June 13, 2024

CANCEL CULTURE

What Is It & Why No One Is Safe!

By Friedrich Gomez

What exactly is “Cancel Culture”?

And why is it said that no one is safe from cancel culture today?

DEFINITION OF CANCEL CULTURE.

First off, cancel culture has been around forever. It’s just been given a new paint job and labeling.

According to social scientists today: “Cancel culture is a phrase

contemporary to the late 2010s used to refer to a cultural phenomenon in which an individual deemed to have acted or spoken in an unacceptable manner is ostracized, boycotted, shunned, fired, or assaulted – often aided by social media hegemony.”

For those of you who are not aware, cancel culture affects everyone and, therefore, everyone is susceptible to becoming an unwilling victim with crucial repercussions which can result in “character assassination,” loss of any upstanding reputation, as well as possibly ending one’s job, career, and any future aspirations.

This practice of “cancelling” or mass shaming someone often occurs on social media platforms such as X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, etc.

According to The New York Times, cancel culture is unique in that it begins with “public shaming” by your own social peers -- as opposed to institutional or legal transgressions of the law.

According to New York Times columnist, Ken Mondschein, “cancellation” and public shaming occurs when the public feels or believes that

the government is relatively weak . . . so the “court of public opinion” comes into play.

In such events, cancel culture is designed to punish those who – in the court of public opinion -- have used “Freedom of Speech” to express opinions which breach “social sanctions” (not legal sanctions) – and thereby, such views and individuals should be shamed, punished, and even separated from their jobs and deprived of their livelihoods.

(Source: Getting Cancelled by Ken Mondschein, The New York Times,

Cancel from page 1

https://www.nyties.com)

HIGH PROFILE EXAMPLES OF CANCEL CULTURE – PRO AND CON.

From billionaire to non-billionaire: Kanye West (also known as Ye.) Cancel culture can be widely supported or widely denounced, depending on the pulse of the American people, the zeitgeist, and the agenda, and the deciding pro and con reaction.

Famed businessman, black music rapper, and entrepreneur billionaire Kanye West (aka Ye), was decimated by cancel culture for his proHitler and anti-Semitic remarks on social media, and for wearing a shirt emblazoned with the phrase “White Lives Matter.”

This, along with Kanye West fraternising with well-known White Supremacist and Holocaust denier, Nick Fuentes, on various podcasts has led him to be financially cancelled.

Regarding the fall of Kanye West, the cancel culture backlash was globally enormous. Kanye West said he lost $2-billiion in one day after his anti-Semitic remarks.

Give Us This Day Our Daily

Chuckle

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

(https://www.today. com>popculture>music>kanyewest)

Forbes Magazine reported that Kanye West quickly lost his billionaire status after Adidas announced that it was dropping his ‘due deal’ and that the brand (Adidas) stating their intolerance for hate speech . . . all of which was preceded by national and global public outcry.

According to Forbes, Kanye West’s net worth was staggering before it plummeted from billionaire status down to a net worth of merely $400 million (which is still dwindling daily).

Among the lucrative business ties that were severed included Adidas,The Gap, Foot Locker, and his Essential playlist was pulled from Apple Music, as well as all his products taken off the shelves at TJ Maxx, to list several examples.

West told Economic Times that he has been “Beaten to a pulp.” (https://m.economictimes. com>U.S. News)

When both Kanye and White Supremacist, Nick Fuentes, had dinner with former President Donald Trump at Mar-a-lago, the erstwhile president was greatly vexed and in his defence stated: “The dinner was

Georgia

The owner of a golf course in Georgia was confused about paying an invoice, so he decided to ask his secretary for some mathematical help.

He called her into his office and said, “Y’all graduated from the University of Georgia and I need some help. If I wuz to give yew $20,000, minus 14%, how much would you take off?”

The secretary thought a moment, and then replied, “Everthang but my earrings.”

North Carolina

A group of Alabama friends went deer hunting and paired off in twos for the day. That night, one of the hunters returned alone, staggering under the weight of an eight-point buck.

“Where’s Henry?” the others asked.

“Henry had a stroke o’ some kind. He’s a couple of miles back up the trail,” the successful hunter replied.

“You left Henry layin’ out there and carried the deer back?” they inquired.

“A tough call,” nodded the hunter. “But I figured no one’s gonna steal Henry!”

intended to be Kanye and me only, but he arrived with a guest whom I had never met and knew nothing about.”

THE BUD LIGHT CANCEL CULTURE COST ANHEUSER-BUSH OVER 1.4 BILLION DOLLARS.

Another global example of cancel culture, which was headlined on the world’s various newspapers and televised newscasts, was readily apparent with the beer brand Bud Light.

Cancel culture resulted in large segments of the public vociferously and openly denouncing Bud Light Beer.

Such public shaming against the beer brand resulted in national boycotts by American consumers (the public, not the American legal system) against Bud Light, the top beer brand in the United States.

The grassroots cancel culture movement against Bud Light began last year in April of 2023 and the prevailing news circumvented the planet.

The boycott began in response to a social media promotion the company conducted with actress and Tik Tok personality, Dylan Mulvaney, a transgender woman.

back. I never did understand it neither..”

Louisiana

A Louisiana State trooper pulled over a pickup on I-10. Walking up to the driver’s window,

the trooper asked, “Got any ID?”

The driver replied, “Bout whut?”

Tennessee

The Sheriff pulled up next to the guy unloading garbage out of his pick-up into the ditch. The Sheriff asked, “Why are you dumping garbage in the ditch? Don’t you see that sign right over your head.”

The cancel culture movement against Bud Light took a huge hit.

In a recent updated 2024 CNN report, the Bud Light cancel culture boycott cost Anheuser-Bush over 1.4 billion dollars in lost sales.

THE REAL VICTIMS OF CANCEL CULTURE ARE THE AMERICAN WORKERS & EVERYDAY PEOPLE.

According to The American Prospect Magazine in a recent headline, The Real Victims of Cancel Culture Are America’s Workers, and the public at large.

A recent poll of American registered voters conducted by Morning Consult, a staggering 40% of respondents stated that they have fallen prey to cancel culture in various ways.

WHITE STUDENT DISQUALIFIED FROM COLLEGE FOR SINGING RAP LYRICS WITH N-WORD AS A CHILD GOES GLOBAL-VIRAL.

According to many Americans now polled, there is no “expiration date” on individuals who may have committed a “perceived” transgression

Cancel continued on page 3

They all said the same thing: “You can have mine.”

••••

The bride, upon her engagement, went to her mother and said, “I’ve found a man just like father!”

Her mother replied, “So what do you want from me, sympathy?”

••••

When a woman steals your husband, there is no better revenge, than to let her keep him.

••••

Man is incomplete until he is married. Then he is finished.

••••

A man in North Carolina had a flat tire, pulled off on the side of the road, and proceeded to put a bouquet of flowers in front of the car and one behind it. Then he got back in the car to wait.

A passerby studied the scene as he drove by, and was so curious he turned around and went back. He asked the fellow what the problem was.

The man replied, “I got a flat tahr.”

The passerby asked, “But what’s with the flowers?”

The man responded, “When you break down they tell you to put flares in the front and flares in the

“Yep,” he replied. “That’s why I’m dumpin’ it here, ‘cause it says: ‘Fine For Dumping Garbage.’”

Y’all kin say whut y’all want ‘about the South, but y’all never heard o’nobody retirin’ an’ movin’ North. ••••

After a quarrel, a husband said to his wife, “You know, I was a fool when I married you.”

She replied, “Yes, dear, but I was in love, and didn’t notice.”

••••

A lady placed an ad in the classifieds: “Husband wanted.”

The next day she received a hundred letters.

A little boy asked his father, “Daddy, how much does it cost to get married?”

And the father replied, “Don’t know son, I’m still paying.”

••••

Young Son: “Is it true, Dad, I heard that in some parts of Africa, a man doesn’t know his wife until he marries her?”

Dad: “That happens in every country, son.”

••••

We are living through the tyranny of the MINORITY! It had been snowing all night - So

Chuckles

Southern Humor Alabama

Cancel from page 3

of “social sanctions” – even if they did so as a mere child.

A white high school cheerleader had her college “dream” and future aspirations shattered when a black classmate arbitrarily posted a years-olde video of her singing the N-word in a rap song.

The public outcry by certain activist groups resulted in the University of Tennessee removing her as a student.

In this scenario, the University of Tennessee – not the white student – but the university faced ferocious backlash for banning the young, white student.

Incoming freshman Mimi Groves, now 19, was kicked off the school cheer team and forced to withdraw amid complaints from outraged alumni and students when fellow teen, Jimmy Galligan, posted a clip of Mimi Groves singing a popular rap song as a child – a widely popular rap song with the N-word in the lyrics.

The incident gained national attention when it was detailed in a New York Times story.

Groves’ lawyer accused the University of Tennessee of making a “rush to judgment” for something his client did as a mere child.

“Mimi was a kid when she did this,” attorney Shan Wu told Fox News Monday.

“She’s appalled, and having said that, she’s not trying to excuse her actions in any way. What she lost was her dream,” the lawyer added.

“Like many athletes, she had worked most of her young adult life for a shot at going to a great school and being on their team. That was all taken away from her in what can only be described as a rush to judgment.”

Jimmy Galligan, of Leesburg, Virginia, was in class at Heritage High School in Loudoun County last year when a friend texted him the video of Mimi Groves singing the song lyrics which included the N-word.

Groves sang in the music clip and then sent the three-second clip to a friend through Snapchat way back in 2016.

Jimmy Galligan, 18, whose mother is black and father is white, said he complained to school faculty but they ignored the video of a 15-year-olde adolescent school girl singing a song widely popular and sung by all fans.

So Galligan held onto the video until he found the right time to pub-

lish it in order to use cancel culture against the young Mimi Groves.

“I wanted to get her where she would understand the severity of that word,” a vindictive Galligan openly told the New York Times

In June, Galligan posted the video on social media in the midst of protests across the nation after the death of George Floyd, a black man who was killed by police in Minnesota the month before.

The young Mimi Groves was far from being a racist, even as a young child.

During the George Floyd incident, Mimi Groves, posted on her Instagram urging her followers to “protest, donate, sign a petition, rally, do something” in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, the New York Times reported.

