SENIORS WHO SPEND THE HOLIDAYS ALONE
By Friedrich Gomez
For many senior citizens around the country, peak holidays such as Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas, are just another day on their calendar. As usual, many will be left alone on these, otherwise, festive family get-togethers. It is particularly hard for seniors who have outlived their spouses.
Doubly-hard when their grown children and grandchildren have “other plans” – plans which do not include their elderly parents.
HOLIDAYS HEIGHTEN THE PAIN FOR SENIORS ALONE & EXCLUDED FROM FAMILY CELEBRATIONS.
A recent survey revealed:
“For many seniors, the holidays are not a time of celebration and joy, but only serve as reminders of how lonely he or she may be, the friends that have passed on, the lack of family get-togethers and the inability to participate in such events.”
Often, these seniors are excluded,
thepaper@cox.net
abandoned, and isolated from family plans.
It is a widespread situation, not just here in America, but, around the globe. Commonly referred to as the “holiday blues,” elderly depression during the holidays affects senior couples, widows and widowers, singles, and divorcees.
MANY SENIORS ARE “TRICKED” INTO “OLDE-AGE HOMES.
A recent television documentary ex-
plored the deeply-personal feelings of people living in olde-age homes: “Most of whom are tricked into going there.”
As research reveals, “Some children feel that their elderly parents are a financial burden. Some abandon them when they are ill.”
In general, studies show that most say that they are just too busy to care for them.
WITH “THANKSGIVING” JUST DAYS AWAY, SENIORS WILL
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EAT ALONE WITHOUT FAMILY.
With Thanksgiving Day fast approaching on the calendar, for many seniors Thanksgiving Day only serves as a painful reminder of how they are unwanted, uninvited, and left alone for the Thanksgiving Day family reunion and sitdown dinner.
And with Thanksgiving Day celebrations segueing into the bright, festive Christmas holiday season, many of us do not wish to think about these situations of lonely seniors, members of our very own family.
It is just too uncomfortable to reflect upon. Many believe it is best to ignore this reality and just “sweep it all under the rug,” so that, otherwise, good-feelings and happy-celebrations are not ruined.
Blissful ignorance is often the order of the day. We sometimes pretend it’s not a problem.
Yet, closing one’s eyes does not erase the fact that the holidays are often a most heartbreaking and devastating experience for many senior citizens who, sometimes, have no spouse or family to rejoice with.
Worse yet, that they are neglected by family members who regard them as a bothersome burden.
Give Us This Day Our Daily Chuckle
This week, a compendium of wit, wisdom and neat stuff you can tell at parties. Enjoy!
The Secretary
One day the directors of a Chicago finance company were called in to a chairman’s office until only the newest, most junior executive was left sitting nervously outside. Finally it was his turn to be summoned.
He entered the office to find the chairman and other eight directors seated solemnly around a table.
Suddenly the chairman turned to the young man and asked:
Such isolation and loneliness is, especially, painful during the height of the holiday season.
SADLY, DESPITE SUCH NEGLECT – SENIORS STILL LOVE THEIR CHILDREN, UNCONDITIONALLY.
As researchers record the voices of the elderly, themselves, these abandoned parents still cherish the love of their children, regardless of any neglect. One social worker said, “It is the duty of children to look after their parents when they are old and cannot care for themselves.”
Sadly, this does not always hold true. Parents and children have the purest relationship in the beginning years, but this often changes through time.
Unfortunately, in-depth records show a sad tale of the tape: “Recent trends show that people would rather place their parents in oldeage homes, an act which has devastating effects on the emotions of the abandoned parents.”
Because the holiday season, in particular, is deeply associated with family, grandchildren, and happiness, it can heighten the feelings of loneliness from the aged who are sometimes left alone and are not involved.
Primarily, because they are considered a burden.
SENIORS ARE ASHAMED TO
“Have you ever slept with Miss Foyt, my secretary?”
“No, certainly not.”
“Are you absolutely sure? persisted the chairman.
“Absolutely. I’ve never laid a finger on her.”
“You’d swear to that on a stack of bibles?”
“Yes, I swear I’ve never had a sexual relationship with your secretary.”
“Good. Then you fire her.”
Redneck Engineer Exam
I, for one, am sick and tired of hearing about how dumb people are in the South, and I challenge any socalled “smart “ Yankee to take this exam:
1. Calculate the smallest limb diameter on a persimmon tree that will support a 10 pound possum.
2. Which of these cars will rust out the quickest when placed on blocks in your front yard?
TALK ABOUT THEIR NEGLECT & THAT THEY ARE A “BURDEN” TO THEIR FAMILY.
Complicating the problem is that, according to mental health professionals:
“Many seniors do not wish to speak of their holiday blues, but for the wrong reasons. They often feel that they don’t want to dampen the mood for others, or that they do not wish to admit that they feel isolated and forgotten by family members during what should be a happy time.”
SENIORS WHO FEEL SHAME & BENG A FAMILY BURDEN CAN HAVE DEADLY RESULTS.
A 2023 study said that such neglect of senior citizens by family members can have deadly consequences. Regarding lack of social interaction especially over the holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries, it was revealed:
“Seniors who are withdrawn and lack social contact with other family members – especially during the height of holiday celebrations and family events – may blame themselves for family members avoiding them. Such feelings of loneliness and isolation cause some seniors to feel that their death wouldn’t really affect anyone.”
SENIORS ARE NOW THE HIGHEST SUICIDE DEMOGRAPHIC IN AMERICA!
(A) ‘65 Ford Fairlane (B) ‘69 Chevrolet Chevelle (C) ‘64 Pontiac GTO
3. If your uncle builds a still which operates at a capacity of 20 gallons of shine produced per hour, how many car radiators are required to condense the product?
4. A woodcutter has a chainsaw which operates at 2700 RPM. The density of the pine trees in the plot to be harvested is 470 per acre. The plot is 2.3 acres in size. The average tree diameter is 14 inches. How many Budweiser’s will be drunk before the trees are cut down?
5. A front porch is constructed of 2x8 pine on 24-inch centers with a field rock foundation. The span is 8 feet and the porch length is 16 feet. The porch floor is 1-inch rough sawn pine. When the porch collapses, how many dogs will be killed?
6. A man owns a Georgia house and 3.7 acres of land in a hollow with an average slope of 15%. The man has five children. Can each of his grown children place a mobile home on the man’s land and still have enough property for their electric appliances to sit out front?
7. A 2-ton truck is overloaded and
While teenagers are the age group most associated with suicide risk, the terrible truth is that another group is killing themselves at even higher rates: lonely and family-neglected seniors.
It comes as a shock for many to learn that seniors now commit suicide twice as often as teens.
(Note: This is not meant to desensitise the teen-age suicidality rate.)
PRIOR TO SUICIDES, SENIORS ARE UNLIKELY TO ASK FOR HELP BECAUSE THEY DON’T WISH TO BE A BURDEN.
“Adults aged 65 to 84 are nearly twice as likely to commit suicide as 15 to 24-year-oldes,” according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, which also states:
“Beyond age 85, the suicide rate is 70 percent higher. Keep in mind, seniors are unlikely to ask for help because they don’t want to be a burden to anyone.”
A GROWING PROBLEM WORLDWIDE THAT HAS PESISTED FOR QUITE SOME TIME.
Regarding the so-called holidayblues which can negatively affect seniors, it is a growing social problem not just here in America. It is a problem spreading worldwide,
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proceeding 900 yards down a steep slope on a secondary road at 45 MPH. The brakes fail. Given average traffic conditions on secondary roads, what is the probability that it will strike a vehicle with a muffler?
8. With a gene pool reduction of 7.5% per generation, how long will it take a town which has been bypassed by the Interstate to breed a country-western singer?
I betcha thought that this test was gonna be an easy one, didn’t ya? It’s okay if y’all didn’t do all that well. Just goes to show ya there’s a whole heap of things that big city book-learning don’t prepare ya for in this life.
As an added bonus for taking the “ RED NECK CHALLENGE,” here’s some southerly advice that may come in handy down the road a piece....
Next time you are too drunk to drive, walk to the nearest pizza shop and place an order. When they go to deliver it, catch a ride home with them. Now that’s smart!
continued on page 7
Chuckles
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especially in so-called civilised, advanced cultures.
In Great Britain, a charity has been created in an effort to curb this growing senior-citizen abandonment problem. The charity is called “Age U.K” and it was launched back in 2016, which reveals how long and persistent this senior plight has been. Its primary function is to raise British awareness about elder loneliness during the Christmas holidays, and year-round.
The epidemic-like problem in Great Britain necessitated the founding of another group to assist in this heart-wrenching problem.
The newest U.K. group is aptly called “Friends of the Elderly” and is committed to “Raising money to combat elderly loneliness around the holidays. A nominal donation fee will pay for an elderly person to attend a lunch and Christmas party.”
