December 14, 2023

December 14, 2023

Volume 53 - No. 50

the war

Lyle Davis in Vietnam

by lyle e davis From time to time I have people ask me, “what was it like, being a war correspondent?”

Lots of memories.

As we approached Saigon we knew were would be landing at Tan Son Nhut air base, just outside of Saigon. We had been warned that our landing would be unusual. Instead of the low, steady glide you normally experience when landing at an

airport we would approach the runway, then point the nose of the aircraft at about a 45 degree angle downward and only pull up and level out as we approached the outer limits of the runway.

Reason for this? We were involved in guerilla warfare and Saigon was surrounded by jungle. Viet Cong learned quickly that they could take out any aircraft if/when it made a traditional landing, entering the landing pattern and then slowly descending until the plane made touchdown. Rifle fire, ma-

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chine gun fire, RPG (Rocket Propelled Grenades) - all were used to knock our aircraft out of the sky.

I arrived at Tan Son Nhut via Pan American airlines. Fairly comfortable flight for a long, long plane ride.

Upon arrival I was met by a jeep and driver from MACV (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam).

For the moment, I was a big shot.

A member of the press who had come to report on the war. Once we were credentialed and headed out on assignment we were just

another working stiff As we drove into Saigon from the airport I was conscious of my surroundings.

The buildings, storefronts, vendor stalls, etc., reminded me a lot of Tijuana, Baja Mexico. Dusty, dirty, hot and very humid.

I saw one sight that has stayed with me to this day. A rather abrupt change in cultural activities that quickly taught me I was now in a different world. As we drove into Saigon I witnessed an older Vietnamese woman stop in the median of the road way, drop her pajama

War

See Page 2

The Paper • Page 2 • December 14, 2023

War from page 1 trousers, squat and take a dump!

My driver told me that was not all that unusual; another thing I was likely to see was pedestrian victims of a traffic accident - just lying in the road with no one in any hurry to attend to them or to dispose of the remains.

They would get to it, eventually - but it was no big deal that someone died.

We arrived at MACV headquarters which was housed in the Majestic Hotel, downtown Saigon, hard by the Mekong River. I was ushered into the press relations office, given my press credentials and allowed to make my hotel arrangements. I met a Lt. Colonel who headed up the office. Nice guy but not terribly handsome.

Slender, grey hair, very crooked teeth. I found out later that he had a phenomenally beautiful black girl friend from one of the islands where he would go for R&R (Rest and Recreation). He had an apartment there and she was always at his beck and call whenever he was in town.

Give Us This Day Our Daily Chuckle This week, a compendium of wit, wisdom and neat stuff you can tell at parties. Enjoy!

This is the time of year when we think back to the very first Christmas when the Three Wise Men: Gaspar, Balthazar and Herb went to see the baby Jesus; and according to the Book of Matthew, “presented unto Him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

These are simple words, but if we analyze them carefully, we discover an important, yet often overlooked, theological fact. There is no mention of wrapping paper.

If there had been wrapping paper, Matthew would have said so: “And lo, the gifts were inside 600 square cubits of paper. And the paper was festooned with pictures of Frosty the Snowman. And Joseph was going to throweth it away, but Mary saideth unto him, she saideth, ‘Holdeth it! That is nice paper!

Saveth it for next year!’ And Joseph

I was an enlisted man when I served at Brooke Army Hospital way back in 1957 to 1959 but now? Now I was an assimilated grade/rank of a Lt. Colonel, thanks to my press credentials.

I could go almost anywhere I wanted, had priority transportation, could call the motor pool and order up a jeep and driver and have at it. It is better to be an officer than an enlisted man (though I usually ate with the enlisted men instead of the officer’s mess - the enlisted men were where the stories were).

Another sight I remember. While at MACV headquarters I entered the men’s restroom. There I found a Vietnamese man, from off the street apparently, and he was washing his feet in the sink!

Seated on the counter of the vanity and just casually washing his feet.

My hotel was a comfortable, quiet one. Right out of a World War II movie - with ventilator fan in the ceiling, rotating at a moderate speed, lots of bamboo furniture, comfortable bathroom and the bed was comfortable. However, I was to spend very little time in my hotel. I would spend most of my time out it in the boonies, did rolleth his eyeballs. And the baby Jesus was more interested in the paper than the frankincense.”

But these words do not appear in the Bible, which means that the very first Christmas gifts were NOT wrapped. This is because the people giving those gifts had two important characteristics: 1. They were wise.

2. They were men.

Men are not big gift wrappers. Men do not understand the point of putting paper on a gift just so somebody else can tear it off. This is not just my opinion; this is a scientific fact based on a statistical survey of two guys I know.

One is Rob, who said the only time he ever wraps a gift is “if it’s such a poor gift that I don’t want to be there when the person opens it.”

The other is Gene, who told me he does wrap gifts, but as a matter of principle never takes more than 15 seconds per gift.

“No one ever had to wonder which presents daddy wrapped at Christmas,” Gene said. “They were the ones that looked like enormous spitballs.”

I also wrap gifts, but because of some defect in my motor skills, I can never completely wrap them.

I can take a gift the size of a deck of cards and put it the exact center of a piece of wrapping paper

with the troops, sleeping in tents, sometimes at BOQ’s (bachelor officer’s quarters). Most of the stories were not in Saigon - they were out where the combat troops were . . . and that’s where I wanted to be.

Which brings up another fact/ memory. Probably no more than 5% of our military in Vietnam were engaged in combat. Most of our troops were there in a support category, logistics, medical, administrative, food service. Many spent their hot, muggy days in Saigon on air conditioned offices.

A “Vietnam Vet” does not necessarily mean the vet was in a high danger zone.

Upon arrival I wanted to do my first story on the MP’s (Military Police) - to ride with them and see what it was like in the heart of a war torn country’s major city. Several folks in the know told me, “whatever you do, don’t go into Cholon. That’s the Chinese section of Saigon and it’s loaded with VC and/or their sympathisers. They’d just as soon slit your throat as look at you.”

So, naturally, the military took me on a tour of Cholon.

the size of a regulation volleyball court, but when I am done folding and taping, you can still see a sector of the gift peeking out. (Sometimes I camouflage this sector with a marking pen.)

If I had been an ancient Egyptian in the field of mummies, the lower half of the Pharaoh’s body would be covered only by Scotch tape.

On the other hand, if you give my wife a 12-inch square of wrapping paper, she can wrap a C-130 cargo plane. My wife, like many women, actually likes wrapping things.

If she gives you a gift that requires batteries, she wraps the batteries separately, which to me is very close to being a symptom of mental illness.

If it were possible, my wife would wrap each individual volt.

My point is that gift-wrapping is one of those skills like having babies that come more naturally to women than to men. That is why today I am presenting: Gift Wrapping Tips For Men * Whenever possible, buy gifts that are already wrapped. If, when the recipient opens the gift, neither one of you recognizes it, you can claim that it’s myrrh. * The editors of Woman’s Day

The Majestic Hotel, which housed MACV headquarters, also had an outstanding rooftop restaurant, open-air. A menu that was unsurpassed. Steak dinner? You got it!

Chinese food? You got it! French cuisine? Absolutely! (Vietnam was under French rule for many years and many Vietnamese spoke French and there were a large number of French restaurants in Saigon, on TuDo Street, the main thoroughfare.)

One additional unique feature of the rooftop restaurant . . . you could dine and look out over the jungle and see and hear battles that were going on, often less than a mile away. In some cases a number of tanks would be shelling enemy positions and you both heard the powerful BOOMs but saw the flash of the firing and subsequent explosion. It was not lost on us that while we were consuming a tasty filet mignon with a lovely glass of wine - there were troops from both sides out in the jungle fighting and dying.

Naturally, I had heard of the fantastic tailors on TuDo street and, War continued on page 3 magazine recently ran an item on how to make your own wrapping paper by printing a design on it with an apple sliced in half horizontally and dipped in a mixture of food coloring and liquid starch.

They must be smoking crack. * If you’re giving a hard-to-wrap gift, skip the wrapping paper! Just put it inside a bag and stick one of those little adhesive bows on it.

This creates a festive visual effect that is sure to delight the lucky recipient on Christmas morning: YOUR WIFE: Why is there a Hefty trash bag under the tree?

YOU: It’s a gift! See? It has a bow!

YOUR WIFE (peering into the trash bag): It’s a leaf blower.

YOU: Gas-powered! Five horsepower!

YOUR WIFE: I want a divorce.

YOU: I also got you some myrrh.

In conclusion, remember that the important thing is not what you give or how you wrap it. The important thing, during this very special time of year, is that you save the receipt.

Chuckles continued on page 12

The Paper • Page 3 • December 14, 2023

War from page 2 sure enough, I stopped and bought myself a “war correspondent’s shirt/jacket.” Took only a couple hours to custom make for two me and I think I paid $30 for both.

It was a soft and cool cotton fabric, one dark blue and one grey, with pockets on the shoulders for cigarettes, note pads, etc. Two large pockets on the chest area, both sides and, if I remember correctly, it also had large pockets on both sides of the hips. Very form fitting yet comfortable. Have no idea where they are today. Would love to have them - but doubt they would still fit.

I now looked the part of a war correspondent - just like the guys from CBS, NBC, and ABC. But we only wore the correspondent shirts, generally, in Saigon.

When out in the bush we wore fatigues, comparable to our military troops.

I kept very busy. There was a lot of war to cover and only 24 hours in a day. I wore myself out fairly quickly. I remember one evening I called the motor pool and ordered a jeep and driver for the next morning at 0700. Came 0700 and the phone rang, telling me my driver and jeep were waiting for me. I dismissed them. I was just too damned tired and wasn’t gonna roll out of bed unless we were under imminent attack.