Even though she was only a child at the time, Mimi Groves still admitted later that her actions were inexcusable.

“At the time, I didn’t understand the severity of the word, or the history and context behind it because I was so young,” Groves told the New York Times, as she was confused that the N-word was there for all music fans to sing.

Looking back, and in hindsight, she expressed her intense contrition.

“It honestly disgusts me that those words would come out of my mouth back then,” she continued.

“How can you convince somebody that has never met you and the only thing they’ve ever seen of you is that three-second clip?”

But her world came crashing down when her ‘dream school’ pressured her to resign amid outrage from admissions officials, she told the The New York Times.

The behind-the-scenes power and influence of cancel culture became apparent when The New York Times attained a private recording by the University of Tennessee.

The private recording, ostensibly, reveals how the university quickly panicked in wanting to appease civil rights protestors and the BLM (Black Lives Matter) all of whom wanted quick action against the “racist” remarks by a white student, according the Times.

“They’re angry, and they want to see some action,” an admissions official told the Groves family, according to an audio recording reviewed and confirmed by the New York Times

Oodles!

Looking for things to do? Places to go?

Check out Oodles every week for listing of civic and service club meetings, and more! Have an event you need publicized?

Email it to: Lisa.ThePaper@gmail.com

The Paper goes to print on Tuesday morning. You are more likely to get published if you:

• Submit your press release by the previous Friday.

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

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

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

Community Education Series 10:00am to noon

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 760-48 or at https://bit.ly/3xr4MQG

June 17 - Hospice/Palliative Care 101

July 15 - Fall Prevention & Hydration

August 19 - Caregiver Burnout & Dementia

September 16 - Navigating Medicare and MediCal (Medicaid) 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

Grief Support Group

Senior Service Council Escondido June 13th and June 27th 1pm - 2pm

Find comfort, validation and the knowledge that you are not alone in healing from loss. 2nd and 4th Thursday each month 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Senior Service Council Escondido, 728 N Broadway - Oak Room, Escondido, (760) 480-0611

This group is available for anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one or a caregiver for someone with declining health.

Volunteers Needed

Can you spare 3 hours a week? We are currently seeking reception volunteers to join our team. Since

1972, SSCE has provided various services, support groups, tech tutoring and healthcare counseling for seniors in our community.

Skills: Reception Desk customer service plus some computer experience, appointment scheduling, emails & website searches is great. Bilingual volunteers encouraged to apply. Please stop by for more info and an application. Senior Service Council Escondido, 728 N Broadway Escondido, (760) 480-0611, http://www. escondido-senior-services.org

Senior Services & Activities

Gloria McClellan Senior Center 1400 Vale Terrace Drive • Vista

The Gloria McClellan Senior Center in Vista offers many activities and services throughout the year which includes a nutrition program and transportation programs. The transportation program provides ADA transportation for grocery shopping shuttles on Mondays & Wednesdays. They also provide transportation to eligible Vista residents for in-town medical appointments on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays from 9am-1:30pm.

Listed below are just a few of many events planned for June.

June 14 - Father’s Day Celebration with North Star

June 17 - Movie Monday “Dauntless”

June 20 - Summer Solstice with Sunset Strummers

June 21 - Guess Who’s Coming to Lunch Reveal

June 26 - Birthday & Anniversary Celebration

June 27 - Over 90 Party celebrating our 90+ year old seniors

continued on page 14

AMSURG and Palomar Health Form Strategic Surgery Center Partnership

AMSURG, an independent leader in ambulatory surgery center (ASC) services, and Palomar Health, the most comprehensive healthcare provider in North San Diego County, have established a new joint venture with the health system’s Poway Surgery Center. The strategic partnership will enable the organizations and its affiliated physicians to increase access and quality outpatient care in Poway and the greater San Diego community.

“Palomar Health is known for providing quality care and services for its communities, which is aligned with AMSURG’s model of clinical and operational excellence,” said John Lamberth, Senior Vice President of Development at AMSURG. “Leveraging our organizations’ strengths and resources, this partnership will accelerate advancements in quality outpatient care and access for patients and communities in Poway and North San Diego County.”

Poway Surgery Center is a freestanding outpatient facility accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). It has been operating as a multi-use facility, widening the range of care for Palomar Health patients. AMSURG

Man About Town

I’m in love!

I remember it as though it were yesterday.

It was almost 65 years ago.

Mary, a Scots lass I had met on a blind date about two months earlier, was in my parent’s bedroom, lying on her tummy, on my mom and dad’s bed, making an international phone call home to Scotland.

“Mom? I’m in love!”

Those words were uttered a long, long time ago.

But I still remember them. And cherish them.

Mary and Hugh Holden, Mary’s par-

has been involved in the surgery center prior to this new venture. The state-of-the-art facility boasts five operating rooms, with physicians providing outpatient surgical care across multiple specialties, including gastroenterology; orthopedics; ear, nose and throat; and more.

“AMSURG’s vast ASC network, demonstrated commitment to clinical excellence and high standards for patient safety and experience benefit both our providers and the patients we serve,” said Ryan Olsen, Chief Executive Officer of Palomar Health Medical Group and Chief Ambulatory & Strategy Officer of Palomar Health. “We come together to bring a modern and innovative surgery center that helps integrate the newest technologies and practices in a beautiful place of healing. With aligned goals and values that prioritize patients, this partnership will ensure that our communities continue to access and benefit from quality outpatient care.”

The center is currently open and accepting patients. If you or someone you know could benefit from Poway Surgery Center’s care and services, visit www.powaysc.com for more information or to request an appointment.

ents, could not afford to come all the way from Scotland to Omaha, Nebraska, for the wedding. Hughie was a coal miner. Clearly, I did not marry for money. Mary felt the need to let mom and dad she had found a Yank in America and she intended to marry him.

We would go on to have two children, Scott and Kenneth. We moved from Omaha to the Chicago area, and, later, to California.

We had an exciting life together . . . many, many adventures . . . . with only an occasional argument.

Life has slowed down some today. Considerably, in fact.

Mary’s memory is not the best. Short term is terrible . . . sometimes long term memory comes into focus a bit more clearly.

And every single morning, as soon as I see her eyes open, I say . . . “Mary? I’m in love!”

“Who wi?,” she’ll say.

“Little girl named Mary Kirk Davis. Ever hear tell of her?”

The next day, upon her wakening, I repeat it . . “Mary? I’m in love!”

“I hope wi’ me,” she’ll respond.

Homicide on Wanek Road Arrests

On Saturday, June 8th, Escondido Police Detectives and the Escondido Police SWAT team executed simultaneous search warrants at two separate locations in relation to the homicide on Wanek Road on June 3rd. One of the warrants was served on the 2000 block of Mark Avenue in Escondido. The other search warrant was served on the 2400 block of Bear Valley Parkway in Escondido.

The search warrants resulted in the arrests of a 16-year-old male and a 17-year-old male, both residents of Escondido. Both subjects were booked at Juvenile Hall for murder along with a gang enhancement allegation. Two pistols, a rifle, and a knife were recovered during the search warrants. Detectives believe this is a gang-related crime.

Anyone with any information regarding the incident is encouraged to call the Escondido Police Department at (760) 839-4722 or Detective Therese Ruiz at (760) 839-4790.

Local continued on page 5

“Aye,” sez me, “you’re the one.”

“Are you glad you married me?”

“Smartest thing I ever did,” I respond.

Other times during the day, maybe 15 to 20 times a day . . . I’ll say . . . “Mary . . . I think you’re beautiful!”

“Oh, ah em not; I’m an old bag! My beautiful days are a’hind me.”

“Nope,” sez me, “you’re still beautiful to me.”

The fact is, Mary is not as lovely as she once was. Perhaps I fib just a little bit.

Dementia does that to you.

We have to push to get her to shampoo and shower ... she has closets full of beautiful clothes, which she once wore with great pride and to great effect; not so much anymore. We sometimes have to push to get her to change her clothes. And we keep her out of the kitchen, whenever possible. She has a habit of boiling a pot of water for tea . . . and then forgetting it and we soon are treated to the lovely smell of burned Teflon as the pot of water has boiled away.

Letters to the Editor

Loved the article from Christopher Elliott The summer of Surcharges. The article states it is to stop July 1st but who is to regulate it? Husband & I went to Rockin baja Lobster & they charged a 5% surcharge on the WHOLE bill !! That is insane.

Cindy Wise

To submit a letter to the editor, please email thepaper@cox.net. Please limit your letter to a maximum of 300 words and include your full name, e-mail address, town, and a valid phone number where you can be reached. Letters will not be published anonymously. Letters are subject to editing. Please no hand written letters.

But I still tell her how beautiful she is . . . 15-20 times a day. Remember, she has huge short term memory loss. She doesn’t remember I just told her 20 minutes ago that she was beautiful. And she enjoys hearing being told she’s beautiful. Every woman does. And so I repeat myself. So, while perhaps I fib just a little bit it’s something she needs to hear repeatedly . . . and, hopefully, remember.

And you can bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow morning, when I see her eyes flutter open after a good night’s sleep, the first words she will hear is . . .

“Mary? I’m in love!”

A reminder from County Supervisor Jim Desmond: Instead of spending $19 million on a “Migrant Processing Center,” the Federal Government should use that money to secure the border. This perpetuates the problem and allows more people to enter the country. Over 150,000 have been released on our streets since September.

Cancel from page 3

On Twitter at the time, the university didn’t publicly name Mimi Groves, but acknowledged that as an incoming student she would no longer be allowed to attend due to controversy over her racist video, even though she was a juvenile at the time and merely singing what was included in the song lyrics.

“On Wednesday, following a racist video and photo surfacing on social media, Athletics made the decision not to allow a prospective student to join the Spirit Program. She will not be attending the university this fall,” the university posted on June 4 of that year.

Her accuser, Jimmy Galligan, said he has no regrets about sharing Groves’ video publicly, despite the fact that it was done years ago when she was a young teen-aged juvenile. And despite the fact that Mimi Groves openly fought for Black Civil Rights, even protesting on their behalf in her early adolescent years.

According to Jimmy Galligan, her accuser, all these facts didn’t matter.

He wanted revenge and he said so, in his own words, as chronicled by the Times: “If I never posted that video, nothing would have ever happened.”