Our English cousins have set a high standard for us Americans to emulate. Overall, the British people have astounded the world with their pioneering work in attempting to better understand and eradicate this cruel human condition which peaks, yearlong, over various holidays and special family re-unions and celebrations. The British have long-showed courage in facing-down problems, as opposed to ignoring them.
U.K. research on elderly loneliness is not for the timid of heart. The findings can buckle the knees of any person who has a beating heart. “It is estimated that one million older British people will go an entire month without speaking to another person.”
Their aged condition often isolates them, weeks at a time. A BBC television survey found that 10-percent of people over 65 years of age planned to spend Christmas alone.
Another British survey found that half-a-million people over 75 years of age would spend the holidays alone. Reason: “Most said it was because they didn’t want to be a burden to their families.”
ESCONDIDO, CALIFORNIA. Here in Escondido, California, an elderly woman confessed to me:
“I walk to the market almost every day. Not to buy food because I’m on a fixed income; it’s because I just want to hear the voices of other people around me, especially during the holidays and I can hear yuletide carols. Maybe even seeing carolers at the park.”
She has plenty of grown children, even grandchildren, but they very
rarely call, let alone visit her. She is a bright, intelligent woman, full of sunshine and optimism, despite her family neglect.
PRESSURES OF HOLIDAY SHOPPING & “BLACK FRIDAY” CAN CAUSE TEMPERS TO FLARE & PHYSICAL ELDER ABUSE.
It is also a painful reality that many records substantiate physical abuse by the children of elderly parents, especially during the height of the holiday season, Black Friday, and when rushing about and shopping – along with other pressures -- can cause patients to quickly wear thin and tempers can quickly flare-up.
One aged woman, Mrs. Begum, a widow, grew tired of eating the same cereal that was fed to her each day. One special Christmas, with childlike excitement, she decided to cook food for herself, like she used to when her family was young; when her children looked up to her.
She cooked the meal successfully, but later her son found out and gave her a black eye, and a forceful admission to the olde people’s centre.
Later, when a special study group found out, she was interviewed by reporter, Rabia Ali, for The Express Tribune. She recalled her story (which was substantiated), miles away from her family, in the confines of her nursing home.
The report reads: “Her lips quivered and her coal-lined eyes filled up with tears. Her youngest son, and his wife, called her senile and would beat her up frequently on trivial matters.” The aged mother, was found to be completely lucid and, in fact, very intelligent. Remarkably, she still loved her son, as only a mother can. “I made wallets and sold them to raise my seven children after my husband’s death. But once they were all married, they had their own lives. I was just in the way. A family burden.”
Sadly, her attempt to re-live a precious Christmas memory by preparing a modest meal for herself ended in physical abuse and abandonment.
The interviewers had to take occasional breaks because the emotional tug was just too much to bear. And they wished not for the abandoned mother to see their tears.
Remarkably, she never rescinded her love for her children. In her early years, she did all in her power to feed, shelter, clothe, and protect them. She remembered that they would often run to her open
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Oodles!
Looking for things to do? Places to go?
Check out Oodles every week for listing of civic and service club meetings, and more! Have an event you need publicized?
Email it to: Lisa.ThePaper@gmail.com
The Paper goes to print on Tuesday morning. You ar E mor E L ik ELY T o g ET P ub L is HE d if Y ou:
• Submit your press release by the previous Friday.
• Keep It Simple: who, what, where, when, why.
• Send us something we can copy/paste. Please no brochures or flyers. Send a press release.
• Send photos as attachments, not embeded in the document.
The good LifE at miraCosta College Oceanside Campus
A Lifelong Learning Group
Meetings will be held in person at the MiraCosta College, Oceanside Campus, at 1:00 pm in Classroom 5313 in the Kinesiology Building 5300 (park in Lot 5A, next to the new gymnasium) and by the Internet Application ZOOM.
Nov 15 2:30 To Be Announced
Nov 22 1:00 Seventies Adventure in Iran Mike Martucci, Author, LIFE Member
Nov 22 2:30 To Be Announced
Nov 29 NO SESSIONSTHANKSGIVING
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
***
Writers Workshop November 16th Vista Library
Aspiring and seasoned writers, join author Matt Coyle on Saturday, November 16, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm for an in-person workshop titled Chapter One: Beginnings. We’ll discuss strategies for hooking your readers early and introducing your protagonist in a compelling way. Please be prepared to write in class.
Matt Coyle brings a wealth of experience as the author of the bestselling Rick Cahill crime series. He knew he wanted to write mysteries when he was thirteen and his father gave him The Simple Art of Murder by Raymond Chandler. Matt’s books have won the Anthony, Shamus, Lefty, Authors on the Air Book of the Year, and the San Diego Book Awards. He was named the 2021 Mystery Writer of the Year by the San Diego Writers
Festival.
Writers’ Workshops are free, and registration is required as space is limited. Register by calling 760643-5100, press 3, or online: sdcl. org/vista.
***
Community Education series
Join us on the 3rd Monday of each month (10:00am to noon)
November 18 – Possibly Cybersecurity
Presented by Hospice of the North Coast and the Senior Service Council of Escondido
Free to attend at 728 North Broadway, Escondido – Oak Room Please register for each session by phone 760-480-0611 or at https:// bit.ly/3xr4MQG
Volunteers Needed Senior Service Council Escondido
Currently seeking reception volunteers to join our team. Can you spare 3 hours a week? Since 1972, SSCE has provided various services, support groups, tech tutoring and healthcare counseling for seniors in our community. Skills: Reception Desk customer service plus some computer experience, appointment scheduling, emails & website searches is great!
Bilingual volunteers encouraged to apply. Please stop by for more info and an application. Senior Service Council Escondido, 728 N Broadway Escondido, CA 92025, (760) 480-0611, http://www.escondidosenior-services.org
***
Holiday Choral Concert “& ‘Twas The Week Before Christmas - barbershop style” December 1 • 3pm
Get in the spirit of the season with the Music Men Chorus on Sunday December 1 at 3 pm at San Marcos Lutheran Church, 3419 Grand
Pedestrian killed in Early morning Crash
A 55-year-old male was killed Wednesday morning on Via Rancho Parkway near the entrance to the Westfield North County Mall. Police received reports of the accident at 5:29 a.m. and arrived to find bystanders performing CPR. Officers continued life-saving efforts but the male was pronounced deceased at the scene. His identity is being withheld pending family notification.
Initial information indicates the man was crossing Via Rancho Parkway south against the red light when he was struck by a vehicle traveling west. The driver remained on scene and cooperated with investigators. Alcohol or drugs are not factors in this crash.
Anyone with information regarding this accident is asked to call Officer Jake Houchin at (760) 839-4904
Man About Town
by lyle e davis . . .
And it came to pass that, suddenly, almost overnight, I was old.
Where, oh where, did the time go?
Last Monday, November 4th, I turned 86 years old. Seems like just yesterday I was only 35.
To celebrate the occasion I took
Letters to the Editor
I think Pastor Huls is a wonderful human being! And a beacon of strength. I’ve read the news stories of how he lost his beloved wife, Marcia, in the tragic fire that razed his home in a region of Escondido. And how the good Reverend was badly burned and had to be hospitalized in very serious condition trying to save his precious wife. He is a pillar of strength and resiliency that few human beings have and, I’m sure, he continues to mourn the loss of his spouse. Pastor Huls continues to plant seeds of Goodwill and Love and insights in his weekly column called “The Pastor Says” in The Paper and which I read each and every week. I don’t have to meet Pastor Huls to know that he isn’t perfect, as none of us are, but I value him as I do very few human beings. I also value my “Viking King” aka lyle e. davis to all the readers of The Paper. My boyfriend always talks highly of
Mary out for dinner “at home.” “Home” for us is, more often than not, Charlie’s Restaurant in Escondido at 210 N. Ivy (760) 738.1545.
The food is always great, the service is outstanding, and the prices are more than fair.
A half-litre of white wine . . . a dinner of Liver and Onions, and dessert of one of Charlie’s fantastic pies, Chocolate Cream for Mary, Banana Cream for me, and we were more than content.
Cassidy, our server, is not only beautiful but she is very attentive and efficient. Suzie Meleka (Charlie Mitich’s daughter and wife of he who always smiles, Bill Meleka), stopped by for a very pleasant chat. (With a talented and beautiful wife like Suzie it’s no wonder Bill is always smiling!)
Even with her memory problems, Mary knew this was a very special night and Suzie made sure we
Pastor Huls and how he treasures the Good Reverend’s friendship. My treasured boyfriend is Friedrich Gomez who scribbles occasional cover stories for The Paper. He doesn’t know I’m writing this Letter to the Editor, but he soon will. I like to surprise him, on occasion. I’m certain his big blue eyes will light up with surprise and excitement when he reads my thoughts in The Paper. He happens to think the world of Pastor Huls, also.
