s attempt to reclaim the airliner, it crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, about 65 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, and 130 miles northwest of Washington, D.C., killing all 44 people onboard, including the four hijackers.

It is now believed that these Americans onboard prevented an even worse tragedy and, therefore, saved many more lives which the terrorists targeted – but at the cost of the Americans sacrificing their own lives.

ON THE SAME UNITED FLIGHT 93 AS CEE-CEE LYLES, WAS MARK, WHOSE MOTHER IS WAITING FOR HIM IN SAN FRANCISCO.

Mark always loved to play rugby football and was even a member of the amateur San Francisco Rugby team called the Fog. His Flight 93 was overtaken by al-Qaeda operatives that, ostensibly, planned to crash it directly into the White House at the U. S. Capitol.

In mid-flight, Mark makes a final

continued on page 5

Oodles!

Looking

LIFE at MiraCosta College

September 8

1831 Mission Ave., Oceanside In The Board Room Trailer T200

A Lifelong Learning Group

Meetings will be held in person at the MiraCosta College, Oceanside Campus, at 1:00 pm in the Board Room Trailer T200 by the Police Station and by the Internet Application ZOOM.

Sept 8 1:00 India: Sustainable Growth & Improved U.S. Relations Achyuta Adhvaryu, Ph. D. Director, India Center, UCSD Learn about India’s strategic position as an emerging global powerhouse, coupled with a rich demographic dividend that offers unparalleled opportunities.

Sept 8 2:30 Dances with Word

Bill Stanek, Musical Comedian/ Richard Ledeer, UT Columnist & Authors These two verbaholic punsters present memorable musicality, rhythmic rhymes, tons of tonality, and heaps of hilarity, all with gracious grammar and alluring alliteration.

To join a Zoom meeting, LIFE must have your email address in order for you to receive the invite link. Meetings will start at 12:45 pm (you can join 15 minutes earlier) and the speaker will start at 1:00 pm.

Email: life.miracosta@gmail. com ***

Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce

“Second” Friday Breakfast

September 8 • 7am to 9am

Westin Carlsbad

September’s First Friday Breakfast will be on the Second Friday, on September 8.

Our speaker is David Berry, VP for People & Culture at MUNICIPAL Apparel, an executive coach and educator, and the author of More Human Than Otherwise: Living & Leading with Humility.

Join other local business leaders for structured networking and a valuable talk led by David Berry on the Humility paradox: The leadership superpower of our

time, the one that ignites engagement and unlocks innovation, is nothing less than deep humility. In an engaging and collaborative session, David will guide you in an exploration of this paradox through the lens of your own experience and remind us what is possible when we are dedicated to something larger than ourselves.

To register, visit https://web.carlsbad.org/atlas/events/first-fridaybreakfast-3376/register

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Grape Day Festival

September 9 • 10am to 4pm

Grape Day Park

The Grape Day Festival returns on Saturday, September 9th, 2023 from 10 am 4 pm. The festival will once again be in Grape Day Park, home to the original festivals in the heart of Escondido, and next to our beautiful City Hall and the California Center for the Arts.

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Escondido Public Library Events

239 S. Kalmia St. • Escondido

2nd Saturday Concert Dos Amigos

September 9, 2023 • 3-4pm

Turrentine Room • All Ages

Escondido locals Carlos Cornejo and Armando Villalobos have been playing together for more than 30 years. Their repertoire includes standards and folk music from across the Americas and Europe with an emphasis on “the old-time type,” the way music was played 100 years ago.

Cultural Fair Series:

Ukraine Culture & Art

September 16 • 2-4:30 pm

Turrentine Room • All Ages

Take a journey to Ukraine with live music, and experience the soul-relaxing sound of Bandura. Enjoy Ukrainian dance performances, songs, and a Ukrainian artwork exhibition, while creating your own traditional Ukrainian flower designs.

San Pasqual HS Students Cause Disturbance on NCTD Bus

The Escondido Police Department is currently looking into an incident that occurred after school hours on August 29, 2023 at a North County Transit District (NCTD) bus stop near San Pasqual High School.

On August 29, 2023, at approximately 4:20pm, students from San Pasqual High School boarded an NCTD bus near the school. Some of the students were causing a disturbance on the bus that caused the driver to shut the bus off and call his supervisor. Before being able to call the police, the individuals causing the disturbance attempted to exit the bus, but the driver stood in the doorway. An altercation between the driver and at least two female students occurred. The bus driver eventually moved, but as the female students exited the bus, the driver pushed one of the students and another altercation began. One of the female students began punching the 64-year-old driver and then knocked him to the ground. At least one other female student joined in on the fight. A male student and an off-duty security guard, who was on the bus, headed to work, moved in and pulled the female students away from the driver. The students then fled the area. The driver stated he was uninjured.

The Escondido Police Department is currenting investigating

criminal charges on three female 14-year-old San Pasqual High School students. The investigation will be forwarded to the Juvenile District Attorney’s Office for a review of charges. The Escondido Unified High School District is also aware of the incident and is working with the Escondido Police Department.

Please follow the Escondido Police Department on social media @EscondidoPolice.

To report any suspicious activities in your neighborhood, you may contact the Police Department directly, or you may make an unidentified call on our “Anonymous Tip Line” at 760-743-TIPS (8477) or via our Web site at police.escondido.org

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Three Drivers Arrested at DUI Checkpoint

While conducting a DUI checkpoint on September 2, Escondido Police arrested three drivers. Two were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, and a third was arrested for violating terms of his DUI probation. In addition, 23 drivers were cited for driving on a suspended

is walking, with a walker and an attendant, but each day he gets a little stronger as he learns to live life all over again. He is a strong man and as he has ministered to ill and wounded military as a Chaplain, and having ministered to civilians and police officers as a Chaplain for the Escondido Police Department, so now he has learned to take his own advice that he has given to those he has counseled in the past.

Man About Town

Delighted to see Pastor Richard Huls has resumed his column, “The Pastor Says . . .” in this week’s issue of The Paper.

He is still recovering from injuries sustained in the tragic fire that destroyed his home and took his beautiful wife, Marcia, but he is making great progress toward healing, both physically and emotionally. This week’s column addresses some of his thoughts about life, the end of life, pain and suffering, and endurance.

I am so proud of him! We visit him regularly and each time I visit see a marked improvement in him physically. His lungs are clear, he

We have also learned he is likely to be released from his rehab facility in a month or less. Hooray! ••••

Have you had your Shingles shot?

I strongly urge you to discuss getting this shot with your doctor.

Shingles is the most painful ailment I have ever had in my life - I would not wish it on anyone . . . except, perhaps, Vladimir Putin.

My Shingles and related pain episodes is, for the most part, behind me. Finally! However, we learned a week ago that my youngest son, Kennny, was diagnosed with Shingles! (Like Father like Son?)

license or not possessing a valid driver’s license.

The checkpoint was held at Centre City Pkwy and Decatur Way from 5:45 p.m. to 11:50 p.m. 738 motorists were contacted.

