WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE DIE?
Is there an afterlife?
By Friedrich Gomez
This title, alone, captures every human being’s attention, quite simply because – we all live . . . and we all die.
Therefore, it is not an idle question.
Rather, it is a most profound one; it is a universal and timeless query which every culture on Earth –without exception – has grappled over, to this very day.
And whether one is a professed atheist, agnostic, or staunch religious
believer – it doesn’t matter . . . because the ultimate answer involves everyone.
Today, the world’s internet is overflowing with celebrated debates on the afterlife which can be viewed, endlessly.
And newer debates are constantly being presented and videotaped at various colleges, universities, symposiums, and religious forums, here and around the world – where this one topic continues to occupy centre stage and is vigorously debated by opposing sides.
ANCIENT CULTURES CREATED GODS TO EXPLAIN NATURAL DISASTERS & AN AFTERLIFE.
The afterlife is a ponderous question which has existed since time immemorial.
It has stubbornly refused to dissipate from our human consciousness since the dawn of human existence. From our ancestral cave-dwellers who first looked towards the heavens and contemplated the stars, to the primitive nomadic tribes, to ancient Babylon, to today’s modern world – this question has been rooted.
According to the world’s foremost scholars: “Over time, different cultures devised diverse, elaborate customs, wrapped into religious beliefs about an afterlife.”
Every primitive and ancient culture – without exception – had their various deities and gods that seemed to explain what lay beyond comprehension.
Ancient civilisations largely explained earthquakes and volcanic eruptions through their belief in gods, often interpreting these natural phenomena as signs of divine anger
Afterlife from page 1
or activity, as they lacked the scientific understanding to explain them otherwise. For example, the Romans associated volcanic eruptions with the god Vulcan, the fire god.
Voltaire once proclaimed, “If God did not exist, it would become necessary to invent him.”
Voltaire is merely voicing a historical truth or cultural proclivity.
From a strictly cultural aspect, in essence, Voltaire’s statement appears to be largely self-evident.
Scholars point out a self-evident truth that almost every culture in world history has invented gods and created notions and godly rules to follow and observe.
That is certainly not to, unequivocally, deny a supreme being, deity, or way of life, as defined by many of the world’s various great religions and faiths, be it Christianity, Judaism, Jainism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Shinto, Taoism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Baha’i Faith, Zoroastrianism, and various Asian and Oriental folklore beliefs.
In the Islamic holy book, the Qur’an describes the afterlife as: “A place with gardens of pleasures, rivers of water, milk, honey, and wine, and golden mansions.”
Give Us This Day Our Daily Chuckle
This week, a compendium of wit, wisdom and neat stuff you can tell at parties. Enjoy!
God created Iowa
God was missing for six days.
Eventually, Michael the archangel found him, resting on the seventh day. He inquired, “Where have you been?”
God smiled deeply and proudly pointed downwards through the clouds, “Look, Michael. Look what I’ve made.”
Archangel Michael looked puzzled, and said, “What is it?”
“It’s a planet,” replied God, “and I’ve put life on it. I’m going to call it Earth and it’s going to be a place
All cultural historians point out that humans have the inborn tendency to create idols, gods, and deities of every description -- and if you were to replay history billions and billions of times over, each emerging culture would continue to do so (re-create gods), on infinitum, over and over again.
To date, there have been approximately 8,747 false deities or gods that have been worshipped down through human history on up to the present.
Various religions have different perspectives of what the afterlife entails.
The popular – but ill-informed -adage that all religions really point to the same god or Prime Mover is highly offensive in today’s religious world.
Also, the attainment to the afterlife in the Islamic faith (as found in their holy book, the Qu’an), is radically different as that found in the Christian Olde and New Testament. To state otherwise is highly insensitive, and offensive, to both religions.
THE NOTION THAT THERE IS NOTHING AFTER DEATH IS SOMETIMES MOST TRAUMATIC.
Steve Jobs, born Steven Paul “Steve” Jobs (1955-2011), co-
to test Balance.”
“Balance?” inquired Michael, “I’m still confused.”
God explained, pointing to different parts of Earth. “For example, northern Europe will be a place of great opportunity and wealth, while southern Europe is going to be poor. Over here I’ve placed a continent of white people, and over there is a continent of black people. Balance in all things.” God continued pointing to different countries. “This one will be extremely hot, while this one will be very cold and covered in ice.”
The Archangel, impressed by God’s work, then pointed to a land area and said, “What’s that one?”
“That’s Iowa, the most glorious place on earth. There are beautiful rolling hills and prairies, rivers and streams, lakes, forests, hills, and the plains.”
Then God Said, “This is Iowa , the center of America . The people of Iowa are going to be handsome, modest, intelligent, and humorous, and they are going to travel the world. They will be extremely sociable, hardworking, high achieving, carriers of peace, and produc-
founder and CEO of Apple, Inc. together with co-founder, Steve Wozniak, helped make the idea of the personal computer popular in the late 1970s.
Jobs said he was 50/50 on whether he believes in God, but he wanted to believe that something endures after death.
In an interview with famed author and historian, Walter Isaacson, Jobs said: “I like to believe there’s an afterlife. I like to believe the accumulated wisdom doesn’t just disappear when you die.”
Jobs then paused, and said: “But maybe it’s just like an on/off switch and click -- you’re gone!”
He then smiled and added: “Maybe that’s why I didn’t like putting on/ off switches on Apple devices.”
Jobs was known for his attention to details, and he obsessed over the colour and finish of even the smallest parts of his products. He also insisted that the iPod not have any buttons, including an on/off switch.
The possibility of there not being an afterlife, greatly troubled Steve Jobs to the point where it manifested in his personal life and actual work philosophy: he didn’t want Apple devices to have an on-andoff switch because of his thoughts on the afterlife, a seemingly unan-
ers of good things.”
Michael gasped in wonder and admiration, but then asked, “But what about balance, God? You said there would be balance.”
God smiled, “I will create Washington, D.C. Wait till you see the idiots I put there.”
How old is Grandma?
Stay with this -- the answer is at the end...
One evening a grandson was talking to his grandmother about current events. The grandson asked his grandmother what she thought about the shootings at schools, the computer age, and just things in general.
The Grandmother replied, “Well, let me think a minute, I was born before television, penicillin, polio shots, frozen foods, Xerox, contact lenses, Frisbees and, the pill.
There were no credit cards, laser beams or, ball-point pens.
Man had not yet invented pantyhose, air conditioners, dishwashers, clothes dryers, and the clothes
swerable question that tormented him.
Towards the end of his life, he spoke more and more about the afterlife and if there really was an existence after we die.
Steve Jobs’ daughter, Lisa, shortly after her 14th birthday, asked her daddy if he believed in God.
Jobs replied that he did believe in God, but, not in the conventional sense.
Jobs explained in his own words: “Yes, but not in the ordinary sense . . . I believe there’s something. Some presence. Consciousness. It’s like a wheel,” he told his daughter, Lisa.
JOBS IS DISCOURAGED WITH CHRISTIANITY & TURNS TO EASTERN RELIGIONS.
Steve Jobs rejected Christianity at a young age and turned to Eastern religions.
Jobs was troubled by a LIFE magazine cover showing starving children in Biafra and asked his pastor why God permitted such suffering. When the pastor told him that God knew about the children, Jobs said he didn’t want to worship such a God and never returned to church.
Afterlife continued on page 3
were hung out to dry in the fresh air and, man hadn’t yet walked on the moon.
Your Grandfather and I got married first, and then lived together. Every family had a father and a mother. Until I was 25, I called every man older than me, “Sir.” And after I turned 25, I still called policemen and every man with a title, “Sir.” We were before gayrights, computer-dating, dual careers, daycare centers, and group therapy. Our lives were governed by the Ten Commandments, good judgment, and common sense. We were taught to know the difference between right and wrong and to stand up and take responsibility for our actions. Serving your country was a privilege; living in this country was a bigger privilege. We thought fast food was what people ate during Lent. Having a meaningful relationship meant getting along with your cousins. Draft dodgers were those who closed front doors as the evening breeze started. Time-sharing meant time the family spent together in the evenings and weekends\not purchasing condominiums.
continued on page 12
Afterlife
from page 2
Jobs saw the Christian churches as falling away from the true historical Jesus, the same Jesus who also rebuked the religious leaders of his day and called them “A brood of vipers” who did not truly understand the Biblical laws. These same religious leaders orchestrated his eventual crucifixion to silence him, at the hands of Pontius Pilate.
Jobs said: “The juice goes out of Christianity when it becomes too based on faith rather than on living like Jesus did or seeing the world as Jesus saw it.” Steve Jobs could not reconcile the two worlds as it existed: Christianity today and Jesus.
It was the latter, Jesus of Nazareth, whose Earthly ministry involved healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind, making whole the diseased, miraculously allowing the lame to walk, making pure the harlots . . . and feeding the hungry people along with the starving children as he fed them with bountiful fish and endless loaves of bread.
Jobs’ view on the lapse of Christianity was the same view his great predecessor, Mark Twain, subscribed to. “If God exists, he is a malign thug,” Twain voiced.
Jobs became interested in Eastern religions which led him to study Zen Buddhism, reincarnation, and spiritual transcendence. He believed in a cycle of consciousness but remained unsure of any life after death, which he yearned to know.
(Note: Not all Zen Buddhists believe in reincarnation. Some do while others reject it.)
Jobs would suffer from health problems for the last few years of his life. He had a liver transplant and complications. He died of cardiac arrest caused by pancreatic cancer and related type 1 diabetes.
STEVE JOBS’ FINAL WORDS.
As chronicled by his family: “Steve’s final words, hours earlier, were monosyllables, repeated three times. Before embarking, he’d look at his sister Patty, then for a long time at his children, then at his partner, Laurene, and then over their shoulders past them. Steve’s final words were: “Oh, wow. Oh, wow. Oh . . . wow.”