Every day, if in Saigon, we would have a briefing at 5pm in the press room. They were called “The 5 o’clock Follies.” We were briefed by PR folks from the various military branches and soon learned that, more often than not, the stories we were fed were out and out bullshit. Manufactured stories designed to keep the folks at home happy.

If you wanted the truth, you had to go out and get it yourself.

I had the brother of an old Chicago area girl friend who was stationed in Vietnam. His name was John. I tracked him down, pulled a few strings, and got John out of the jungle and assigned to me for, I think, a couple of weeks. He saw more of Vietnam the weeks he was with me than in all the time he’d been in country. And he traveled first cabin wherever we went. I had him assigned to me as my photographer/press aide. I’m not sure he even knew how to operate my camera.

During one visit to Saigon I took him out after curfew (being a member of the press we were exempt from curfew) and went to a local hotel. I arranged for him to

meet a couple of hookers and he soon headed upstairs with one of them. I sat in the lobby and enjoyed a cup of hot tea and some pastries. When John returned I noted he had a big grin on his face. (John wrote me several months later and told me he had come down with a case of the clap (gonorrhea). It was worth it, he said. A couple shots of penicillin and he was right as rain.

He was amazed we could walk the streets of Saigon so freely as they were off limits to him - but now, he was press! We walked through town and took note of the “White Mice.” The White Mice were what we called the Vietnamese cops who worked Saigon.

A bunch of corrupt crooks - but they left us alone.

On one assignment I ventured to Pleiku - a town in the highlands. I loved Pleiku because the weather was so similar to San Diego’s!

Warm, not particularly humid.

While there I met a young enlisted man by name of Hickey. I learned that he has since passed away after returning home but he has a son with whom I am still in contact via email.

Just outside Pleiku is a small village called Plei-monu. This is a Montagnard village (mountain people - and not Vietnamese. In fact, there was a lot of friction between Vietnamese and Montagnards.) Montagnards were, however, fierce warriors and served the allied cause well. I remember in particular one tall handsome, bald, young Montagnard man who smiled a lot - when he smiled you couldn’t help but notice he had a big gold tooth.

The Montagnards were generally referred to by the military as “Yards.” Our guys seemed to appreciate the Yards a lot more than the Vietnamese did.

It was at Pleimonu where I first ate monkey and drank rice wine.

The Vietnamese Army wanted to stage a ceremony where they had awarded new rice mills to the Yard Village and to do it they had a bit of a feast. Monkey and wine.

And, yes, monkey does taste like chicken.

There is a rule, supposedly, that pilots are not to fly their aircraft for at least 10 hours after ingesting alcohol. Don’t you believe it! Not in a combat zone! These guys don’t know whether they are gonna be alive tomorrow so they live life while they can. And they do know how to party!

War continued on page 5

Oodles!

Looking for things to do? Places to go?

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

Have an event you need publicized?

Email it to: Lisa.ThePaper@gmail.com If you submit photos do not embed them. Send them as jpg, tif, or pdf attachments only.

The Paper comes out on Thursdays. Deadline is the previous Friday.

Simple press releases are the best: who, what, where, when, why.

Please no brochures or flyers. Keep it simple You’ll get more ink!

San Diego Zoo Jungle Bells Through January 1, 2024 Experience the magic and spirit of the holiday season at the worldfamous San Diego Zoo! Join us for Jungle Bells as we light up the night until 8 p.m. (except December 24) with amazing entertainment—including the end-of-theevening spectacular, Aurora. Bring the whole family, and enjoy all the fun and warmth of this joyous annual celebration.

Jungle Bells is included with all admission tickets and memberships. *** Escondido Library Events All Library facilities will be closed on December 25, 2023 for Christmas and January 1, 2024 for New Year’s. The Library will also close at 5:00 p.m. on December 23 and December 30, 2023.

Law Library Services Thursdays, December 16 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Adult Services Business Center Reference librarians from the San Diego Law Library will be on site to guide you to resources to better understand and research common legal issues, assist with using the new legal databases, show you free legal websites, and make referrals to legal aid organizations. Law Librarians cannot give you legal advice or perform legal research for you. ½ Price Sale in the Friends Bookshop December 18–23 All items in the store 50% OFF marked price (25¢ minimum) Only cash payment accepted.

We provide everything you need to study: a large, quiet space, lots of tables, break time activities, relaxation corners, and sugary snacks. *** LIFE at MiraCosta College 1831 Mission Ave., Oceanside In The Board Room Trailer T200 A Lifelong Learning Group Meetings will be held in person at the MiraCosta College, Oceanside Campus, at 1:00 pm in the Board Room Trailer T200 by the Police Station and by the Internet Application ZOOM. Dec 15 1:00 A Poet’s Perspective Jason Magabo Perez, Ph.D. San Diego Poet Laureate 20232024 The Poet Laureate serves as an advocate for local poetry, spoken word, and the literary arts. Mr. Perez made his debut as Poet Laureate at Mayor Todd Gloria’s “2023 State of the City Address” in January 2023.

Dec 15 2:30 Bhutan: The Happiest Nation on Earth Pat Foley, LIFE Member Today, Pat will provide a photo journey of her and her daughter’s 2018 trip through Bhutan. What makes it the happiest nation in the world, and what are some of their challenges? Learn about the people, their customs, their food, and their ruling monarchy.

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

Teen Open Study December 14 • 3:00–8:00 p.m.

December 16 • 1:00–6:00 p.m.

December 18 • 2:00–6:00 p.m.

December 19 • 3:00–8:00 p.m.

Turrentine Room • Ages 13–18

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 go to: https:// foundation.miracosta.edu/donatenow and you can donate online. There is a “drop-down” box to indicate the donation will be

Study for your finals at the Library!

Oodles continued on page 14

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

The Paper • Page 4 • December 14, 2023

Local News

Defendants Charged With Running Illegal Dispensary Business San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced charges today against four defendants who were illegally selling and distributing products containing marijuana. Jose Delahoz, 55, and Valeria Rada, 42, have been charged with child endangerment, maintaining a place for marijuana to be sold, tax evasion, and possession of marijuana for sale. They were arraigned today in San Diego Superior Court. If convicted of all charges, they face probation up to eight years in prison. Diego Delahoz, 30, and Edgar Delahoz, 29, have been charged with maintaining a place for marijuana to be sold, tax evasion and possession of marijuana for sale. They both face up to four years and four months in prison if convicted of all the charges.

On Wednesday, law enforcement served search warrants at multiple locations that resulted in the seizure of over $1,100,000.00 of mislabeled product containing cannabis in various locations, including a home with young children.

“Illegal marijuana businesses that sell unregulated products are an underground economy that undercuts legal dispensaries who are following the law and undercuts the laws that protect children and teens from the potentially toxic effects of high THC cannabis,” said DA Stephan. “They also put consumers at risk because their products can pose a public health risk. Coordinating with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to hold individuals and these businesses accountable.”

The San Diego Police Department

led the investigation, working with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, Chula Vista Police Department, District Attorney’s Office, and California Department of Taxation Administration.

The investigation focused on a store in Middletown, Canably, which is not permitted to sell marijuana but has been presenting itself as both a storefront and a distributor of products that contained THC, including thousands of edibles like gummies, peanut butter, beef jerky and 300 pounds of loose marijuana. Canably was selling and distributing cannabis and cannabis products within 1,000 feet of a school and residences. Over $2,000 in cash was seized and an initial review of store receipts showed a minimum of $4,000 of credit card sales were made in less than one day in the storefront. Additional searches were conducted in Rancho San Diego and Chula Vista at another smoke shops that purchased cannabis products from Canably.

The residence of Canably’s owners was also searched and 320 pounds of loose cannabis, $5658 in cash, more than 10,000 in concentrates and more than 5,000 edibles were seized. In total, more than $1,000,000.00 in cannabis product was seized from the home. The product was found in an attached garage converted into a workspace for the Canably business and a play area for the family’s three children, ages10 months, five years, and 14 years.

Today, if a dispute breaks out in a schoolyard there is a chance that someone will go home and return with a knife or a gun - or recruit a gang to settle the score. Back in “the good old days” a dispute may have wound up with a fist fight, a

This case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Matthew Greco of the DA’s Narcotics Division.

Carlsbad Police Department Releases Critical Incident Video

A shop called Elevated Smoke in Pacific Beach was also searched, bloody nose or so . . . and it was over.

So after school one day I pushed her down in a snow drift.

Today, there are those who think I’m a pretty nice guy. And, I suppose, on balance, I probably am.

And she cried. I had made her cry.

At one time, I was a mean little kid. A sometimes bully. But, along the way, I learned. Slowly, but I learned.

The world today is getting more and more strange and more and more frightening.

“We’re being told by health professionals at Rady Children’s Hospital that they’re seeing an 800 percent increase in marijuana-related overdoses in children in recent years which is unacceptable,” said DA Stephan. “Edibles in particular pose a danger to young people who are being marketed to or find products like pot gummies and aren’t aware of the overdose danger. It is unconscionable that parents would store such a large amount of marijuana in an area accessible to their children.”

Carlsbad Police stopped a white Ford Van at Madison Street and Oak Avenue in the City of Carlsbad after seeing the driver commit multiple traffic violations in the area. The vehicle was driven by a single male occupant. As the officer approached the vehicle to contact the male, the driver produced a handgun and fired one round at the officer without warning. The officer immediately sought cover

But it wasn’t always that way.

Man About Town

resulting in a seizure of cannabis, a ghost gun, marijuana edibles and concentrates. The smoke shop had been selling edibles purchased from Canably and was operating within 1,000 feet of Pacific Beach Middle School.

I remember in, I guess, 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade, at Benson West Elementary School in Omaha, Nebraska, here was this cute little girl, Nina Hill. She was “little Miss Perfect.”

Hair always perfectly in place, clothes always just right, shoes always polished, always had a nice smile, very pleasant, everyone liked her.