Checkpoint locations are based on a history of crashes and DUI arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

The Escondido Police Department is committed to keeping the public safe when they are traveling. The Escondido Police Department will hold another DUI/ Driver’s License checkpoint in December.

Funding for this checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Please follow the Escondido Police Department on social media @EscondidoPolice.

To report any suspicious activities in your neighborhood, you may contact the Police Department directly, or you may make an unidentified call on our “Anonymous Tip Line” at 760743-TIPS (8477) or via our Web site at police.escondido.org.

Last week he had to go to the Palomar Emergency Room because the blisters so commonly associated with Shingles had grown to enormous size and were painful.

“Kenny,” I said, “those blisters don’t look like any Shingles blisters I’ve ever seen . . . you may not have Shingles but maybe some other ailment. You need to go to the ER and get checked out.” And so he did.

Mixed signals from the ER.

It’s been my experience that ER Physicians are generally the best diagnosticians in medicine. I’ve seen it happen a number of times and I have great respect for their knowledge, opinions and advice. And so I had mixed feeling when the ER Physician told Kenny she did not think he had Shingles but, more likely, Folliculitis . . . which, roughly, amount to boils.

Mixed feelings? At first I was elated to learn that maybe, just maybe, Kenny would not have to suffer the excruciating pain I endured over a six month period . . . but, at the same time, was his new possible diagnosis likely to be as severe as Shingles? We are awaiting the lab culture from specimens taken from his blisters

9/11 Patriot Remembrance Ceremony

Please join the Valley Centre Fire Protection District for the September 11, 2001 for their Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony at Valley Center Fire Station 1, on Monday, September 11th from 8:30am to 11:30am. Fire Station 1 is located at 28734 Lilac Road in Valley Center. This will be followed by an open house with light refreshments and community fellowship.

The Valley Center community, members of Public Safety, Public Services, Education and Military Veterans are invited to participate in readingg the names of all of our fallen during the attacks on the Twin Towers in New York City, The Pentagon and Flight 93 in shanksville Pennsylvania. We wil also remember those who have died as a result of working on the debris pile searching for their lost brothers and sisters. for information please call 760-751-7600.

We Love Your Letters

To submit a letter to the editor, please email thepaper@cox.net. Please limit your letter to a maximum of 300 words and include your full name, e-mail address, town, and a valid phone number where you can be reached. Letters will be published anonymously. Letters are subject to editing. Please no hand-written letters.

to determine the nature of the infection and to confirm or deny a diagnosis of Shingles.

Bottom line? Please, please, talk to your doctor about you and your loved ones getting the Shingles shot.

End of Lecture.

••••

Dedicated and Motivated

I know and love so many people in the food/hospitality industry.

Something very common among these folk . . . an absolute dedication to their business . . . and a willingness to work long, hard hours to see that their clientele are properly served and cared for.

Several restaurateurs come to mid.

Charlie Mitich, long time owner and operator of Charlie’s in Escondido, has worked seven days a week for decades. He doesn’t need to work that long and hard - it’s just wired into his body and

9/11

a “rugby mom” who attended and cheered at all his games.

Oodles from page 3

goodbye call home to his mother, Alice Hoglan.

He felt he was going to die because he had heard the secret plans of his fellow passengers to fight the terrorist to the death.

9:35 a.m. to 9:55 a.m. (EST) Mark had heard the other passengers and crew calling their loved ones. All of them learned from their cell phones that two planes had already struck the World Trade Center Towers in New York.

They all knew, including Mark, that they were about to die in a similar fate.

Mark sees flight attendant Sandra Bradsaw boiling water to throw on the hijackers.

He overhears fellow passenger Jeremy Glick call home and tell his wife Lyz on his mobile phone that they are planning to storm the cockpit. “I have my butter knife from breakfast,” he hears him tell his wife.

He also hears first-class passenger, Tony Burnett, call home at the rear of the airplane, telling his wife that a passenger had already been stabbed earlier by the terrorists, and that the passenger just died.

Mark’s voice cracks over his mobile phone. His mother immediately knew that her son was emotionally upset when she hears his voice.

MARK: “Hi Mom. This is Mark. We’ve been taken over. There are three men that say they have a bomb.”

As he tells her everything, his mother becomes frantic and wants to know how he is and where he is, exactly, in mid-flight.

But before the plane crashes, he only has a precious few words to say to his mother:

“I love you. I love you. I love you,” he repeated three times . . . and then his phone went silent.

Mrs. Alice Hoglan’s son Mark, age 31, was forever gone.

For the reminder of her life, she never reconciled to the fact that parents are supposed to die first, not their children.

On 22 December 2020, at age 71, Mark’s mother, Alice Hoglan, passed away in her sleep just before Christmas.

She was not just a mom; she was

Mark’s surviving rugby team members said: “She is now with her son Mark in Heaven.”

“I LOVE YOU, MOMMY, GOODBYE.”

Daphne Bowers of Brooklyn, New York was full of anxiety and nearly hyper-ventilating when she showed up at Bellevue Hospital with a small framed picture of her daughter Veronique, 28.

Sobbing uncontrollably, panicstruck, and near physical collapse, she is being held up and supported by two of her closest friends.

At the hospital, Mrs. Bowers tells anyone who will listen that her daughter was wearing a white jacket and black shirt when she went to work at the World Trade Center on Tuesday 11 September 2001.

“She called me when the building was on fire!” Bowers managed to blurt out.

“She called me and said: ‘Mommy, the building is on fire, there’s smoke coming through the walls. I can’t breathe.”

“Then I heard her scream, ‘Mommy! Mommy! I’m trapped!’”

Her mother remembers: “The last thing she said was, ‘I love you, Mommy, goodbye.’”

On her family’s memorial guest book are written these words by her mother:

“I miss you so much that words can’t even explain. I always thought that this was a terrible dream and I would wake up from it and you would be walking through the door, or we all will be outside and see you turn the corner coming home from work. I pray every night that I will dream of you, so that I can just see your face and your beautiful smile once again. “When you left, you took a big part of me with you. I feel like I’m not the same person anymore.”

OUR FINAL VOICE RECORDING.

Melissa “Missy” Doi, age 32, was a graduate of Northwestern University, with dreams of becoming a ballerina. She was on the 83rd floor of Tower Two when she frantically called 911.

MELISSA: “It’s very hot, I see . . . I don’t see . . . I don’t see any air anymore!”

from page 3 9/11

continued on page 10

Law Library Services

September 21 • 10-2pm

Adult Services Business Center

Reference librarians from the San Diego Law Library will be on site to guide you to resources to better understand and research common legal issues, assist with using the new legal databases, show you free legal websites, and make referrals to legal aid organizations. Law Librarians cannot give you legal advice or perform legal research for you.

½ Price Sale in the Friends Bookshop

September 29 & 30, 2023

All items in the store 50% OFF marked price (25¢ minimum) Only cash payment accepted.

All events generously sponsored by the Friends of the Escondido Public Library ***

Escondido Woman’s Club Meeting

September 11 • 10:30am

751 N. Rose, Esondido

The Escondido Woman’s Club will hold the first meeting of their new year on Monday, September 11th, starting at 10:30am, at their Clubhouse at 751 No, Rose St. (corner of Mission Ave), Escondido. Guests are welcome!