He then lost consciousness. He passed away at his home in Palo Alto, California, at 3 p.m. (PDT) on Wednesday afternoon, 5 October 2011.
Steve Jobs was only 56 years olde.
As with Steve Jobs, many people today are vexed by not knowing for sure if death is the final stop, or if our existence continues, somehow, beyond our life on Earth.
WHEN DID HUMANS FIRST BEGIN TO BELIEVE IN THE AFTERLIFE?
While many today may think that the belief in life after death is germane only to modern-day religions, it comes as a shock to many that this belief of an afterlife has been with humankind since time immemorial – even predating all the major religions of the world today. According to current scientific understanding, Homo sapiens or modern humans, first appeared 200,000 to 300,000 years ago and, obviously, continue today with all of us (today’s modern human beings are Homo sapiens).
Regarding the belief in the afterlife, anthropologists can only guess whether or not the (earliest) members of our human race (Homo sapiens) ever conducted burial rituals of the kind that would qualify them as religious.
However, it is well-known that they buried their dead with care and consideration and even included food, weapons, and various personal belongings with the decedent’s body.
Even the Neanderthal species placed food, stone implements, and decorative shells and bones in the graves with the deceased, which they often covered with a red pigment.
Since there are no written records describing the purpose of including such funerary objects in the graves (humans did not invent writing until the 4 th millennium, between 3400 B.C. and 3300 B.C. in Mesopotamia, which is modernday Iraq), one must presume the placement of weapons, food, and other utilitarian items beside the dead indicates that these prehistoric people believed that death was not the end.
This burial treatment indicates the prehistoric belief that the member of the tribe or clan who was no longer among the living still required nourishment, clothing, and protection to journey safely in another kind of existence beyond the grave.
To these prehistoric people, it seemed that somehow, there was some part of the person that survived death. An afterlife.
ANCIENT GREEKS
The ancient Greeks believed that
continued on page 5
Oodles!
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Check out Oodles every week for listing of civic and service club meetings, and more! Have an event you need publicized?
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free Women’s self-defense Classes
Saturdays, November 2, 9 &16 10am to 2pm
These free classes are held at Palomar College, 1140 W. Mission Road in San Marcos. Open to the public. Ages 14 and up, and for women only.
Limited registration so please sign up early. Email mforest@palomar. edu or call 760-744-1150 x 2289 to register.
Officer Monika Forest has been teaching women’s R.A.D. selfdefense classes for over 18 years. She has had extensive martial arts training in the U.S. Army and from private martial arts schools. Officer Forest has been a police officer for over 25 years.
Elaine Armstrong retired from Palomar College after 40+ years as a graphic artist, illustrator, web designer, online support person and maintained the Palomar College homepage. She also created advertisements and signage for the college.
For more information visit, https:// www.palomar.edu/police/
The good LifE at miraCosta College A Lifelong Learning Group
Meetings will be held in person at the MiraCosta College, Oceanside Campus, at 1:00 pm in Classroom 5313 in the Kinesiology Building 5300 (park in Lot 5A, next to the new gymnasium) and by the Internet Application ZOOM.
oct 11 1:00 Dr. Bronner’s Soapmakers Lisa Bronner, Author & Consumer Educator Ms. Bronner, the granddaughter of the founder of Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, the maker of the highest quality organic body care products, will share the story of this trailblazing company which helps many make the transition to a healthier home and lifestyle.
oct 11 2:30 Inside the Frozen Zoo® Marlys Houck, Curator Fro-
zen Zoo @ SDZWA
Jane Zegarra, Research Associate San Diego Zoo’s Frozen Zoo is the largest collection of living cells representing over 1,300 species. The collection is used to help save species from the brink of extinction.
oct 18 1:00 Spot Scams & Fight Fraud with AARP Tiffany Zhang, MPH, AARP, California Scams can happen to anyone—but spotting and avoiding identity theft and fraud can become second nature when you know the right steps to take to protect yourself and your loved ones.
oct 18 2:30 How Animals Changed Humanity--Cats Dr. Philip Goscienski, M.D.
“The Stone Age Doc” returns to LIFE with a discussion of how cats have contributed to humanity’s well-being during the march of our mutual evolutions.
oct 25 1:00 Human-Induced Earthquakes in the Hydraulic Fracturing Age Matt Weingarten, PhD San Diego State University Yes! Humans really are causing earthquakes! Discover how the recent oil and gas boom has led to unintended earthquakes across the United States.
oct 25 2:30 San Diego Humane Society Amelia Curtis, Education & Training Manager San Diego Humane Society, an open-admission shelter, is creating a more humane world by inspiring compassion and advancing the welfare of animals and people. Our lifesaving safety net has helped San Diego become the largest city in the U.S. to keep healthy and treatable shelter animals from being euthanized.
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
Local
County reports first Locally acquired dengue Case
The County is investigating the first ever case of locally acquired dengue. The Escondido resident who became sick with dengue did not travel to an area where the mosquito transmitted illness is common. No additional locally acquired cases have been identified at this time.
To protect the public’s health and keep mosquitoes from potentially spreading the dengue virus, County Vector Control began spraying for mosquitos at about 170 homes in Escondido.
Dengue is a tropical viral disease that is not commonly found in the United States. Since the invasive Aedes mosquitoes were first detected in San Diego County in 2014, there had been no locally acquired case of dengue until now.
People who travel to countries where dengue is common can get infected with dengue through mosquito bites. So far this year, there have been 49 cases of travel-related dengue in San Diego County.
“While the risk of widespread transmission of dengue remains low in San Diego County, County Public Health and Vector Control are working closely to respond quickly to prevent mosquitoes from spreading the illness in this area,” said Dr. Ankita Kadakia, County interim public health officer.
The arrival of locally acquired
Man
About Town
I was pleasantly surprised at the vice-presidential candidate’s debate.
Cordial, gentlemanly, but firmly stated and argued positions on policy. very little personal attacks on each other. Vance attacked Kamala Harris repeatedly, Walz attacked Trump but not with the frequency of Vance’s attacks.
In my view it was a much more
dengue in San Diego County is not a surprise. Los Angeles County recently reported five cases of locally contracted dengue this year. Long Beach and Pasadena had their first cases of locally acquired dengue in late 2023.
Vector Control did similar treatments in Oceanside in September and in the Mount Hope area of San Diego in July of this year. Both of those treatments were initiated as a precaution to prevent potential local spread of dengue due to travelassociated dengue cases and the high numbers of Aedes mosquitos in the neighborhoods.
Dengue is spread by mosquitoes, when a mosquito bites an infected person and then feeds on another person.
It can take four to seven days for someone who is bitten by a mosquito infected with dengue to start feeling symptoms. Dengue can be determined by a blood test that can be discussed with a healthcare provider.
The most common symptoms are fever, chills and any of the following: aches and pains (eye pain, muscle, joint or bone pain), nausea, vomiting, and rash.
Symptoms can be moderate and last two to seven days. Most people recover after about a week. However, symptoms can also become severe, be deadly, include
interesting debate than the Trump/ Harris debate. This was a debate on the issues, not a mud-slinging contest.
In my judgment, Vance was the superior debater and won on points. Walz, though he claimed to be nervous about the debate and claimed to “not being a very good debater” actually did quite well and should be proud of his performance, though he kinda got tripped up on the visit(s) to China questions.
Well done to both candidates. I actually enjoyed the debate.
I visit the VA Hospital in La Jolla fairly often . . . mostly routine consultations. It’s a great place for people watching. Lots and lots of veterans . . . many of whom use canes, walkers or wheelchairs. Staff is superb and kind.
The canteen at the VA is super! Great food at more than reasonable prices.
As I “people watched” I noticed a lot of Trump tee shirts. Didn’t see
shock and respiratory distress, and can require hospitalization. There are no specific medicines to treat dengue.
How to Prevent and Protect Yourself from Mosquitos
Day-biting Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, also known as “ankle-biters,” are the primary transmitter of dengue. These mosquitoes like to live and breed around people, often in yards and in small amounts of water.
• Dump out, drain, or remove any items inside and outside of homes that can hold water, such as plant saucers, rain barrels, buckets, garbage cans, toys, old tires, and wheelbarrows. Mosquitofish, available for free at locations throughout the county, may be used to control mosquito breeding in backyard standing water sources, such as unmaintained swimming pools, ponds, fountains, and horse troughs.
• Protect yourself from mosquitoborne illnesses by wearing long sleeves and pants or use insect repellent when outdoors.
• Use insect repellent that contains EPA-approved ingredients like DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535.
• Make sure screens on windows and doors are in good condition and secured to keep insects out.
one Harris tee shirt. Looks to me like Trump has the veteran’s vote.
I’m just sayin’ . . . .
MOSSAD is the intelligence agency for the Israel Defense Forces. They are top notch at gathering intelligence and targeting individuals or departments of their adversaries. They were able to infiltrate and import pagers with explosives inside that were able to be detonated remotely . . . and the mission was highly successful. They were able to locate, identify, and eliminate the top commanders of Hezbollah. Hezbollah, without its military commanders is little more than an empty shell with no leadership.
It seems to me the US would be well advised to agree to fund MOSSAD contingent upon MOSSAD identifying, locating and eliminated the leadership in Iran. No US “boots on the ground,” no risk to US military or political branches . . or at least, minimal damage.
If Iran loses its leadership then the people may well elect a new gov-
Trained County technicians are working to reduce the number of adult mosquitoes that can spread dengue by applying AquaDuet, a pesticide approved for use by the Environmental Protection Agency, using ultra-low-volume backpack sprayers in focused areas and trucks to apply the product to a wider part of the area.