“Well,” I thought, “we can’t have that.”

I remember not only taking no particular pleasure in making her cry but feeling bad I had done so.

Don’t remember if I apologized then but I have apologized to her several times since and I think she has forgiven me. We went on to attend high school together and communicate to this day, largely via Facebook.

Around the same grade level, we had a really handsome kid move into our neighborhood. I remember he was so handsome he reminded me of John Derek, the movie actor. To this day he is movie star handsome. His name was, and is, George Hofmann.

It happened that our routes to

from the gunfire and returned fire with his service weapon. The suspect drove about 1/8 block south before stopping. The officer called for additional units and a high-risk vehicle stop was conducted once additional officers arrived. The suspect was given commands and complied with the officers’ directions. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident.

Nobody was struck by gunfire during this incident.

The critical incident debrief video provides an overview of the circumstances related to the officerinvolved shooting on Oct. 20, 2023, at approximately 10:54 p.m.

The video contains audio and video footage of the incident to provide the public with a better understanding of what occurred based on the information available to investigators thus far. Viewer discretion is advised.

You can watch the video at h t t p s : / / w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / watch?v=QdBukimrczQ Per the Countywide Memorandum of Understanding the San Diego Police Department was called to the scene to conduct the officer-involved shooting investigation, which is currently underway. When the San Diego Police Department completes its investigation, it will be reviewed by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. Carlsbad Police is conducting an administrative investigation into the incident, in accordance with department policy.

For further information contact: Carlsbad Police Department Lieutenant Eric Kovanda at 442-3392146 or Eric.Kovanda@carlsbadca.gov school ran parallel and I decided I’d better show him who the boss of the neighborhood was. So I picked a fight with him.

He proceeded to knock the stuffing out of me.

I decided then and there that it was probably a pretty good idea to become friends with George and so we did.

He really was a strong sonofagun.

We’d play sandlot football and I remember him running full bore down the field and I tackled him head-on. I saw stars. i was woozy.

I was hurting. Tackling him was really, really hard.

It was only several years later that his mom told me on that particular play I had really hurt George Man About Town continued on page 5

The Paper • Page 5 • December 14, 2023

War from page 3 The night before a scheduled early morning lift-off (5am) for an Insertion of “Little People,” the pilot’s term for S. Vietenamese soldiers, they held a night meeting and party. They had a large brand new garbage can into which they poured vodka, tequila, rum, pineapples, watermelon, anything and everything they could think of. And they drank it.

And they sang. And they danced.

And they told jokes. Then they’d sleep for a couple hours and then take off for the Insertion, dropping the “Little People” at some LZ (landing zone) near a forward operating base. Later in the day they’d return for the Extraction of “Little People.”

Up to this time most of the battles were hit and run by the VC. Now, however, a large NVA (North Vietnamese Army) unit had penetrated the area and a pitched, traditional military battle ensued.

We won but we had a lot of casualties. I flew into one the MASH (Mobile Surgical Hospitals) and walked through the ward, viewing the wounded. Each casualty had been stripped of his clothing and they had written on his chest, blood pressure, any other medical info, and what, if any medications he had received. This was to ensure some poor trooper didn’t wind up with a double or triple dose of morphine or other pain killer - which could be fatal.

I remember one lad in particular.

You could tell he was a handsome kid. Dark black, closely cropped hair, very nice facial features . . . except for the fact that his left cheek had a huge gash, about an inch wide and about three inches

Man About Town from page 4 when I tackled him. But he never let on he was hurt. He just got up and walked back to the huddle to prepare the next play.

A few years later we moved from Benson West, the elementary school, to Monroe Jr. High - a middle school in today’s parlance.

There was this one kid, Douglas Duncan; kinda chubby, not very popular, and he wore bib overalls. I don’t remember the exact incident but I think he bumped into me in the cafeteria line and I may have said something like, “hey! Watch it!” And, as far as I was concerned, and Douglas was concerned, that was it. It was over.

But, no . . . our classmates want-

long, probably from shrapnel, perhaps from a bullet, and you could see the muscle, top and bottom of the gash. The medics had cleaned him up nicely and we would survive but he would always have a huge scar on the left side of his face.

I remember another occasion when I thought about doing a story on “Disneyland East,” the term used for the brothels in and around the various cities, town and villages. An Army Captain, assigned to Public Relations, learned of my interest and approached me ... “You planning on doing a story on Disneyland East? Man, please. don’t do that.

The story will hit home and every mom, wife and daughter will be on the phone with their Congressman and raising hell. Then there’ll be a congressional investigation and they’ll probably shut down Disneyland East. These guys don’t need that. It’s one of the few comforts of home they have. You wanna get laid? I’ll get you laid. Just don’t do this story.”

I was not interested in getting laid. I was happily married and the last thing I’d want to do is bring home some type of STD to my wife. I had plenty of danger and excitement just doing my job - I didn’t need nor want any complications.

I chose, however, to not do a story on Disneyland East.

Many other memories are floating around my memory bank.

A number of other stories. They will have to wait till another day as my eyes grow weary and it is time for bed.

ed to see some action so several of them approached me and said, “hey, Douglas Duncan wants to fight you after school!” At the same time others were approaching Douglas and saying, “Hey! Lyle Davis wants to fight you after school.”

In fact, neither of us were particularly anxious to fight one another but we duly showed up at Krug Park after school for the bout of the century.

As we circled each other, looking for an opening, me and Douglas Duncan, the chubby kid who wore bib overalls, I remember thinking . . . “I’m wiry; I’m tough; I’m fast. I’ll out-fox him; dive for his feet, pull them out from under him, throw him down on the ground, give him a punch or two . . . and this stupid fight will be over.”

by Sean Dietrich “I’ve never met a blind dog before,” said the little boy.

human. My job is to guide her through this world of woe. I have no idea what I’m doing, but I’m trying.

He was a foster child, his foster mother was with him. We were all introduced by chance in a public park.

And at this particular moment, I was following Marigold closely with a plastic baggy over my hand, ready to do my duty.

The boy watched my dog, Marigold, walking along, bumping into a nearby fence. We were out for a potty-break. Marigold was trying to find a suitable patch of grass to do what I call, “leaving constructive criticism.”

“Why is she blind?” the boy asked.

I chose my words carefully. Because how do you tell an innocent foster child that somebody took a blunt object to this puppy’s head and destroyed her eyes?

The boy watched us in rapt wonder. We are a team. Dog and man.

Marigold and me.

How do you tell a child there are humans out there who would use

I am Marigold’s “Seeing Eye”

Ever the man of action, I dived for his feet.

And Douglas Duncan and his bib overalls pushed me down, then fell on top of me and pinned me to the ground. He just held me down.

He didn’t hit me or anything. The spectators got bored with such pantywaist maneuvers and began to head home. As did Douglas Duncan. And me as well.

I was beginning to learn fighting wasn’t the quickest way to the top of the world.

Blind Dog continued on page 12

Still later, there was this paper boy named Toady Vaughn. Nice lookin’ kid, minding his own business, delivering papers in our neighborhood. But I, Mr. Tough Guy, always needled him, picked on him, teased him about his name.

Then one day, Toady put down his Omaha World Herald paper bag, put up his fists . . . and proceeded to knock the tar out of me. I don’t Man About Town continued on page 13

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

The Paper • Page 6 • December 14, 2023

5th District Supervisor

Jim Desmond

An Environmental Disaster A study by the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission shows that 35 billion gallons of toxic waste water has flowed across the border through the Tijuana River this year; and more than 100 billion gallons since 2018. Local beaches were forced to close and local businesses and tourism have taken major hits.

On December 1st my office participated in an informational hearing about Cross-Border Pollution called by the Senate Select Committee on California-Mexico Cooperation that was held at the Chula Vista City Hall. Concrete solutions were presented, but they will cost money and require action on both sides of the border. They include: In the U.S. • Double the capacity at the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant (ITP) • Build a new advanced primary wastewater treatment plant to treat water from the Tijuana River • Direct canyon water flows to the ITP • Install a river trash boom (to deal with waste tires and other debris) In Mexico • Repair the sewage collection system to prevent leaks

• Direct treated wastewater for beneficial uses instead of continuing ocean dumping • Construct a new Treatment Plant in Tijuana Unfortunately the current Tijuana plant desperately needs repairs, funding for those repairs will take time and funding for a new plant is iffy. Tijuana’s continued population growth will only increase pressures on existing infrastructure.

Since 2019, the State Legislature has provided over $30 million to mitigate wastewater pollution flowing into the U.S. The Legislature also supports a federal budget request for $310 million made by Senators Padilla and the late Senator Feinstein to fund upgrades for the Tijuana River Valley. In addition, I have joined San Diego legislators, all 18 county mayors and over 40 community-based organizations calling for state and federal emergency declarations.

This problem can be solved, but it will take commitment to costly major upgrades on both sides of the border.

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

A Word from San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones It’s The Season Of Giving, So Let’s Shop Local As I holiday shop for my family and friends this year, I know local businesses will offer gifts with a special San Marcos touch to show their appreciation for our supportive community. It is always great to keep in mind as you shop locally, you’re supporting the San Marcos economy and business community. Let’s spread the holiday cheer by making at least one local purchase!

Here is a list of local shopping centers to get you started: The clock is ticking, but there is still time to purchase those special gifts for family and friends this holiday season. The City of San Marcos offers a variety of shopping centers for community members.

The perfect gift is just a short drive away!

• Nordahl Center • Creekside Marketplace • Old California Restaurant Row • Grand Plaza Visit the Chamber of Commerce website at www.sanmarcoschamber.com to find more local shopping centers to spread the holiday cheer!

Final Board Meeting Our final Tuesday board meeting of the year was also our longest of the year. It took about 13 hours, but I want to thank everyone for coming down and calling in. Here is a recap of some of the good and bad from the meeting.