The program will be “Laughter as Medicine.” Speaker, Stephanie Korte, will speak about the benefits of laughter and will demonstrate some techniques on how to invoke spontaneous laughter. She will also conduct an exercise for the membership to participate in, a session of Yoga Laughter.

Reservations are required, by Saturday. Please call the Clubhouse at 760.743.9178 and leave your name and phone number. Someone will return your call. Cost of lunch is $15.00/person.

singing some of your favorite Holiday Songs on September 12th. Rehearsals are at 926 2nd St, Encinitas, in the Church of Christ Bldg. All rehearsals will be on Tuesday night from 7 until 9 for the Holiday music. You are welcome to stay longer for our regular music.

The Chorus is now scheduling performances in the month of December and still has a few dates available.

The chorus warmly welcomes women and non-binary treble singers across all vocal ranges. No formal singing experience is necessary.

Further information call 619 5082480 or VistaHillsChorus@gmail. com

El Camino Quilt Guild Meeting

September 12 • 9:30am El Corazon Senior Center 3302 Senior Center Dr. Oceanside

Our September guest speaker is Linda Sullivan of ColourWerx. com, with her “Got Color? The Ultimate Color Lecture.” Workshop is Wed, Sept 13.”Two Techniques in One -Topaz!”. Open to non-members. Guest fee $10. For more information elcaminoquilters.com or email info@elcaminoquilters.com.

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3rd Annual Escondido Eats Awards

September 14 • 5pm to 7pm

The Churchill House 140 W. 3rd Ave. • Escondido

The Greater Escondido Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the 3rd annual Best of Escondido Eats Awards on Thursday, September 14th at The Churchill House.

The Escondido Eats Facebook group continues to grow with now over 16,700 members, and the Best of Awards also continues to grow with this year featuring 20 categories with more than 10,000 votes! Come celebrate all the winners and some of your favorite Escondido eateries, as they

Oodles continued on page 12

Vista Hill Chorus Rehearsals

September 12 • 7pm - 9pm

926 2nd St. • Encinitas

In the Church of Christ Bldg

The Vista Hill Chorus is opening its rehearsals to singers for Holiday performances. Come join us for a few fun months of

5th District Supervisor Jim Desmond

Disc Golf in California North County United Against Free Needles

A few weeks ago, I talked about how The County of San Diego is pursuing a harm reduction program through the California Department of Public Health, including syringe services and safer smoking supplies. This potential program involves, in part, the distribution of free needles and various other drug paraphernalia. We believe this is not a solution to homelessness and are united in North County. Below is a letter we sent the State of California rejecting this program. I want to thank Escondido Mayor Dane White, San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones, Vista Mayor John Franklin, Oceanside Deputy Mayor Ryan Keim, and Carlsbad Mayor Keith Blackburn for joining me in this fight.

We are writing to express our opposition to current and proposed needle exchange and drug paraphernalia distribution programs, including safe smoking devices, in North San Diego County. While we understand and appreciate the attempt to help our vulnerable populations, needle exchange and associated programs are detrimental to neighborhoods and communities, and we are united against the implementation of these programs in North County.

The County of San Diego has recently made it clear that it intends

to distribute thousands of needles using state-funds under the guise of a “Harm Reduction” program. The only thing these programs do is further harm our communities stricken with substance-abuse disorders. This program admits outright not all needles distributed will be collected. Needles are already commonly found in our parks, beaches, waterways, canyons, and sidewalks. Within one year, as many as 500,000 needles could be distributed in our region, without any mechanism in place to compel users into treatment. By giving out needles and drug paraphernalia, we are enabling and implicitly condoning illegal drug-use without accountability or requirement for treatment.

“Harm reduction” is an umbrella term used to describe a variety of methods aimed at helping those struggling with addiction get access to services, education, and resources. We want to help our communities by providing resources such as overdose prevention education, naloxone (an overdose- reversing drug), sexual health education, and information about available behavioral health and social support services.

Jim Desmond continued on page 14

A Word from San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones

With the biggest threat being fires in our region, knowing which supplies and materials to bring with you to protect yourself and family is essential.

The following tips are important to keep in mind in the case of any emergency:

• Remain calm

• Stay informed

• Follow all evacuation orders

• Use your family emergency preparedness plan

• Be aware of your surroundings

Have you ever seen people out there throwing colorful discs in some of our local parks? If you’re not familiar with the sport, I encourage you to take a look at Disc Golf. I am hoping to name August as “Disc Golf Month” each year in California. Here’s why:

The game is similar to golf, with a tee at the starting position and a “hole” consisting of a basket with hanging chains amid obstacles such as trees, hills or water hazards. But unlike golf, players use a disc similar but leaner than a Frisbee. Like golf, the person with the least attempts per hole wins.

Today the sport is extremely popular, with over 11,300 courses globally. Just three countries contain 85% of the world’s courses – the United States with 75 percent, Finland with 7% and Canada with 3%. 400 are located in California, including many in San Diego County. Local courses include Campo, Ramona, Santee, Valley Center, Kit Carson Park in Escondido and many more. For a more complete list, please click here

Disc golf is a great way to have some outdoor fun and to decompress from the cares of the world. You can play alone or on a team, it’s very low cost, and no club membership is necessary. By

bringing more people into public parks, disc golf has even been cited as a crime deterrent. The sport involves lots of walking, the throwing motions are excellent upper body exercise, regular participation will lead to weight loss, and for many, a better overall mood. For all these reasons, last week I introduced Assembly Concurrent Resolution 115, which recognizes the month of August 2023 as Disc Golf Month, and August 5, 2023 as California Disc Golf Day, which coincides with the National recognition. The resolution is available here.

Public health is always a big issue. Getting outside to exercise, away from ‘devices’ that keep us sitting indoors all day, can improve physical and mental health. Disc Golf is fun, and a perfect way to do just that for anyone at any age or physical fitness level.

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

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.

Problem Solved

by Christopher Elliott

I want my stolen $200 gift card back from Amazon. Can you help me?

Angela Hoo orders a $200 gift card from Amazon, but it’s stolen from her doorstep. Amazon offers a refund, but then it refunds the wrong card. How can she fix this?

Q: I ordered a $200 gift card with a Christmas greeting card from Amazon last December. When the box came to the office, the bottom of the box was opened and retaped over the original Amazon tape. I opened the box and the gift card was missing.

me she would process the refund to my Amazon credit card. But when I checked my Amazon account and my credit card, that representative refunded the wrong gift card, not the stolen one.

I complained again, and another person refunded $200 to my credit card. They refunded $200 on three different gift cards -- one of them even an electronic gift card -- but they were all the wrong ones. Now all three of those gift cards can’t be used.

An emergency can happen at any moment and the community must be safely prepared at all times.

The City of San Marcos recognizes September as National Preparedness Month and I encourage everyone to have an emergency plan and kit handy to quickly and safely respond to any emergency.