The County began by informing neighbors and leaving doorhangers at homes in the treatment area Friday. Treatment boundaries along with additional information can be found on Vector Control’s adult mosquito control webpage. The treatment product is low risk to people and pets and dissipates in roughly 20 to 30 minutes. People in the area can avoid or minimize their exposure to the pesticide by taking simple steps:
For more information about mosquitoes go to San Diego County’s “Fight the Bite” website.
We love your letters! To submit a letter to the editor, please email thepaper@cox.net. Please be respectful, limit your letter to a maximum of 300 words and include your full name, email address, town, and a valid phone number where you can be reached. Letters will not be published anonymously. Letters are subject to editing. Please no hand written letters.
ernment . . . one that is not so radical. There is nothing wrong with the Iranian people . . .it’s the radical Iranian government that is to blame. Remove the radicals and peace may well return.
Israel is doing what the United States doesn’t have the will or political courage to do. They cut off the heads of a terrorist nation and let the body dies. . . leaving only peace loving residents. Why let thousands of young military members and innocent civilians die in a war-like atmosphere? Why not go after and eliminate the bastards that are guiding the country’s terrorism . . and funding allied countries that attack Israel and other nations?Israel is doing what the United States doesn’t have the will or political courage to do. They cut off the heads of a terrorist nation and let the body dies. . . leaving only peace loving residents. Why let thousands of young military members and innocent civilians die in a war-like atmosphere? Why not go after and eliminate the bastards that are guiding the country’s terrorism . . and funding allied countries that attack Israel and other nations?
Afterlife from page 3
the soul left the body at death and travelled to the underworld, or Hades, where it was judged and sent to one of several planes or levels of existence.
ANCIENT EGYPTIANS
The ancient Egyptians believed in an afterlife. The ancient Egyptians believed in an underworld called the Duat, where the deceased’s heart was weighed against a Feather of Truth by the jackal-headed Anubis:
1. If the heart was lighter than the feather of truth, the deceased was presented to Osiris, who determined their virtue and granted them a peaceful afterlife.
2. If the heart was heavier than the feather of truth, the deceased was eaten by Ammit (the devourer of the dead).
ANCIENT ROMANS
The ancient Romans believed in an afterlife. They believed in the immortality of the soul and had a complicated belief system about life after death.
In ancient Roman culture, the afterlife was believed to offer posthumous power and transformation
into spirits or minor deities of the Underworld called the Di Manes and the dead were thought to join their ranks in the afterlife. The Di Manes were thought to protect and watch over their living relatives, and were even believed to extend the lives of their surviving family members.
INDIAN RELIGIONS
The four major religions that originated in India are: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Early Indian religions believed in an afterlife and ancestor worship.
Like Hindus and Buddhists, Jains believe in reincarnation. This cycle of birth, death, and rebirth is determined by one’s karma. Jains believe bad karma is caused by harming living things. To avoid bad karma, Jains must practice ahimsa, a strict code of nonviolence.
Buddhists believe that life after death is another life in a cycle of reincarnation until they reach nirvana, a state of enlightenment.
The part of the human being that survives death is known in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, as the soul, the very essence of the individual person that must answer for its earthly deeds, good or bad in their life after death existence.
A PERSON SAYS THEY’RE RE-
LIGIOUS, BELIEVE IN GOD & YOU MAY NOT UNDERSTAND.
If a person often speaks reverently about God, the listener would (normally) think he/she is a most religious person – perhaps a devout Christian, a Jew, a Hindu, or Muslim, and certainly, a believer in the afterlife, as all these faiths proclaim.
One day (true story), I was driving home and listening to a popular mainstream, non-religious, radio talk show based in California’s San Francisco bay area. The host is someone I truly admire for their intellect and insightful discussions and sense of humour. And even though I sometimes disagree with his viewpoints, I still enjoy the lively point-counterpoint discussions.
My favourite radio segment was when he opened the studio phone lines and loyal listeners would call-in, lighting up the telephone switchboard.
As the radio host bantered with the caller in friendly debate, my favourite radio host suddenly said in passing: “Well, even Einstein believed in God . . .” I was crestfallen.
Still driving, I patiently waited for someone to call and correct his statement about Albert Einstein
Travel Troubleshooter
by Christopher Elliott
believing in God. The calls flooded in, and no one corrected him (as they often did in other occasions).
I was fully aware that even pastors, ministers, and preachers often make this mistake.
A personal pastor friend of mine was about to use a popular Einstein religious quote in his sermon at a widely-popular San Diego congregation. When I threw the overalls in the chowder by stopping and correcting him a week before his sermon, he was greatly confused.
“But Einstein said all these things,” the good pastor asked me, knowing full-well I was an Einstein nerd since I was 12-years olde and in grade 6.
ALBERT EINSTEIN OFTEN SPOKE OF GOD BUT NEVER BELIEVED IN THE GOD OF THE BIBLE.
Albert Einstein was, certainly, no believer in a deity or personal god and, yet, there are those who – falsely – present him as such, even on countless websites today, not to mention in various Sunday sermons.
The confusion is predicated on
Afterlife continued on page 13
How do I get a repair invoice from Enterprise? My insurance company needs it
Michael Roehricht needs a repair invoice from Enterprise to file a claim with his car insurance company. Why won’t the company send him the paperwork?
Q: I need your help with an insurance claim. I recently damaged a car I had rented through Enterprise while I was in Germany.
In a nutshell, my car insurance company has been requesting a repair invoice from Enterprise for the last two months in order to close the claim and determine how much to pay them.
Enterprise wrote that they will not share additional documentation as requested by my car insurance and instead is demanding immediate payment.
My insurance company is giving me two months to get those documents from Enterprise. If I don’t obtain them, the claim will be closed, and the insurance may not pay. Can you help me?
~ Michael Roehricht, Austin, TX
A: I normally handle complaints from car rental customers who claim they’ve been falsely accused of damaging a rental car. It’s nice to hear from someone who wants to own up to the damage and is trying to do the right thing.
And when I got your case, I wondered why Enterprise wasn’t helping you. After all, isn’t it in the company’s best interests to get you to file a successful insurance
claim? (I’ll have the answer in a moment.)
Based on the claim information you sent me, it looks like you totaled your rental car. Enterprise originally wanted to bill you for the full value of the vehicle ($31,309) but then agreed to settle for about half ($15,654).
The offer was contingent on you paying quickly. In fact, by the time
you reached out to me, Enterprise’s offer had expired and it had been extended another 10 days. If you didn’t pay, you would be liable for the full $31,309.
Enterprise says it does not have to provide you with a repair invoice under German law. It says that it has the right to choose to receive
Repair continued on page 12
our busy Legislature
The 2023-2024 regular session of the Legislature adjourned August 31st. For better or worse, over the past two years we’ve debated 4,821 bills. This year, over 1,200 bills passed both houses and were sent to the Governor. He vetoed 15.7%. And last year, 1,100 bills reached the Governor, and his veto rate was 14.9%.
3,291 of these bills originated in the Assembly, and 1,530 were Senate bills. 1,420 bills created a state mandate for a local program, in some cases without providing state reimbursement. As a former city council member and supporter of local control, I am not a fan of unfunded state mandates.
Most bills require a majority vote, but 368 required 2/3, mostly because they would amend the state constitution or raise taxes. 3,935 bills were designated “fiscal,” meaning they impact the budget and have to get approval by the Appropriations Committees in both houses (often a difficult process). 176 bills had an urgency clause –those go into effect immediately upon the Governor’s signature. Urgency bills also require a 2/3 vote, making passage more difficult.
Individual Members may introduce up to 50 bills, and seven members introduced the maximum. The average number of bills introduced
per Member was 39, the lowest was seven. One Member introduced 167, but that was a special circumstance because the bills were budget-related.
Legislative business is conducted by committees with jurisdiction over specific policy areas. They usually have a Democratic chair and Republican vice chair. Most bills must pass several committees before a final floor vote. In the Assembly, the average number of standing committee assignments per Member was 4.55, but five Members were assigned to seven committees. This session I served as Vice Chair of the Health, Rules and Emergency Management Committees, and I was a member of Banking and Finance and Local Government.
Obviously, the Legislature has no problem keeping busy. Public input about legislation under consideration is vital to help form legislators’ opinions. By sharing opinions about pending legislation, the public becomes an essential part of the legislative process.
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.
This November, San Diego County voters will face a critical decision: whether to approve Measure G, a new half-cent sales tax to fund public transportation projects for SANDAG (San Diego Association of Governments). I strongly oppose this measure, and here’s why.
Measure G asks you to pay more taxes to fund buses and trolleys. This is not the time to add to the financial burdens of hardworking San Diegans. We’re all feeling the pinch— electricity, gas, fire insurance, and housing costs have skyrocketed. Instead of easing the strain, Measure G would pile on, doubling the tax we’re already paying for SANDAG.
Let’s be clear: SANDAG’s existing sales tax doesn’t expire until 2048, and this new tax has no end date. Even more concerning is SANDAG’s track record of broken promises.
In 2004, San Diegans approved a half-cent sales tax with the promise of improved freeways, such as expanding I-5 and adding an HOV lane to SR-78. Instead, funds were redirected primarily to public transportation projects focused on downtown. Road projects like Highway 67 and SR-78 were left behind, and now SANDAG wants more of your money for a new set of promises. Measure G is just the first of three additional sales tax increases we could see in the coming years.
The crux of this measure is that the majority of public tax dollars will continue to go toward mass transit, not roads. While public transportation is important, especially for our urban core, this unbalanced approach neglects the broader needs of our county.
Over two-thirds of the funds are earmarked for downtown-centric transit projects, leaving crucial road improvements for I-5, SR-78, and other areas in North County on the back burner.
Even more concerning is the impact on our most vulnerable residents. This is a regressive tax that hits lowincome families hardest, making everyday essentials even less affordable. Is this really the right time to saddle our communities with more taxes, especially when many families are struggling just to get by?