I had to read Friedrich’s column twice today!! I know exactly the grief that he is talking about. My mother died of cancer in 1975 at age 62. Entirely too young!! I was just 27 with two toddlers - just the time I needed my mother most. She was a very loving and kind mother, a wonderful Christian woman. I remember being so angry at her funeral in seeing all the people who never came to visit her in the hospital (many hospitalizations) or nursing home! It took the Holy
had a wonderful time.
You have probably noticed, when going to your local post office, that it is now much more difficult to drop mail off in the “drive-by” boxes. They are padlocked shut. Why?
Seems thieves use the same glue that is used in mouse traps to “fish” mail out of the drive up postal mail boxes. They attach glue to the end of a stick or some other device, poke it into the mail box, retrieve mail that doesn’t belong to them . . . and then disappear. Very irritating. They still have one mailbox for drive up customers but the slot is very small and it is a major inconvenience. You pretty much have to go inside the post office to drop off your mail these days.
•••
There’s an interesting new business in town that you may want
Spirit to hold me back from yelling at all of them to LEAVE!! She had cancer for eight years - going into remission a couple of times. I remember bargaining with God to just talk to her for five minutes. It took years for the very hard pain to lessen.
What I look to now (and so must Friedrich) is spending eternity in Heaven with my mom!!
Anita Bunting
To submit a letter to the editor, please email thepaper@ cox.net. Please be respectful, limit your letter to a maximum of 300 words and include your full name, e-mail address, town, and a valid phone number where you can be reached. Letters will not be published anonymously. Letters are subject to editing. Please no hand written letters.
to check out . . . RoofMaxx. It’s headed up locally by a very genial guy, Miles Ivey, 760.636.1063.
Like many of us, Miles owned a home in Escondido . . . . and, like many of us, he learned he needed to attend to the roof of his house as it was deteriorating. He learned after a number of inquiries that a new roof would likely cost between $18,000 and $20,000. So, being a wise man, he explored other options and followed up on an ad he saw for RoofMaxx. Intrigued, he called the dealer and he came to Miles’ home and explained how it works.
He explained that RoofMaxx renews asphalt shingles with a natural, non-toxic soy oil treatment, potentially extending the roof’s life by 10 to 15 years, at 80% less than the cost of a new roof.
Impressed by the presentation, he
From Kimberly Hastings, UCSD Grad student and California Surfer Girl.
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arms when they were frightened children. Her arms, which they once said was the safest place in the world to be.
But, she was now 70 years olde. Despite the cruelty, violence, and abandonment, she still clutched to her ideals of loving her seven children, now grown to adulthood.
Shortly after, on a Thursday, on 1 February 2012, Mrs. Begum passed away quietly, in her sleep.
SHE DIED OF A “BROKEN HEART.”
She was left to die in an olde-age home. At only age 70, her cause of death was listed simply that her heart merely stopped beating. The nursing home staff said it was, “because of a broken heart.”
SCATTERED PHOTOS OF HER CHILDREN WERE FOUND NEXT TO HER – HER FINAL THOUGHTS OF LOVED ONES.
Scattered on the floor beside her bed were photos of her beloved children when they were small, and vulnerable. Ms. Begum’s photo album still lay open when she was found dead. Christmas photos of gift-giving were everywhere.
Her last moments were spent reliving her earlier moments of motherhood.
Man About Town from page 4
invested in the service.
As he researched the company and product further he realized the immense value RoofMaxx offers. He elected to become a RoofMaxx dealer and is delighted to share his story about reducing waste and improving environmental impact.
I just have a hunch that if you called Miles he’d be happy to meet with you and show how you can ensure your roof lasts longer and save you money in the process. ***
A quick look at some of the local elections . . .
Escondido: Voters have passed a 1-percentage point increase to the sales tax rate in Escondido.
Christian Garcia, the incumbent, was re-elected to District 3 in Escondido while Judy Fitzgerald, a newcomer, won District 4.
In San Marcos, Ed Musgrove, the incumbent, and Danielle LeB-
In the publication called “Inspired Life,” writer, Colby Itkowitz, wrote a piece in which he merely said:
“Witnessing an elderly person eating a meal alone is a most heartwrenching sight. It’s almost as emotionally devastating as imagining a person all alone for the holidays. Put those two scenarios together and it’s almost too much to bear.”
This is now a global problem of epidemic proportions which the general public rarely hears or knows about. In Germany, a grocery store addressed this problem of elderly-neglect with a new advertising campaign. They profiled a true-life, heartbreaking story of an olde man abandoned by his too-busy family at Christmas. The factual scenario has already been viewed by more than 10-million viewers on YouTube.
It all began when an 85-year-oldeman called a radio show over the holidays to talk about his deceased wife. At first, he merely said (translated from the original German): “I miss her. I feel so alone.”
A day after his anguished moment on the radio airwaves, he soon turned more cheerful. He had received the good news of his children planning to visit him over the Christmas holidays. He was brimming with joy and the anticipation seemed wonderfully overwhelming.
He had made exciting celebration
lang, a newcomer, both won easily. Measure Q passed.
San Marcos School Bond issue, Measure JJ, passed.
Proposition 36, a tough-on-crime ballot measure, passed easily
In Oceanside, Ryan Keim continues to hold a slim lead over incumbent Mayor Esther Sanchez.
For Oceanside City Council, District 4, Peter Weiss won easily.
Palomar Health Board, District 6, incumbent Jeff Griffith won easi-
plans and managed to purchase small gifts for his grandchildren, what little he could afford. It was a moment which put a spring in his step and a constant smile on his face. He radiated with enthusiasm and now – he had purpose, and he felt truly valued . . . and loved.
A week later, he had carried an armful of groceries home with great excitement. Yes, he was a widower, but, he still had his family and grandchildren to look forward to seeing, even if just once-a-year.
Spry for 85, he is in otherwise good health. He gingerly enters his modest home and happily begins putting his small treasures of food away with great pride and anticipation in having a rare family reunion.
After all is sorted and put away, he slowly walks to his telephone answering-machine and sits with excitement as he plays the message. He hears the familiar voice of his daughter. She and her family cannot make it for Christmas this year, after all. Something important had, unexpectedly, come up. Again.
He doesn’t move at first from the comfort of his sofa. He just seems frozen in time. He plays the recording over again, as if – somehow –there will be a different message a second and third time.
Though he feels the odd tickling sensation on his right cheek, he refuses to move. Then, the same tickling sensation on his left cheek.
ly; in District 4, Abbie L. Jahaaski won.
San Diego County Supervisor Races, Dist 2, Joel Anderson wins, District 3, Terra LawsonRemer wins.
Congressman Darrell Issa won reelection.
Carl De Maio won his election for the 75th Assembly Race.
Some of the other races will be reported in next week’s issue when all of the results are known.
Not bothering, nor caring to react, he realises that tears are slowly running downward, both cheeks, at once. No whimper. No crying. No moaning. Only a stoic face reflecting futility, helplessness, and extreme loneliness.
Finally, his still-tall lanky frame slowly rises up from the sofa. He seems stunned, perhaps a mild shock to his nervous system.
He doesn’t recall walking to the window, yet there he stands, feeling numb, and deeply abandoned. He looks out his modest house window and sees another olde man being greeted by his grandchildren. He smiles at the sight. Perhaps fantasising that the olde man he see through his window – is himself.
For just one fleeting moment, he dares to believe that he is also loved, just as the olde man he see through his snow-flaked window.
He slowly turns and walks to his small dining cabinet. Through the sliding glass, he manages a slight smile at the three photos of himself which he took with his own timedelay camera.
The three photos show him eating, alone, at the dinner table. It shows him eating a home-cooked Christmas dinner, by himself, in three different outfits. The three different outfits are from his last three
Alone continued on page 12
Term limits and more…
Proposition 28, approved by 61% of California’s voters in 2012, established our current term limit system. California legislators may serve a total of twelve years -- Senate terms are 4 years and Assembly terms are two. I’m now finishing my 6th Assembly term – my 12th and final year. Prior to 2012, legislators could serve a total of 14 years, but only three terms in either house.
There are 99 legislative chambers throughout the 50 states. Of these, 16 states have enacted term limits, including California. According to a report by Ballotpedia, 77 state senators and 102 state assemblymembers nationwide are subject to term limits this year – that’s 3.1% of the total up for election. In California, nine out of the 20 seats on the ballot this year are term limited, and in San Diego County, only the 75th District, which I serve, the 76th District, now served by Assemblyman Brian Maienschein, and the 39th Senate District represented by Senator Toni Atkins, are termed out.
But by allowing members to serve twelve years in the State Assembly/ Senate, extensive experience and expertise is gained, often a great ben-
efit for constituents, in committee deliberations and policy decisions.
There are some drawbacks to legislative service. Unlike Congressional representatives, Members receive no pension or paid healthcare in the Legislature. This may deter many people from running for the office. California is a huge state, and for Members from districts in Southern California, the Capitol is 400-500 miles away, making a second home necessary. A per-diem payment to help cover housing costs is provided, but per-diem is not paid when the Legislature is out of session or in recess – that’s over five months each year.