Here at the city we are proactive when it comes to emergency preparedness through trainings and exercises. It is important you prepare yourself and family at home with the helpful tips above.

For more information on emergency preparedness, visit our website at www.san-marcos.net

I called Amazon customer service immediately and reported the stolen card to a customer representative. The representative told me someone had used the gift card already. He told me Amazon will investigate this situation and that someone would contact me.

I waited 2 weeks and called Amazon again. Another representative told

I filed a dispute with my credit card company. My bank said there was nothing they could do if Amazon delivered the package to me. I have all the e-mails from Amazon. They told me they closed the Amazon account of the person who used the stolen

By Tom Morrow

Everyone should know that John Deer and Cyrus McCormick were primarily responsible for plowing the soil and harvesting food for America and eventually the world.

Today, Deere’s name lives on labeling mowers, tractors and a variety of other farm implements. McCormick’s name became International Harvester. Together, these two men were of primary importance in providing American farmers revolutionary tools that feed the “Bread Basket of the World.”

Deere, born Feb. 7, 1804, was an American blacksmith and manufacturer who founded the Deere & Company; McCormick ended up being the father of I-H. Together they became two of the world’s leading agricultural and construction equipment inventors, developers and manufacturers.

In 1837, Deere moved to Illinois where he invented, designed and

Equipment Pioneers in Harvesting the World’s ‘Bread Basket’

manufactured the first commercially successful “steel” plow. About that same time, McCormick settled in Illinois where he further developed his “reaping” machine.

Deere worked in Vermont before settling in Illinois. He found that cast-iron plows of that day were not working very well in cutting through the tough prairie soil. Deere concluded a plow made out of highly polished steel and a correctly shaped moldboard better handled the soil conditions of the vast prairie, especially its sticky clay. It allowed farmers to double and triple their crop production with relative ease.

McCormick, born five years after Deere, on Feb. 15, 1809, in Virginia, developed the mechanical reaper for harvesting grain. It relieved farmers from vast amounts of hand-labor, quadrupling their production. Like Deere, McCormick ended up being an Illinois industrialist and inventor who went on to develop a variety of harvesting tools.

In 1831, using the working model developed by his father and the research done by others, McCormick set about developing his mechanical reaper. He built, tested, and demonstrated it within a span of 18 months. Sales were slow for the first few years because of the farmer’s skepticism about mechanical

machinery. McCormick sold only a few for the first years, but he kept on improving his invention. In 1834, he received a patent for the reaper design. He had to overcome the farmers’ suspicion of mechanical equipment. As his machine’s reputation among farmers became better known, orders picked up.

In 1837, Deere developed and manufactured the first commercially successful cast-steel plow. The wrought-iron, framed plow had a polished steel blade. It was ideal for turning the tough Midwestern soil, far surpassing other plows of the day. By early 1838, Deere’s steel plow had farmers passing the word about its labor-saving success. By 1841, Deere was manufacturing 75 to 100 plows per year.

by Christopher Elliott

John Schwager has been waiting months for his travel insurance payment from Travel Insured International. What’s the holdup?

Q: Last year, my wife and I booked a cruise with Seabourn Cruises, at a cost of $12,780. I also purchased a travel insurance policy through Travel Insured International.

In November, My cardiologist found blockages in three coronary arteries. After lengthy consultations with him and other doctors, I ultimately concluded that multiple stents were the best option for me. My doctor recommended that I not travel until this was done.

Regrettably, we had to cancel our trip with Seabourn. I submitted a claim in late December.

Travel Insured International responded to my claim, asking for more information. I provided the documentation. From that point on

until mid-March, I received several messages that said, “Thank you for your patience.”

Then I received a call from Travel Insured International asking for the names of all the physicians who saw me in December. She told me, “With this information, I expect that we can clear this up tomorrow.” But months later, I still haven’t received my check. Can you help me get $12,780 back, please?

~ John Schwager, Clyde Hill, WA

A: I’m sorry to hear about your health and hope you are on your way to recovery. Travel Insured International should have processed your claim within six weeks, not six months.

Why didn’t it? We know that last December was incredibly busy for travel insurance companies. You had airline meltdowns and a record number of travelers -- and travel in-

surance claims. But I’ve reviewed your claim, as well as the messages between you and Travel Insured International, and I’m not sure if that fully explains the delay.

Travel insurance companies are typically quick to process small claims of several hundred dollars or less. But a five-figure claim like yours would have gotten some extra scrutiny. And you can see that in the back-and-forth between you and the company. They wanted information, more information, and then the names of your doctors. That level of scrutiny comes with the territory. The travel insurance company is just making sure that your doctor really had advised you to cancel your cruise.

Most travel insurance policies cover cancellation for a medical reason. It appears you had a valid reason for canceling your cruise. But your travel insurance company needed to verify it, and it sure took

The two revolutionary inventors ended up moving their respective operations to Illinois, the heart of America’s farmland.

Deere moved to Moline, Illinois, because it was a key transportation hub on the Mississippi River. By 1855, Deere had sold more than 10,000 plows. The tool became known as “The Plow that Broke the Plains.”

McCormick also moved to Illinois, but his factory was destroyed in the Chicago Fire of 1871. He quickly rebuilt with increased capacity and eventually expanded equipment sales to Europe.

its time doing so.

When an insurance company drags its feet, you need to determine the status of your claim by periodically contacting the company. I publish the names, numbers and email addresses of the Travel Insured International executives on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org.

I contacted Travel Insured International on your behalf. You also contacted the BBB, which also reached out to the company. Within a few days, Travel Insured International promised to pay you, and a week later, you had a check for $12,780.

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.

John Deere Cyrus McCormack

Pets don’t belong on planes. Here’s why you should leave yours at home.

It’s time for pets to stop flying. There, I said it: Let’s ground Fido and Fluffy for good.

There have been too many animal incidents on aircraft this summer, including the Delta Air Lines passenger who lost her dog while traveling from Santo Domingo to San Francisco last week. The airline is still searching for the pooch after it escaped from its kennel.

Leaving your pet at home while you take a vacation makes sense not only for your dog or cat but also for you. Most pets don’t handle air

travel well and many passengers are clueless about how to fly with their animal companions.

I realize this might offend the 66% of readers who own a pet, but hear me out.

It’s Been A Difficult Year For Flying Pets

We’ve crossed a line, folks. You don’t have to read all those viral stories about entitled pet owners getting kicked off flights or abandoning their dogs at the airport to know the situation is so out of control.

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Planes are torture chambers for dogs and cats. Being confined to a kennel for hours, enduring engine noise and air pressure changes, stresses out your fur babies.

Sometimes, it ends tragically. The Department of Transportation reported that domestic airlines transported 188,223 animals last year, of which seven died. That’s seven completely preventable deaths.

Passengers are also affected. Just board a flight with an allergy or try to get a little sleep on a plane with a barking dog under the seat next to you, and you’ll know what I mean.

Stuck On A Flight With A Howling Cat

But in the meantime, Dzurick’s wife found a temporary solution: She removed her hearing aid. If squeezing a cat into a small plastic box so you can have a vacation with it isn’t the textbook definition of animal cruelty, then I don’t know what is.