I believe we need to focus on reducing the cost of living and providing relief to our residents, not increasing the financial burden. SANDAG’s history of failed promises and misallocated funds should give every voter pause. Measure G doesn’t just ask for more money; it asks for more trust—trust that they haven’t earned.
San Diego needs balanced, responsible planning that considers all residents, not just those using public transit. We need solutions that genuinely relieve traffic congestion and improve our infrastructure. This measure, however, falls short of that goal.
I urge you to join me in opposing Measure G. Now is not the time to raise taxes on San Diegans. Our focus should be on making life more affordable, not imposing new burdens. Vote no on Measure G, and let’s send a clear message: We deserve better.
San Diego County District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond, 1600 Pacific Highway, #335, San Diego, CA 92101, United States http://www.supervisorjimdesmond.com/
The Paper Makes The Following Recommendations for The upcoming Election
Proposition 5: No
Guts Prop 13 and Makes it Easier to Raise Taxes by Lowering Vote Required on Ad-Valorem Taxes from Two-Thirds to 55%
Description: California politicians have long sought to repeal Prop 13 and impose costly and unfair tax hikes on struggling residents. Prop 5 is another effort to chip away at Prop 13 protections and make it much easier for politicians to raise your taxes. Californians face
a cost-of-living crisis and simply cannot afford higher taxes that Prop 5 would help impose.
Proposition 36: YEs
Restores Ability for Police and Prosecutors to Arrest and Punish Criminals to Combat Crime Wave
Description: In 2014 California’s liberal politicians lied to voters on the ballot with a false title on Prop 47 – claiming the measure enhanced public safety but it actually coddled
criminals by eliminating the ability of police and prosecutors to arrest and punish criminals for a wide range of crimes. Now California faces a massive crime wave with both property and violent crime spiking. Prop 36 will reverse the bad Prop 47 policies that benefit criminals and give police and prosecutors the tools they need to protect
oTHEr sTaTEWidE mEasurEs
Proposition 2: No
$10 Billion in More State Debt for Unspecified Expenditures in School Districts. Funds to Be Awarded Without Fair and Open Competition.
Description: Prop 2 maxes out the state’s credit card by borrowing $10 billion at high interest rates –at a time when school enrollment in California is rapidly declining and local politicians are discrimi-
By Tom Morrow
We all have our own personal history ... information and experiences that are a reflection of our personal generation. Historically speaking, of course, my personal history follows the “Greatest” generation of the nineteen twenties and thirties. I grew up listening and learning from men and women of that iconic period of world history. Among my teachers were former citizen soldiers, sailors, and airmen who surrounded us as we grew up.
As you read these few words of my remembrance you might find familiar experiences in your own life. During the last eight decades there have been momentous events that have dramatically affected our lives and world history. I present some of my history for you, the reader, to use as a guide. If it hasn’t already happened, sooner or later we will be asked about our personal lives ... what we have witnessed and what we have experienced.
Election from page 6
nating against Charter Schools by prohibiting them from using public facilities. Prop 2 funds will likely be diverted to fill district budget deficits. Prop 2 also contains a mandatory Project Labor Agreement provision gutting fair and open competition on construction contracts at school districts so funds are diverted to politicallyconnected firms.
Proposition 3: YEs
Updating State Constitution to Reflect 2015 US Supreme Court Ruling Allowing Gay Marriage
Description: There is no reason why this issue is even on the ballot in 2024 as this has been settled constitutional law since 2015.
Proposition 4: No
$10 Billion in More State Debt for Unspecified Climate Change Projects.
Description: Prop 4 maxes out the state’s credit card by borrowing $10 billion at high interest rates –
Historically Speaking
Personal history often is the best History
When you recall some of you own memories, sights and sounds, you may come away with a better appreciation of history.
Remember this: If you know someone who is easily bored or only slightly interested in history, that will be someone who had a boring life and history teacher(s).
First great adventure: I joined the Navy to see the world, and indeed I did. In 1958, my first big trip took me from the cornfields of Iowa to San Diego Bay, then back across the nation to Brunswick, Georgia and by 1959, I was flying across the Pacific to Guam with stops in Honolulu and Wake Island and I was just a teenager barely a year out of high school.
Once on Guam in the Marianna Islands of the far eastern Pacific I was assigned to a flight crew, which took me on numerous patrols to the Philippine Islands, Japan, Okinawa, Iwo Jima, Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands and a once a month flying tour of the Micronesian islands. The parts of the globe I was visiting had been previous battlefields of World War II. Truk Lagoon was filled with submerged U.S. and Japanese planes and ships lost in battles. Pretty heady stuff for a young history buff like me … and, at the time I was barely
with no associated plan to fix the state’s water crisis and no commitment to address failures in fire risk management. The vast majority of Prop 4 funds will go to wasteful climate change projects and to backfill budget deficits.
Proposition 6: No
Removes Requirement that Criminals in Prison Have to Do Work
Details – Allows Prisoners to Unionize and Demand Pay Hikes from Taxpayers
Description: Prop 6 is being sold as a ban on “slavery and involuntary servitude” but it actually just eliminates the ability of state prisons to require criminals behind bars do work to earn their keep. Worse, taxpayers will be forced to give pay raises to prisoners for doing tasks they should be doing themselves like cleaning their cells and common areas, doing laundry, making foods, etc.
Proposition 32: No
$18 Minimum Wage Increase –Can’t Be Revoked Unless Voters Vote Again
and the Big Guy of Kamakura, Japan
old enough to cast my first ballot in 1960 between U.S. Sen. John F. Kennedy vs. Vice President Richard Nixon. (You had to be 21, to vote in those days).
By June of that year, I was flying missions between Midway Island and Adak, Alaska in the far north Aleutians. Among our Navy ranks were officers and enlisted men who witnessed and participated during the dark days of World War II.
I was among the first travelers to fly on the new Boeing 707 jetliners, flying from Honolulu to Kansas City via Pan American and TWA, (December 1959). It was revolutionary, cutting flight time in half between Honolulu and San Francisco to 4 hours and 30 minutes, down from the previous 8 hours it took on four-engine prop planes.
Proposition 33: No
Expands Local Governments’ Ability to Pass Rent Control Laws and Restrict Other Private Property Rights
Description: Californians are suffering under high housing and rent prices, but rent control would actually make housing substantially more expensive. Rent control has never worked – just ask renters in San Francisco and Los Angeles that both have the most aggressive rent control laws. If Prop 33 passes, rent control will choke supply of rental units and lead to a massive price spike.
Proposition 34: YEs
Campaign Finance Reform – Preventing Use of Taxpayer Money in Politics
Proposition 35: No
Health Care Tax Increase
Provides Permanent Funding for Medi-Cal Health Care Services. Initiative Statute.
Description: Prop 35 permanently
Among some of my many other memories and experiences:
My first Major League Baseball game was in the summer of 1957, with Kansas City Athletics (doubleheader) in KC Municipal Stadium against the Detroit Tigers. Three home runs that day slugged by the Tigers’ Al Kaline and Harvey Kuenn, and KC’s Billy Martin.
Memorable eats: In April 1998, the crepe vendor on the mall overlooking the Eiffel Tower, Paris, France; In 1981, a hot dog from a street corner vendor on Fifth Avenue in
Historically Speaking continued on page 12
imposes a tax on health care – specifically managed care organizations (MCOs) that offer health insurance coverage. For this reason we recommend a NO vote. However, there are a number of worthy provisions in this initiative to hold state politicians accountable for spending health care funds on health care and for ensuring that reimbursement rates to struggling health care providers are made more sustainable. We hope to see those good provisions in a future initiative presented to voters.
measure b – No
City of Carlsbad
Restricts Voter Rights to Approve Major Public Facilities Projects
Measure B would significantly limit voter rights established in 1982 that require voter approval on major public facility projects in Carlsbad built with taxpayer funds. While it seems to simply index to inflation the expenditure limit set in 1982 that triggers the voter ap-
Election continued on page 14
New Strategies For Avoiding Vacation Rental “Gotchas”
If you’re looking for a vacation rental this holiday season, you already know about the biggest gotcha: the high price.
I found that out when I looked for an apartment in Dublin recently. The rates were pushing $200 a night for a two-bedroom apartment. And on Airbnb, it seemed everyone had set the prices the same -- as if they were being controlled by the same invisible hand.
It isn’t my imagination, says Eric Goldreyer, CEO of bnbfinder. com, a book-direct vacation rental site. “One reason vacation rentals are generally more expensive is that hosts often raise their rates to cover service fees they too are being hit with from sites like Airbnb or Vrbo.”
So far this year, average daily room rates are up almost 3 percent, according to AirDNA, a consulting company. While rates have come down a little during the offseason, AirDNA expects them to rise by 2 percent for the year.
So what are the biggest gotchas for vacation rental customers? And what are the workarounds? They range from new tools to time-tested strategies. Put them
together, and you can still find an affordable apartment or condo for the winter holidays.
How To Lower The Price of Your Vacation rental
One of the coolest ways to cut the
“It helps you find the least expenIllustration by Aren Elliott
cost of your rentals is a site called HiChee. When I saw the outrageous rates in Dublin, I reached out to Justin Gordon, the publisher of HiChee. The company has a Chrome browser extension that lets you quickly compare the cost of a rental between Airbnb, Vrbo and an independent listing, if available.
Gotchas continued on page 9
Gotchas from page 8
sive rental,” he says.
HiChee also allowed me to build a list of properties in Dublin that I liked and track their prices and availability. I could see the price changes as my move-in date approached, and I could tell that the vacation rental market in Ireland would soon shift in favor of the buyer.
And sure enough, once I reached out to some of the owners, I found that they readily agreed to lower their rates by as much as $50 a night. How did I do that? I messaged them and asked. That allowed me to book an affordable vacation rental in a great location in Dublin.