The Board of Supervisors approved allocating another $3 million for migrant services. I was the lone vote, as this is no way to run a government. The County has already spent $3 million in local dollars, which ran out in less than three months.

Now, more money will be diverted away from county taxpayers. We have seen over 50,000 migrants enter San Diego County since September 13, and there are no signs of this slowing down. Our immigration system is broken, and San Diegans shouldn’t have to sacrifice local services because of this breakdown. This situation is unsustainable for our community, both financially and logistically.

Migrants entering our country need assistance, but it’s the Federal Government’s responsibility, not the County’s, to fund and provide the necessary resources. The decision to use County funds for nonU.S. Citizens and federal immigra-

tion issues with no end in sight is a recipe for disaster.

A few weeks ago, I shared a successful story about legislation that we passed addressing individuals who have conquered addiction and are now seeking stable housing. In San Diego County, there are 909 individuals currently engaged in outpatient treatment for addiction recovery but remain homeless.

These individuals diligently attend meetings, undergo regular testing, and exert tremendous effort toward their recovery journey.

At our meeting last month, we approved a pilot program for 100 of these individuals to receive housing. I’m thrilled to share that we have now found funding to house all 909 of these individuals for the next two years. This will allow them to continue going through treatment, remain sober, and get their life back on track.

This is a significant step forward, and I remain committed to helping people get the help they need.

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

Problem Solved

by Christopher Elliott

KFC’s app sent my order to the wrong location. Can I get my money back?

Jonathan Sklar orders a meal from KFC through the fast-food restaurant’s app. He says the order went to the wrong store. Can he get a refund?

Q: I am trying to get a refund from Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC).

I placed an order on their app recently. The order went to the wrong location.

I tried to get help at the restaurant, and they did not know what to do.

When I called the 800 number to speak to a rep, KFC put me on hold for 30 minutes. I decided to call back the next day, but when I did, I got a message that said the inbox was full.

Can you help me get a refund of $33 for the meal I never received? ~ Jonathan Sklar, Novi, Mich.

A: KFC should have sent your or-

der to the right place. As someone who orders coffee online frequently, I worry about this, too. What if Starbucks sends my request for a grande Americano to the wrong location but charges me anyway?

I have good reason for my concern.

Many online apps use your GPS location to determine the closest store. If you’re not paying attention, or if there are multiple locations in your area, you can easily send an order to the wrong restaurant.

Is that what happened to you?

If so, it’s impossible to reverseengineer the error that caused the problem. But KFC should have at least responded to your complaint and found a way to fix the problem Problem Solved continued on page 12

The Paper • Page 7 • December 14, 2023

Historically Speaking

Christmas of Yesteryear in the Middle West agances’ at our house were out of the question.

back a bit crooked … sometimes she glued the barrel upside down.

Roy, Gene and Hoppy would’ve been shocked.

By Tom Morrow Thoughts of the approaching 2023 Christmas takes me back more than eight decades of my life. I recall the anticipated booty that never appeared on the dreamscape during my 1940s and early ‘50s. Of course, in those days what toy land wonders we didn’t know about weren’t missed.

Comparatively speaking, postWorld War II vintage toys were, at best, primitive. After the War plastic was hard to get and metal of any kind was expensive. After the War, toys were, shall we say, “fragile.”

The biggest problem when fighting off Indians and robbers trying to win the American West was with six-shooters. Many toys, especially pistols, were made of compressed sawdust. When told to do so by an opponent we had to lay our pistols down on the ground ever so gently lest they break apart. More than one occasion Mom came to the rescue, but got the barrel glued

The only gift Santa might bring that would be close to that of today’s Christmas morning booty was “Tinker Toys” … the “Legos” of yesteryear.

Gift ideas to Santa were limited because there was no television or Internet. Surveying hints for the big guy, as well as Mom and Dad, were found primarily in store windows or in the annual Sears, Wards, or Spiegel catalogs. Somehow our requests were hinted to Mom and Dad. Of course, a little help from the U.S. Post Office was our backup for direct requests. Being “good” was always part of the bargain. Those items of joy neatly on display in store windows had price tags. The price of $3.95 seemed to be the most popular numbers. As it happened, the price was just a tad out of our Dad’s budget range.

Having lots of presents under the tree measured the amount of joy you expressed. If you were lucky enough to get a “biggie,” then it occupied a place of honor unwrapped and displayed among a pile of giftwrapped goodies. On lean years, Mom would increase the gift count by separately wrapping socks mak-

The “Legos” of yesteryear

ing the big day seem more abundant than it really was.

For every boy I knew, electric trains were high on the lists for most-coveted items. While Lionel train sets were the most popular, no self-respecting “Junior” railroad man would be satisfied with anything but an “American Flyer.”

Lionel train sets were powered via a “center” electric track … three in total. American Flyers mimicked the real thing with just two rails. ‘Flyers” looked authentic in every respect. Mom didn’t understand such things. Dad did, but had trouble with a more expensive price tag. A Lionel set was around $14.95. An “American Flyer” commanded $19.95 and beyond. In those days Dad never made more than $2,500 a year so such extrav-

Ironically, today if you could find either a Lionel or an American Flyer, they’d probably command a collector’s price tag in the hundreds of dollars. However, the Holy Grail on nearly every boy’s wish list was a “Red Ryder” air rifle. But Mom always said what nearly every mom did: “No! You’ll shoot your eye out.”

Remembering a gift for Mom and Dad could be a bit of a challenge.

Weekly allowances didn’t go very far. I get 50 cents a week, and my sister got a quarter. (So much for equal opportunity). If you had any money, it wouldn’t be enough to buy more than one item. For Mom there was always “Evening in Paris” perfume – for 50 cents it certainly wasn’t “Chanel No. 5” – more like “Kids’ No. 001.” Years ago when my sister was helping our Mom close up her house, a number of “Paris” bottles had been stashed away in a keepsake manner. Ironically, the traditional kids’ parental gift of choice is still being produced, but not for 50 cents.

As for Dad, we somehow managed to buy him a necktie … that was for a man who had just one tie Historically Speaking continued on page 13

Travel Troubleshooter

by Christopher Elliott

British Airways canceled my flight during the pandemic, and I’m still waiting for a refund Where’s Erika Eng’s $994? She booked tickets from Washington, D.C., to Paris in 2020. British Airways canceled her flight but never refunded the money.

Q: I booked two tickets to Paris on British Airways through Flight Network in 2020. British Airways canceled the flight because of the pandemic.

I have tried for years to get a refund from Flight Network. But after numerous calls and emails, I have not received the money. Can you help me? -- Erika Eng, Arlington Heights, Ill. A: You’re kidding! It’s been almost four years since the start of the pandemic and you’re still waiting for your money back? That’s got to be a new record.

So what went wrong? You booked your tickets through Flight Network, a Canadian online travel

agency. (I publish the names, numbers and email addresses of Flight Network’s executives on my consumer advocacy site.) Flight Network has some of the worst online reviews I’ve ever seen. But that’s not the reason for your delay.

The pandemic was a disaster for airlines. They canceled flights and lost billions of dollars in revenue.

Airlines were also slow to refund tickets when they canceled flights.

In fact, some airlines insisted on giving customers flight credits until regulators got involved. And if you purchased your tickets through an online agency, it could take even longer, since the refund had to go through the travel agent. But that’s not the reason for the delay, either.

A look at the paper trail between you and Flight Network shows that you eventually initiated a credit card dispute. This is a legitimate use of a dispute, as I note in my free guide to credit card charge-

backs on my consumer advocacy website. But it looks as if your dispute may have delayed your refund. (In one email, the agency asks for proof that you had dropped your dispute.)

British Airways was taking its time getting your money back. It looks like Flight Network had your money but couldn’t do anything because of the chargeback.

I know this is going to sound like crazy advice, but in this particular case, you might have had your money sooner if you’d waited just a little while longer.

Does this mean you should avoid a chargeback when an airline is slow to refund your purchase? No. Even with a potential delay, I still think it’s worth pursuing a chargeback if an airline or online agency is dragging its feet. Had you done that, and succeeded in your dispute, you might have had your money in

2020 instead of late 2023.

You could have appealed your case to one of the executives at Flight Network or British Airways (I also publish the names of the airline’s executives on my site). But knowing what I do about how refunds worked after the pandemic, I suspect that nothing would have moved the process along faster.

So there you have it: A refund that took almost four years. But not a minute longer. I contacted Flight Network on your behalf. It confirmed that it had your refund and wired you the money for your canceled flight.

Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps consumers solve their problems. Email him at chris@elliott.org or get help by contacting him on his site. © 2023 Christopher Elliott

The Paper • Page 8 • December 14, 2023

Use A Reverse Mortgage To Purchase A Home Did you know that you can use a Reverse Mortgage to purchase a home? Many people are unaware of this unique use of the loan. Let’s say you’ve owned a home in Escondido for 30 years.

During that time, you have worked hard, raised your family and paid off your mortgage. That’s quite an achievement!

You should be proud of yourself!

is based on the youngest borrower’s age, property value and the current expected rate. You can use the same scenario to illustrate “downsizing” from a large two story home to a single level smaller home. So the same illustration could apply if you were downsizing or “rightsizing”, as it’s being referred to currently. Even is you were staying in Escondido and looking for a smaller home.

But now, your children have grown, married and they have children of their own. Fantastic! You’re a grandparent! Your children both moved to Arizona and took their children with them…the nerve!

Even though you’re retired and can make the drive to see them every so often, it’s not the same as living near enough to babysit, pick them up early from school, have them spend the night or take care of them when they’re sick. On top of that, you’re lonely being away from your children.

I hope you are starting to see the various ways this loan program can be utilized to make our retirement years easier, more enjoyable and give us less financial stress. There are as many uses for this loan as there are people.