Jimmy Galligan never answered media questions if he, himself, had ever done anything in his childhood years that he was ashamed of.

A confused and emotionally hurt, Mimi Groves, was kicked out of her school, shunned and publicly shamed over the internet. And because the internet never forgets, the olde clip will always be avail-

able to watch.

And a young Mimi Groves will forever suffer a Promethean fate, over and over again.

In the cancel culture world there is no room for forgiveness, no matter how deserving it may be.

As for her accuser, Jimmy Galligan, who waited years before he sprung his trap on a young Mimi Groves at the right time when Black Lives Matter were fomenting against racial intolerance, his own words speak of how proud he was in punishing Mimi Groves for her childhood mistake.

“I’m going to remind myself, I started something,” Galligan added with pride. “I taught someone a lesson.”

Mimi Groves’ plight went international, even being addressed by popular U.K. newspaper and television host, Piers Morgan.

Although Piers Morgan agrees that he hates the N-word and finds it deplorable, he still blames Black rappers for using it in their song lyrics only to hypocritically blame white fans for singing the lyrics at concerts and at home.

As Morgan states, we shouldn’t be angry at the white girls – we should be angry at rappers for normalising the N-word for all their fans to keep singing and saying it.

This was – unfortunately -- the exact scenario with a young adolescent, named Mimi Groves (who was a fierce fighter for Black Civil Rights long before she fell victim to cancel culture later in life).

IRONICALLY, AFTER THE “RISE & FALL” OF STUDENT MIMI GROVES – SCHOOL & UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS ARE NOWAFRAID.

Since that earlier episode where a young white student, Mimi Groves, fell victim to cancel culture in the “court of public opinion” – today, countless faculty, teachers, and professors across the United States are now frightened at what has been released.

TODAY, 90% OF TEACHERS & PROFESSORS SURVEYED NOW “SELF-CENSOR” THEMSELVES IN FEAR OF LOSING THEIR JOBS.

According to the New York Post, the majority of surveyed professors now say they have “self- censored” themselves out of fear of “cancel culture” and fear of losing their career, jobs, and livelihood, all of which are necessary for them and their families to, literally, survive.

Despite their guarantee under U.S. law and their protected First Amendment Right to Freedom of Speech, a staggering 90% of teachers and professors are now fearful of cancel culture.

Also, one in six professors have already experienced cancel culture.

According the New York Post: “One in six professors – nationwide -- have already reported having been disciplined or threatened with discipline for their speech, and a whopping one in three report having been pressured by colleagues to avoid even researching controversial topics,” which is a mainstay of their profession.

According to the New York Post: “The toll of cancel culture today dwarfs anything we’ve seen over the last half century.”

Over 1,000 campaigns to get professors punished for their free speech have already occurred.

And about two-thirds of those cam-

paigns have already succeeded.

And almost 200 professors ended up being fired or forced out.

And due to polling, we know that these startling and disturbing statistics are a gross underestimate.

(Source: The New York Post, 14 October 2023.)

CBS NEWS REPORTS: UNDERSTANDING “WHITE SILENCE” AND ITS IMPACT.

Many white Americans today are fearful of losing their jobs for subtle mistakes in speaking in the workforce.

Especially in freely expressing themselves while trying to navigate a verbal ‘minefield’ of deceptive rules of proper terms – much of which most Americans are completely unfamiliar with.

Social scientists now refer to this fear of speaking, as “White Silence.” (https://www.cbsnews. com/news/white-silence-on-social-media-why-not-saying-anything-is-actually-saying-a-lot/)

A WORLD WHERE HUMANS HAVE FORGOTTEN HOW TO FORGIVE & HONEST MISTAKES ARE NO LONGER TOLERATED.

In the opinion of many social scientists, it is the height of irony that the “Deafening Sound of White Silence Is Actually Saying A lot.”

A lot about ourselves and the society we now live in.

As many have opined, we now occupy a world that has forgotten how to forgive. Local from page 4

Vallecitos Board of Directors Rescinds “Level 1 – Drought Watch”

The Vallecitos Water District’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to rescind the voluntary drought restrictions under its “Level 1 – Drought Watch.” Vallecitos customers may irrigate any day of the week with no limit on the number of watering days and may irrigate their landscapes for as many minutes as needed.

However, Vallecitos customers are reminded to sustain water conservation as a permanent way of life in California. Vallecitos’ ordinance

permanently prohibits wasteful practices, such as:

• Watering between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

• Watering within 48 hours of a measurable rain event

• Hosing down hardscapes (patios, sidewalks, etc.)

• Not using a shut-off nozzle when washing cars

• Not fixing leaks within 48 hours of discovery

Vallecitos’ action was taken in response to back-to-back wet winters that have resulted in a major boost for the state’s largest reservoirs. The 2023 water year was the 8th wettest of the past five decades, according to the California Department of Water Resources.

Lake Oroville, the second-largest

reservoir in California, reached capacity in May for the second straight year. Massive Shasta Lake, the largest man-made reservoir in California, currently sits at 94% of capacity.

For more detailed information on the permanent water waste prohibitions in the service area, go to www.vwd.org/drought.

About Vallecitos Water District: As an independent, special district, Vallecitos is dedicated to providing water, wastewater, and reclamation services to over 105,000 people in a 45-square-mile area that includes San Marcos; the community of Lake San Marcos; portions of Carlsbad, Escondido, and Vista; and other surrounding unincorporated areas.

Cancel continued on page 12

The

lyle e davis

US Army, Entertainment Director 1957-1959

Brooke Army Hospital Fort Sam Houston, Texas

“The state of Texas was never invaded while I was on duty at Fort Sam. You could look it up!”

Paper Owned & Operated by a Veteran

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

As with so many issues involving medical research and healthcare, San Diego County is ground zero in the battle against Alzheimer’s disease.

Currently, it is estimated that 84,000 persons are living with Alzheimer’s disease in San Diego County, a number that is expected to increase to 117,000 by 2030. Another 250,000 San Diegans are caring for loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s, which is the county’s third leading cause of death. California now has over 720,000 residents living with the disease, more than any other state. That number is expected to grow by 127 percent over the next 20 years, though the state’s population is only projected to grow by 16 percent.

Unfortunately, finding a cure has been elusive. Despite billions spent on research and ongoing clinical trials, many of which are now underway here in San Diego, finding a cure has been elusive, so far. Age is the greatest risk factor and there is no known cause, cure or prevention. Voluntary contributions to Alzheimer’s research have raised more than $25 million over the years; research that must continue and accelerate.

Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers need acknowledgment and support. That’s why I’m so happy to join my Assembly colleagues as a co-author of Assembly Concurrent Resolution 204 (ACR 204) which declares June 2024 Alzheimer’s disease and Brain Awareness Month. ACR 204 raises awareness about the disease, the need to support patients and their families, along with support for ongoing research that eventually will lead to a cure.

As a long-time member of the Assembly Health Committee and its current Vice Chair, I will continue to do my small part to improve overall healthcare in California, and to support efforts that eventually will win the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

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

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

5th District Supervisor Jim Desmond Border Update

I wanted to give you an update on the current situation at our border and its broader implications for our country.

Last week, reporter Bill Melugin spoke with a Turkish man who had illegally crossed into Jacumba, CA, along with a group of other Turkish men. He revealed that he paid $10,000 to a cartel for assistance and expressed shock at how easy it was to cross the U.S. border without encountering any resistance. He warned that Americans should be “worried” about security and the unknown individuals crossing the border.

Since the beginning of this fiscal year, over 150,000 migrants have been released onto the streets of San Diego. This alarming figure does not include families, seniors, or other vulnerable individuals, nor does it account for the numerous “Gotaways,” such as the 3-4 boats that arrive on our shores each week.

The San Diego border sector has recorded over 250,000 encounters since the start of this fiscal year. Notably, 76% of those entering San Diego are single adults, with the top five countries of origin being Colombia, Mexico, China, Ecuador, and Brazil.

We are also facing a significant concern regarding Special Interest

Problem Solved by Christopher Elliott

Aliens (SIAs).

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), an SIA is defined as a “non-U.S. person” who potentially poses a national security risk to the United States or its interests. While not all SIAs are terrorists, their travel patterns and behaviors often suggest a possible nexus to nefarious activities, including terrorism, warranting heightened screening and further investigation.

Last week, the Chief of U.S. Border Patrol reported that over 52,000 Special Interest Aliens have been encountered crossing illegally since October 1st, with 90% of these encounters occurring in the San Diego sector. Again, these individuals come from countries with potential security concerns, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

These developments highlight some of the significant challenges we face regionally and nationally. It is crucial that you stay informed, and I assure you that I will continue to advocate for common-sense solutions to these pressing issues.

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

After “Suspicious” Texts from Citibank, I’ve Lost $2,500

Fransua Garcia just lost $2,500 after scammers claiming to be from Citibank called her. Can she retrieve her money, which she transferred using Zelle?

Q: I recently received various texts about suspicious activities with my bank account. I contacted Citibank to get more information. A Citibank representative told me that nothing was wrong and that my account would be monitored. The representative took all the info regarding those text messages.

Later that day, I got a call from a Citibank number, which I assumed was my bank with more information about my concern. By then, I had received multiple emails from my bank about different money transfers from my savings to checking, which I did not perform. However, I did not see them in time because I was working.

When I answered the call, the rep-

resentative told me it was from the security team and that in order to get my money back, I needed to make a transfer to myself. The representative had my login information for security reasons. She had information about the content of the emails from Citibank (which I opened while on the phone). I was advised not to open my bank app on my phone. I thought that maybe my phone was hacked.

It turns out I hadn’t spoken to a bank employee and instead transferred $2,500 to a scammer using Zelle. I have disputed the charges but Citibank has turned me down. I’m currently appealing. I don’t want to lose $2,500. Can you help me?

~ Fransua Garcia, Port Washington, N.Y.

A: Unfortunately, you fell for a clever scam. Scammers posing as bank employees have been hood-

winking customers into transferring money through Zelle, and in the past, there was nothing anyone could do to reverse these fraudulent transactions.

Fortunately, all that has changed recently. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has pressured banks to enforce a little-known rule called Regulation E that protects Americans from fraudulent money transfers like the one you made. But banks have been slow to apply these changes to all of their customers who have been scammed. Often, at least in my experience, they only do it when the bright spotlight of the media is turned on them. That is what’s happening in this case.