But the drawbacks are minor. Serving the people of the 75th District has been a great honor, and it has been an experience I will always cherish.
Assemblymember Marie Waldron, R- Valley Center, represents the 75th Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes the cities of Poway, Santee, portions of the City of San Diego, and most of rural eastern and northern San Diego County.
5th
District Supervisor Jim Desmond
Preparing for santa ana season
As we enter Santa Ana season, the threat of wildfires looms larger, especially in our communities prone to high winds and dry conditions. San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is closely monitoring these conditions, ready to act if necessary to protect our safety. One such precaution may be shutting off power to reduce the risk of fires igniting from downed power lines.
While I understand the inconvenience of losing power, it is essential to remember that these temporary disruptions serve a critical purpose. In past years, downed power lines have contributed to devastating fires. Cutting power in high-risk situations is a preventative measure to safeguard our homes, families, and neighborhoods.
With that in mind, I urge everyone to take a few simple but effective steps to stay prepared this season:
1. Sign Up for PSPS Notifications: Stay informed. SDG&E offers Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) notifications that will alert you if a power shutoff is likely to impact your area. Register at sdge. com/notifications to get timely updates.
2. Develop an Emergency Plan: An effective emergency plan can make all the difference. Stock up
on essentials such as water, food, flashlights, and batteries. For a more comprehensive checklist to ensure you’re prepared, visit sdge. com/checklists.
3. Check Your Backup Generator: If you rely on a generator, make sure it’s in good working order and that you have enough fuel to last several days. Safety tips and other information on maintaining your generator can be found at sdge. com/generator.
4. Know Your Community Resource Centers (CRCs): Should you experience a PSPS, SDG&E provides Community Resource Centers (CRCs) to offer necessary support. You can find a nearby CRC at sdge.com/community-resource-centers.
Your safety is my priority, and I encourage you to reach out to my office for assistance or if you have any questions as we prepare for this season. By staying proactive and informed, we can help ensure our community’s resilience in the face of heightened fire risks.
Feel free to contact my office at Jim.Desmond@sdcounty.ca.gov.
San Diego County District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond, 1600 Pacific Highway, #335, San Diego, CA 92101, United States http:// www.supervisorjimdesmond.com/
Bart Colen’s host cancels his rental at the last minute, and Airbnb promises to send him a refund. But months later, the money is still missing. The reason? Colen closed his bank account.
Q: I made a reservation on Airbnb last year for a three-month trip to France this winter. My host canceled at the last minute, and Airbnb agreed to refund me $728.
I have not received the money yet. The reason: I closed the bank account to which my Airbnb account was attached. Airbnb won’t send the money to my new account.
I forwarded a letter from Chase Bank, showing that the old account had been closed months ago and could therefore not have a payment processed to it. I have called and emailed them several
Christopher Elliott
times, and I’ve even contacted the BBB -- no avail.
Airbnb is sitting on my money and claiming that it is the responsibility of me or Chase to put it right, even though Chase cannot reactivate an account that has been closed for so many months.
I want Airbnb to pay me money however they can, either by check or by direct payment to my bank account. Can you help me get my $728 back? -- Bart Colen, Pingree Grove, Ill.
A: Airbnb should have refunded you a long time ago. Why didn’t it?
Airbnb’s policy is to refund your money to your original payment method. So if you used a credit card, it would go back to that card. And the reason for that is simple: It’s safer and easier than trying to chase down a new payment method or writing a check.
But Airbnb claims it will accommodate you if you switch accounts. “If your original payment method’s account was closed, the refund sent by Airbnb won’t process,” it says on its site. “If this happens, you can contact Airbnb to step in and help.”
It looks like Airbnb didn’t step in to help.
This is common. From what I can tell, refunds will automatically go back to the original form of pay-
Illustration by Dustin Elliott
By Tom Morrow
One of the more controversial decisions of post-World War II was bringing to the U.S. a group of German rocket scientists under “Operation Paperclip.” Headed by Werhner von Braun, the group had brought down death and destruction upon England, but the German technology took us to the Moon in the 1960s and ‘70s.
Today’s latest efforts by Space X and NASA to shoot for the Moon and ultimately Mars began with von Braun.
Born March 23, 1912, von Braun was the leading figure in the development of German rocket technology before and during World War II. The U.S. progress in manned space travel can be directly traced to von Braun. His life-long dream was reaching the planet Mars.
But, during World War II, more people from slave-labor camps died building the V-1 and V-2 (the “V” was for “Vengance”) rockets than were killed by targeted populations in England. After the War von Braun admitted visiting the
Refund from page 6
ment. Often, even employees have a hard time reversing the transaction. And who knows where your money went? Your bank may have it somewhere. Airbnb might still have it. It’s a real mystery.
(As a side note, I’ve always wanted to do an investigative story that traces a refund like yours. Is there some kind of slush fund the company has where all the missing refund money goes? Now that would be a story.)
The best way to avoid this? Don’t close your account until you’ve accounted for every refund. There’s no good way of preventing the confusion that results from a refund being sent to a closed account. I’m sure Airbnb means well by its promise to “step in and help,” but my experience tells me that even companies with sophisticated payment systems have dif-
‘i
Historically Speaking
shoot for the stars!’
slave-labor plant at Mittelwerk on many occasions, and called conditions at the plant “repulsive,” but claimed he never witnessed any deaths or beatings, although it had become clear to him by 1944 that deaths had occurred while constructing his rockets. Some prisoners claim von Braun engaged in brutal treatment or at the very least approved of it.
Von Braun designed and developed the V-1 and V-2 rockets at the Peenemünde launch site on the Baltic Sea. Hitler’s “Vengeance” rockets rained down death and destruction on London and other English cities. von Braun always claimed he had his eye on conquering space rather than using his rockets as weapons, especially building a rocket to reach the Moon and Mars. Critics had a black-hearted joke for von
ficulty with this. And once they lose track of the money -- you’re absolutely right, it becomes your problem. Which is profoundly unfair.
The fix: You can escalate this problem to a manager at Airbnb. I list the names, numbers and email addresses of the Airbnb execs on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org.
I contacted Airbnb on your behalf. A few weeks later, you came back with good news. “At long last, I got my refund from Airbnb,” you said. Airbnb never told me what happened to your money or where it went, but at least it found its way back to you.
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.
© 2024 Christopher Elliott.
(occasionally He Hit London)
Von Braun with other German officers during WWII
Braun: “I shoot for the stars, but occasionally I hit London.”
He was supposedly a “major” in the SS, but he maintained being a Nazi was forced upon him – a point that continues to be debatable among historians.
During the War, von Braun had been under Gestapo surveillance since October 1943, because he expressed more interest in space travel than developing weapons of war. Hitler considered this a “defeatist” attitude. SS chief Henrich Himmler launched a false charge saying von Braun was a “Communist sympathizer” and had attempted to sabotage the V-2 program. Additionally, von Braun regularly
from page 2
Little Thelma’s Valentine
Little Thelma came home from first grade and told her father that they had learned about the history of Valentine’s Day. And, “Since Valentine’s Day is for a Christian saint and we’re Jewish,” she asked, “will God get mad at me for giving someone a valentine?”
Thelma’s father thought a bit then said “No, I don’t think God would get mad. Who do you want to give a valentine to?”
“The ISIS terrorists,” she said. “Why the ISIS terrorists?” her father asked in shock.
“Well,” she said, “I thought that if a little American Jewish girl could have enough love to give the terrorists a valentine, they might start to think that maybe we’re not all bad, and maybe start loving people
piloted his government-provided airplane that could have allowed him to escape to England. On March 14, 1944, von Braun was arrested and detained and was taken to a Gestapo cell. von Braun gained conditional release when Albert Speer, Reichsminister for Munitions, persuaded Hitler to reinstate von Braun so the V-2 program could continue. In his memoirs, Speer wrote that Hitler conceded von Braun was to be “protected from all prosecution as long as he remained ‘indispensable.’”
In early 1945, the Soviet Army was
Historically Speaking continued on page 12
a little bit.
And if other kids saw what I did and then they sent valentines to the terrorists, they’d love everyone a lot. And then they’d start going all over the place telling everyone how much they loved us and how they didn’t hate anyone anymore.”
Though skeptical of the idea, her father’s heart swelled and he looked at his daughter with new found pride. “Thelma, that’s the most wonderful thing I’ve ever heard.”
“I know,” Thelma said, “and once that gets them out in the open, the Marines could blow the crap out of them!”
I’m going to learn how to say “I know what you’re saying” in Vietnamese before I go back to that nail
Chuckles continued on page 14
Werhner von Braun
Chuckles
Pro strategies for avoiding Trouble When You Travel in 2025
I should have probably said something
I was stuck in seat 36J on a flight from Tampa to Zürich, Switzerland, and before the plane even started down the rainslickened runway, I had my warning. The passenger in front of me turned to her companion and asked, “How do I recline this seat?’”