We are all different and have different wishes and dreams. This loan provides the freedom to explore options, see where and how we want to spend this time of our lives. It’s a lot of freedom.

You can sell your home in Escondido and purchase a home in Arizona! You and your spouse are both 70.

The holiday season is upon us! I hope you are all enjoying yourselves. Please reach out and let me know how I can help you understand this amazing loan program and how it can help you relax up with your new home and have no mortgage and enjoy your holidays, now and in the future. payments.

I promise, you will learn how this loan can be tailored to you exact needs.

You would also have $375,288.48 cash to hold on to, invest with, whatever you want. Your only property expenses moving forward would Laura Strickler be property taxes, homeowner’s insurance and 760-518-9839 home owner’s association dues, if applicable.

NMLS #315848 BUT NO MORTGAGE PAYMENT is required!

Reverse Mortgage Advisor lauras@equitysmartloans.com Remember, the reverse mortgage loan amount www.laurastrickler.com

Your home is valued at $750,000. You’ve found a home in Arizona priced at $500,000. With no mortgage on the house, you could have net cash from the sale of your home of approximately $712,500.

The dream home you’ve decided on is close to both of your children and grandchildren.

Based on your age and the $500,000 purchase price, your loan amount would be $162,788.48.

You would have to bring in $337,211.52 to wind

Laura Strickler

What do hotel guests really want in 2024? You might be surprised by the answer.

Are you ready for the latest hotel gimmick? It’s giving you what you want. I know, it’s revolutionary.

and Los Angeles charge up to $50 extra in fees for benefits I never really use.”

But that’s the surprising discovery Eric Stone recently made when he booked a room at a Holiday Inn property in Las Vegas. It promoted daily cleaning and no resort fees -two things Stone says every hotel should have, anyway.

Hotels say “no resort fees” promotions have led to higher bookings.

For example, Crane’s Beach House, a boutique hotel in Delray Beach, Fla., started last to heavily advertise that it doesn’t have any resort fees.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Stone says sarcastically.

The idea that price transparency or daily room cleaning is worth promoting shows how far the hotel industry has drifted from what should be the norm. It comes at a time when the government is fighting junk fees with a proposed rule that would effectively ban resort fees in the United States.

And in a business with near recordhigh rates, guests love the simple idea that hotels would give them what they want. It’s far better than giving them what they don’t want, which is a troubling trend I identified a few weeks ago.

“Travelers have sent a clear message,” says Konrad Waliszewski, a lodging industry trendwatcher who runs a hotel reservation site. “No more accepting less for more.”

Result: More hotels are advertising

Illustration by Dustin Elliott the fact that they have no resort fees.

Others are advertising “free” breakfast or daily housekeeping. That can make booking a hotel confusing, since travelers might wonder what is -- and isn’t -- included in the price of their room. Or what should be.

(Don’t worry, I’ll have the correct answer in a minute.)

Over the last two decades, many hotels -- not just resorts -- have added these fees, which range from $20 a day to, in extreme cases, over $100.

The latest come-on: No resort fees!

Resort fees are mandatory daily surcharges added to your bill for amenities such as pool towels, use of the hotel gym and “free” internet. Often, hotels don’t reveal these charges until you’re on the last screen of your reservation, by which time you’ve already made the decision to book.

Alex Beene, a community coordinator from Nashville, recently booked a hotel room in California for a convention.

But now, in an effort to distinguish themselves from the crowd, some properties are advertising that they don’t have resort fees.

“I was stunned to see many hotels advertising no resort fees,” he recalls. “That’s very attractive because some hotels in places like San Diego

“When we looked at our market here in Delray Beach, we noticed virtually every competitor charged a resort fee -- not to mention other fees like parking or valet, internet, even additional towels,” says hotel spokeswoman Carli Brinkman. Having no fees set it apart and also offered a better guest experience, she says.

And the hotel is on track to have its best year on record, thanks in part to the absence of resort fees.

“Free” breakfast for hotel guests?

Another heavily advertised amenity is “free” breakfast. And I’m putting “free” in quotes because it’s not really free if you’re paying for your room -- it’s included in the price of your room. (If it were truly free, I could walk into the hotel and enjoy breakfast without paying for it, which is not the case.)

I’m currently living in Los Angeles, Luggage continued on page 9

The Paper • Page 9 • December 14, 2023

Luggage from page 8 and near me, several hotels, including the Embassy Suites and Best Western, advertise “free breakfast.”

In fact, several hotel chains -- most of them budget hotels -- include breakfast with their stays.

The concept of a hotel that offers its guests breakfast at no additional charge dates back hundreds of years.

In fact, it may be one of the basic tenets of good hospitality. In the rest of the world, it would be unimaginable to not include a breakfast as part of your stay.

“Huge irony,” says Adrian Mooney, director of sales at Kilkea Castle, a resort and golf club in Ireland. “European hotels have been promoting free breakfast forever. We don’t draw huge attention to this as it is a given in Europe, but since the American clients do not know this, we make sure that it is noted and included.

Travelers don’t want surprises at the end of the trip.”

The “free” breakfast trend is unlikely to stick. Instead, hotels may offer special packages that include breakfast to entice travelers to book. But apart from the discount chain hotels that currently offer “free” breakfast, this hospitality trend is on shaky ground.

Daily Housekeeping Included Some hotels are also touting “free”

daily cleaning -- there’s that word again. But like the other advertised services, this one should never be a selling point. Guests should be able to take it for granted. This issue appears to be limited to U.S. hotels, which are struggling with higher post-pandemic labor costs and are under more pressure to turn a profit.

Stone, a retired nonprofit executive from Los Gatos, Calif., says he was mildly annoyed because the Holiday Inn in Las Vegas didn’t clean his room every day. Instead, it offered a “daily refresh” of his room.

What’s a daily refresh? According to Holiday Inn parent company IHG Hotels & Resorts, it’s a “lightertouch housekeeping service” that removes trash and replaces towels and other amenities. Other hotel chains have similar policies.

Some cities are having none of it. In Los Angeles, the city council passed the Workplace Security, Workload, Wage and Retention Measures for Hotel Workers in 2022, requiring daily housekeeping at most hotels.

This fall, Hilton also bucked the trend when it started offering automatic daily housekeeping at some of its luxury and full-service properties, including Embassy Suites.

Skipping daily housekeeping is a disgusting way for hotels to save money, and guests won’t stand for it anymore when they’re paying record-

high room rates. But for now, it’s an opportunity for some clever hotels to differentiate themselves from the competition -- and they are.

So where’s all this headed?

If the government succeeds in eliminating junk fees, then hotels won’t be able to advertise “no resort fees” -- because they’ll be illegal. Daily housekeeping will soon become a standard in the United States again, as it already is in the rest of the civilized world. But if you want breakfast included, you’ll have to travel abroad.

The most forward-looking hotels are already focusing on offering the services guests expect and telling the truth about their prices, according to hospitality consultant Steve Turk.

“This shift is in direct response to what guests want,” he says.

But until that happens, he advises paying attention to the total room rate and all the amenities that are included in your room -- and especially the ones that are not included.

Elliott’s Tips For Getting What You Want From A Hotel Resort fees and every-other-day housekeeping are still a problem for hotel guests in late 2023. Here’s how to get what you want: Bring your own breakfast. I live in

hotels, and I can tell you that even the best hotel breakfasts leave a lot to be desired. Chances are, you have a favorite breakfast cereal or fruit item. My advice? Bring it with you.

Skip hotels that charge mandatory resort fees. Don’t reward a hotel with your business if it forces you to pay a surcharge on top of your room rate. Instead, book a hotel that gives you an honest, all-in rate.

If you don’t have a choice, then try to negotiate the removal of the mandatory fee before you click the “book” button. Remember, resort fees are an endangered species, and hotels that charge them know their days are numbered.

Sign up for daily housekeeping.

Some hotels require guests to opt in to daily housekeeping. (A receptionist will ask you about it when you check in.) Always say “yes,” even if you think you won’t need it.

Hotel rooms can clutter up quickly. If someone doesn’t clean your room, let the front desk know.

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.

The Paper • Page 10 • December 14, 2023

The Pastor Says . . .

Christmas Is Coming The Christmas season is here. I have never seen so many T.V. programs or holiday ads. Is it a spiritual thing or a commercial endeavor to catch the potential profit before an economy busts?

Either way, the season is with us. The anticipation is high.

Like my previous articles, this article tries to coordinate the secular or material with the spiritual. Therefore, I share from the primary and original Bible story of what the season is all about.

The hope and expectation the Jewish people had leading up to the Messianic fulfillment.

The entire event of Christmas, spirituality, is tied to the Bible and the Jewish people. Over the historical period of the Jewish people, about 2000 years, and even human history, there was a hope that God would intervene with an event or person to bring order and peace to our world of disorder. The messianic or Godappointed period refers to this movement. Over the centuries, the profits and the Jewish leaders inspired the Jewish expectation to look forward to the coming messianic person or time.

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.

Pastor Huls

This expectation was stimulated, especially in times of stress and uncertainty. Such was the time 2000 years ago, the time of Jesus’ birth. Even today, with all that is happening to the Jews with anti-semitism and the war in Israel, the desire for the Messiah’s coming has been heightened.

The Christian community also hopes to look forward, based on promises in the Hebrew (O.T.) portion of the Bible and the. N.T., of the return of Jesus (the Christ). Many say that he is coming soon, i.e., Christmas is coming!

Of course, we have the date set as December 25, which, to most, is a holiday of celebration, gift-giving, family, gathering, and eating. Yet, for the world in turmoil, war, and uncertainty, it is a time to ask God, “When will the Messiah come to bring lasting peace and order to our troubled world?” The Bible says Christmas, i.e., the Christ, is coming.