Travel Can Be A Nightmare For Your Pet

Experts say Dzurick’s experience is not unusual.

“Traveling with your pet seems like a dream come true,” says Sabrina Kong, a veterinarian and contributor to the site WeLoveDoodles. “But often, it’s more of a human dream -- and a pet nightmare.”

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Dave Dzurick has been there. On a recent flight from Boston to Phoenix, he and his wife had to endure a howling cat trapped in a carrying case under a passenger’s seat.

“Many people complained to the flight attendants,” says Dzurick, a retired broadcast engineer from Tucson, Ariz. “But there was little they could do.”

Dzurick says the cat should have stayed on the ground. He’s right, of course. Hissing kitties don’t belong on a commercial flight.

She says dogs and cats are creatures of habit, and travel disrupts their routines. Many pets are not fit to fly. They’re either too big, too old, or ill-tempered. Adding to the stress: Many destinations don’t welcome pets, limiting where you can take them.

Kong isn’t the only expert who recommends that animals stay home. Blythe Neer, a professional dog

Pets

continued on page 12

The Pastor Says . . .

him. I share my own recent experience of being injured in our house fire. The pain was so unbearable that I would have done anything to die.

Not everyone has the choice or means to take their own life. Many have asked me to pray that God would take them. While tempted to answer their request, I felt it best to leave it up to God.

Ultimately, that is what I had to do.

Recently, many news reports have reported high suicide rates among teenagers, veterans, military active duty, and the elderly. The question is, why?

In my own experience, as a pastor and a victim, I can share some thoughts: among many others. I officiated the funeral of a 16year-old girl, who took her life because of demoralization of her person on social media, and the funeral of an 80-year-old man who felt no one cared or loved

Life has not been easy in my recovery, my grieving over the loss of my wife, nor all of the complications related to the destruction caused by the fire. Nothing compares to the love, prayers, concerns, and gifts of charity, so many have extended. I would not have wanted to die by suicide and missed all that. Life itself is too precious. Even sorrows over the love of my wife is a gift of life.

I add to this article what challenges of ministry still are possible for me. But not for me only, but for the thousands who take their own lives and deny the life God has given them.

Pastor Huls

9/11

from page 5

911 DISPATCHER: “Okay . . .”

MELISSA: “All I see is smoke!”

911 DISPATCHER: “Okay dear, I’m so sorry, hold on for a sec, stay calm with me, stay calm, listen, listen, the call is in, I’m documenting, hold on one second please . . .”

MELISSA: “I’m going to die, aren’t I?”

911 DISPATCHER: “No! No! No! No! No! No! No . . . say your prayers, ma’am.”

MELISSA: “We’re on the floor and we can’t breathe. And it’s very, very, very hot!” (As the South Tower continued to burn, Melissa begins to plea with the operator.)

MELISSA: “Can you stay on the line with me? I feel like I’m going to die!”

911 DISPATCHER: “You gotta think positive, because you gotta help each other get off the floor!”

MELISSA: “I’m going to die!”

911 DISPATCHER: “Now look! Stay calm, stay calm . . . stay calm . . . stay with me!”

MELISSA: “Please God . . .”

The phone call abruptly ends as Tower Two collapses.

It took three years for Melissa’s

remains to be found in the rubble. Near the end of the 24½-minute phone call to the 911 emergency dispatcher, Melissa asked the operator to please setup a threeway call so she could speak to her mother one last time.

The dispatcher tells Melissa they are unable to put her mother on the phone because they do not have a three-way system capability.

As smoke began to overcome her, Melissa spells out her mother’s name and says her phone number in hopes of passing on a last message to her mom.

Later, after 911 dispatchers lost voice contact with Melissa, the dispatcher who last spoke with her, personally contacted Melissa’s mother as he had promised to do for Melissa.

Her mother was informed that her daughter managed to give a final message for her while she was still trapped alive in the stairwell.

With great emotion, and with a quivering voice that occasionally broke, the 911 dispatcher struggled through and read the message out loud to her mother, as he had promised to do.

He read the message out loud: “Tell my mother that I love her and that she’s the best Mom in the whole world!”

At the National 9/11 Memorial Museum in New York, Melissa “Miss” Doi is memorialised at the South Park Pool area, on Panel S-46.

CONCLUSION: Once again,

Pet Parade Alex

Alex is pet of the week at your Rancho Coastal Humane Society. He’s a 1-year and 4-month-old, 79-pound, male, Golden Retriever mix.

Alex was surrendered to Rancho Coastal Humane Society when his family could no longer keep him. He was adopted right away, then returned. He had too much energy for his older adopters. He loves cuddling, playing in water, and sunbathing.

The $145 adoption fee for Alex includes medical exam, neuter, up to date vaccinations, registered microchip, and a one-year license if his new home is in the jurisdiction of San Diego Humane Society. 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.

very special thanks to the National September 11 Memorial Museum in New York and also the “911 Never Forget Me Fund.” This story is dedicated to all the precious lives lost on 9/11 along with their surviving families, friends, and relatives in 2023, many of whom asked me to compose this cover story.

The Paper continues our promise to honour the request of those who perished: “If we don’t make it out alive, please never forget us.”

We must rekindle the torch of remembrance each and every year as these final 9/11 phone calls to loved one are rarely known outside of New York and this legacy is almost never reported in the mainstream media.

This is the embodiment and pledge carried forth by the official “911 Never Forget Me Fund.”

God bless America. And God bless all my fellow Americans. And may God hold all of us, forever, in the palm of His hand.

Chuckles from page 2

The footsteps a boy follows are most likely those his father thought he had covered up.

••••

Money can’t buy friends but if you have money you can rent them.

••••

Did you know that dolphins are so smart that within a couple weeks of captivity they can train humans to stand on the edge of the pool and throw them fish?

••••

I always thank my father on Veteran’s Day. He spent the 1940’s crawling thru Europe on his belly. He wasn’t in the war, he just had a horrible travel agent.

••••

If it got dark any earlier we wouldn’t have to get up at all.

••••

I find I can rise and shine . . . but not at the same time.

••••

4 out of 3 people struggle with math.

••••

To save the economy, on December 1, 2023, Congress will announce a new bill ordering the immigration department to start deporting old people (instead of illegal aliens) in order to lower the cost of Social Security and Medicare.

They said that old people are easier to catch, and will not remember how to get back home!

I had tears in my eyes when I thought of you.

... See you on the bus.

Friedrich Gomez

Pet of the Week

Meet lovely and lovable Chardonnay! This distinguished, darling dog loves to go on walks and spend time with her favorite people. She works hard to earn tasty treats and is sure to impress you with her “sit” and “shake” skills. Chardonnay has had some experience with other dogs but may be happiest in a home where she’s the only pup present. She’s sure to quickly win your heart with her gently, soulful gaze and happy soul. Chardonnay 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=865871

Chuckles continued on page 13

The Computer Factory

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

thecomputerfactory.net

Last week we divided America’s population by age groups into Fogies, Tweeners and Whippersnappers. For this week’s column we need only two age groups, POTs (people over thirty) and PUTs (people under thirty). It’s human nature to “lump” things together for the sake of simplicity and convenience. But lumping can result in unfair and even harmful mischaracterizations, especially when applied to groups of people. Caricatures by political party affiliation, racial or sex based stereotyping and negative assumptions based on an individual characteristic like hair color, body form, age or accent are examples of familiar biases we all understand. Nearly all of us unconsciously practice some form of irrational bias. It’s human nature.