How do you avoid a problem like this? It’s easy. Never initiate a money transfer as a result of an unsolicited call from your bank. And even if you receive a call you are expecting, hang up and call the

bank back through its main number.

These scams are preying on elderly bank customers who are more likely to trust someone who calls them from “the bank” and not pay attention to the details of the Zelle transfer they’ve been asked to initiate. So if you’re a senior citizen, this Zelle transfer scam is aimed directly at you.

The best solution? Disable Zelle and delete it from your phone. I know this sounds a little simplistic, but if you have a target on your back, you do not want to be using Zelle. Ever.

I publish executive contacts for both Citibank and Zelle on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott. org. You could have appealed to one of them and possibly reversed

By Tom Morrow

James

Buchanan

Duke was an American tobacco and electric power industrialist best known for the introduction of modern cigarette manufacture and marketing, and his involvement with Duke University. He was the founder of the American Tobacco Company in 1890, thirdrichest man in the world.

“Buck,” was born on Dec. 23, 1856, near Durham, North Carolina, to tobacco manufacturer, philanthropist, and benefactor of Duke University, Washington Duke (1820-1905), and his second wife, Artelia Roney. In 1885, Buck acquired a license to use the first automated cigarette making machine (invented by James Albert Bonsack). By 1890, Duke supplied 40 percent of the American cigarette market (then known as “pre-rolled tobacco”). Buck Duke consolidated control of his four major competitors under one corporate entity he called: the American Tobacco Company. It quickly became a monopoly that controlled more than

Historically Speaking

The Duke of Tobacco

‘Buck’ Duke Was King of American Tobacco

90 percent of the American cigarette market. Buck’s aggressive business tactics in cutting prices paid to tobacco farmers directly led to the socalled “Black Patch Tobacco Wars” of 1906-1908.

After two years of intense competition in Great Britain, Imperial Tobacco took the fight to the U.S. market, forcing American Tobacco to look for a settlement. This resulted in an agreement whereby American Tobacco controlled the American trade, Imperial Tobacco controlled the trade in the British territories, and a third, cooperative venture named the British-American Tobacco Company was set up between the two to control the sale of tobacco in the rest of the world.

During this time, Buck Duke was repeatedly sued by business partners and shareholders. In 1906, the American Tobacco Company was found guilty of antitrust violations, and was ordered to be split into four separate companies: American Tobacco Company, Liggett & Myers, R. J. Reynolds, and the P. Lorillard Company. In 1911, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld an order breaking up the American Tobacco Company’s monopoly. The company was then divided into several smaller enterprises, of which only the British-American Tobacco Company re-

mained in Duke’s control.

In 1892, the Duke brothers opened their first textile firm in Durham, North Carolina, which was run by Benjamin Duke. At the turn of the century, Buck organized the American Development Company to acquire land and water rights on the Catawba River. In 1904, he established the Catawba Power Company and the following year he and his brother founded the Southern Power Company, which became known as “Duke Power,” the precursor to today’s Duke Energy conglomerate. The company supplied electrical power to the Dukes’ textile factory

Travel Troubleshooter

by Christopher Elliott

and within two decades, their power facilities had been greatly expanded and they were supplying electricity to more than 300 cotton mills and other industrial companies. Duke Power established an electrical grid that supplied cities and towns in the Piedmont Region of North and South Carolina. Lake James, a power-generating reservoir in Western North Carolina, was created by the company in 1928 and named in Duke’s honor. Buck Steam Station in Rowan County, North Carolina, built in

Historically Speaking continued on page 12

The Mystery of the Missing Hotel Refund

Why didn't Jessica Radosevic get her $444 refund from the online travel agency Traveluro? Could it have something to do with the credit card dispute she filed?

Q: Last year, I booked a trip to Las Vegas through a site called Traveluro. My airline canceled the flight, and I could not get another flight, so I had to cancel my hotel reservation.

I contacted Traveluro, and a representative agreed to cancel my reservation and give me a full refund. But the refund showed up in my account as "pending" and then completely dropped off. It was never fully processed.

I filed a credit card dispute with my bank, but my bank denied my request. Traveluro is extremely hard to get in touch with. I call, and it rings once and then hangs up on me. I’ve been trying for months!

The one time I got through -- other

than my first call -- a representative said they would escalate the situation and somebody would call me within 24 to 48 hrs. That never happened. Please help me get my $444 back!

~ Jessica Radosevic, Danville, CA

A: If Traveluro promised you a refund, it should have delivered one.

First of all, you might be wondering what Traveluro is. It's an online travel agency operated by Holisto, a company based in the U.S. and Israel. Traveluro offers support in several European languages, which is perhaps where the "uro" part comes from.

So why didn't Traveluro refund your hotel? First, online agencies don't control refunds on nonrefundable rooms. They would have to ask the hotel in Las Vegas for a waiver, which would take some time. It looks as if Traveluro tried to get your money back -- hence

the "pending" refund. But it ran out of time when you decided to file a credit card dispute.

A credit card dispute means you are asking your bank to reverse a transaction because it's fraudulent or you didn't receive the product or service you ordered. I have more on how chargebacks work in my ultimate guide to credit card disputes on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org.

So what went wrong? I mean, besides trying to call an online agency, which is usually a bad idea? (Always email to create a paper trail.)

Well, it turns out the company was able to secure a full refund for your hotel, according to Elad Shmilovich, Holisto's chief operating officer. "However, in parallel, the customer submitted a chargeback, which prevented the refund from being fully processed," he

says. "That's why the customer saw a pending notification, which disappeared."

Not to worry, Shmilovich added. "I've asked my ops team to issue a new refund, which should already be in her account."

Ah, I love a happy ending! But there's an important lesson here for the rest of us. When a company promises a refund, you have to give it time. Sometimes, a refund to your credit card can take up to two billing cycles, which is more than two months. If you lose patience and file a credit card dispute, it doesn't just stop the refund process. It can actually reverse it, ensuring that you never get your money.

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.

Doris Duke

James Buchanan “Buck” Duke

The Pro Trick for an Affordable and Stress-Free Summer Vacation

Life is full of compromises, and that will never be more true than when you’re traveling this summer.

Flights will be packed. Just before Memorial Day, TSA set a new record for most air travelers screened. It checked nearly 3 million passengers on May 24, surpassing the previous record set last Thanksgiving. U.S. airlines are projecting a record summer. They expect to fly 271 million passengers in June, July and August, up 6% from last summer.

Roads will be jammed. GasBuddy’s latest summer travel survey predicts 76% of Americans plan to take a road trip sometime between Memorial Day and Labor Day — up 18% from last summer.

Hotels are full, too. Average hotel occupancy will rise to 63.4%, the highest level since 2019, according to the consulting firm HVS.

There’s only one way to get around the high prices and crowds: Be flexible.

“With peak season prices, crowds, flight delays and more, your itinerary should be in pencil -- not pen,” says Bill Smith, CEO of Landing, a company that offers flexible rentals. “Being flexible can help to minimize your travel spend, while maximizing your adventure this summer.”

There are ways to become flexible during the busiest travel season of the year, from planning your trip to the tools that get you there. Being a more flexible traveler also means thinking about travel a little differently -- bending, but not breaking.

Ways to Become More Flexible this Summer

So how do you become more flexible? Here are a few examples:

Fly to another city. Sometimes, the place you’re trying to visit is too popular -- and expensive. That’s what happened to Phil Strazzulla when he tried to visit Milan last summer. Airline ticket prices were more than $1,000. But he could fly to nearby Zürich, Switzerland, for less. So he did. “Not only did this save us more than $300 for each ticket, but the drive over the mountains was spectacular,” recalls Strazzulla, who runs a software review company. “Travel flexibility can result in cost savings -- and a unique experience.”

Go off the beaten path. Being truly flexible can mean getting outside your comfort zone a little. “Instead of Rome, Italy, go to the Puglia region,” says Lynna Goldsby, a cruise planner with Travel With Lynna. “Instead of London, try

Normandy or Bath.” Trying these alternate destinations can still satisfy your travel itch but also reduce your expenses for lodging, restaurants, tours and transfers, she says.

Take a detour. Airfares are often less expensive if you fly out of the way through an airline’s hub. Don’t waste that opportunity, says Linda Robert, a travel coach with Back in the Groove Again. Airlines such as Icelandair, Qatar Airways and Copa have stopover programs that allow you to enjoy a day or two at their hubs before continuing to your vacation destination, often at no extra cost. “This strategy enriches your travel experience and offers a cost-effective way to see more places,” she says.

Here Are a Few Useful Flexibility Tools

There are a few new ways to be flexible.

As an example, Landing, which is a favorite of digital nomads and location-independent workers, rolled out a new tool this week. Its 12month Flex Stay program offers renters the opportunity to save up to 30% on monthly rates by committing to living with Landing for a year, which has locations in more than 375 cities.

“This new offering gives members the freedom to roam throughout our nationwide network of fully furnished apartments as much -- or as little -- as they’d like throughout the year,” says Smith.

Another newish feature is Airbnb’s flexible dates search, which lets you select a period of time rather than a specific date, to see more options. Airbnb introduced the feature during the pandemic, and it can help you save as much as 20% on vacation rental accommodations.

ting up at the crack of dawn for an all-day tour. It’s a rest day every two or three days, to prevent yourself from vacation burnout and to give your schedule some wiggle room.

Flexibility is a lesson even the experts keep relearning. For example, I had to fly from Anguilla to Miami at the last minute recently, and flights were crazy expensive -around $800 for a one-way ticket. Just as I got ready to book, I realized that Anguilla is a short ferry ride away from St. Martin, which has more flights.

Total savings: $200.

One of my all-time favorite tools is available on almost every selfrespecting online travel site. It’s the ability to search for airfares or hotel rates based on a more flexible schedule. Google Flights and Kayak are great at showing you more flexible options. Pro tip: Don’t limit your flexibility to dates; select a region you want to travel to, which may include an alternate airport.

You can also be flexible when it comes to the rate you pay, says Virginia Tech hospitality and tourism professor Mahmood Khan. Hotels cut their rates by about 20% if you pay upfront (but you have to be sure you’re going, because those lower rates are usually nonrefundable).