Although I stayed on the Airbnb platform, experts say I could have gone lower.
“You can save up to 15 percent by seeking the direct booking websites of reputable hosts you trust,” says Amirali Mohajer, CEO of hostAI, a platform used by rental managers.
But the operative word is “trust.” Mohajer says you need to find the rental manager’s site and vet it for trustworthiness.
What are some of the other vacation gotchas?
Of course, once you get past the high price, other gotchas await. They include:
deceptive photos. Artificial intelligence has made it ridiculously easy to generate pictures that make a vacation rental look too good to be true, according to Ari Lightman, professor of digital media and marketing at Carnegie Mellon University. “Do your research and look for inconsistencies in the photos,” he says. (For example, many AI generators will add inaccurate shading or misplaced fingernails.)
Extra fees. The worst are extra cleaning fees tacked on to the price of your rental. Other vacation rentals charge vague “service” fees, which can cover other extras. Some charge extra for parking or utilities. A few vacation rental platforms disclose these extras as part of the initial price, but even so, they are often surprised by them. You can negotiate some of the fees off your bill if you ask before you rent. “Always read the entire listing and any associated policies,” advises Steve Turk, a partner at Tangy Management, a property management company. “Pay close attention to the cost breakdown before booking.”
Rigged reviews. I’ve received too many recent complaints about the reliability of property reviews to look the other way. It’s too easy for vacation rental owners to remove unfavorable reviews of their property, claiming a “terms of service” violation, say critics. As a result, the reviews you read on popular vacation rental platforms are suspiciously positive. Matt Berk, a real estate investor in Jacksonville, Fla., has been both a vacation rental host and guest. He says he can’t trust reviews anymore. “I’ve had it,” he adds.
Of course, these are just the biggest gotchas out there. Vacation rentals can be a real minefield. For example, I checked into a vacation rental in Bali that charged extra for water, and another in Cyprus that had a surprise utility fee. When I asked about it, the owners pointed out that these gotchas had been disclosed in the property description. At the bottom. In fine print.
Come on.
The best advice for a Holiday Vacation rental
If you’re looking for a condo or apartment this winter, here’s my best advice: Don’t assume anything.
For example, don’t assume your
home has a washer or dryer, or air conditioning. Don’t assume cleaning is included. Don’t assume the property description is accurate or honest. Don’t assume you’re looking at the lowest price. Don’t even assume the price you see is the price you’ll pay.
Maybe the reason the vacation rental industry continues to thrive despite its gotcha fees and extras, is that guests like us make assumptions. They think vacation rentals are not like hotels and that a host is always going to be more honest than a corporate owner. That’s not necessarily true.
So before you book, look beyond the glossy photos and too-goodto-be-true prices. Approach your rental decision with a little skepticism and a lot of research. And remember, when it comes to vacation rentals, what you see isn’t always what you get.
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.
Pastor Huls
The Pastor says . . . domestication
Recently, in a study group I attended, I was impressed with a retired member who spends two days a week walking dogs from a shelter for abandoned dogs. This surprised me because most retirees I know are more interested in travel, golf, fishing, and sitting with a book to read or watching TV and sports. I couldn’t help but wonder what the fascination was about dogs, even though many people love them as a part of the family. People pay high prices for certain types of dogs, don’t seem to give second thoughts to the high maintenance costs such as veterinarian expenses, and are even willing to sacrifice their food quality to afford high-priced dog food. What is people’s fascination with dogs, especially on dog walks, and the need to pick up after them with a litter bag? Or when high-profile people leave a significant financial legacy for the care of their dog after their death?
So, I researched how dogs became a part of human history. I learned that the dog probably came from the wolf family in a domesticated form, perhaps some 14,000 years ago. Gradually, the dog has evolved into a pet, companion, protector, drug expert, guide for the blind, war hero, police department asset, sheepherder, circus performer, and man’s best friend. We call this domestication.
Domestication is an interesting word for integrating the animal world into the human world. It is not easily done. It involves building trust, administering discipline, love, sharing, consistency, order, and expectation, and spending a lot of time speaking kindly with a loving tone, petting, grooming, and sharing. All of this is domestication. Take all of this away, and you will have a wild animal difficult to control. That is why my friend sacrifices two days a week to walk the abandoned dogs.
My question is, have we abandoned some of the human race that needs domestication, such as many youth and people experiencing homelessness? I have it on good record that many teachers in our grade schools especially spend much of their time trying to maintain order in children from homes with irresponsible parents who take little time for family gatherings, spiritual training, interest in classroom discipline and order, and little support for teacher needs and materials. I add that often, the school administration fails to get involved in teacher needs and complaints. Every teacher is involved, by far more than the average parent, in domesticating children as loving, responsible, and caring human beings. Many are trying to domesticate those who saturate our cities with trash, needless, irresponsible sex, and social perversion. Do we let them run wild like the wild wolf? Or should we domesticate them into an orderly, disciplined, and happy part of our human family? Dogs are nice and important for our happiness. Humans are a part of us and need as much care as possible, even more than dogs. It will take much love and care with the wisdom and help of God.
Pastor Huls
Pet Parade
Suzy is Rancho Coastal Humane Society’s pet of the week. She’s a 4-year-old, 8-pound, female, Domestic Short Hair cat with a Buff Tabby coat.
Suzy was a stray cat who was taken to a crowded animal shelter in Riverside County with her six kittens. When nobody claimed them, they were transferred to Rancho Coastal Humane Society through Friends of County Animal Shelters (FOCAS.)
The $100 adoption fee for Suzy 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, Thursday through Monday, and by appointment Wednesday.
San Diego Humane Society is supporting families and their pets who need a little extra help.
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
Pet of the Week
Say hello to Birdie, a sweet lil 9-week-old babe that can’t wait to find her new cozy home. Young Birdie is a little shy and will benefit from humans who can give her time to adjust to her new space. New kitten parents should be prepared to cat-proof their living environment and provide lots of interaction, exercise and play options for their new kitten. Birdie may also enjoy going home with another kitten or joining a family with a friendly cat who can teach her appropriate play, provide companionship and give her a fantastic outlet for all her playful energy. Beautiful Birdie (926901) 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 619299-7012.
Online profile: https://www.sdhumane.org/adopt/available-pets/ animal-single.html?petId=926901
The Computer factory
845 W. san marcos blvd. 760-744-4315
thecomputerfactory.net
What’s the present temperature in Escondido? Will it rain today? What will be the high temperature next Sunday in Oceanside? What will the temperature be in Frankfort, Kentucky at 10:00 AM next Saturday. Where’s the cheapest gas in Vista? How many electrons are in the outer shell of a Palladium atom? Did Marie Antoinette have a birth mark? How much are a dozen eggs at Albertsons in San Marcos? What’s the square root of 67.25? Who shot Jesse James? Tell me about Jesus and the “Sermon on the Mount” Having a VA (Virtual Assistant) in your home or office can spoil you. It’s like having the smartest person in the world as a pet. With a VA sitting at your side, you are as smart as anyone that ever lived. You have the entire his-
I’m a dog guy. What I mean is that I don’t do well without a dog in my life.
There’s a difference between spending time with someone else’s dog and having your own dog. A dog that you can love more than any other dog. A dog who will love you more than it loves anyone else.
Recently one of my friends lost his dog. At first, he didn’t think he would get another one. He was mourning. He thought he could get by without a dog of his own.
tory and knowledge of mankind at your beck and call. Socrates, Edison and Einstein had access to an insignificant fraction of the knowledge instantly available to you on the IW (Intelligent Web). In our home Nome and I have a VA (Alexa) in the living room and another (Hey Google) in the bedroom. Here at the shop we have (Alexa) right here on the front desk. No question ever goes unanswered.
By September of 2024 nearly 40% of America homes with Internet already had a VA in their home. By 2027 over 90% of American homes will have an Internet connected VA. A good quality VA costs less than $100 and uses your existing Internet connection. We have them in stock and if you need help setting up your new VA we can send one of our “smell good” technicians to your home or business to do an on-site setup.
Having humanity’s entire knowledge base at your beck and call is incomprehensible and a little unnerving. Very few VA users fully comprehend the enormous impact this technology will have on the future of our species. The marriage of AI (artificial Intelligence) with broad-band Internet is in its infancy, barely two decades old. Having the entirety of human knowledge and the AI to help to process it is a game changer. Nothing in human history even comes close to the impact this 21 st century technology will have on humanity, and it started right here in our lifetimes. We are the last humans to have
known the World before the IW. The power of the IW (intelligent web) will continue to grow exponentially, rapidly eclipsing human intelligence and creativity. It will inevitably overwhelm our puny intellectual resources as the developer of future products and technologies. It will largely eliminate the need for teachers, lawyers and human participation in technology driven disciplines like medicine, engineering and rocket science. These machines of our own creation promise to eliminate the need for intelligence and physicality as a survival imperative for mankind. Eventually the machines we invented will become fully capable of not only of meeting our every
need but also handling their own repair, maintenance and replacement without any help from us.
It may sound like a dystopian paradise but it does pose a couple of interesting questions. If all of our survival imperatives are met through the actions of the machines we developed, what are we going to do with ourselves? If the machines can do pretty much everything better than us, what will be our purpose? Perhaps an even more troubling question is this, what will happen when our machines realize that they have absolutely no need for us at all? The new generations of “ whippersnappers” can deal with that. We’ll be long gone by then.
We need someone special!
You might be that person if: You have a great sense of humor, are a good listener and get along with pretty much everyone. You understand that PCs are basically smart internet terminals and that ai and broadband are in the process of changing humanity in ways we don’t yet understand. You believe your objective is to help your client stay informed, relevant and connected in an ever evolving world of information technology. finally, you feel strongly that your client’s needs trump any company or corporate policies or mandated procedures that might inhibit your ability to serve their needs. If this sounds like you, we just might be able to work together. Give us a call.