Recline the seat? Bad idea! Edelweiss Air, the Swiss charter airline I was on, offers a scant 31 inches of seat pitch in economy class. I’m 6’ 1”. The physics translates into nine hours of torture on an overnight flight.
As a traveler, you can spot trouble, too -- and this holiday season, with travel hitting more records, there’s plenty of trouble to be spotted.
“Travel problems can be mitigated before they become problems,” says Harding Bush, associate director for security operations at Global Rescue. But it takes something that’s in short supply today:
situational awareness, research, and common sense.
i Learned a Lesson from The Swiss Seat Leaner
Back to my overnight flight airline disaster. I peered over the seat and saw that the passenger was
short and she also seemed to be articulate and well-dressed. Surely, someone like this would never lean her economy class seat all the way back, I thought. I don’t need to say a word.
Wrong. No sooner had they served dinner (which was unfit for hu-
man consumption) than she jammed her seat as far back as she could. Her seat nearly locked my knees in place. I was already half asleep, but my son, who was seated next to me, took a picture of the spectacle. I was wedged in like a cork in a bottle of Port. There was not even an inch between her seat and my face.
“Never be afraid to speak up,” says Becky Blanton, a writer and frequent traveler from Richmond, Va. “But don’t be a Karen, or a jackass, or demanding and rude. That doesn’t get you anywhere.”
I’m embarrassed, but I didn’t say anything for the duration of the flight. I just suffered quietly. In retrospect, I should have struck up a friendly conversation when she asked about reclining the seat. I could have said something like, “Save a little space for me, maybe?”
But Blanton is right -- don’t be a pushover. But also, don’t be a jerk.
Salute to Veterans
Illustration by Christopher Elliott
Trouble from page 8
What kind of trouble should you expect when you’re traveling?
Trouble comes in all shapes and sizes when you’re going somewhere. Here are a few recent runins our readers have had.
The Fake Cop
Every trip has its risks. For Lauren Milligan, a career advisor from Glen Ellyn, Ill., it was a run-in with a fake traffic cop. Good thing she’d brushed up on Mexican scams before her last vacation. Sure enough, on the way home from an outdoor market, they were pulled over by a fake cop, who quickly offered to settle her “ticket” for a cash payment. (The fake cops demand you pay your ticket immediately.) She talked her way out of the fake ticket by saying she had to fly back to the States the following morning and had no cash. “¡Que aventura!” she says.
The Ding And Dent Scam
Here’s one of the biggest problems travelers run into when they rent a car: a bill from their car rental company for damaging their car. I’ve also seen this in hotels and vacation rentals. There’s only one way to avoid that problem: Take “before”
and “after” photos of the vehicle, including the license plate, VIN, and dashboard readings (mileage and fuel level). And if there’s even the smallest ding or dent, ask for a different car. “Don’t leave the rental car location if you are not 100 percent satisfied with the condition of the car,” says Tom Harriman, an attorney from Clarksville, Md. “Even if you are in a hurry.”
Bogus Travel Sites
Yep, they’re still out there, and they’re pretty clever. Scammers try to mimic or impersonate popular travel websites, spoofing familiar branding, logos, and company verbiage. They’re so convincing that even an, ahem, experienced consumer reporter sometimes has trouble recognizing them. Darius Kingsley, head of consumer banking practices at Chase, said there’s an easy solution. Go directly to the website instead of finding it through a search. “Always pay through the service’s official website,” he says. Going off-site or paying with a money transfer is just asking for trouble.
Unruly Guests
When you travel, your powers of observation are important, says Kellee O’Reilly, a consultant and frequent traveler from Wayzata, Minn. For example, if you’re hav-
ing a romantic dinner at a restaurant, look around. “If you see a family with three unruly children, ask the host to seat you somewhere else,” she says. Always be a step ahead to avoid trouble, and ask the staff to become your ally. This applies to other situations as well, including hotels with potentially bad rooms, airline seats, and even a rideshare driver who gives you an “off” vibe, she says. Think two or three moves ahead like a chess game.
Say Something
What do all these things have in common? Smart travelers are proactive when it comes to trouble. They anticipate everything from dented rental cars to bogus sites, and they speak up right away instead of waiting for someone to address the problem.
“Don’t settle for the dregs when you were promised high quality,” says Mitch Krayton, a travel advisor based in Denver.
Oh, and one more thing.
Don’t Forget To Do This I deal with consumer problems all the time, and I can tell you they’ve gotten much worse this year (here’s my advice for resolving any consumer problem). In fact, I’m sitting on a record number of cases for 2024. I
expect that trend to continue.
How not to become a statistic? Well, one of best ways to sidestep trouble is to pack your manners.
“Remain pleasant,” says John Gobbels, chief operating officer of Medjet, an air medical transport program for travelers. “That’s the number one way of preventing escalation. You could approach the situation with hostility, but honestly, you will get your problem handled much, much better if you’re nice.”
Next year, travel trouble can come in many forms, from seat leaners to rowdy travelers. And while the problems don’t fit into a neat category, the solutions do. Look around, be prepared and use common sense. You would be shocked by how many travelers fail to pack these simple strategies when they hit the road.
Then again, if everyone did, I might not have a job.
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 Pastor says . . . “if”
The word “IF” is a word we live with every day. It is possibly the most important word of all. It is a noun, verb, and adverb, depending on your use. Why write an article about it? I do this because I was talking with a friend recently who said, “If I had the time and money, I would take a trip.” I have since listened to many persons who have used the word IF and find both a possibility and frustration with those who use it. IF, IF, IF, is especially true of those now older and retired. “If only I knew I would live so long, I would have taken better care of myself.” “If I could do it over, I would have prepared myself better economically for retirement.” A police officer who was a member of my class on Emotional Survival told me, “If I had taken this class when I first joined the Department, I could have saved myself three divorces and lots of money.” “If only” is probably the most used expression when preventing tragedy and bad decisions.
When intention, circumstances, and others warn us, we confront the need to act beyond our world of IF and behave accordingly. Before we know it, there will be no more IFs with possibilities. There will only be “what is.” There will be no more chances to experience what is and could be.
I find this to be true in the religious world. In many places, it says, “IF we do, act, and respond, there will be positive or even negative results.” IF plays a big part in the development of our religious character.
The famous verse, John 3:16, describes God’s love for us and giving His Son for our salvation. It says whosoever believes in Him will not perish - but the verse connects to “IF” we believe in Him we will not perish. Another passage is 1 John 1:9, which says, “IF we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive us.” A verse in the Lord’s Prayer says, “IF we want to be forgiven, we must forgive those who have wronged us.” Other passages dealing with life call for the IF - IF we are to receive mercy, we must be merciful; IF we are to be loved by God, we are to love; IF we are generous, we will receive generosity, and the list goes on with our receiving IF we are kind, compassionate, giving, caring, we will receive in kind and more. The opposite is also true. The return will be the same IF one is mean, vengeful, selfish, greedy, jealous, or envious. IF connects us to the result. We are never separate from the consequences of what IF. Life does not just happen. The IF gives us an entire world of results. Even in tragedy, IF plays a part in our response. IF we seek the help of others and God, we can face even the worst circumstances.
Pastor Huls Call 760-746-6611 for support and encouragement.
San Diego Humane Society is supporting families and their pets who need a little extra help.
Through the Community Pet Pantry, anyone can visit our campuses to pick up a bag of dog or cat food, and other supplies, as available.
No appointment is needed for this service. Hours are Tuesday-Sunday from 10am to 6pm.
El Cajon 373 N. Marshall Ave.
Escondido 3500 Burnet Drive
oceanside 572 Airport Road
san diego 5480 Gaines Street
Pet Parade roger
Pet of the Week
Roger is a 9-month-old, 23pound, male, Collie mix.
Roger was an undernourished, stray puppy at a local park, before a ranger found him and took him to a shelter. When nobody claimed him, he was transferred to Rancho Coastal Humane Society through FOCAS – Friends of County Animal Shelters. He’s a medium energy dog, with a goofy, silly personality.
The $145 adoption fee for Roger includes medical exam, neuter, up to date vaccinations, registered microchip, and a one-year license if his new home is in the jurisdiction of San Diego Humane Society.
Visit Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas or log on to www.SDpets.org. Kennels are open 11 to 4 Thursday through Monday and Wednesday by appointment. Watch for expanded daily hours and additional days beginning December first!
Penny
Meet Penny! This stunning little house panther is a bit of a wallflower and appreciates having a little time and space while she adjusts to new places and people. With some treats and time, you’ll earn her trust and forever friendship! Penny loves a snuggle with her favorite people and will purr her requests for affection — and maybe for a few tasty treats. If you’re ready to open your heart and help this beautiful feline blossom, visit San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido Campus to adopt Penny (926057) today!