Pastor Huls

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 Parade

Pet of the Week

Tux

Butterball

Tux is pet of the week at your Rancho Coastal Humane Society. He’s a 1-1/2-year-old, 18-pound, male, Poodle mix.

Tux was transferred to Rancho Coastal Humane Society from another shelter through FOCAS (Friends of County Animal Shelters.) He has lots of energy and a charming personality.

The $145 adoption fee for Tux 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.

For more information about adoption or to sponsor a pet visit Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas, call 760-753-6413, or log on to www.SDpets.org. Open 11 to 4, Friday through Monday, and by appointment Wednesday and Thursday.

Meet Butterball, a lively four-month-old labrador retriever who has his heart set on finding a new home before the holidays! The world is full of possibilities for this energetic young guy and he’d love to meet new human (and possibly canine) friends! Puppies like Butterball will benefit from positive reinforcement training and encouragement as they learn how to be a grown up pup. This adorable pooch will need a dedicated family who can help him become the confident and happy adult he’s meant to be! If you’re ready to take the adventure of a lifetime with a loving companion, adopt Butterball (888569) at San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido Campus at 3500 Burnet Dr. Through Dec. 17, adoption fees are just $25 for dogs and cats of all ages – like Butterball! 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=888569

The Paper • Page 11 • December 14, 2023

“Swan Song” for “Digital Immigrants” We folks over forty are called “Digital Immigrants” because we came to the SW as adults. Our data storage, thought patterns, biases and life styles were already fairly well established through direct contact with the non-digital World. Our consciousness was created through direct mental and physical contact with our environment.

The Computer Factory 845 W. San Marcos Blvd.

760-744-4315 thecomputerfactory.net

In 2001 the introduction of high speed Internet access (broadband) began the process of accessing the World’s digital data bases through artificial intelligence. There are several names for the combination of artificial intelligence and broadband Internet access, but for the purpose of this column, we call it the “Smart Web (SW)”.

By 2007, 75% of Americans had SW access and today that figure is over 90%. If you’re over forty like most of our readers, your world view and mental processes were well established when the SW became a major factor in the daily life of Americans.

There is a subtle but important contrast in the way you think, store and process information as compared the same functions in the younger generations who formed their cognitive functions with constant exposure to the SW.

By building on prior knowledge bit by bit we assembled our cognition like a pyramid, each piece resting on another as part of a consistent and connected structure. We use the SW as a resource to strengthen and add to our pre-established cognizant pyramid.

Those under thirty of the connected generations are called “Digital Natives”. To a lesser degree they share some of the environmental, non-digital influencers with “Digital Immigrants”. But “Digital Natives” spend nearly half their waking hours connected to the SW, so they get far less exposure to nondigital environmental influences.

sum of stored knowledge and the human mind will complete its victory lap in this century.

We “Digital Immigrants” can only stand by and observe the inevitable hybrid intelligence transition. We can’t erase our brains and become participant “Digital Natives”. Sometime close to the end of this century, the last of us will croak and we’ll go extinct.

Man’s transition to hybrid intelligence will be an interesting and perilous journey. Already we see manipulation and censorship of the SW in totalitarian cultures like Russia, North Korea and China where political considerations trump reality.

At The Computer Factory our primary job is to provide and maintain the Windows computer hardware required to keep business, home and school PC users up and running with stand alone applications and Internet connection via home or business networks. We repair and upgrade Windows based PCs and we build PCs for special applications. We also purchase, refurbish and sell commercial grade desktop/tower, All-in-One, Notebook and Micro PCs. We’ve been here in our large cluttered shop on San Marcos Blvd since the town library moved out in 1995. We like what we do and we like our customers too, so come on in and sit a spell.

Since the “Digital Natives” are only just beginning to come of age, its too early to fairly judge the impact of the SW on their cognitive processes, but one thing has become abundantly clear. The evolving force we call the SW marks the beginning of a historic change in human culture. We “Digital Immigrants” are the last generations marking the supremacy of the individual human mind as the primary instrument of intelligence on the planet.

The hybrid intelligence that combines artificial intelligence, the

John Van Zante’s Critter Corner

Getting Your New Dog Used to Its New Home time to adjust. If possible, take your new pet to visit its new home before you move in.

We adopted a dog a month ago. After spending 10 years and 14 years with our last two dogs, we’re having to acclimate a new dog to our home and having to acclimate ourselves to our new dog. As I’ve said before, we forgot how much we forgot about having a new dog.

Here are some tips to help when you get a new dog.

Dogster.com says to give your dog

Spend as much time as you can with your dog while it’s getting used to its new home. When you do need to go out, leave your dog alone for short periods at first, then lengthen them. Leave the TV or radio on when you go out.

You and your pet need space. If your home is so full that you can’t move, that’s a problem. Keep as much floor space open as possible, even if you have to put some things in storage for a while.

Some dogs avoid the parts of the house that are poorly lit. Like us, it’s hard to find their way around a

strange house in the dark. You might need night lights or to leave some lamps on at night while your dog learns its way around.

Dogs love routine. Your new dog is probably adjusted to their foster provider or shelter. Now they need to adjust to your schedule. This includes feeding and walking at the same times every day.

It really helps to have a good neighbor or a dog walker: When you’re running late or not able to make it home, have somebody who can check on your dog.

Dogster.com suggests a gate to keep your dog separated in the kitchen or bathroom. But also make that space comfy with your dog’s bed and toys.

One more thing. If you’re in an apartment, rugs or carpet can absorb the sound of “thunder paws” when your happy dog decides to do zoomies at 3:00 in the morning. Your neighbors will appreciate it.

The Paper • Page 12 • December 14, 2023

Blind Dog from page 5 a length of rebar as a weapon against a soft, floppy-eared puppy?

“Someone hurt her,” I said.

“Why?” “Not everyone’s a nice person.”

The boy’s eyes grew serious.

“Yeah. I know.”

He looked at Marigold prancing along and said nothing. He just observed.

The kid was maybe 6. He wore Levi’s and a striped shirt that showed his little belly. His hair was strawberry. Opie Taylor eat your heart out.

His foster mother said he’s had a rough life. And that is all I’m permitted to tell you about him.

He watched Marigold with great interest. Marigold walks with a cautious gait. Sometimes she high-steps like she’s hiking through tall grass. She does this so she won’t stumble on any sudden obstacles.

We’ve been working on things, every day. When we go for walks, off-leash, I put a bell on my shoe so she can follow me.

Also, I taught her the word: “Step.” This is my cue word for Marigold to be aware of upcoming drop-offs, staircases, curbs, sidewalks, or gutters.

We’ve also been practicing using a leash. Although I’m not sure who is walking whom. She pulls harder than a protagonist from a Jack London novel.

If I were to wear roller skates during our walks, for example, I would be halfway to Québec right now.

Marigold uses her voice a lot, too.

Because it’s hard being blind.

Her world is all black. Therefore she can’t communicate with body language or eye contact. All she has left is her voice.

I try to remind myself what it’s like to be sightless. A few days ago, I wore a blindfold for 24 hours just to see what it was like.

I didn’t take it off. Not even to use the restroom.

It was frightening. Have you ever gone without your sight? I felt alone sometimes. I had to have help getting into the shower. In a word, it was scary.

So that’s why the relationship I have with Marigold is different than any relationship I’ve ever had.

I’ve had a lot of canines in my life. But they were all regular dogs. They could see, hear, smell, eat, run, play, terrorize the UPS guy, and leave constructive criticism on people’s lawns.

But this animal needs me. Marigold needs me to guide along the stairs. In crowded places, she nudges my calf with her nose so she won’t lose me.

At lunchtime, she needs me to tap her food bowl so she can find it. I’ve never been needed before.

Not like this.

“Can I pet her?” said the little boy.

When she came to him, the child held her head in his tiny hands.

He inspected the ocular scar where her eye was removed. He used a tender hand to stroke her.

And then he began to cry. Tears slickened his cheeks. I started to feel badly.

“I’m sorry someone hurt you,” the boy said. Then he gave her a hug and wept into her fur.

“I love you,” he said, sniffling his nose. “I love you, love you, love you.”

The things you see as a Seeing Eye human.

“Sure.”

“Will she be afraid of me?”

“Not if you’re gentle.”

The boy called Marigold to him.

She heard his voice and carefully walked in his direction.

“You’re a pretty girl,” said the boy.

Chuckles from page 2

Sean Dietrich

the laws they’ve passed.

•••

Some young whippersnapper asked me what I thought it was like to be old. “Well,” I told him, “if you put cotton in your ears, pebbles in your shoes, and vaseline on your glasses, I reckon that’d be pretty close.” “’Course, not being old,” I told him, “I’m only guessing.”

••• I spent 25 years in the radio industry. I can recall an afternoon personality by the name of Bill Blough. He had a popular country western program at WMRO Radio in Aurora, Illinois. Besides doing his very folksy, very country, “Bill Blough Show,” he also read the news on the hour and the half hour. One story dealt with a story in a foreign country where there had been both an earthquake and torrential rainstorms. Bill read the story and added the tag line . . . “the country is in Outer Chaos.” (A part of China, perhaps?) The story read . . . “the country is in utter chaos.”

It happens.

As a side note . . . Bill never did know he had goofed. None of us told him. It would have ruined the future telling of the tale.

••• The reason Politicians try so hard to get re-elected is that they would hate to have to make a living under

I went to Benson High School in Omaha, Nebraska. We were known as the Benson Bunnies. All my life, I have been teased about being a Benson Bunny. I can remember how the PA announcer struck fear in the opposing teams whenever he’d announce our football team . . . “Now taking the field, the Benson Bunnies!”

Well, lemme tell ya . . . there are other high schools with monikers just as bad:

Problem Solved from page 6 -- rather than putting you on hold and then sending your call to a full mailbox.