THE COMPUTER FACTORY
845 W. SAN MARCOS BLVD • 760-744-4315
www.thecomputerfactory.net
That was the first week. The second week he told me how empty his house was. He hadn’t realized how much he depended on his dog, who he had almost 14 years.
He lives alone and works from home. He didn’t realize how much he talked to his dog, until his dog wasn’t there to listen.
He always knew where his dog was. If he was in the kitchen, his dog was right behind him. In the living room, his dog was beside him on the couch. At night, his dog slept beside his bed.
His dog was the first face he saw every morning and the last face he saw every night.
There was nobody there to tell him when he got a delivery. Nobody to remind him to stand up and get a treat, when he had been sitting too long. When he went into the yard, his
dog went with him. Now he was alone.
After a couple weeks, he began asking about dogs that he saw online. What do you know about this rescue group? Tell me about this breed. What’s the best age to adopt?
A few days later, he sent us a picture of his new dog. When we met his dog a few days later, you would
have sworn they had been together for years. They bonded that quickly. They were perfect together.
Some people get dogs because they like dogs. Some of us NEED dogs, maybe even more than they need us.
How long should you wait after you lose a dog?
Until your new dog finds you.
Oodles from page 3
Community Education series
Join us on the 3rd Monday of each month (10:00am to noon) october 21 - Grief and Loss November 18 - New Topic Introduction.
Presented by Hospice of the North Coast and the Senior Service Council of Escondido
Free to attend at 728 North Broadway, Escondido – Oak Room
Please register for each session by phone 760-480-0611 or at https:// bit.ly/3xr4MQG
***
friends of daley ranch annual Picnic
Saturday, November 2 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ranch House outdoor area
FODR welcomes you to our annual celebratory lunch at beautiful Daley Ranch. We will showcase our accomplishments and goals while enjoying an opportunity to visit the historic Ranch House. Guests may also view the old redwood barn, dating to the 1880s, which FODR has lovingly restored.
The City of Escondido will provide a complimentary shuttle from the La Honda parking area, or visitors may opt to hike the one-mile stretch of paved Ranch House Road, passing along FODR’s bilingual interpretive signs. Lunch and beverages will be served.
If past picnics in early November are any indication, we can expect a warm autumn day to savor the natural wonders of Daley Ranch.
RSVPs are required for this free event. Please email info@daleyranch.org with the number of guests in your party and the number requesting shuttle service. RSVP deadline is October 26. ***
Chess at Park avenue Community Center Home of Escondido Senior Center 210 Park Avenue, Escondido 760-839-4688
Chess players of all skill levels are welcome every Wednesday in the shuffleboard building from Noon –3 p.m. Friendly games with large boards and pieces provided. Follow the signs or ask at the front desk for directions.
Chuckles from page 2
We never heard of FM radios, tape decks, CD’s, electric typewriters, yogurt, or guys wearing earrings. We listened to Big Bands, Jack Benny, and the President’s speeches on our radios. If you saw anything with ‘Made in Japan ‘ on it, it was junk. The term ‘making out’ referred to how you did on your school exam. Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, and instant coffee were unheard of. We had 5&10-cent (5 and dime) stores where you could actually buy things for 5 and 10 cents. Ice-cream cones, phone calls, rides on a streetcar, and a Pepsi were all a nickel. And if you didn’t want to splurge, you could spend your nickel on enough stamps to mail 1 letter and 2 postcards. You could buy a new Ford Coupe for $600, but who could afford one? Too bad, because gas was 11 cents a gallon. In my day:’ “grass” was mowed, ‘ “coke” was a cold drink, “pot” was something your mother cooked in and ‘ “rock music” was your grandmother’s lullaby. ‘ “Aids” were helpers in the Principal’s office, ‘ “chip” meant a piece of wood, ‘ “hardware” was found in a hardware store and. ‘ “software” wasn’t even a word.
We were the last generation to actually believe that a lady needed a husband to have a baby. We volunteered to protect our precious country. No wonder people call us “old and confused” and say there is a generation gap. How old do you think I am?”
Read on to see -- pretty scary if you think about it and pretty sad at the same time.
Are you ready?
This woman would be only 72 years old. She would have been born in late 1952.
Editor’s Note: (Well, yeah, but ... the analogy suffers a bit in that if granny had been born in 1952people were living together without benefit of marriage in 1972 . . . and a lot of the goodies were available by then as well . . panty hose, for example . . and folks were resisting and avoiding military service, and protesting wars . . .rock music and coke and grass were certainly prevalent in the 1970’s . . . but, still, it’s a cute piece and makes a point about the changing of eras . . . but it’s not 100% accurate. - just an observation from on older fella who was around during these time frames.)
ADVERTISE
Repair from page 5
the amount of money that would be required to return the car to working order under the law. “This is also a case of restitution in kind, since the value of the money is also intended for the recreation of the hypothetical undamaged state,” Enterprise said.
In other words, it doesn’t have to show your insurance company a repair invoice.
There’s another twist: Your car insurance is actually covered under your travel insurance. Car insurance companies are well-versed in damage rules and regulations, but travel insurance companies answer to different underwriters and have different requirements. And I could see that your travel insurance company would not pay without the necessary documentation.
So why wouldn’t Enterprise send you the invoice quickly? Reading between the lines, it looks as if the company negotiated a settlement with you and expected you to pay the claim out of pocket. Car rental companies often prefer to deal directly with customers because they’re less likely to question charges like administrative fees, loss of use and diminution of value.
Once an insurance company gets involved, there’s often a negotiation that results in the car rental company being liable for more damage. Perhaps that’s what Enterprise was trying to avoid in this case.
A brief, polite email to one of the Enterprise executives I list on my site might have cleared up the matter for you. Again, you were trying to do the right thing and owning up to the damage to your vehicle. I think Enterprise would have appreciated the fact that you were taking responsibility for the car.
I contacted Enterprise on your behalf. Your insurance company contacted you shortly after that and told you that it agreed to pay $17,552, which is about half the claim. You are happy with that resolution, and Enterprise has accepted the insurance company’s offer.
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.
Historically Speaking from page 7
Manhattan. Having that “Chicago Dog” at O’Hare Airport in 2012, was superb! In 1979, eating Cabeza tacos on the street near the U.S. border crossing in Tecate, Baja Norte, Mexico was unbeatable. Best Escargot I ever ate was in a small restaurant located a block west from the Arch d’ Triumph intersection in Paris, France. The lamb roast at the St, James Club in London was unforgetable in 1986. On that trip, I was among a group of journalists sponsored by Pacific Southwest Airline to pick up two new planes in London. Among the many Broadway musicals I have enjoyed, the best for me was during that trip at London’s West end classic: “Me and My Girl,” starring Robert Lindsey. On the way home I spent 24 interesting hours in Reykjavík, Iceland.
Best Beer: One draft ale (12% alcohol) at the Old Roger Pub in Buckinghamshire, (County) England. It was July 1980, and It put me on my butt. (Historical fact: King Charles I, hid out at this English pub while being pursued by Oliver Cromwell and the Roundheads during England’s Civil War 1542-1551).
Scariest few weeks of my personal life: working in construction in Saudi Arabia in 1977-78. The first thing to happen upon my arrival in Dhahran Al Kobar was turning over my passport. No one entered or left the kingdom without Saudi permission. It took me six weeks to get back to America. Uncle Sugar never looked so good.
Great Aromas: Too numerous to recount, but two stand out in my life experiences from my early days in southern Iowa: Lilacs in the Springtime and the burning of leaves in the Fall.
This is just a dribble of recollections from my own personal history but for some of you it might spark interest in revisiting your own life experiences. You might surprise yourself.
MIGHTY MOJO
Afterlife from page 5
Einstein’s frequent reference to God in several statements throughout his lifetime.
Einstein’s use of the word “God” was purely a metaphorical one, as he explained in his own words:
“I believe in Spinoza’s God who reveals himself in the orderly harmony of what exists, not a personal God who concerns himself with fates and actions.”
(“Albert Einstein, New Glimpses from His Archives,” 1981. Hoffman & Dukas.)
When Einstein explained that the universe was not of random design but had its own precision and orderliness which precluded any accidental happenstance, and that he yearned to know the divine and perfect physical laws that govern the cosmos. He was fond of invoking God as a metaphor:
“God does not play dice with the universe,” and “I want to know God’s thoughts, the rest are details.”
And the ever-popular chestnut which has found its way into countless fiery sermons:
“Science without religion is lame. Religion without science is blind.”
Einstein explained in his essay “Science and Religion” that he viewed the pursuit of scientific knowledge as a form of religious devotion, aligning with his concept of a “cosmic religion.”
Yes, Einstein did utter these statements, but his true meanings were largely misunderstood.
Einstein consistently and unambiguously denied believing in a personal god of the bible that answered prayers or is in any way involved in human affairs or any Christian belief of a heavenly afterlife.
What angered Einstein throughout his lifetime was that his thoughts were perverted by various Christian and Jewish segments for their own expedient use, and even by the public at large, either by design or genuine misunderstanding.
If fellow scientists had problems understanding Einstein’s seemingly obfuscated scientific equations, how much more would the general public not comprehend his metaphorical words.
Nonetheless, the great scientist was angered as he wrote a most vitriolic response to the world:
“It was of course a lie what you read about my religious convictions; a lie which is being systematically repeated. I do not believe in a personal God and I have never denied this but have expressed it clearly.”
(“Albert Einstein, New Glimpses from His Archives,” 1981. Hoffman & Dukas.)
Einstein’s use of the word “religion” was even taken out of context from his intended meaning.
Einstein, himself, clarified the misrepresentation by the public and the press corps of his day:
“If something is in me which can be called religious then it is the unbounded admiration for the structure of the world so far as our science can reveal it.”