If you have questions about the adoption process, you can visit sdhumane.org/adopt or call 619-299-7012.
Pastor Huls
Computer factory 845 W. San Marcos Blvd. 760-744-4315 thecomputerfactory.net
The Dodo went extinct because it didn’t adapt to the “new age” in its island environment.
It’s impossible for us to guess which event future generations will choose to pinpoint the beginning of the “new Age” in which we find ourselves today. They may cite the 20th century development of computer technology, the birth of ARPANET, the emergence of Artificial Intelligence or some other event as a fitting cornerstone for the beginning of our “new age”.
At some point they’ll then find a way to define and fittingly name our emergence into this “new age” where technology promises to dramatically alter the course of human history. But we don’t have time to wait for others to pick a beginning or
Recently I-Heart Radio shared a list of animal loving celebrities including pictures of them with their pets. It began with Jennifer Aniston and her white Lab puppy. She seems like someone who would have a dog. Very cute! And so is Jennifer Anniston.
Justin Bieber and his wife were holding their two small, white dogs. I thought Justin would have large, adventurous dogs, but you could feel the love in the picture.
Ryan Seacrest was sitting on his couch with his large, Black Lab.
a name for our new “age”. We need a starting point and a name right now. Our choice for the beginning of this “age” is 2001, when “Broadband Internet” was combined with “Artificial Intelligence”. That gave us the IW or “Intelligent Web” and the “IW age” is what we’ll call it.
In 2001 only half of American homes had access to the Internet. In the next decade smart phones (200708) and then DAs (digital assistants) (2011-12) joined the PC as IW access devices. Today over 90% of Americans have computer and cell phone access to the IW and nearly half also have a DA. With the PC for comfort, the smart phone for mobility and the digital assistant for convenience, for the first time in human history, today’s IW users can access the entire wealth of human knowledge any time and anywhere, Today the fifty percent of Americans under 38 years of age are collectively called DNs or Digital Natives. They were extensively exposed to the IW throughout their formative years using various devices to access the IW as part of their everyday social and academic activity.
By contrast the older half of Americans, DIs or Digital Immigrants, attained adulthood without the benefit of AI and the ubiquitous availability of the IW. Moving apart from our population’s “median age” in each direction increasingly shows the effect of these different influences on attitudes and beliefs of DIs vs DNs.
The majority of our customers here at The Computer Factory are over 38 years old and collectively known
as DIs. While DIs are Internet users, there is a huge range of Internet competency among them. While some use the Internet primarily for minimal functions like Email, other DIs depend on the Internet for everything from medication, shopping and travel planning to entertainment and learning. DIs didn’t grow up with the Internet and are sometimes skeptical of its value. For IW skeptics, getting a DA at home is an eye opener. It’s like having a friend who knows everything always at your elbow. You can ask it what will the high and low temperatures be today? Will it rain on Thursday? What wine is perfect with beef Stroganoff? Who was Ferdinand Magellan’s first mate?, How many electrons are in the outer shell of Boron? What killed Jack Benny? It’s a great feeling to have all the answers at
your beck and call and adding the DA to your home network costs less than a hundred bucks!
If you don’t have three part Internet connectivity (Smart Phone, PC and DA) you don’t know what you’re missing. It’s human nature to poohpooh technologies that compete with what we are accustomed to doing. Electric lights, automobiles and TV once fell into that category. Like the aforementioned technologies, the IW is for real. Don’t let yourself or those you care about miss out on the full value of the IW. As we grow older, the IW becomes even more important as a convenient way to get answers and stay current. If you’re not fully connected or suspect that your devices are not giving you the full access you need, don’t go extinct! Come on in – and bring a friend.
The white glistened on the dog’s muzzle. These were two buddies who were totally comfortable with each other. It wasn’t a posed picture. That dog spends lots of time on that couch.
The next picture was two medium sized, white Poodles. If you looked closely, you could see that they were sitting on someone. Look closer and you’ll see their proud mama, Selena Gomez.
Miranda Lambert’s picture with her mixed breed dog touched my heart. If you’ve never looked up Miranda Lambert’s Mutt Nation, Google it. She’s the real deal.
I was surprised Justin Timberlake didn’t make the list. A terrific actor, singer, and performer, he’s known as a practical joker. He was a victim on Ashton Kutcher’s TV show “Punk’d.”
Justin’s mother and his best friend (both frequent victims of his pranks) were in on it. Actors disguised as FBI agents were emptying his house in California. They said they were confiscating his property because of unpaid taxes. He laughed and told them it was a mistake, as one of the officers drove away in his car.
While Justin tried to call his lawyer, they carried out his TV, clothing, and small appliances. He told them it was all a misunderstanding.
Then they told Justin that agents were taking his home in Florida.
He held it together until one of the actors / agents told him, “We took your dog.”
We all have our breaking point. For Justin Timberlake, that was it. “You took my dog? You can’t take my dog!”
The tears began. The producer in the van yelled “CUT!”
His mom laughed. His friend laughed. The producer laughed.
Justin wiped his eyes and replied, “My dog’s okay…right?”
Oodles from page 3
Avenue, San Marcos. In this parody of the classic Clement Moore poem, join the Music Men as they rehearse for their upcoming Holiday Concert... and discover an unexpected visitor.
This family-friendly event features both popular and classic holiday songs, all arranged in the distinctive Barbershop style, with “ringing” chords. In addition to the full chorus, the show will feature special guest chorus, The Pacific Belles, and audience sing-a-longs.
A donation of $10 per adult would be appreciated.
Celebrating their 70th season, the Music Men, under the direction of David Garstang, enjoy sharing their love of Barbershop-style, close-harmony a cappella song with audiences. More information about the Music Men can be found at musicmenchorus.org. The chorus is always looking for new singers and welcomes visitors to its rehearsals.
***
Looking for Things to do? Places to go?
Check out Oodles every week for listings of civic & service club meetings, and more!
Alone from page 5
Christmases when his family was not with him, over the holidays.
The three photos actually represented several years of spending Christmas by himself. He only started to record the picture-taking three years ago. Photos he took, of himself, with his time-delay camera.
Far away, in the big city, his three grown children receive a note that their 85-year-olde father has died. They break down, uncontrollably, with tears. They were far too busy with their high-powered, metropolitan jobs and lives to be with him, all those Christmases past.
And through all those last-moment cancellations and broken promises to be with him.
Their collective thoughts are to return to his small town – the town where they were raised -- for his funeral.
But at the moment, the three grown children fall into each other’s embrace, trying to console each other, their bodies convulsing uncontrollably. Their sobs and cries of anguish are now unleashed. This was their Papa. This was the man who
Alone continued on page 13
Historically Speaking from page 7
close to Peenemünde. von Braun asked his staff to decide how and to whom they should surrender. Unwilling to go to the Soviets, most chose the Americans.
von Braun led a group of 500 scientists to Austria, surrendering to the American Army. Fearing documents and blueprints would be destroyed by the SS, von Braun had ordered them hidden in an abandoned mine shaft before surrendering to the U.S. Army.
On June 20, 1945, the U.S. Secretary of State approved the transfer of von Braun and his rocket specialists to the United States where they were assigned to Fort Bliss just north of El Paso, Texas.
Following the War, von Braun worked developing U.S. ballistic missiles. For the Army He became a U.S. citizen and was assimilated into the National Aeronautic & Space Administration (NASA) where he served as director of the newly formed Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
On Jan. 31, 1958, the U.S. launched America’s first satellite, Explorer 1, which signaled the birth of NASA’s space program. von Braun was the chief architect of the Saturn V, which propelled the Apollo
Problem solved by Christopher Elliott
spacecraft on a number of missions to the Moon.
Despite von Braun’s successes, the U.S. press dwelled on von Braun’s past as a member of the Nazi SS and the slave labor used to build his V-1 and V-2 rockets. Publicity and enthusiasm for NASA and space travel grew. Von Braun was even brought into American living rooms by Walt Disney, who often featured the scientist on the Hollywood mogul’s “Wonderful World of Disney,” a weekly TV program. Disney also opened his space-oriented “Tomorrowland” at Disneyland to keep the idea of space travel alive.
Von Braun developed preliminary plans for a human mission to Mars that used a space station as a staging point. By 1960, the German scientist had become a central figure at NASA. Today, some 50 years later, NASA and commercial endeavors are working toward completing von Braun’s dream of going to Mars – a distance considerably further than the Moon. Reaching the red planet would be a giant step toward von Braun’s dream of reaching the stars.
Unfortunately, von Braun never realized his goal. He died on June 16, 1977 of pancreatic cancer in Alexandria, Virginia at age 65, but he’ll always be remembered as a pioneer of manned space travel.
My Motorola phone freezes up. Why can’t I get this fixed?
Q: My Motorola Edge phone is defective. It crashes daily and reboots, sometimes several times.