Here’s what KFC says about mobile orders: If you don’t check in on the order you placed with the wrong restaurant, you will not be charged. “You may see the order in your pending transactions, but it will be automatically canceled within 5 working days,” the company says on its site. (It’s unclear if this policy applies to KFC restaurants worldwide.)

For some reason, KFC charged you for an order you never picked up. Although this is a rare problem, I’ve seen a few cases of customers getting incorrectly billed for meals they didn’t receive. When that happens, you can either call KFC directly or send an email to customercare@kfccustomercare.com.

If that doesn’t work you can also contact one of the Yum Brands executives.

I reached out to KFC on your behalf. It turns out the order was sent to the correct address after all, according to KFC. “The food was prepared at the requested location, but it was ready later than anticipated and he never received it,” a representative told me. “So we went ahead and processed the refund.”

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

There are, in no particular order-

Let’s face it - English is a crazy language.

The New Braunsfels, TX Fighting Unicorns

There is no egg in eggplant nor ham in hamburger;

The Hoopeston, Illinois Cornjerkers

Neither apple nor pine in pineapple.

The Brewer, Maine Witches

English muffins weren’t invented in England.

The Polkka, West Virginia Polka Dots ... and just down the road The Poca, West Virginia Dots The Santa Cruz, California Banana Slugs, and The Akron University Zips I’m just sayin’ . . . .

•••

We take English for granted, but if we explore its paradoxes, We find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square, And a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.

And why is it that writers write, but fingers don’t fing, Grocers don’t groce and hammers don’t ham?

Doesn’t it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend?

The Paper • Page 13 • December 14, 2023

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(760) 747-7119 Advertise Your Business & Services Man About Town from page 5 think I got one punch in. Someone, probably his dad, had given him boxing lessons so he could defend himself. His dad taught him well.

I never bothered Toady Vaughn again. I was still learning.

Later, while attending Benson High School, I got into a rather good fistfight with a guy named Darryl Johnson. It was in the gym locker room.

Don’t remember what the fight was about but remember I got a couple of really good licks in before it was broken up and Art Harris, the diminuitive gym instructor (all 4’10” of him) sent us to see John “Pinky” Aronson, the vice principal.

Pinky was a pretty good administrator and vice-principal. He determined that Darryl and I would expend all of our excess energy, not by fighting, but by polishing every single door knob at Benson High School. After school. We were each given a can of Brasso and some rags and sent on our way. Darryl and I got to know each other fairly well, polishing door knobs.

Pinky Aronson had done his job.

Taught us a lesson and exerted dis-

•

www.thecommunitypaper.com

cipline at the same time.

area of the altercation and, sure enough, there they were . . . on the pavement. Smashed to bits. Some car had run over them. A $250 pair of glasses. That had been an expensive fight.

Was sad to learn that John Aronson developed Alzheimer’s late in life and has since died. We teased him a lot and called him “Pinky” but he was a pretty decent chap.

Apparently by now I had learned my lesson as I don’t recall any other fistfights (until I was about 68 years old). I had taken Evelyn to the San Diego Zoo for Valentine’s Day. A dispute arose over a parking space and a kid, about 30 years my junior, and with hair colored purple, blond, orange, blue, suggested I do something to myself that was not only physically impossible but I was not in a romantic mood at that moment. I walked over after he made the suggestion and landed a good right cross to his face and a left hook to his tummy - at which time he grabbed both my arms and pinned me against a car. “I don’t want to fight you!” he said. “Fine,” I thought, “then don’t suggest I do things to myself I’m physically not capable of doing.”

Another older gent broke up the dispute and sent us on our way.

About 15 minutes later, just beginning our tour of the zoo I noticed my glasses were missing. We went back to the parking lot, found the

Now, for sure, I had learned my lesson about fighting. (a) Remove your glasses for safekeeping, and (b) be nice, don’t fight, and (c) if you must fight, do it with someone your own age, perhaps at a retirement home, and finally, (d) figure out how it is possible to do something to yourself, when suggested, that appears to be impossible physically, particularly if you’re not in a romantic mood. Oh, and one more.

Don’t go getting into fistfights when you’re 68 years old.

Thus endeth today’s lesson on fist fighting and the lack of need for such physical activity.

Having said that, our form of settling disputes then, even when they turn out comical, is far superior to those employed today . . . involving knifes, guns, or gang warfare.

And, the employment of that philosophy is how/why so many people seem to think I’m a really nice guy today.

I fool a lot of people.

•

760-747-7119

Historically Speaking from page 7 which he only wore for weddings and funerals. Mom usually helped by giving us a dollar or three to buy him something.

One year our parents had made some huge expenditure for the household causing Mom to tell Dad not to worry about getting her a gift for Christmas … (you can see this one coming). Dad took Mom at her word, causing a very tense Christmas morning. Of course, as she always did, Mom had remembered Dad with at least two or three gifts.

From that year forward, my sister and I made sure Dad had something for Mom under every tree.

Throughout my years at home, I don’t think Dad ever shopped for anything at Christmas or for birthdays.

For those who annually watch Jean Shepherd’s movie, “A Christmas Story,” you can get a picture of what Christmas was like in my hometown of Seymour, Iowa during the ‘40s and ‘50s. (On a personal note, in that movie, the 1937 Pontiac parked in the family’s driveway is exactly like my Dad’s car. Memories? You bet!

The Paper • Page 14 • December 14, 2023

Free Tax Filing Help

Oodles from page 3 credited to the LIFE Scholarship Fund. The QR code below can also be used. *** Hidden Valley Vista City Council of Beta Sigma Phi International Annual Christmas Luncheon December 14 Sundance Mobilehome Park 2250 N Boardway, Escondido The Hidden Valley Vista City Council of Beta Sigma Phi International will hold its’ annual Christmas luncheon meeting, “Holiday Blooms” on December 14, 2023 beginning at 11:00 A.M. at Sundance Mobile Home Park Clubhouse, 2250 North Boardway, Escondido, CA.

Cost is $27.50 per person. Meal catered by Red Tail Catering.

Hidden Valley Vista Council Beta Sigma Phis – active, inactive, on leave, transferees and guests are invited to make a reservation by calling Susie at 760-889-3552 by December 8, 2023.

In the spirit of giving, members and guests are asked to bring a nonperishable item to give to the Salvation Army.

Beta Sigma Phi is a social, cultural and philanthropic International Sorority, headquartered in Kansa City, Missouri, with chapters throughout the world. If you are interested in belonging to a special organization and make many new friends, call Patty 707-315-9209.

First, I discovered America, then I discovered The Paper

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

So I headed back to Norway to recruit settlers. While I was gone, some clown named Columbus claimed he discovered America. Life ain’t fair. Except life also give us The Paper. I read it whenever and wherever I go exploring and only buy from those who advertise in The Paper. It’s a Viking thing.

Your friend, Eric the Red

*** Chess at Park Avenue Community Center Wednesdays from noon to 3pm Home of Escondido Senior Center 210 Park Avenue, Escondido Chess players of all skill levels are welcome every Wednesday in the shuffleboard building from Noon to 3 pm. Large boards and pieces provided. Follow the signs or ask at the front desk for directions. ***

Our IRS sponsored program offers free tax-filing help low income seniors. We’re looking for compassionate and friendly folks to join our team of volunteers preparing taxes for the upcoming season at the Escondido Sr Center. You’ll receive training and continued support in a welcoming environment. You will not only learn new skills, but also get a great feeling from helping someone else. We also need computer tutors and receptionists to help our local seniors. Call 760 480-0611 if you are interested.

LEGALS NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF Robert Kegley Schmorleitz Case No. 37-2023-0040309 PR-LA-CTL SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO 1100 Union Street San Diego, CA. 92101 Central Courthouse To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate or both, a notice of petition to administer estate of Robert K. Schmorleitz, Bob Schmorleitz, Robert Kegley, has been filed by Erin K. Schmorleitz in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA. 92101 Central Courthouse. The Petition to Administer Estate requests that Erin Schmorleitz be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless tey have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: Novemer 30, 2023 Time: 1:30pm Dept: 503 Room: Alvarez Address of court: Same as noted above.

If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in Section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Petitioner: Erin Schmorleitz 13145 Old West Ave. San Diego, CA 92129 619-804-0720 11/23, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14/2023

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF Marvin John Heinstschel Case No. 37-2023-0047223 PR-PW-CTL SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO 1100 Union Street San Diego, CA. 92101 Central Courthouse To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate or both, a notice of petition to administer estate of Marvin John Heintschel, has been filed by Doreen Heinstschel in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA. 92101 Central Courthouse. The Petition to Administer Estate requests that Doreen Heintschel be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: February 1, 2024 Time: 1:30pm Dept: 503 Address of court: Same as noted above.

If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in Section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner: Kimberely V. Deede (SBN 280841) Gian Ducic-Montoya (270361) Chhokar Law Group, P.C. 10945 Vista Sorrento Parkway, Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92130 858-384-5757 11/23, 11/30. 12/7, 12/14/2023

The Paper • Page 15 • December 14, 2023

LEGALS

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9023368 The name of the business: Vega’s Beadjewel, located at 4640 Allende Ave., Oceanside, CA 92057. Registrant Information: Sylvia C. Vega, 4640 Allende Ave., Oceanside, CA 92057.

This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 11/4/2023 /s/ Sylvia C. Vega with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/17/2023 11/23, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9023085 The name of the business: In & Out Bail Bonds, located at 410 S. Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081.

Registrant Information: Matthew Demery, 410 S. Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 9/1/1991 /s/ Matthew Demery with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/14/2023 11/23, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9022118 The name of the business: Tina’s Too, located at 938 S. Andreasen Dr., #A, Escondido, CA 92029.