Will future generations really need brains?

Making the assumption that an individual possesses some negative characteristic based solely on its statistical presence within his/her identity group is the very essence of bigotry. It is important to understand that group statistics are useful in describing group characteristics but invalid as predictors of individual attributes or behavior. So when we talk about POTs and PUTs, it is with the full realization that we are talking about group characteristics that have statistical relevance for that identity group and are not necessarily relevant to all the individuals within the identity group.

Most POTs were adults as the BBI (Broadband Internet) grew its dominance in the first decade of the 21st century.

POTs were slow to realize that the BBI had content that could make their lives easier and more efficient. Slowly at first and then gathering force, POTs flocked to the BBI in the second decade and today (2023) nearly 90% of POTs have BBI access through their phones, PCs or tablets.

Unlike the POTs, The PUTs grew up with BBI. They matured together symbiotically, each seamlessly growing and changing in response to the other. For the PUTs the Internet was a best friend, playmate and constant companion.

They never knew the world without BBI and it became an important part of who they are.

As the PUTs move into adulthood, we POTs are beginning to see that growing up “connected” has made them profoundly different in ways that we don’t fully comprehend. PUTs are comfortable in knowing that, as individuals, they have limited cognitive powers and a very limited internal knowledge base. They are empowered by the knowledge that they have access to the entirety of human knowledge through the BBI. They trust the BBI to provide answers to questions and solutions to problems. The PUTs are the first generations willing to consider the probability that their own internal knowledge base and cognitive abilities may be inferior to the AI (artificial intelligence) capabilities and knowledge base of the BBI.

What if the PUTs are correct in their assessment of the inadequacy of human’s internal cognitive power and the superiority of BBI based AI to solve our problems and move us forward? That would mean that we POTs are dinosaurs representing the last dying generations that regard human intelligence as the ultimate tool in problem solving. Have we invented the machines that render our own intelligence obsolete?

We humans take pride in the fact that we are smart enough to invent machines that rival our own intelligence but that begs the question as to who will design the next generation of AI machines. Will it be us or will it be them?

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John Van Zante’s Critter Corner

Things to Decide Before Getting a New Pet

tion event. Then they started the conversation they should have had before they left home.

After a quarter of a century working with animals, the questions I still hear most often are, “What do I need to know before I get a pet? How do I know which pet to get? Am I ready to have a pet? Is this the right time to get a pet for my kids?” They’re all basically the same question.

You don’t get “A” pet. You get “Your” pet. Start by deciding, or investigating, what kind of pet you want.

I remember a mom and dad and their three kids who were so excited as they walked into a pet adop-

Mom wanted a scruffy dog like the one she grew up with. Dad thought they were there to get a big ol’ fluffy cat like the one they had when they were newlyweds. Two of the kids wanted a puppy. Little sister cried when she heard that they might not be getting the kitten she wanted.

What should have been one of their happiest moments ever turned to fighting and tears. They left in silent anger, without a pet.

Here’s Adoption 101 for this week.

• Hold a family meeting and have “the talk” before you start looking at shelters or rescues or websites. Mom and Dad might need to start without the kids... but it needs to happen.

• Plan. A pet is a lifetime commitment, not an impulse buy.

• The responsibility for a pet belongs to the parents.

• Buying a pet from some guy with a trunk full of kittens or puppies is a bad idea. There’s a good chance you’ll get a sick pet that is going to cost you a fortune, if it survives.

• If you buy a pet online, it’s probably from a “puppy mill.” Reputable breeders don’t ship their babies cross country in a truck or trailer, knowing they might not survive.

Call us at Rancho Coastal Humane Society or another reputable shelter or rescue with your questions. Really. I mean it. We’re here to make matches, not profit.

Historically Speaking

from page 7

Later in life, Deere became active in civil and political affairs. He served as President of the National Bank of Moline, a director of the Moline Free Public Library, and was a trustee of the First Congregational Church. Deere also served as Moline’s mayor for two years.

By 1857 McCormick was turning out 23,000 reapers a year. He bought other agricultural patents and companies, expanding his empire to sell mowers, harvesters, and other farming implements around the world.

Deere died at home on May 17, 1886 at the age of 82; McCormick died May 13, 1884 at the age of 75. Together, they revolutionized world food production. Interesting to note: Deere didn’t live long enough to see what has made his name internationally known. He died before the advent of the tractor, which is today the biggest part of the Deere company’s equipment offering and what most relate to when it comes to farm equipment and home mowers.

When this writer grew up in southern Iowa, there were three primary job opportunities that paid well: the manufacture of farming quipment was at the top of the list. Going to work constructing farm implements in the Mississippi River metropolis of the “Tri Cities,” Moline and Rock Island, Illinois or Davenport, Iowa. Or the Deere plant in Waterloo, Iowa where tractors were built. Thousands of Midwestern men and women have built careers that started with John Deere and Cyrus McCormick. Those careers have equipped millions of farmers whose food production now feeds most of the world.

Oodles

from page 5

proudly claim this prestigious award. Free to attend. No host bar and food.

*** Community Yard Sale Bates Nut Farm

September 16 • 7:30-12:30

15954 Woods Valley Road Valley Center

The annual Valley Center Community Yard Sale is a don’t-miss for buyers and sellers alike. 100 sellers will be selling furniture, art, clothing, home décor, tools, electronics and many other fantastic items. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday morning in the country!

***

Pets

from page 8

trainer, says many dogs are terrified to fly in cargo and have to be sedated. And some small dogs who can fit underneath a seat are traumatized by the experience.

“If you are flying by plane and your dog has any kind of anxiety in a car or in new or crowded places, I encourage you to leave them home,” she adds. “No vacation is fun when you are having a panic attack.”

It’s No Vacation If You’re A Pet Owner, Too

The problem isn’t only pets. It’s pet owners.

Responsible pet travel requires extra work. You have to ensure you have the correct carrying case for your dog or cat. Your pet must have the required vaccinations, be wearing a collar with their name and your contact information, and be microchipped. And then there’s researching your destination to make sure your lodging is petfriendly, your mode of transportation will accommodate your pet, and the restaurants and attractions you plan to visit are OK with animals.

Unfortunately, pet owners often fail to do their homework. Even if their pets survive the flight without incident, the cat moms and dads abandon their animal companions in their hotel rooms while they go to the beach or out for dinner. That irritates their animal companion even more, setting everyone up for an unbearable return flight.

“If you want to unplug from daily responsibilities, it’s best that your dog stays home,” advises Bradley Phifer, executive director of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.