“At times, selecting a hotel away from busy destinations, yet comfortable for commuting, helps in finding an economical deal,” he adds.

But how do you put it all together this summer, including the flexible itinerary and the tools? Funny you should ask.

More Ways to Increase Your Travel Flexibility

There are also new strategies to increase your travel flexibility, which can help you save money and a big headache when you’re on the road.

“A critical skill is knowing how and when to put white space into your itinerary,” says Stephanie Chastain, owner of Infinite Ireland Travel, a boutique travel consultancy. “A too-rigid schedule leaves travelers vulnerable to travel hiccups that disrupt well-intended plans.”

What is white space? It’s literally that -- a blank page on your itinerary. An empty afternoon with free time. A leisurely breakfast instead of get-

Being flexible means thinking about travel in a different way than everyone else. It’s the belief that there are many ways to get to your destination and that if you don’t get there on the exact day your vacation starts, it’s not the end of the world. Travel companies love sticking it to you when you absolutely must be in one place at a fixed time. Be a contrarian. But don’t go too far.

Bend So You Don’t Break

Some of the best travel advice for people who want to be flexible comes from veteran travel advisor Susan Sherren, who runs Couture Trips, a travel agency. She told me that lowering your expectations is one of the best ways to stay flexible.

“Life isn’t perfect,” she says. “Your trip will likely involve unforeseen and unpredictable events.”

One more thing: Being too rigid is a recipe for a terrible trip. I’ve made that mistake before, and believe me, it’s no fun.

You don’t want to take it too far. By all means, schedule your flight on a weekday to avoid high fares. Try booking your flight by using one of the flexible fare features on Google Flights or Kayak, or check out Landing’s new flex program.

But if you make too many compromises, it won’t be much of a vacation. You’ll end up staying in a motel in the suburbs, far away from all the attractions, and missing all the fun. Be flexible, but be smart.

Bend -- but don’t break.

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.

Illustration by Dustin Elliott

Man About Town from page 4

•••

Somewhere, deep in the file cabinets of WBBM-TV in Chicago, there is, or was, a photo of me with Muhammad Ali.

Jerry Williams was then a controversial talk show host on WBBM Radio; he was part owner of radio station WEEF in Highland Park, Illinois, a Chicago suburb, where I served as Vice President and General Manager.

Jerry invited me and several other colleagues to the WBBM studios on an evening when Muhammad Ali was scheduled to visit. He showed up, Jerry did an interview, and, later, we all assembled for photos with “The Champ.”

They took one of me facing of with Ali . . . and I never got a copy of it.

Wasn’t all that important to me at the time; I’ve never been a big one for autographs, memorabiliea, awards, etc.

But now that he’s gone, I kinda wish I had pushed to get a copy of that photo. It was special.

And it’s probably long since been either confined to a lonesome file cabinet in a musty storeroom . . . or,

worse, dumped in a waste basket. •••

Had a snack with a good friend this afternoon. He’s a retired pastor and had just come from a commitment ceremony. In discussing the funeral and the final service today, I learned the lady had committed suicide. Turns out she was driven to it by . . . .vertigo!

The pastor also told me about a good friend of his, a retired police officer, who also has vertigo and is miserable. He, himself, the pastor, had vertigo at one time but, fortunately, it finally left him.

As you may recall, several years ago I had vertigo for about three months. All kinds of medical tests, including an MRI, with no success in diagnosing the cause or cure.

It’s not a painful ailment . . . just irritating. Light headedness, dizziness, occasional losses of balance. A nuisance. Several times I had to walk with a cane. Finally, a long time friend, fellow Kiwanian, and noted Escodido chiropractor (Steve Heilman) listened to my complaints, adjusted my neck (with two loud pops) and my vertigo became a thing of the past. Very slight dizziness that evening . . . none at all the next day . . and for about 10 days after that. A slight dizziness

Man About Town continued on page 12

The Pastor Says . . .

How Old Are You?

I have come to appreciate the song “Don’t Let The Old Man In,” sung by Toby Keith. The lyrics express that if we didn’t have a birthdate or no one told us when we were born, would we know how old we are?

The matter of age seems to be a popular pastime for many. Even in Biblical times, the age of our prehistoric ancestors seemed to be important. Adam was 950 when he died. Methuselah, the oldest person on record who ever lived, was 969 years old. Noah, his descendent, was 950. Abraham, the father of the Jews, was 100 years old when he impregnated his wife, Sarah, who was 90. Even Pharoah, the ruler of Egypt, was intrigued by the age of Jacob, the father of the tribes of Israel when he asked him how old he was. Over the years of Israel’s history, their kings were marked by their age. The Biblical writers found it necessary to identify them with their age.

In the New Testament, it is different from the parents of John the Baptist. They are simply old and incapable of procreation. In later Biblical history, less emphasis on age is the order of things. Even with Jesus, there is uncertainty as to his actual age.

While people’s age today seems less important, there is still a curiosity about how old some people are, such as our Presidential candidates or movie stars like Clint Eastwood.

Does it really matter how old we are? We ask that question of airline pilots, on driver applications, for job positions, or alcohol consumption. It is a consideration for our retirement, especially for Social Security.

We even think about it as to when we should die. The Bible says there is an appointed time for us to die. It has a time frame for us,” threescore and ten, and if by reason of strength, another ten, which would make eighty.”

After the great flood of Noah’s time, the estimated age of life was 120 years. Does the Bible or God set an age for humanity, and do we gauge our lives by those standards? More important to me is whether I am regulated by what people think. Am I too old or still young enough to be a part of living humanity?

Returning to the original question, “How old am I?” How old are you? Do you like that question? Imagine that you don’t know because you don’t know your date of birth. Instead, you are here to live, do, enjoy, accomplish, and die when you can’t be involved anymore. Can we live freely without age putting on us? Why not? Focusing on our age can hinder us from doing and enjoying all that life offers. When we can’t be anymore, isn’t that enough? I doubt that God is going to ask us how old we are when our time of death comes.

Pet Parade

Buddy

Buddy is pet of the week at Rancho Coastal Humane Society. He’s a 7-1/2-yearold, 59-pound, male, Terrier mix.

Buddy was transferred to from a rescue partner in the Imperial Valley through Friends of County Animal Shelters (FOCAS). He’s happy with a warm bed and squeaky toys.

The $75 adoption fee for Buddy includes medical exam, neuter, up to date vaccinations, registered microchip, and a one-year license if his new home is in the jurisdiction of San Diego Humane Society. If the adopter is 60 or older, the fee is paid by a benefactor.

For more information visit Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas, call 760-753-6413, or log on to www.SDpets.org. 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

Marlowe

Meet Marlowe! This handsome pup — with the world’s cutest ears and the most charming smile — is sure to steal your heart! Marlowe’s enthusiasm for tasty snacks is matched only by his affectionate nature and boundless energy. He’s happy to chase tennis balls as long as you’ll throw them and enjoys winding down by your side for some snuggles. If you’re looking for a furry best friend with charisma and happiness to spare, visit San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido Campus to adopt adorable Marlowe (897003)!

Through June 9, adoption fees are 50% off for dogs, cats, puppies and kittens, thanks to Motel 6 and the Garfield Movie! If you have questions about the adoption process, you can visit sdhumane.org/adopt or call 619-299-7012.

Online profile: https://www.sdhumane.org/adopt/available-pets/animal-single.html?petId=897003

Pastor Huls

Pastor Huls

The Computer Factory

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

A wise man once said “All generalizations are bad, even this one”. When we ascribe an attitude or behavior to an individual in an identity group based on sex, skin color, national origin, age or some other superficial characteristics, we are practicing a form of bigotry. We are all individuals and as such are entitled to be evaluated as individuals and not to be assigned group characteristics. Readers of THE PAPER are either DIs (over 30) or DNs (thirty or younger). That’s an undisputed fact. But it doesn’t mean that every individual in the group shares all the group’s general characteristics. So if your dad, granny, nephew or any other beloved relative is an exception to our general characterization of DNs or DIs, please accept our apology.

A reporter buddy of mine asked if Rancho Coastal Humane Society volunteers and staff are excited about June being Adopt a Shelter Cat Month.

Yes! We’re excited! But, at the same time, for us, every month is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month. Every week is Adopt a Shelter Cat Week, and every day is Adopt a Shelter Cat Day.

Kitten season is in full swing during June. Potential adopters walk right past the adult and senior cats to meet the babies. Adopt a Shelter Cat Month encourages people

With that in mind, in our next series of columns we will explore the obvious and growing disconnect between America’s youngest generations (30 and under) and those who are older. Those 30 and under grew up with the IW and 7/24 “smart phone” access to it. They are known as “DNs” (digital natives). Those of us who came of age without exposure to “smart phones” or the IW are “DIs” (digital Immigrants) because we enthusiastically “immigrated” to the IW and have eagerly embraced the mobile technology of “smart phones.”

In 2001, broadband technology marked the beginning of highspeed, multi-frequency access to the sum of human knowledge located on thousands of interconnected Internet servers. It is called the IoT (the Internet of Things). The application of AI (artificial intelligence) to the knowledge base of the IoT created the AIoT (the Artificial Intelligence of Things). For convenience, we use the term IW (Intelligent Web) to describe the AIoT combination.

There are dozens of common everyday devices that use an IW connection to provide useful services. These devices provide things like map directions, environmental controls, tracking our children, monitoring security and dozens of features that we take for granted. In 2007, the arrival of “smarts phones” gave us a 7/24 mobile IW

connection. It soon became evident that something important was beginning to happen to us.

In 2024, the average American spends just over seven hours connected to the IW. Internet access and usage is remarkably consistent among differing age groups. 97% of people between the ages of 18 and 29 have IW access as do 88% of folks over 65. In terms of time spent on the IW, there is only a two hour per day difference between the highest IW user group, (7.5 hours for ages 16-24) and the lowest (5.5 hours for ages 65+). All are accessing the same IW using the same access devices yet there is a growing feeling of disconnect between the DN and the DIs. In the past decade, evidence for this disconnect comes in the form of

lower IQ score results and eroding socialization skills among DNs.

These are our children and grandchildren; we know them and love them. We know that they’re not getting dumber and they certainly seem sociable enough to us. So what’s going on?