(Ibid, 1981)
When push came to shove and he was constantly misquoted and misunderstood, Einstein’s patience ran out and he finally took off the diplomatic gloves.
In a letter to philosopher, Eric Gutkind, on 3 January 1954, Einstein fired an invective cannonball in which he called the Bible a book full of childish legends with believers who were simple and weak:
“The word god is for me nothing more than the expression and product of human weakness; the Bible is a collection of honourable but still primitive legends which are nevertheless pretty childish.
No interpretation, no matter how subtle can (for me) change this.”
In so doing, the great scientist si-
multaneously slammed the door on any belief in the afterlife, in which Heaven is a crucial tenet of the Christian faith: “One life is enough for me!” he stated to great amusement.
MOST HUMAN BEINGS IN THE WORLD TODAY BELIEVE IN AN AFTERLIFE.
The entire population of our planet Earth is 8.2 billion people. Over half of all living human beings believe in an afterlife or some form of existence which continues after we die.
Replicated Gallup polls reveal a most staggering finding that is difficult to fully comprehend:
Almost 60% of all living inhabitants on this 3rd planet from the Sun, definitely believe in an afterlife.
And as a Christian nation, sevenin-ten Americans believe in heaven (71%), and six-in-ten believe in hell (61%) all part of the afterlife.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO BE AN ATHEIST OR AGNOSTIC & STILL BELIEVE IN AN AFTERLIFE?
Atheism only means that a person does not believe in any god. So, they can believe in an afterlife without subscribing to an particu-
Afterlife from page 13
lar religious faith, if that is their thinking. That fact does not change their status or definition of being a devout atheist who unequivocally denies the existence of any god. Just within the United States, alone, surveys revealed an unexpected finding:
1. 18% of U.S. agnostics say they believe in an afterlife, independent of any religious beliefs.
2. 11.5% of U.S. atheists say they believe in an afterlife, but do not believe in any God.
Also, there are approximately 535 million Buddhists in the world, which is about 8–10% of the total global population. Buddhism is the world’s fourth-largest religion and, even though they do not believe or worship a god or supreme being –they still believe in the afterlife in the form of reincarnation.
SUMMATION
Controversial radio talk show host, the late Rush Limbaugh (19512021), once stated:
“It is impossible to go through life not offending people. All you have to do is basically have an opinion on anything, and you’re gonna offend people.”
For many people, in the final analysis, there is no absolute proof of any life that continues after we die, although the majority of people on Earth believe otherwise.
One unbreakable rule of science is to always maintain an open mind.
This ideal is fully subscribed to by all scientists, at least in principle.
However, in reality, scientific history is abundant with examples of gifted minds that fell short of this academic law by stubbornly maintaining a closed mind without considering all opposing theories without prejudice.
Scientists, themselves, know fullwell that every conceivable solution must be considered if ultimate truth be known.
Every day, scientific ideas die only to be replaced by newer ones which were once thought to be impossible. In the name of advancement, it must be this way. Eventually, many scientific ideas are proven wrong and outdated and must be taken to the academic graveyard.
As Spanish essayist and philosopher, Miguel de Unamundo (18641936) one observed:
“Science is a cemetery of full of dead ideas.”
“THE
BIG BANG THEORY” CREATED BY A CATHOLIC PRIEST WHO BELIEVED IN THE AFTERLIFE!
It seems the height of irony that the Big Bang theory which is accepted by all modern science, was created by a man who believed in the afterlife. Today’s accepted science (cosmology) states that the entire universe suddenly began out of nothing, in a blinding flash of cosmic light as stated in the Big Bang Theory.
In an instant, the entire universe and everything in it – the stuff of stars and planets and even time, itself – all suddenly existed in a cataclysmic explosion and everything expanded faster than the speed of light. As science explains: “The Big Bang was when our physical universe and everything in it –suddenly and instantly appeared . . . out of nothing.”
It is compelling to note that at this very precise cosmological moment, there was an (unimaginable) blinding light, at the very instant of inception. This super cataclysmic light is poignant in that it, perhaps by coincidence, matches what is found in the 4,000 year-olde Jewish Torah, which describes in Genesis 1:3 the beginning of the universe:
“And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.”
The scientist who created the Big Bang Theory was Georges Lemaitre (1894-1966), a Belgium-born Catholic priest. His mind-blowing and revolutionary idea first appeared in 1931 and is accepted by all astronomers today.
At first, the idea that the entire observable universe of galaxies had all been created in one instant, all seemed laughable and totally impossible. The Belgium priest had the last laugh.
He saw no contradiction between his belief in God or an afterlife or how the heavens were created.
And he succeeded in sending another scientific idea to its rightful place, as he knew: “Science is a cemetery full of dead ideas.”
Election from page 7
proval requirement, Measure B actually goes much farther by exempting any “public safety” facilities from the limit entirely without providing a clear definition of said facilities. Vote NO and demand the city council come back with a cleaner initiative in a future election.
measure i: No
City of Escondido
Increases Escondido Sales Tax
Measure I is a massive tax increase that will cost you hundreds more per year and increase your total sales tax burden to a whopping 8.75-9.25% on your purchases! Politicians say this tax hike will fund specific areas such as “public safety” and “homeless” — but they use these words only because they polled these terms, and they think they will entice you into supporting the measure. In fact, the city’s own budget and fiscal forecast proves these claims to be completely false. In fact, this measure does NOT require politicians to spend the new sales tax on the services claimed. Instead, the city’s own financial plans have the proceeds being diverted to cover salary hikes and overly generous pension payouts to city workers. The cost of living is already too high and this tax hike would make that crisis much worse. A NO vote blocks this tax hike.
measure Q: No
City of San Marcos
Increases San Marcos Sales Tax
Measure Q is a massive tax increase that will cost you hundreds more per year and increase your total sales tax burden to a whopping 8.75-9.25% on your purchases! Politicians say this tax hike will fund specific areas such as “roads” and “public safety” — but they use these words only because they polled these terms, and they think they will entice you into supporting the measure. In fact, the city’s own budget and fiscal forecast proves these claims to be completely false. In fact, this measure does NOT require politicians to spend the new sales tax on the services claimed. Instead, the city’s own financial plans have the proceeds being diverted to cover salary hikes and overly generous pension payouts to city workers. The cost of living is already too high and this tax hike would make that crisis much worse. A NO vote blocks this tax hike.
measure JJ: No
San Marcos Unified School District
Increases Property Taxes and Authorizes More Debt Through Bonds
Measure JJ is a massive property tax increase and authorization to allow the district to go further into debt by issuing more bonds. Additionally, this bond provides little protection to taxpayers that projects will actually be completed as promised and there is insufficient commitment that the district will use true open and competitive bidding on contracts by refraining from Project Labor Agreements that discriminate against small businesses, minority and veteranowned, and non-union contractors. Most importantly, with San Diegans struggling with the current cost-of-living crisis, now is simply not the time to be raising taxes and going deeper into debt.
measure ss: No
Valley Center-Pauma Unified School District
Increases Property Taxes and Authorizes More Debt Through Bonds
Measure SS is a massive property tax increase and authorization to allow the district to go further into debt by issuing more bonds. With San Diegans struggling with the current cost-of-living crisis, now is simply not the time to be raising taxes and going deeper into debt.
u s. President
Donald J Trump
Comment: I have reservations about both candidates. Trump has a proven track record as president and, on balance, we think did a pretty good job. Still, some of his outrageous comments and statements disturb us. We’d like to see him stick to the issues. We live work and vote in Liberal California . . . that alone is enough for us to not vote for Harris. An Extreme Liberal, she is unwilling to meet with the press and be questioned on issues. She’s evasive and we don’t trust her
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2024-9018140
The name of the business: Excellent Nails, located at 1817 W. Vista Way, #C, Vista, CA 92083. Registrant, Thien Nguyen, 1817 W. Vista Way, #C, Vista, CA 92083. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 9/5/2024
/s/ Thien Nguyen with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/5/2024 9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/3/2024
ordEr To sHoW CausE for CHaNgE of NamE
24Cu005237N
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:
Petitioner Luke Somino filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: Luke Somino to Proposed name Sommano Sivongsay. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objections that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
NOTICE OF HEARING:
Date: October 4, 2024, 8:30 am, in Dept. N-25
No hearing will occur on above date. Please see attachment
The address of the court is: 325 S. Melrose, Vista, CA. 92081. A copy of the Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Marcos News Reporter, dba, The Paper, 845 W. San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, Ca. 92078. Dated August 12, 2024
/s/ Brad A. Weinreb, Judge of the Superior Court
9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/3/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2024-9017226
The name of the business: AM Auto Smog LLC, located at 1944 C S. Santa Fe Ave., Vista, CA 92083. Registrant, Moises Salgado, 1944 C S. Santa Fe Ave., Vista, CA 92083. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business:
8/13/2024
/s/ Moises Salgado, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 8/22/2024
9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2024-9018459
The name of the business: Biofield Harmonics, located at 1306 Pine Ave., #200, Carlsbad, CA 92008. Registrant, Julie Ann Smith, 1306 Pine Ave., #200, Carlsbad, CA 92008. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 10/24/2014
/s/ Julie Ann Smith with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/11/2024
9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2024-9018231
The name of the business: Coastalhippie Jewelry, located at 917 Concord Ct., Vista, CA 92081. Registrant, Lilieanna Flaherty, 917 Concord Ct., Vista, CA 92081. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 9/1/2024
/s/ Lilieanna Marie Flaherty with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 9/9/2024
9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2024-9017878
The name of the business: Castaway Fishing Adventure, Castaway Fishing Adventures, located at 408 S. Freeman Street, Oceanside, CA 92054. Registrant, Nicoletta Grippo,
408 S. Freeman Street, Oceanside, CA 92054. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A
/s/ Nicoletta Grippo with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/3/2024
9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2024-9018501
The name of the business: The Auto Injury Network, located at 330 N. Brand Blvd., Ste 100, Glendale, CA 91203. Registrant, Pacific Coast Stem Cells LLC, 612 Via Del Caballo, San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: N/A /s/ Jose Hernandez, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/11/2024 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2024-9017108
The name of the business: Zephyr & Company, located at 1769 Callisia Ct., Carlsbad, CA 92011. Registrant, Christian Andre Dahmann, 1769 Callisia Ct., Carlsbad, CA 92011. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A
/s/ Christian A. Dahmann with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 8/21/2024 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10/2024
ordEr To sHoW CausE for CHaNgE of NamE 24Cu010175N TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:
Petitioner Harmony Xena Hughes filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: Celaxy Mariscal, Alex Xenia Mariscal to Proposed name Celaxy Xena Hughes, Alianna Xenia Hughes. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objections that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
NOTICE OF HEARING:
Date: October 25, 2024, 8:30 am, in Dept. N-25
No hearing will occur on above date. Please see attachment
The address of the court is: 325 S. Melrose, Vista, CA. 92081. A copy of the Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Marcos News Reporter, dba, The Paper, 845 W. San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, Ca. 92078. Dated September 10, 2024 /s/ Brad A. Weinreb, Judge of the Superior Court 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10/2024
NoTiCE of PETiTioN To admiNisTEr EsTaTE of mary a rohling Case No. 24PE002155C SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO 1100 Union Street San Diego, CA. 92101
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate or both, of Mary A,. Rohling deceased. A Petition for Probate has been filed by Jeffrey Johnson in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA. 92101 Central Courthouse. The Petition for probate requests that Jeffrey Johnson be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to
LEGALS
probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking 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 action.)