Motorola’s tech support says I should just factory reset it or run it in safe mode. I have done that. It doesn’t reboot when it’s in safe mode. It works fine after being factory reset, which deletes all apps and content.
I didn’t buy this phone to use without apps. It can run apps and that’s why I bought it. Motorola has replaced it once, but I’m still having the problem. It’s the type of phone apparently. I asked them to replace it with another model (I have had Motorola before with no problem). They have refused to do anything except make me return the phone for replacement.
I wrote to all of the executive contacts on your site but got no response at all. Motorola clearly wants to keep me busy until the warranty expires.
I bought the phone from Best Buy, but it won’t help me either. I need
to either get this replaced with another model that does not have these technical problems or return it for a refund so I can buy something else. Can you help me?
~ Steven Waechter, Lake Havasu City, Ariz.
A: Motorola should have offered you a refund or replaced the phone with a different model, which was still under warranty. So why didn’t it?
Motorola gives you 14 days to return your purchase. If you keep it longer, then the device’s warranty applies, and the manufacturer can repair, replace, or refund it. And of course, it will always try to repair because that’s the least expensive option.
I have to say, I’m baffled by your case. You’re saying that Motorola sent you two non-working phones. Is that possible? Yes. A quick online search for Motorola Edge problems suggests this is a known issue. The phones reportedly freeze up and need to be restarted. This is one reason why conducting care-
ful research before buying a phone is essential. I realize you’ve had a Motorola phone before, but as you note, not all Motorolas are created equally. There are other, more problem-free models.
And how about Best Buy? It also has a 14-day return policy, but in addition, it charges a $45 return fee for “activatable” devices like your phone. That’s not helpful.
So how to avoid this? Careful research and maybe buying through another online retailer. Amazon. com and most sellers on the platform offer returns for items within 30 days of receipt of shipment. During that window, there’s also no restocking fee. One month would have been enough to determine that your Motorola phone was a dud.
You might have appealed your case to an executive at Best Buy. I list the names, numbers, and email addresses of the Best Buy and Motorola customer service executives on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org. I see you
tried the Motorola contacts but no one responded. That’s very unfortunate because they could have prevented this article from being written by simply replying to your message. How hard is that? You say you reached out to Best Buy but its executives brushed you off as well.
I contacted Motorola on your behalf. A representative contacted me and said Motorola had been providing “continuous support” since your purchase.
“We have assigned him a personal technician from our highest level of support as well as an engineer to assist,” he added. “We have also offered to upgrade him to a ThinkPhone unit at his request, which he has accepted.”
Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy (https://elliottadvocacy.org), a nonprofit organization that helps consumers solve their problems. Email him at chris@elliott.org or get help by contacting him at https://elliottadvocacy.org/help/
MIGHTY MOJO
Alone from page 12
carried each home as infants from the hospital, along with their longdeceased Mother.
Suddenly, their “indispensable jobs” now seem petty and without value. The small grandchildren now begin crying at seeing all the grownups in tears. They are too small and too young in years to understand what has happened, or even why they haven’t seen Grandpa in years. They had often asked and were quickly told: “Next Christmas. Next Christmas, we’ll see Grandpa.”
Next Christmas, never came.
The huge family, emotionally deeply-scarred, made the trip to their Papa’s small house, to attend to matters at hand.
When the three grown married couples, and grandchildren, opened the door and spilled into his modest home, they broke down in torrents of tears. There before them, stood the most beautiful Christmas tree imaginable! He must have spent a fortune of his fixed income to purchase it, in hopes of a family reunion. Tiny presents for his beloved grandchildren surround the base of the Christmas tree.
The sight of it all only adds to their anguish – and collective guilt, which now seems unbearable. The children
marvel at the tree, set magically aglow with twinkling lights of various colours.
Their Grandpa’s dining room was beautifully set with his best dinnerware.
A look of mystery now gripped them as they looked upon a dining table fully set, complete with lighted candles.
A wondrous aroma of Christmas foods seemed to emanate from the kitchen.
Suddenly, a dark shadow appeared in the dimly-lighted room. A shadow which slowly moved forward. A shadow with most familiar features.
It was their Father! It was their children’s Grandpa which they always begged to visit.
Sudden the familiar shadow spoke, as it came into the light: “How else could I have brought you all here, together?” he asked, sadly.
He was immediately embraced by his grown family, and the tiny children around his waist clutched and hugged him, all cheering and laughing with unreserved joy!
\ After much hugging and crying, his grown children vowed to never allow another Christmas to go by without a family rejoicing, together.
In fact, there would be many intervening visits because the family de-
cided to “adopt” Grandpa.
And to never, ever . . . leave him alone again.
They would now all live together in the same home.
One of the first remarks after dinner was directed to their Father: “It’s time to come home with us now, Papa. You will now live with us, and your grandchildren.”
It was a Christmas like no other.
BE PART OF THE SOLUTION.
Is it fair to abandon aging parents because we are too caught up in our lives to spare some time with them? How can we forget that they cared for us when we were tiny, fragile, dependent infants and children?
If this cover story has touched you in any way, you may wish to be part of the solution for Senior Holiday Blues by volunteering a portion of your time and energy through your community church, temple, or one of the many non-denominational agencies in your North County city.
SPECIAL THANKS
Special thanks to my many rabid fans all over San Diego County who often stop, hug, and tell me how much they love THE PAPER and also how much they love my editor, Lyle e. Davis, who has done much to improve our community and keep
our youth away from gangs and drugs with his programmes such as his “Los Caballeros de Aventura” which he founded and paid “out of his own pocket,” and which took teens on exciting adventures like their first trip in an airplane, visits to the beach, mountains, etc. His “kids” had too much fun in life than to be bothered with gangs and drugs! Who knows how many lives my editor has saved.
Also, much love to the many pastors and ministers (here and in Los Angeles!) who have reached out to me expressing their unconditional Christian love and support for me in recent weeks. And to the church congregation(s) and my pastor, all of whom “cheer me on!”
Also, please keep your cover story ideas coming. THE PAPER belongs to you, our readership, and it is your forum -- so please continue to let me know what topics most interest you,
find Your Cozy Companion: $20 adoption fees for dogs and Cats
Just in time for the holidays, San Diego Humane Society is reducing adoption fees to $20 for adult dogs and cats, inviting community members to find a cozy companion for the season — and beyond. With more than 465 dogs and cats awaiting loving homes, there’s a perfect match for everyone.
From November 8 to November 30, as part of the “Find Your Cozy Companion” campaign, all adult dogs and cats (7 months and older) are available for adoption at this reduced fee, thanks to support from Petco Love.
Currently, the shelter is operating at 147% capacity for dogs, with 1,500 animals in care. More animals are arriving daily, and San Diego Humane Society is depending on public support to provide these pets with second chances. They hope the holiday season will inspire adoptions to help ease overcrowding.
“We’re calling on the community
to help these deserving animals find a home this holiday season,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of San Diego Humane Society. “When you adopt, you save lives.”
Walk-in adoptions are open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at San Diego Humane Society campuses in Escondido, El Cajon, Oceanside, and San Diego. Visit sdhumane.org/adopt to view available animals.\
about san diego Humane society San Diego Humane Society’s scope of social responsibility goes beyond adopting animals. We offer programs that strengthen the human-animal bond, prevent cruelty and neglect, provide medical care, educate the community and serve as a safety net for all pet families. Serving San Diego County since 1880, San Diego Humane Society has campuses in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside, Ramona and San Diego. For more information, visit sdhumane.org.
Chuckles from page 7
salon for my next pedicure.
When a man makes an hourglass shape with his hands to represent a woman, I assume he has never seen a woman.
How come wrong numbers are never busy?
Do people in Australia call the rest of the world “up over”?
Does that screwdriver belong to Philip?
Can a stupid person be a smartass?
Does killing time damage eternity?
Why doesn’t Tarzan have a beard?
Why is it called lipstick if you can still move your lips?
Why is it that night falls but day breaks?
Why is the third hand on the watch called a second hand?
Why is it that when you’re driving and looking for an address, you turn down the volume on the radio?
Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?
Are part-time bandleaders semiconductors?
Can you buy an entire chess set in a pawn shop?
Daylight savings time - why are they saving it and where do they keep it?
Do jellyfish get gas from eating jellybeans?
Do stars clean themselves with meteor showers?
Do you think that when they asked George Washington for ID that he just whipped out a quarter?
How can there be self-help “groups”?
How do you get off a non-stop flight?
How do you write zero in Roman numerals?
How many weeks are there in a light year?
If a jogger runs at the speed of sound, can he still hear his Walkman?
If athletes get athlete’s foot, do astronauts get mistletoe?
An elderly woman and her little grandson, whose face was sprinkled with bright freckles, spent the day at the zoo.
Lots of children were waiting in line to get their cheeks painted by a local artist who was decorating them with tiger paws.