In the coming weeks, we will explore this and some of the other questions arising from our accelerating reliance on the IW. Is there a difference between the way the DN and DI use the IW? Does the fact the DIs and DNs built their intellectual resources in different ways play some role? Does DI resistance to changes or learning new methods exacerbate the growing “generations gap”? Tune in next week.

to meet ALL the cats…not just the kittens.

Adoption fees vary from one shelter or rescue to another. At Rancho Coastal Humane Society the adoption fees are $125 for kittens less than six months, $100 for adult cats up to six years, and $75 for the cats seven years or older.

With the Seniors for Seniors program, there’s no fee when someone 60 or older adopts a cat or dog 7 years or older. The fee is paid for them by a generous benefactor.

The Better with a Buddy adoption program saves money for families that want to adopt two pets. Adopt one cat, kitten, or dog at the regular adoption fee and get a second pet within the next year for only $25. (Does not apply to puppies.)

Kittens are “Two Purr One.” Adopt two kittens and just pay the $125 adoption fee for one of them.

When you adopt a bonded pair of pets, pay for one and there’s no fee for the other.

We love every cat, kitten, dog, cat, and rabbit who is a temporary guest at RCHS or in our foster program. But we also remind ourselves they’re not intended to be long term residents. They need homes and families, not kennels and cages.

If you’ve been thinking about getting a cat or adding another cat to your home, Adopt a Shelter Cat Month is the purr-fect time. There’s a great variety of kittens, adult cats, and seniors who will give you years of love and companionship.

Every animal deserves a tomorrow. It will be so much better if their tomorrow begins with you in their new home.

Cancel from page 5

And where even honest mistakes are no longer tolerated.

DATELINE: NEW YORK CITY.

“Good Morning America” co-anchor, Amy Robach, had to apologise for using the term “colored people,” instead of “people of color,” in a newscast.

A subtle and honest mistake that many of us, including myself, could have, unintentionally, made. And yet, the vociferous and unforgiving outcry brought Amy Robach, humbly, and ignominiously, to her professional knees in the name of cancel culture.

In King’s English: Amy Robach was “cancelled” by segments of the viewing public. Robach openly stated that she had no idea that she had even breached any wrongdoing and its “play book,” which all Americans must now adhere to, or else suffer the severe consequences, including loss of employment.

And never mind if you were proven innocent of all charges.

Robach was arbitrarily cancelled and branded as a racist, despite the fact that she had no clue at the time that she was being racially offencive.

In her humble and sincere apology, Robach released the following official statement at the time: “This morning during a segment about Hollywood casting, I mistakenly said ‘colored people’ instead of ‘people of color.’ I sincerely apologize. It was a mistake and is not at all a reflection of how I feel or speak in my everyday life.”

Ironically, in her newscast, Amy Robach was, in fact, championing Minority Rights.

In her condemned broadcast, she had also originally stated: “Now we all know Hollywood has received recent and quite a bit of criticism for casting White actors in what one might assume should be a role reserved for colored people.”

And yet, that portion of her condemned report, in which Robach called attention to Minority Rights in the ABC TV morning show was, in the minds of many observers . . . conveniently overlooked, and did not take into account her honest and good intentions.

A contrite Amy Robach was, of course, confused by the strictures now in usage across America and which can rain down cancel culture on any errant individual, no matter how confused they may be over the charges.

She was one of the lucky ones, and

held onto her job as co-anchor for ABC News.

But barely, and only by the skin of her teeth.

Even so, her reputation was tarnished and the outcry took its toll on her, mentally and emotionally.

Other ‘transgressors’ did not fare as well and were, indeed, cancelled – permanently, and left without a job, career, and income.

Ms. Larrea-Van Der Mark asked, after she was fired from two School District Board jobs in Huntington Beach, California for accidentally saying “colored people,” instead of “people of color” – her question still lingers in the air.

For many, her question remains unanswered today; her question is as follows: “As a researcher, I ask myself – how did we ever get to this place, where my words have been attacked and twisted so viciously by the left, in an attempt to remove me from my (two school board) positions?”

AMERICANS ARE ALREADY STRUGGLING IN BAD ECONOMIC TIMES, WITH MANY LIVING PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK.

The trending of the cancel culture phenomenon must be viewed in the proper context of how Americans are not only struggling financially, but how they now feel the unnecessary and added burden of fear – fear of saying the wrong thing, even unintentionally.

This is no miniscule matter for people who live from paycheck to paycheck, and cannot afford to risk losing or jeopardising their jobs, their sole income for survival for them and their families.

A national survey found that 42% of employed Americans feel “very” or “somewhat” financially insecure.

Moreover, 24% or nearly onefourth of the entire U.S. workforce population, have zero savings set aside for any emergency expence in case of being laid-off or terminated from their only source of livelihood.

Notably, the poll does not factor in the 40% of adults who are not employed. If it did, the emergency savings shortfall would likely be even more pronounced.

One-third of working adults say they would be very or somewhat uncomfortable with their ability to pay a $400 emergency expence.

Moreover, 8% indicated they wouldn’t be able to afford it at all.

Man About Town from page 9

came back and I thought it wise to have a second adjustment . . . and that seemed to work as well.

My point being . . . if you have, or if you begin to suffer from, vertigo . . . don’t mess around with it. It can become serious. Not life threatening (except for possible suicidal tendencies if it really gets bad) but it can make life very uncomfortable.

I had no idea that vertigo had that much emotional impact that it would bring someone to commit suicide - but it happens.

I believe my chiropractor, Dr. Steve Heilman, has relieved me of those symptoms (knock on wood).

I am now doubly pleased at the state of my health . . . particularly after hearing about that unfortunate lady.

•••

I wanna be a Lifeguard!

Top-Paid LA Lifeguards Earned Up To $510,283.

Baywatch needs to go on pay watch!

By Adam Andrzejewski, Founder/ CEO of OpenTheBooks.com:

Who knew that LA lifeguards— who work in the sun, ocean surf, and golden sands of California— could reap such unbelievable financial reward?

It’s time we put Baywatch on pay watch. In 2019, we found top-paid lifeguards made up to $392,000.

Unfortunately, today, the pay and benefits are even more lucrative.

Daniel Douglas was the most highly paid and earned $510,283, an increase from $442,712 in 2020.

As the “lifeguard captain,” he outearned 1,000 of his peers: salary ($150,054), perks ($28,661), benefits ($85,508), and a whopping $246,060 in overtime pay.

The second highest paid, lifeguard chief Fernando Boiteux, pulled down $463,517 – up from $393,137 last year.

Our auditors at OpenTheBooks. com found 98 LA lifeguards earned at least $200,000 including benefits last year, and 20 made between $300,000 and $510,283. Thirty-seven lifeguards made between $50,000 and $247,000 in overtime alone.

And it’s not only about the cash compensation. After 30 years of service,

Man About Town continued on page 13

Historically Speaking from page 7

1926, was also named for Duke.

Buck Duke was married twice, first in 1904 to Lillian Fletcher McCredy (also known as Lillian Nanette Duke). They divorced in 1906 and had no children.

In 1907 he married the widow Nanaline Holt Inman, with whom he had his only child, a daughter, Doris, born Nov. 22, 1912. Doris was raised at Duke Farms located in Hillsborough, New Jersey.

Doris Duke became an American billionaire tobacco heiress, philanthropist, and socialite, often called “the richest girl in the world.” Her great wealth, luxurious lifestyle, and love life attracted significant press coverage, both during her life and after her death.

Doris Duke’s passions varied wildly. Briefly working as a news correspondent in the 1940s, she also played jazz piano and learned to surf competitively. She was also active in preserving more than 80 historic buildings in Newport, Rhode Island. Duke was close friends with former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

Her philanthropic work in AIDS research, medicine, and child welfare continued into her old age. She also donated funds to support and educate black students in the American South who were disadvantaged because of racism. Her estimated $1.3 billion fortune was largely left to charity. Duke’s legacy is now administered by the Doris Duke Foundation, dedicated to medical research, prevention of cruelty to children and animals, the performing arts, wildlife and ecology.

James B. “Buck” Duke died in New York City on Oct. 10, 1925, and is interred with his father and brother in the Memorial Chapel on the campus of Duke University. He resided at his home, Lynnwood in Charlotte, North Carolina during the last five years of his life.

Buck Duke established The Duke Endowment, a $40 million trust fund (equivalent to $711 million in 2023), some of which was to go to Trinity College, which was renamed Duke University in honor of his father, Washington Duke.

On his death Buck left approximately half of his estate to the Duke Endowment, adding another $67 million, equivalent to $1.16 billion in 2023, to the trust fund.

After several endowments, approximately $100 million of Buck Duke’s estate, which was the equivalent of $1.74 billion in 2023, went to daughter Doris. She died Oct. 28, 1993, in Los Angeles, building and leaving an estate of more than $5 billion.

MIGHTY MOJO

Man About Town from page 12

LA lifeguards can retire as young as 55 on 79-percent of their pay.

Furthermore, we found that most of the top-paid lifeguards were men. In fact, only two of the top 20 highearners were women: Virginia Rupe ($307,664; 16th highest paid), a lifeguard captain, and Lauren Dale ($303,518; 19th highest paid), an ocean lifeguard specialist.

Overtime pay drove earnings into the corporate executive range.

Last year alone, 37 lifeguards made overtime in amounts between $50,000 and $247,000. For example, Daniel Douglas (overtime: $246,060); James Orr (overtime: 146,506); Patrick O’Neil (overtime: $133,235); and five others each made six-figures plus.

However, in a six-year period, between 2016 and 2021, the LA lifeguard corps made a fortune in overtime. The top three high earners made between $505,579 and $980,007 in overtime alone: Daniel Douglas ($980,007); Jaro Spopek ($513,365); and James Orr ($505,579).

Some high-earning lifeguards also win awards for heroism. However, we found many lifeguards winning Valor Awards failed to crack the top of the payroll.

In 2020, the Medal of Valor win-

ner, Edward “Nick” Macko (salary: $134,144), an ocean lifeguard, jumped into the rough waters in a remote Palos Verdes gorge and pulled a man to safety through potentially skull-crushing swells and over razor-sharp rocks.