Miss Valley Center Pageant Yard Sale 2-Day Event

September 16 • 6am -3pm

September 17 • 9am-2pm

27380 Valley Center Road Valley Center

All proceeds go towards educational scholarships for the 2023 Miss & Jr. Miss Valley Center courts!

***

Carlsbad Charitable Foundation Fall Mixer

September 27 • 5:30-7:30pm

Agua Hedionda Discovery Center

150 Cannon Rd, Carlsbad

Enjoy the views at the Agua Hedionda Lagoon with some tasty tacos and a few beverages. Mingle with members, business owners, and movers and shakers as we strengthen the relationship

By the way, dropping off a dog in your hotel room isn’t just bad for your pet. It can also get you into trouble with the hotel, which has strict rules about leaving a pet alone. Or it can get you arrested, as it did for a Pennsylvania man who allegedly left a puppy in a hotel room.

OK, Some Animals Should Fly With You

No one is advocating a total ban on traveling with animals. Service dogs are essential for passengers with disabilities, and they’re trained to handle the rigors of flying. (The Department of Transportation recently tightened its rules on service animals, which all but put an end to the problem of fake therapy animals.) I might also grant a waiver for pet owners relocating overseas.

And yes, there are some pet owners who have well-behaved dogs or cats who can share a vacation with them. But it’s usually a less anxiety-inducing driving vacation, where you can make frequent stops for a bathroom break.

They are dogs like Pepper, who belong to Cheri Honnas, a veterinarian who is an advisor to Bone Voyage Dog Rescue. Before she travels with her pup, she conducts extensive research on her destination, making sure she plans enough rest stops and that their accommodations are dog-friendly. She packs a special bag for Pepper, which includes food, water bowls, regular medications, flea and tick preventives, a litter bag, leash, collar, bedding, and grooming supplies.

“So, is it a ‘yes’ to Fido and Fluffy joining the family vacation?” she asks. “That’s a decision best made considering your pet’s unique needs and personality.”

I’ll tell you what that is -- it’s a

between Carlsbad residents, businesses, and the local philanthropic community!

Wine, beer, and soft drinks will be served. We hope to see you there!

RSVP here by September 22 at:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ carlsbad-charitable-foundation-2023-fall-mixer-tickets699283755537?aff=oddtdtcreator

***

34th Annual Boys and Girls Night Out

A Night In All White Gala

October 13 • 6-10pm

The Seabird Resort

101 Mission Ave. • Oceanside

Join us for a special evening of sparkling performances and spirited conversation.

“yes” to a lot of preparation and work. It’s the kind of work few people care to do before their vacation, unfortunately.

Maybe It’s Best To Leave Your Pet At Home

I know, I know. It’s not a popular opinion. More than half of Americans (55%) say they plan to travel with their pet, according to a survey conducted by Hilton in 2022. An astonishing 58% would prefer to travel with their pet rather than a friend or family member. And a new poll this summer by transportation company KinectAir suggests that 78% of Americans would fly their animals on a private plane if they could.

But passengers like Dzurick, the retired engineer from Tucson, say enough is enough.

“I’m in that old-fashioned camp that was raised to know that dogs and cats were pets, not mini-humans or substitute children,” he told me. “I fail to understand why people think they must take them everywhere they go, anytime they go.”

He makes a good point. You might be OK with taking your fur baby on a weekend driving vacation, but please -- no planes. Pets are not people. I have never heard a dog or cat ask to fly, and I’m betting neither have you. In fact, if your dog could talk, he’d probably ask to stay home.

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.

Be the One, support Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside’s mission to provide all members the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.

Dinner, Dancing & Live Auction. 6:00pm Cocktail Hour, 7:30pm Dinner. All White Attire Requested.

Whether your outfit will sparkle, sway or make a statement, we’re excited to see your semi-formal or cocktail attire at our elegant “A Night in All White” gala.

***

Chess at Park Avenue Community Center Wednesdays from noon to 3pm Home of Escondido Senior Center 210 Park Avenue, Escondido

Man About Town

from page 4

soul. Something he wants to do, has to do, is self-compelled to do. His daughter and son-in-law, Suzie and Bill Meleka, have that same compulsion . . . they work seven days a week and always with a welcoming smile.

Ray Alto, owner of La Tapatia and long time hospitality industry leader, has the same drive and work ethic.

I count myself as part of this breed as well. I typically work seven days a week, sometimes long hours spent each day. If you love what you do, however, it’s not work. I totally enjoy what I do and I think I’m pretty good at it . . . but I’m starting to think about retirement.

I just don’t know what I’ll do if and when I retire. I, like all the others, are not the type to sit around in a rocking chair. I need to stay busy to be happy.

In the coming weeks we’ll point out other area business folk who are driven to ensure you are a happy client. There are lots of great business people in North County!

Chuckles

from page 10

An Indian walks into a cafe with a shotgun in one hand and pulling a male buffalo with the other. He says to the waiter:

“Want coffee.”

The waiter says, “Sure Chief. Coming right up.”

He gets the Indian a tall mug of coffee.....

The Indian drinks the coffee down in one gulp, turns and blasts the buffalo with the shotgun, causing parts of the animal to splatter everywhere and then just walks out.

The next morning the Indian returns.

He has his shotgun in one hand, pulling another male buffalo with the other.

He walks up to the counter and

HELP WANTED

says to the waiter, Want coffee.

The waiter says,”Whoa, Tonto! We’re still cleaning up your mess from yesterday. What was all that about, anyway?”

The Indian smiles and proudly says,

“Training for position in United States Congress. Come in, drink coffee, shoot the bull, leave mess for others to clean up, Disappear for rest of day.”

••••

ZEN TEACHINGS

1. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me for the path is narrow. In fact, just piss off and leave me alone.

2. No one is listening until you pass wind.

3. Always remember you’re unique. Just like everyone else.

4. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.

5. If you think nobody cares whether you’re alive or dead, try missing a couple of mortgage payments.

6. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you’re a mile away and you have their shoes.

7. If at first you don’t succeed, skydiving is not for you.

8. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.

9. If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably well worth it.

10. If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.

11. Some days you are the dog, some days you are the tree.

12. Good judgment comes from bad experience ... And most of that comes from bad judgment.

13. A closed mouth gathers no foot.

14. There are two excellent theories for arguing with women. Neither one works.

15. Generally speaking, you aren’t learning much when your lips are moving.

16. Experience is something you don’t get until just after you need it.

17. We are born naked, wet and hungry, and get slapped on our arse - then things just keep getting worse.

18. Never under any circumstances take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

Make up your own 19th.

••••

I pointed to two old drunks across the bar from us and told my friend, “That’ll be us in ten years.”

He turned to me and said, “That’s a mirror, you dumb jerk.”

••••

Minnesota FARM KID in the Marines (CAMP PENDLETON MARINE CORPS RECRUIT TRAINING)

Dear Ma and Pa,

I am well. Hope you are. Tell Brother Walt and Brother Elmer the Marine Corps beats working for old man Minch by a mile. Tell them to join up quick before all of the places are filled.