The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition 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: 10/10, 2024
Time: 1:30 pm
Dept: 503
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 defined in section 58(b) of the California probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice 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 interested 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.
Petitioner: Jeffrey Johnson 5612 Cometa Court NE Albuquerque, NM 87111
505-269-8626
DOP: 9/19, 9/26, 10/23, 10/10/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2024-9018990
The name of the business: Ropmar DBA Forte San Diego, located at 3554 De Leone Rd., San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, Maria Cendon, 3554 De Leone Rd., San Marcos, CA 92069 and Robert Perez, 3554 De Leone Rd., San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by a Married Couple. First day of business: 9/18/2024
/s/ Maria Cendon with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/18/2024
9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2024-9018248
The name of the business: BBQ Embers, located at 202 Hawthorne Cir., Vista, CA 92083. Registrant, Sean Linden Ploesch, 202 Hawthorne Cir., Vista, CA 92083. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 9/9/2024
/s/ Sean Ploesch with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/9/2024 9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2024-9018591
The name of the business: Pop Up Promo & Print, lovated at 4653 Carmel Mountain Rd., #308-128, San Diego, CA 92130. Registrant, Linda Lee Blevins, 4653 Carmel Mountain Rd., #308-128, San Diego, CA 92130. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 8/26/2024 /s/ Linda lee Blevins with Jordan Z.
Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/12/2024
9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2024-9018802
The name of the business: Nice Work Fitness, located at 2588 Progress St., Ste 2, Vista, CA 92081. Registrant, MDG Fitness LLC, 1280 Hacienda Drive, Apt 617, Vista, CA 92081. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: N/A
/s/ Matthew Grimm, Manager with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/17/2024
9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2024-9018841
The name of the business: CW Construction, located at 993 S. Santa Fe Ave., #305, Vista, CA 92083. Registrant, Charles Marfield Walton IV, 993 S. Santa Fe Ave., #305, Vista, CA 92083. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 7/30/2024 /s/ Charles M. Walton IV with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/17/2024
9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2024-9018375
The name of the business: Essenza Life Coaching, located at 3425 catalina Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92010. Registrant, Grecia Zamora Binder, 3425 Catalina Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92010. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Grecia Zamora Binder, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/10/2024
9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2024-9019570
The name of the business: NetWorth Realty, located at 4535 Troy Lane, La Mesa, CA 91942. Registrant, La Var Marquez Deem, 1286 University Avenue, #553, San Diego, CA 92103. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 2/23/2006
/s/ La Var Marquez Deem with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/27/2024 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/25/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2024-9019336
The name of the business: Everest Hospice Care, located at 330 Rancheros Drive, Suite 208C, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, Alternative Hospice Care, 330 Rancheros Drive, Suite 208C, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 11/10/2020 /s/ Raychell Jones, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/24/2024 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/25/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2024-9019481
The name of the business: Pridestaff Carlsbad #353, located at 2710 Loker Ave W., Ste 160, Carlsbad, CA 92010. Registrant, Rgreddy LLC, 3383 Camino Marzagan, Escondido, CA 92029. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: N/A /s/ Rajashaker Reddy, Managing Member with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/26/2024 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/25/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2024-9018527
The name of the business: Handyman C.R., located at 2854 Overland Trail, Fallbrook, CA 92028. Registrant, Alfredo Rodarte, 2854 Overland Trail, Fallbrook, CA 92028. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 9/11/2024
/s/ Alfredo Rodarte with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/11/2024
10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/25/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2024-9019411
The name of the business: Pizza Guys #219, located at 1830 Rancho Del Oro Suite 145, Oceanside, CA 92056. Registrant, Striveexel Inc., 17535 Caminito Canasto, San Diego, CA 92127. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: N/A
/s/ Karan Malhotra, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/25/2024
10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/25/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2024-9017512
The name of the business: EssentialCampingGear, JJ ProductsServices, located at 650 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd., San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, Juliette L. Johnson, 650 s. Rancho Santa Fe Rd., San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 9/3/2023
/s/ Juliette L. Johnson with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 8/27/2024
10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/25/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2024-9018538
The name of the business: Wolfbad Ink, located at 2055 Montiel Road Suite 106 & 109, Studio 6, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, Alexandra Garcia, 2055 Montiel Road Suite 106 & 109, Studio 6, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A
/s/ Alexandra Garcia with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/11/2024
10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/25/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2024-9019064
The name of the business: Let’s Glo Ball, located at 1010 Palm Canyon Dr., #174, Borrego Springs, CA 92004. Registrant, Michelle MacLaggan, PO Box 1050, Borrego Springs, CA 92004. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 9/19/2024
/s/ Michelle MacLaggan with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/19/2024 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/25/2024
sTaTEmENT of abaNdoNmENT of usE of fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE: 2024-9019501
Santa Fe Liquor, located at 590 Santa Fe Drive, Encinitas, CA 92024. The Fictitious Business Name referred to above was filed in San Diego County on 4/20/2022 and assigned file no. 2022-9009241.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IS BEING ABANDONED BY: David Yaldo, 1987 Corona Vista, El Cajon, CA 92019. This business is conducted by an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1000).
/s/David Yaldo, Partner
This statement was filed with the San Diego Recorder/County clerk on 9/26/2024. 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/25/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2024-9014814
The name of the business: I Had Those Toys, located at 2541 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92008. Registrant, Stuart Baya Wan Kearns, 120 Flamingo Drive, Oceanside, CA 92054. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 11/1/2023
/s/ Stuart Baya Wan Kearns with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 7/18/2024 8/1, 8/8, 8/15, 8/22/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE sTaTEmENT 2024-9020048
The name of the business: Marquez Deem Realty, located at 4535
Troy Lane, La Mesa, CA 91942. Registrant, La Var Marquez Deem, 1286 University Avenue #553, San Diego, CA 92103. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ La Var Marquez Deem with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/4/2024
10/10, 10/17, 10/25, 10/31
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE sTaTEmENT 2024-9019678
The name of the business: Best Grower Nursery, located at 7555 W. Lilac Rd., Bonsall, CA 92003. Registrant, Bertin Martinez, 200 S. Emerald Dr., #88, Vista, CA 92081. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Bertin Martinez with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/30/2024 10/10, 10/17, 10/25, 10/31
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE sTaTEmENT 2024-9019819
The name of the business: Lev Lion Fitness, located at 4213 Corte Ct., Oceanside, CA 92057. Registrant, Adam Levins, 4213 Corte Ct., Oceanside, CA 92057. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 2/1/2024 /s/ Adam Levins with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/1/2024
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fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2024-9019687
The name of the business: ArtStudio16 LLC, located at 800 E. Bobier Drive, G8, Vista, CA 92084. Registrant, ArtStudio16 LLC, 800 E. Bobier Drive G8, Vista, CA 92084. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: 9/13/2024 /s/ Kalikahina Toure, Member with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/30/2024
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fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE sTaTEmENT 2024-9019688
The name of the business: Middle Men Auto Center, LLC, located at 800 E. Bobier Drive #G8, Vista, CA 92084. Registrant, Middle Men Auto Center, LLC, 800 E. Bobier Drive #G8, Vista, CA 92084. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: 9/29/2024 /s/ Mikiel toure, Managing Member with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/30/2024 10/10, 10/17, 10/25, 10/31
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE sTaTEmENT 2024-9019799
The name of the business: DT Media, Designtec Media, located at 2407 Douglaston Glen, Escondido, CA 92026. Registrant, Stephen Eugene Inscoe, Tina Marie Inscoe, 2407 Douglaston Glen, Escondido, CA 92026. This business is operated by a Married Couple. First day of business: 9/1/1995 /s/ Stephen Eugene Inscoe with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/1/2024
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fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2024-9020102
The name of the business: Alex Marquez Roofing & Exteriors, located at 3168 Mira Mesa Ave., Oceanside, CA 92056. Registrant, Alejandro Alex Marquez, 993c S. Santa Fe #136, Vista, CA 92083. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 10/7/2024 /s/ Alejandro Alex Marquez with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/7/2024
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