In 2021, the Exemplary Service Award for EMS went to lifeguards Todd Ribera (comp: $184,676); Stephen Leon Jr. (comp: $36,597); Max Malamed (comp: $130,952); and Blake Hubbell (comp: $170,956).

Also winning Exemplary Service Awards were high-earners: ocean lifeguard specialist Lauren Dale ($303,518), the 19th highest paid lifeguard, and lifeguard captain Roque Roque ($319,566), the sixth highest paid in 2020.

Beach lifeguard pay dwarfs that of their colleagues at the pools. The highest paid “pool lifeguard” made $45,030, including pay and benefits.

During the pandemic, lifeguards continued to work and took additional precautions doing water rescues. Many traded their trunks and sunscreen for masks and scrubs at Covid testing sites. In some cases, lifeguards acted as police, enforcing stay-at-home orders, keeping people off the beaches and out of the water.

Why beach lifeguards earn so much money is an open question the L.A. taxpayer might start asking.

A lifeguard’s job can be danger-

ous, but it’s unclear why they are now paid up to a half million dollars a year.

After two years of requesting comment from the county and after three requests this year alone, a spokesperson finally responded with an official statement:

“The Los Angeles County Fire Department had approximately 166 full-time Ocean Lifeguards and 600 seasonal recurrent Ocean Lifeguards. All our lifeguards, including those in leadership positions, have taken on an enormous responsibility. They are responsible for protecting 72 miles of coastline, 10,526 square miles of open ocean waters, Catalina Island, and 1,686 square miles of Los Angeles County inland waterways.

In that same year, we had over 50 million beachgoers and our lifeguards executed over 9,286 ocean rescues and responded to over 13,303 medical calls. During large scale brush fires, our lifeguards take on additional responsibilities to work on specialized incident management teams to support firefighters all over the state – as they did in 2021 when wildfires burned an estimated 2,568,948 acres here in California. Additionally, our lifeguards were a critical part of the COVID-19 response efforts. The Lifeguard Division provided personnel, logistics, and incident management qualifications to support COVID-19 Testing and COVID-19 vaccinations all over the County of Los Angeles.”

Cancel from page 12

At the same time, 30% or almost one-third of all Americans employed, said they could only cover a month or less of expenses if their income disappeared.

SUMMATION:

I wish to thank the countless people who have asked me to write this cover story. And to all of you who have approached me in person, on the street, or in grocery stores, etc, as well as those of you who have sent me many, many emails -- please continue sending me your wonderful story suggestions.

To the many loyal and avid readers of The Paper, this story is dedicated.

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” ~ Darren Hardy

Oodles from page 3

To view the June newsletter, visit https://www.cityofvista.com/cityservices/recreation-comm-services/senior-services/monthly-newsletter.

Center hours are Monday-Friday 8am-3:30pm, closed on holidays. ***

Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention

Aging & Independence Services will be offering free Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention (TCAFP) classes in-person. These evidence-based falls prevention programs have shown to improve movement, balance, strength, and flexibility; offer relaxation; and decrease pain and falls. Both programs are appropriate for adults with or without arthritis, rheumatic diseases, or related musculoskeletal conditions. Older adults at a higher risk of falling are strongly encouraged to attend.

Carlsbad City Library1775 Dove Ln Carlsbad, at the WiFi Garden –outdoor class

Wednesdays and Fridays

8:30 am – 9:30 am

Starting Wednesday, June 12th

Lemon Grove Library 3001 School Ln Lemon Grove Mondays and Fridays 10:30 am – 11:30 am Starting Monday, June 17th

Pine Avenue Community Center and Park 3901 Harding St. Carlsbad Outdoor class

Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30 am – 9:30 am Starting Tuesday, June 18th.

To register, visit https://ca-carlsbad.civicrec.com/CA/carlsbad-ca/ catalog and enter code #20510. For questions or more information, email HealthierLiving.HHSA@ sdcounty.ca.gov or call (858) 4955500. ***

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 next to the new gymnasium, and by the Internet Application ZOOM.

June 14 1:00 San Diego Visual Network Patricia Frischer, Founder/ Coordinator Learn about the new county-wide Arts Commission and advocacy issues from an insider. Hear about current art exhibitions

not to be missed this summer.

June 14 2:30 Strategies for Aging in Place in the Home Jacqueline Silverman, Certified SeniorAdvisor/Aging in Place Specialist Agein-place with confidence. From lifestyle to home modifications, learn essential strategies for safety, comfort, style, and independence. Explore simple fixes and practical remodeling projects to create a secure environment for aging well in the home you love.

June 21 1:00 Earthquakes Tim Rockwell, Paleoseismologist So. Cal Earthquake Center

Dr. Rockwell will give us a look at earthquake activity and how it has, and may again, impact our area. Should we be nervous? Ask the expert.

June 21 2:30 Political Science Topic

Carl Luna Ph.D., Visiting Professor, University of San Diego Hear an overview of the November election, both local and national. Learn about the challenges democracy faces in the US and around the world.

June 28 1:00 The Doolittle Raid— America’s Daring First Strike Against Japan Rafe Arnott Retired Navy Captain, Midway Docent The Raid was executed by 80 Brave Americans led by Jimmy Doolittle. Sixteen Army Air Force B-25 bombers launched from the Aircraft Carrier USS Hornet and bombed Tokyo. This was the first time in history Japan was successfully attacked by an outside enemy force.

June 28 2:30 Spring Flowers Barbara Weiler, Master Flower Show Judge Barbara Weiler will educate us on the National Flower Shows structure and will do a live flower arrangement at the end of her talk.

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

To Donate to the LIFE Scholarship Fund: Write a check to MiraCosta College Foundation; Mail it to: One Barnard Dr., MS 7; Oceanside, CA 92056. In the memo area put: LIFE Scholarship Fund. OR use the QR code provided to fill out scholarship gift information. The donation will be credited to the LIFE Scholarship Fund. * Speaker has books or CDs for sale.

embark on an exciting journey of discovery and fun for all ages!

From June 17 to August 4, dive into a world of books and events designed to inspire and entertain. Whether you’re a child, teen, or adult, there’s something for everyone. Read your favorite books, attend engaging events, and connect with fellow book lovers in our community.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to enrich your summer with the joy of reading and learning. Sign up today and let the adventure begin!

Exploring the World of San Diego Real Estate Saturday, June 22 • 1:00-2:00 pm

Adults

Are you finding it challenging to navigate the real estate market? Does the prospect of buying a house seem bewildering and daunting? Join us for an educational session with San Diego Broker Farima Tabrizi, where she’ll empower you with essential knowledge about purchasing your first home.

Historic Look at the Escondido Public Library’s Neighborhood Thursday, June 27 • 6:00-7:00 pm Adults

An informative look at the history and architectural designs of the Escondido Public Library’s neighborhood homes and buildings. The talk will include historical photographs of the historic homes and buildings of the west part of the Library’s neighborhood.

Walking Tour of the Library’s Historic Neighborhood Saturday, June 29 • 11:00 am12:30 pm Adults • All Ages

Join us for a leisurely walking tour of Escondido Public Library’s neighborhood to learn about its homes and buildings’ history and architectural styles. The route will start from the Pioneer Room, head west on 3rd Avenue to Maple Street, and end at the Pioneer Room.

½ Price Sale • Friends Bookshop June 28 & 29

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

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

are affiliated with the non-profit International Barbershop Harmony Society, which is dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of this style of singing.

We are recruiting men, middle school age and older, who enjoy singing, who are curious about singing a cappella music, and who would enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded men working to achieve beautiful “ringing” chords. Previous musical experience is helpful, but is not a requirement. We can provide audio learning tracks to aid you in learning your part. And other members in your vocal part provide assistance as well.

We are looking for prospective singers for all vocal parts - Lead, Bass, Tenor, and Baritone.

We have open rehearsals on most Tuesday evenings from 7-9:30 pm at San Marcos Lutheran Church, 3419 Grand Avenue, in the Luther Hall.

Escondido Library Events

Summer Reading Challenge Begins Monday, June 17

All Ages

Join the Escondido Public Library Summer Reading Program and

Music Men Chorus Seeking Guys who Love Singing

The Music Men Chorus is a North County men’s a cappella chorus that performs four-part, close harmony songs arranged in Barbershop style, known for its “ringing”chords. We

Problem Solved from page 6

For more information about singing with the Music Men, call Joe Pascucci at (760) 845-3593. Or visit our website, www.musicmenchorus.org. the charges. And you might have filed a complaint with the CFPB, which would have turned up the heat on the companies to do the right thing.

I contacted Citibank on your behalf. A few days later, you received an update on your dispute. You got your $2,500 back. But Citibank added, “We maintain our position that the decision to deny this claim previously is absolutely appropriate.” So even though it isn’t really sorry, you still got your money.

But banks have a lot to be sorry about. Consumers have lost untold millions of dollars on scams like these. They should be doing more to stop these scams by actually monitoring your account when they say they will and by putting safeguards in place to stop thieves from luring people like you into making fraudulent transfers. And until they do, I’m sure I will stay busy trying to help resolve Zelle scams.