I was restless at first because you get to stay in bed till nearly 6 a.m. But I am getting so I like to sleep late. Tell Walt and Elmer all you do before breakfast is smooth your cot, and shine some things. No hogs to slop, feed to itch, mash to mix, wood to split, fire to lay. Practically nothing.

Men got to shave but it is not so bad, there’s warm water.

Breakfast is strong on trimmings like fruit juice, cereal, eggs, bacon, etc., but kind of weak on chops, potatoes, ham, steak, fried eggplant, pie and other regular food, but tell Walt and Elmer you can always sit by the two city boys that live on coffee. Their food, plus yours, holds you until noon when you get fed again. It’s no wonder these city boys can’t walk much.

We go on ‘route marches,’ which the platoon sergeant says are long walks to harden us. If he thinks so, it’s not my place to tell him different. A ‘route march’ is about as far as to our mailbox at home. Then the city guys get sore feet and we all ride back in trucks.

The sergeant is like a school teacher. He nags a lot. The Captain is like the school board. Majors and colonels just ride around and frown. They don’t bother you none.

This next will kill Walt and Elmer with laughing. I keep getting medals for shooting. I don’t know why. The bulls-eye is near as big as a chipmunk head and don’t move, and it ain’t shooting at you like the Higgett boys at home. All you got to do is lie there all comfortable and hit it. You don’t even load your own cartridges. They come in boxes. Then we have what they call hand-to-hand combat training. You get to wrestle with them city boys. I have to be real careful though, they break real easy. It ain’t like fighting with that ole bull at home. I’m about the best they got in this except for that Tug Jordan from over in Silver Lake. I only beat him once. He joined up the same time as me, but I’m only 5’6” and 130 pounds and he’s 6’8” and near 300 pounds dry.

Be sure to tell Walt and Elmer to hurry and join before other fellers get onto this setup and come stampeding in.

Your loving daughter, Alice

Coins & Loans

Problem Solved

from page 6

gift card, but they will not refund the $200. Please, can you help me get my stolen $200 gift card back?

~ Angela Hoo, Foster City, CA

A: As a rule, gift cards are like cash, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. But if Amazon promised to refund your $200, it should keep its promise. And after all you’ve been through, I’d say you definitely deserve something for your trouble.

As best I can tell, Amazon tried to help you, but it’s difficult to know where things went wrong without a paper trail. Most of the communication with Amazon happened by phone, so there’s no written record. I would always opt for the online chat option with Amazon and save the conversation for later, in case something happens.

Before I get to the resolution, I hope that after this experience, you’ll never order another physical gift card again. Once someone takes a plastic card, it’s as good as gone. The electronic version is safer.

If I had to be completely honest, though, I’d advise you to avoid all gift cards if possible. A majority of scams I hear about these days involve a gift card. They are better for the business than they are for you.

But if you’ve already bought a gift card and are having a problem, you can always escalate your customer service problem to one of the Amazon customer service executives I list on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org. And again, I would strongly advise creating a paper trail rather than making calls.

I’m scratching my head over why Amazon tried to refund everything but your stolen gift card. That must have been some misunderstanding!

I can’t recall the last time Amazon refunded a lost gift card. But if a representative promised you a refund, it should deliver on that promise. I contacted Amazon on your behalf, and it refunded the correct $200 gift card.

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.

However, using tax-payer funds to give out needles, pipes, and other drug paraphernalia, is not the compassionate nor the responsible thing to do. Efforts should come with requirements of treatment and accountability, supporting people suffering from addiction with the resources to break their addiction and tackle root causes of substance-abuse. These members of our community need substanceabuse treatment and rehabilitation. Tax-payer dollars would be far better spent on treatment, outreach, and prevention.

We ask for all partners, County, State, and our valuable non-profits, to refrain from funding or providing needle exchange services in our cities and communities. Instead, we ask for your help in addressing the root causes of substance-abuse, by providing prevention resources, education, and treatment programs to encourage healthy change. We insist on providing a hand up, not handouts that perpetuate illegal drug use. Together, we can help put people on a path to recovery and help end of the cycle of abuse.

Oodles

from page 12

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. ***

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. ***

Encinitas Chamber of Commerce Oktoberfest

September 24 • 10am to 6pm

Mountain Vista Drive off El Camino Real between Wandering Rd & Rambling Rd

The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce has announced that its 27th annual Oktoberfest will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 24, 2023. This free family-oriented and pet-friendly regional festival and artisan faire is open to the public and celebrates German roots and culture. Live entertainment including Bavarian music and dance troupes, German food, international refreshments, two beer gardens and a diverse selection of local artisan products will be featured. A ceremonial parade is slated for noon. More than 15,000 guests are expected to attend this premier Oktoberfest in North San Diego County spanning 1/3 of a mile along Mountain Vista Drive off El Camino Real between Wandering Road and Rambling Road.

As lively oompah music plays in the background, festival goers will be transported to Munich as steins of golden frothy beers flow freely and the aroma of sizzling sausages, crispy schnitzel and warm pretzels waft through the air. Highlights this year include a family fun zone, new street performers, games, prizes and an artisan craft fair featuring more than 200 local vendors and Encinitas businesses.

The food and refreshment tents will serve authentic German beer and food from Tarantino’s Gourmet Sausage and Taste of Poland. The Local Craft Beer Garden celebrates San Diego’s thriving craft beer scene and features local breweries Duck Foot Brewing, Burgeon Beer Company, G’s Hard Ginger Beer, hard cider from Bivouac Ciderworks and Eppig Brewing, who is also the beer stein sponsor. The Family Tent will exclusively serve beer from sponsor Modern Times Beer + Coffee.

Live entertainment will include

Bavarian music from the Bavarian Beer Garden Band. Dance troupes from The Gemütlichkeit Alpine Dancers and the Encinitas Ballet will perform. Bach to Rock Encinitas will DJ the music at the Craft Beer Tent. And new this year: buskers (local street musicians) will be performing live throughout the festival, showcasing their talent. Additionally, San Diego’s unique photo booth experience Van & Gram will be on hand with their 1980 VW Vanagon “Penelope Cruise” to take Oktoberfest fun photos, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The Chamber is committed to reducing its environmental impact and is excited to announce that they have partnered with the Rob Machado Foundation to provide water refill stations at this year’s Oktoberfest. A free shuttle will run to/from the Flora Vista Elementary School parking lot to the corner of Mountain Vista & Wandering Road from 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., and there will be parking for bicycles at each end of the event.

The German roots of Encinitas go back to the northeastern colony of Olivenhain, which was founded by German farmers in 1884. The Encinitas Oktoberfest coincides with Germany’s start of Oktoberfest in mid-September. Visit https://www.encinitasoktoberfest. com/ for information.

***

COMMUNITY PET PANTRY

Through the Community Pet Pantry, anyone can visit our campuses to pick up a bag of dog or cat food, and other supplies, as available.

No appointment is needed for this service. Hours are Tuesday-Sunday from 10am to 6pm.

El Cajon 373 N. Marshall Ave.

Escondido 3500 Burnet Drive

Oceanside 572 Airport Road San Diego 5480 Gaines Street

Jim Desmond from page 6