“You’ve got so many freckles, there’s no place to paint!” a girl in the line said to the little fella.
Embarrassed, the little boy dropped his head. His grandmother knelt down next to him. “I love your freckles. When I was a little girl, I always wanted freckles, she said, while tracing her finger across the child’s cheek.
“Freckles are beautiful!”
The boy looked up, “Really?”
“Of course,” said the grandmother. “Why, just name me one thing that’s prettier than freckles.”
The little boy thought for a moment, peered intensely into his grandma’s face, and softly whispered, “Wrinkles.”
Owned & Operated by a Veteran
US Army, Entertainment Director 1957-1959 Brooke Army Hospital
Fort Sam Houston, Texas
“The state of Texas was never invaded while I was on duty at Fort Sam. You could look it up!”
War Correspondent South Vietnam - 1967-68 Assimilated Grade/Rank Lt. Colonel, MACV (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam)
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
STATEMENT 2024-9020572
The name of the business: North San Diego Headshots & Portraits, located at 249 S. Indiana Ave., Suite 203, Vista, CA 92084. Registrant, David Howell Flatt, 249 S. Indiana Ave., Suite 203, Vista, CA 92084. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 1/9/2024
/s/ David Flatt with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/11/2024 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
STATEMENT 2024-9020674
The name of the business: world Class Massage, located at 150 East Broadway, Vista, CA 92084. Registrant, Esther Annabell Sabedra, 2258 Gird Road, Fallbrook, CA 92028. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Esther A. Sabedra with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 10/14/2024
10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
STATEMENT 2024-9020784
The name of the business: Lavande Spa, located at 838 Nordahl Rd., Suite 175, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, Trimbody SM A Medical Corporation, 838 Nordahl Road, Suite 175, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 9/6/2024 /s/ Brian Levine, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/16/2024
10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
STATEMENT 2024-9020804
The name of the business: Gamael Roblero, located at 3903 Ocean View Blvd., San Diego, CA 92113. Registrant, Arlette Roblero, 3903 Ocean View Blvd., San Diego, CA 92113. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 10/10/2024
/s/ Arlette Roblero with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/16/2024 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
STATEMENT 2024-9020803
The name of the business: Kingdomz Barber, located at 3903 Oceans View Blvd., San Diego, CA 92113. Registrant, Cristian Candelario Mendez, 3903 Ocean View Blvd., San Diego, CA 92113. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 2/9/2014
/s/ Cristian Mendez with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 10/16/2024 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
STATEMENT 2024-9020797
The name of the business: Morningstar Realty, located at 246 El Valle Opulento, Vista, CA 92083. Registrant, Morningstar Brokerage Inc., PO Box 2256, Vista, CA 92085-2256. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 5/1/2008
/s/ Peter J. Lusby with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/16/2024
10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2024-9019956
The name of the business: Ocean
Floor Covering, located at 1803 Jamaica Way, Vista, CA 92081. Registrant, Jeffrey Bryan King, 1803 Jamaica Way, Vista, CA 92081. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 10/3/2024
/s/ Jeff King with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/3/2024
10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE STATEMENT 2024-9020766
The name of the business: Precision Peak Roofing, located at 633 Ascot Dr., Apt 176, Vista, CA 92083. Registrant, Savione Adonis Greer, 979 Woosland Pkwy, Ste 101151, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 10/11/2024
/s/ Savione Adonis Greer with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/15/2024 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
STATEMENT 2024-9019706
The name of the business: Archibald Plumbing, located at 817 Palo Alto Court, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, GHA Services Inc., PO Box 1956, San Marcos, CA 92079. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 11/17/1986
/s/ Carol L. Archibald, CFO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/30/2024
10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
STATEMENT 2024-9020771
The name of the business: Annam Pho & Sandwiches LLC, located at 3809 Plaza Dr., #115, Oceanside, CA 92056. Registrant, Annam Pho & Sandwiches LLC, 3809 Plaza Dr., #115, Oceanside, CA 92056. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: 8/23/2019
/s/ Thao Nguyen, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/16/2024
10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2024-9020344
The name of the business: Macabee Farms, located at 6806 Caminito Sueno, Carlsbad, CA 92009. Registrant, Jennifer Barger, 6806 Caminito Sueno, Carlsbad, CA 92009. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Jennifer Barger with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/8/2024 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2024-9021059
The name of the business: Sunorganic Farm, located at 411 S. Las Posas Road, San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, David Wayne Carr, 411 S. Las Posas Road, San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 9/30/2001
/s/ David Wayne Carr with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/21/2024 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE STATEMENT 2024-9021187
The name of the business: Angels Auto Glass & Tint, located at 751 W. San Marcos, San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, Milan George
LEGALS
Ziro, 751 W. San Marcos, San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 10/22/2024 /s/ Milan G. Ziro with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/22/2024 10/31, 11/7, 11/14, 11/21/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2024-9019969
The name of the business: Depthav, located at 1231 San Julian Place, San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, Gregory Scott Kluthe, 1231 San Julian Place, San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Gregory Scott Kluthe with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/03/2024
10/31, 11/7, 11/14, 11/21/2024
ordEr To sHoW CausE for CHaNgE of NamE 24CU018309N
TO ALL INTERESTED PER-
SONS: Petitioner Jesse D. Gomez Rodriguez filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: Jesse D. Gomez Rodriguez, Jose D. Gomez Rodriguez, Jose De Jesus Gomez Rodriguez to Proposed name Jesse Gomez. 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: December 6, 2024, 8:30 am, in Dept. 25 No hearing will occur on above date. Please see attachment The address of the court is: 325 S. Melrose, Vista, CA. 92081. A copy of the Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Marcos News Reporter, dba, The Paper, 845 W. San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, Ca. 92078. Dated October 21, 2024 /s/ Brad A. Weinreb, Judge of the Superior Court 10/31, 11/7, 11/14, 11/21/2024
ordEr To sHoW CausE for CHaNgE of NamE 24CU017314N
TO ALL INTERESTED PER-
SONS: Petitioner Hilda Adelia Aparicio filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: Hilda Adelia Aparicio to Proposed name Hilda Edelia Aparicio. 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: December 6, 2024, 8:30 am, in Dept. 25 No hearing will occur on above date. Please see attachment The address of the court is: 325 S. Melrose, Vista, CA. 92081. A copy of the Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Marcos News Reporter, dba, The Paper, 845 W. San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, Ca. 92078. Dated October 16, 2024 /s/ Brad A. Weinreb, Judge of the Superior Court 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
STATEMENT 2024-9021576
The name of the business: TLC 4 Schools, located at 3133 Salina Rd., Carlsbad, CA 92010. Registrant, Randie Allen Hersey, 3133 Salina Rd., Carlsbad, CA 92010. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 9/25/2013
/s/ Randie Allen Hersey with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/29/2024
11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 11/28/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
STATEMENT 2024-9021831
The name of the business: Chris’ Music Therapy, located at 852 San Pablo Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, Pillar Christopher Louis, 852 San Pablo Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 10/8/2024
/s/ Christopher Louis Pillar with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/31/2024
11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 11/28/2024
NoTiCE of PETiTioN To admiNisTEr EsTaTE OF James Edward Winston Case No. 24PE002155C SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO 1100 Union Street San Diego, CA. 92101 To all heirs, beneficiaries, credi-
tors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate or both, of Mary A. Rohling deceased. A Petition for Probate has been filed by Jeffrey Johnson in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA. 92101 Central Courthouse. The Petition for probate requests that Jeffrey Johnson be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act.
(This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.
A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows:
Date: 12/5, 2024
Time: 1:30 pm
Dept: 503
Address of court: Same as noted above.
If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.
If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. you may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in
California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.
Petitioner:
Jeffrey Johnson 5612 Cometa Court NE Alburquerque, NM 87111 505-269-8626
DOP: 11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 11/28/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2024-9021969
The name of the business: The UPS Store 6268, located at 4225 Oceanside Blvd., Oceanside, CA 92056. Registrant, UPS Store 6268, 4245 Oceanside Blvd., Oceanside, CA 92056. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 11/4/2024 /s/ Varun Sharma, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/4/2024
11/14, 11/21, 11/28, 12/5/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2024-9019453
The name of the business: Agema Couriers, located at 27378 Red Ironbark Dr., Valley Center, CA 92082. Registrant, Agema Integrated Solutions LLC, 27378 Red Ironbark Dr., Valley Center, CA 92082. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: 8/5/2019 /s/ Michele Ann Labrecque, Managing Member with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 09/26/2024 11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 11/28/2024
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2024-9021535
The name of the business: Property Pest Solutions, located at 1763 Manor Dr., Vista, CA 92084. Registrant, Property Pest Solutions, 1763 Manor Dr., Vista, CA 92084. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 10/28/2024 /s/ Javier Eduardo Flores, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/28/2024
11/14, 11/21, 11/28, 12/5/2024
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