Registrant Information: Tots And Eggs Inc, 938 S. Andreasen Dr., #A, Escondido, CA 92029.

This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 4/1/2023 /s/ Christopher S. Nelson, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/27/2023 11/23, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9021707 The name of the business: PPMC, Priceless Production Promotional Management Clothing Company, located at 11221 Canyon Park Drive, Santee, CA 92071.

Registrant Information: Jonathan Price, 11221 Canyon Park Drive, Santee, CA 92071. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 10/24/2023 /s/ Jonathan Price with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/24/2023 11/23, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9022496 The name of the business: Fancy Plantings, located at 10990 Magnolia Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92008. Registrant Information: Patricia Lynn Phaneuf, 1090 Magnolia Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92008. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Patricia Lynn Phaneuf with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/3/2023 11/23, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9023203 The name of the business: Bach And Boujee, located at 2483 J Street, San Diego, CA 92102.

Registrant Information: Gabrielle Marie Dwyer, 2483 J Street, San Diego, CA 92102. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Gabrielle Marie Dwyer with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/16/2023 11/23, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9023092 The name of the business: Tile Art, located at 1339 Corte Lira, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant Information: Armando Esteban Aguirre, 1339 Corte Lira, San

Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Armando Esteban Aguirre with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/14/2023 11/23, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9022456 The name of the business: Sign Shop San Diego, located at 1330 Keystone Way, Ste D, Vista, CA 92081. Registrant Information: Scott Drake Worrell, 415 Auburn Ave., San Marcos, CA 92069.

This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 10/26/2023 /s/ Armando Esteban Aguirre with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/2/2023 11/23, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9023370 The name of the business: Nichole’s Nest, located at 77 Via Larga Vista, Bonsall, CA 92003.

Registrant Information: Nichole Schaffer, 77 Via Larga Vista, Bonsall, CA 92003. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Nicholle Schaffer with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/17/2023 11/23, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9023160 The name of the business: Phoenix Scientific, Next Gen Of Work, located at 251 N. City Drive, Suite 127, San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant Information: Ridge Diversified Holdings LLC, 251 N. City Drive, Suit 127, San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: 3/10/2010 /s/ James R. Ridge, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/15/2023 11/23, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9023104 The name of the business: Circle Home Improvements and Remodels, located at 1403 Fremont St., Vista, CA 92084.

Registrant Information: Call Craig The Handy Helper, 1403 Fremont St., Vista, CA 92084. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 9/22/2023 /s/ Craig A. Hanes, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/15/2023 11/23, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9023151 The name of the business: EMA Therapy, located at 334 Via Vera Cruz Ste 255, San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant Information: Ellie Anne Messinger-Adams, 1544 Sapphire Ln, Vista, CA 92081. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Ellie Anne Messinger-Adams with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/15/2023 11/23, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9023629 The name of the business: San Diego Special Education Advocates, San Diego SEA, located at 1094 Cudahy Place Suite 112, San Diego, CA 92110.

Registrant Information: San Diego Special Education Advocates LLC, 1094 Cudahy Place Suite 112, San Diego, CA 92110. This business is operated by a Limited

Liability Company. First day of business: 1/4/2023 /s/ Sarah Tira, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/22/2023 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, 12/21/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9023505 The name of the business: Zia Cab, located at 43151 Camino Caruna, Temecula, CA 92592. Registrant Information: Ahmad Zia Fazli, 43151 Camino Caruna, Temecula, CA 92592. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Ahmad Zia Fazli with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/21/2023 11/23, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9022983 The name of the business: Muna LLC, Everest Coast, located at 2712 Locker Ave West, Suite 1121, Carlsbad, CA 92010.

Registrant Information: Muna LLC, 2712 Locker Ave. West, Suite 1121, Carlsbad, CA 92010.

This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: N/A /s/ Adolf Singh, Managing Member with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/13/2023 12/7, 12/14, 12/21, 12/28/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9023401 The name of the business: Jeff The Solar Guy, located at 721 Arthur Ave., Oceanside, CA 92057.

Registrant Information: Jeffrey William Massidda, 721 Arthur Ave., Oceanside, CA 92057.

This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 11/15/2023 /s/ Jeffrey William Massidda with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/20/2023 12/7, 12/14, 12/21, 12/28/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9023612 The name of the business: Romel Taxi, located at 3439 Northwood Dr., Oceanside, CA 92058.

Registrant Information: Romel Karmouche, 3439 Northwood Dr., Oceanside, CA 92058.

This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 11/22/2023 /s/ Romel Karmouche with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/22/2023 12/7, 12/14, 12/21, 12/28/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9023610 The name of the business: Stella Cab, located at 525 Avennida Verde, San Marcos, CA 92069.

Registrant Information: Antoine Abikhalil, 525 Avenida Verde, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Antoine Abikhalil with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 11/22/2023 12/7, 12/14, 12/21, 12/28/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9023604 The name of the business: AV CAB, located at 3108 Jacqueline Lane, Oceanside, CA 92056.

Registrant Information: Alberto Venegas, 3108 Jacqueline Lane, Oceanside, CA 92056.

This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 11/22/2023 /s/ Alberto Venegas with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/22/2023 12/7, 12/14, 12/21, 12/28/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9023750 The name of the business: Speakers Inc., Wespeak Global, located at 1902 Wright Place, Carlsbad, CA 92008. Registrant Information: Hesketh Media LLC, 1902 Wright Place, Carlsbad, CA 92008. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: 11/04/2021 /s/ Duncan Hesketh, Managing Member with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/27/2023 12/7, 12/14, 12/21, 12/28/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9023915 The name of the business: North Cab, located at 13139 Russet Leaf Ln., San Diego, CA 92129.

Registrant Information: Zabie Wahab, 13139 Russet Leaf Ln., San Diego, CA 92129. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Zabie Wahab with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/29/2023 12/7, 12/14, 12/21, 12/28/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9023968 The name of the business: Exray, located at 1847 Jamaica Way, Vista, CA 92081. Registrant Information: Connected Threads LLC, 1847 Jamaica Way, Vista, CA 92081. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: 11/27/2023 /s/ Brennan Cassidy, COO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/29/2023 12/7, 12/14, 12/21, 12/28/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9024214 The name of the business: R3 Investigative Services, located at 2110 Hawley Dr., Vista, CA 92084. Registrant Information: Rachel Uchida-McCord, 2110 Hawley Dr., Vista, CA 92084.

This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Rachel Uchida-McCord with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 12/01/2023 12/7, 12/14, 12/21, 12/28/2023 NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF QUINGHAN WANG Case No. 37-2023-00025973 PR-PL-CTL SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO 1100 Union Street San Diego, CA. 92101 CENTRAL (Probate) To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate or both, of Quangwen Ji; Charmaine Ji;; Susanna Segobiano. A petition for probate has been filed by Charmaine Ji in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA. 92101. Central Courthouse, Probate Division. The Petition for Probate requests that Charmaine Je be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtain-

ing court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed actions.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: January 2, 2024 Time: 10:30am.

Dept: 504 Address of court: Same as noted above.

If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in Section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for petitioner: Russell M. De Phillips 2163 Newcastle Avenue, Suite 200, Cardiff by the Sea, CA. 92007 760.943.7103 DOP: 12/14, 12/21 & 12/28/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9023429 The name of the business: Zak’s Clothing & Uniform, located at 620 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, CA 92025. Registrant Information: Tuff Wear Inc., 620 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, CA 92025. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 10/01/2023 /s/ Hussain Alenazi, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/20/2023 12/14, 12/21, 12/28, 1/4/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9023401 The name of the business: Jeff The Solar Guy, located at 721 Arthur Ave., Oceanside, CA 92057.

Registrant Information: Jeffrey William Massidda, 721 Arthur Ave., Oceanside, CA 92057.

This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 11/15/2023 /s/ Jeffrey William Massidda with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/20/2023 12/14, 12/21, 12/28, 1/4/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9024207 The name of the business: Kirras Tutoring Services, located at 1019 San Juan Street, Oceanside, CA

92058. Registrant Information: Kirra Hope Press, 1019 San Juan Street, Oceanside, CA 92058.

This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Kirra Hope Press with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 12/1/2023 12/14, 12/21, 12/28, 1/4/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9023545 The name of the business: Dhong Thanh Nguyen, 537 Rush Dr., Apt 148, San Marcos, CA 92078.

Registrant Information: Dhong Thanh Nguyen, 537 Rush Dr., Apt 148, San Marcos, CA 92078.

This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 11/21/2023 /s/ Dhong Thanh Nguyen with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/21/2023 12/14, 12/21, 12/28, 1/4/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9024540 The name of the business: Smith Cab, llocated at 3579 Surf Pl., Oceanside, CA 92056. Registrant Information: Bradley H Smith, 3579 Surf Pl., Oceanside, CA 92056. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Bradley H Smith with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 12/6/2023 12/14, 12/21, 12/28, 1/4/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9024200 The name of the business: Softcom Company, located at 4418 Mount Lindsey Ave., San Diego, CA 92117. Registrant Information: Motomi Ito, 4418 Mount Lindsey Ave., San Diego, CA 92117.

This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 2/1/1984 /s/ Motomi Ito with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 12/1/2023 12/14, 12/21, 12/28, 1/4/2023 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME 37-2023-00053052-CU-PT-NC TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Ana Maria Morales Gonzalez filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: Luis Enrique Villa Morales to Proposed name Henry Meza. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.

Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objections that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 1/26/2024, 8:30 am, in Dept.

25 No hearing will occus on above date.

The address of the court is: 325 S. Melrose, Vista, CA. 92081. A copy of the Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Marcos News Reporter, dba, The Paper, 845 W. San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, Ca. 92078. Dated January 30, 2023 /s/ Brad A. Weinreb, Judge of the Superior Court 12/14, 12/21, 12/28, 1/4/2024

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