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

© 2024 Christopher Elliott.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9009100

The name of the business: Todd Travis Design Group, Travis Design Group, located at 1930 W. San Marcos Blvd., #153, San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant Travis Ultravisions Inc., 1930 W. San Marcos Blvd., #153, San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: N/A

/s/ Todd Travis, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/26/2024

5/16, 5/23, 5/30, 6/6/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9008536

The name of the business: J&C Cleaning Service, located at 1260 Borden #17, Escondido, CA 92026. Registrant Victoria Vergara, 1260 Borden Rd. #17, Escondido, CA 92026. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Victoria Vergara with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 4/18/2024

5/16, 5/23, 5/30, 6/6/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9009440

The name of the business: Suspension Plus, located at 322 El Camino Real Suite E, Bonsall, CA 92024. Registrant Investment LLC, PO Box 500783, San Diego, CA 92150. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: N/A

/s/ Efren G. Abrego, General Partner with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/2/2024

5/16, 5/23, 5/30, 6/6/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9008692

The name of the business: Valle Verde Social Club, Valle Verde Residents Activity Club, located at 1286 Discovery St., San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant Frank Hampton Johnson, 1286 Discovery St., Spc 29, San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 1/1/2024

/s/ Frank Hampton Johnson with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/22/2024

5/16, 5/23, 5/30, 6/6/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9009111

The name of the business: Destination Yoga, located at 3428 Cameo Dr., #54, Oceanside, CA 92056. Registrant Diana Stein, 3428 Cameo Dr., #54, Oceanside, CA 92056, Erich Stein, 3428 Cameo Dr., #54, Oceanside, CA 92056. This business is operated by a Joint Venture. First day of business: 4/26/2024

/s/ Diana Stein with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 4/26/2024

5/16, 5/23, 5/30, 6/6/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT 2024-9009928

The name of the business: Kindness Janitorial Services LLC, located at 5915 Rio Valle Dr., Bonsall, CA 92003. Registrant Kindness janitorial Services LLC, 5915 Rio Valle Dr., Bonsall, CA 92003. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: 5/8/2024

/s/ Alejandro R. Perez, Manager with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/8/2024

5/16, 5/23, 5/30, 6/6/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT 2024-9009976

The name of the business: Morgan’s World, located at 305 Tamarack Ave., Carlsbad, CA 92008. Registrant Morgans World LLC, 305 Tamarack Ave., Carlsbad, CA 92008. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: N/A /s/ Morgan Gardiner, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/8/2024

5/16, 5/23, 5/30, 6/6/2024

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME: 2024-9009057

In The Cut Barber & Beauty Lounge, located at 918 Mission Ave., Ste 115, Oceanside, CA 92054. The Fictitious Business Name referred to above was filed in San Diego County on 4/11/2023 and assigned file no. 2023-9007985.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IS BEING ABANDONED BY: Kristy Rogers, 29538 Major League, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530, Tatyanna Lackritz, Heath Ct., Carlsbad, CA 92011. This business is conducted by a general partnership. 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/Kristy Rogers, General Partner This statement was filed with the San Diego Recorder/County clerk on 4/26/2024. 5/16, 5/23, 5/30, 6/6/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9009626

The name of the business: North County Pro Cleaning, located at 583 Golf Glen Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant Saul Magadan Lara, 583 Golf Glen Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A

/s/ Saul Magadan Lara with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/6/2024

5/23, 5/30, 6/6, 6/13/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9009365

The name of the business: Anoint For Wellness, located at 960 Postal Way #2976, Vista, CA 92085. Registrant Donna L. Weber, 960 Postal Way #2976, Vista, CA 92085. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 3/11/2019 /s/ Donna L. Weber with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 5/1/2024

5/23, 5/30, 6/6, 6/13/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9010516

The name of the business: EcoWater Systems of San Diego, located at 2241 La Mirada Drive, Vista, CA 92081. Registrant Yanchewski & Wardell Enterprises, Inc., 2241 La Mirada Drive, Vista, CA 92081. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 1/1/2024

/s/ Glenn P. Kiehl, Corporate Secretary with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/16/2024 5/23, 5/30, 6/6, 6/13/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT 2024-9010125

The name of the business: Coastal Care Home Health, located at 14619 Woodhue Ln., Poway, CA 92064. Registrant Sacks Investment Group, 14619 Woodhue Ln., Poway, CA 92064. This

LEGALS

business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: N/A /s/ Kenneth I. Sacks, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/10/2024

5/23, 5/30, 6/6, 6/13/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT 2024-9008463

The name of the business: Socal Auto Care, located at 711 S. Santa Fe, Vista, CA 92083. Registrant Socal Auto Care LLC, 711 S. Santa Fe, Vista, CA 92083. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: 4/18/2024 /s/ Jessie Olivas, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/18/2024

5/23, 5/30, 6/6, 6/13/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT 2024-9010583

The name of the business: Sprouts & Blooms, located at 1447 San Pablo Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant Stephanie Spiteri Edwards, 1447 San Pablo, San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 5/16/2024 /s/ Stephanie Spiteri Edwards with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/17/2024 5/23, 5/30, 6/6, 6/13/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT 2024-9010290

The name of the business: Westek Electronics, loated at 1390 Aspen Way, Vista, CA 92081. Registrant Tempo Communications, Inc., 1390 Aspen Way, Vista, CA 92081. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 4/30/2024 /s/ John Parlzek, Chief Financial Officer with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/14/2024

5/23, 5/30, 6/6, 6/13/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT 2024-9019691

The name of the business: Vbrows Esthetics, located at 1116 Sycamore Ave. Ste B, Vista, CA 92081. Registrant Vanessa Padilla, 1116 Sycamore Ave. Ste B, Vista, CA 92081. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 6/15/2019 /s/ Vanessa Padilla with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 5/6/2024

5/30, 6/6, 6/13, 6/20/2024

Chuckles from page 2

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9008554

The name of the business: Al’s Power Washing, located at 378 Mainsail Rd., Oceanside, CA 92054. Registrant Al’s Powerwashing LLC, 378 Mainsail Rd., Oceanside, CA 92054. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: N/A /s/ Allan Marquez Tamayo, Managing Member with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 5/6/2024

5/30, 6/6, 6/13, 6/20/2024

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME: 2024-9010887 J&S Cleaning Services, located at 31909 Del Cielo Este Unit 2, Bonsall, CA 92003. The Fictitious Business Name referred to above was filed in San Diego County on 4/26/2023 and assigned file no. 2023-9009240.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IS BEING ABANDONED BY: Juan Antonio Gonzalez & Sandra Gonzalez, 31909 Del Cielo Este Unit 2, Bonsall, CA 92003. This business is conducted by a Married Couple. 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/Juan Antonio Gonzalez

This statement was filed with the San Diego Recorder/County clerk on 5/22/2024. 5/30, 6/6, 6/13, 6/20/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9009039

The name of the business: Carlsbad Essence PhotographyWeddings & Events, located at 1489 Turquoise Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92011. Registrant Samapti Biswas Roy, 1489 Turquoise Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92011. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 4/23/2024

/s/ Samapti Biswas Roy with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/25/2024

5/23, 5/30, 6/6, 6/13/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9010001

The name of the business: Alma’s Joyful Living Home Care,

8:00 am I made a snow-man!

8:10 A feminist passed by and asked me why I didn’t make a snow-woman.

8:15 So, I made a snow-woman.

8:17 My feminist neighbor complained about the snowwoman’s voluptuous chest saying it objectified snowwomen everywhere.

8:20 The gay couple living nearby threw a hissy fit and moaned it could have been two snow-men instead.

8:22 The transgender ma.. wom...person asked why I didn’t just make one snowperson with detachable parts.

located at 802 Orla Street, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant

Aileen Joy Parel, 802 Orla Street, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 9/17/2021

/s/ Aileen Joy Parel with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 5/9/2024

6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/27/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9012016

The name of the business: Mindmeld Interactive, Somatelligence, located at 1654 Adriana Ct., Vista, CA 92081. Registrant Sachiyo Takasawa Berg, 1654 Adriana Ct., Vista, CA 92081. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 10/1/2010

/s/ Sachiyo Takasawa Berg with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/7/2024

6/13, 6/20, 6/27, 7/4/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9011640

The name of the business: Hanuman Temple San Diego, located at 9265 Activity Road #110, San Diego, CA 92126. Registrant Veda Geetha Foundation Org, 9265 Activity Road #110, San Diego, CA 92126. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 6/3/2024 /s/ Shrikantha Shasta, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/3/2024

6/13, 6/20, 6/27, 7/4/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9011907

The name of the business: EMP Handyman And Renovations, located at 500 Avenida Verde, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant EMP Construction Inc., 500 Avenida Verde, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: N/A /s/ Christopher M. Parks, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/6/2024

6/13, 6/20, 6/27, 7/4/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9010677

The name of the business: Vintage Hearts Co., located at 25453 Rue Lausanne, Escondido, CA 92026. Registrant Shawna Lee Raher, 25453 Lee Raher, Escondido, CA 92026. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A

8:25 The vegans at the end of the lane complained about the carrot nose, as veggies are food and not to decorate snow-figures with.

8:28 I am being called a racist because the snow-couple is white.

8:31 The Muslim gent across the road demands the snowwoman wear a burqa.

8:40 The Police arrive saying someone has been offended.

8:42 The feminist neighbor complained again that the broomstick of the snowwoman needs to be removed because it depicted women in a domestic role.

8:43 The council equality officer arrived and threatened me with eviction.

8:45 TV news crew from the ABC shows up. I am asked

/s/ Shawna Lee Raher with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/20/2024

6/13, 6/20, 6/27, 7/4/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9011386

The name of the business: Residential Heat & Air, located at 4070 Arcadia Way, Oceanside, CA 92056. Registrant Scott Goane, 4070 Arcadia Ave., Oceanside, CA 92056. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 5/27/2024 /s/ Scott Matthew Goane with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/29/2024

6/13, 6/20, 6/27, 7/4/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT 2024-9011142

The name of the business: VJ Nail & Lash, located at 737 Shadowridge Dr., Vista, CA 92083. Registrant Duyen Huely, 737 Shadowridge Dr., Vista, CA 92083 & Henry Vinh To, 737 Shadowridge Dr., Vista, CA 92083. This business is operated by a Married Couple. First day of business: 5/24/2024 /s/ Henry Vinh To with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 5/24/2024

6/13, 6/20, 6/27, 7/4/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9011324

The name of the business: Poke Jaws, located at 3245 Business Park Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92081. Registrant TolucoMx Inc., 445 Garrison St., Apt 13, Oceanside, CA 92054. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: N/A /s/ Ruri Sato, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 5/29/2024

6/13, 6/20, 6/27, 7/4/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9011914

The name of the business: On The Nickel, located at 258 Mar Vista Dr., Vista, CA 92083. Registrant L. Jonathon William Groemann, 258 Mar Vista Dr., Vista, CA 92083. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Jon Groemann with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 6/6/2024

6/13, 6/20, 6/27, 7/4/2024

if I know the difference between snow-men and snowwomen? I reply, “Snowballs” and am now called a sexist.

9:00 I’m on the News as a suspected terrorist, racist, homophobe sensibility offender, bent on stirring up trouble during difficult weather.

9:10 I am asked if I have any accomplices. My children are taken by social services.

9:29 Far left protesters offended by everything are marching down the street demanding for me to be beheaded.

Moral: There is no moral to this story. It’s just a view of the world in which we live today, and it is only getting worse by the day.