November 16, 2023
Volume 53 - No. 46
An American in Italy Part II of II
by Sean Dietrich
“You American?” he says.
unlike 7Up for adults.
Rome. I am in my hotel bar. There is a guy next to me. He’s from Missouri, he tells the bartender. Little town called Belton. He is maybe mid-seventies.
“I’ve been called worse.”
“You visiting for business or pleasure?” he asks.
He asks the bartender for a beer. The barkeep speaks very little English. He pours the beverage in a pint glass, and leaves the bottle. The old guy takes a sip. He thanks the bartender. Then he looks at me a beat too long. I can tell he wants to talk. So I smile, to let him know the door is open.
We shake hands. He says, “I’m from Missouri.” “Birmingham.” “You guys play banjos down there?” “Only when we’re not winning national championships.” The bartender brings my beer. Peroni. Sweeter than American beer, not
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“Neither. I’m a professional porter. I carry my wife’s bags.” “Been there. Done that.” He uses his thumbnail to start peeling the label on his bottle. “This my first time overseas.”
“I have, at times,” I said. “What about you?” Shrug. He glances up at the television above the bar. European TV is a different animal. Right now the television is showing contestants who appear to be water sliding in the nude. “Can I be honest?” he says.
“Same here.”
“I don’t know.”
“You enjoyed yourself?”
“I came here with an American tour group. And so far, I’ve just been em-
Italy
See Page 2
The Paper • Page 2 • November 16, 2023
Italy from page 1 barrassed. Wherever we go, whatever we do, my fellow Americans keep humiliating me.” “How so?” “Well, for instance, we were at a really fancy restaurant in Sicily, and there were several gals in our group who kept asking for ranch dressing on their salads. They were loud about it, they were demanding, and they made us all look like fools.” I nodded. “Some people are quite serious about mayonnaise based condiments.” “And another time, we all went to this restaurant in the Amalfi Coast, and all the smokers in our group wanted to smoke on the patio, even though the signs all said you couldn’t. “Our people were so rude about it, they told the waiters and waitresses that we were spending enough money here that we should be able to smoke wherever we wanted. It was a big scene. I wanted to die.” I took a sip. “The people need their nicotine.” “And when we were in Capri, several in our group kept trying to bargain with the salesman in a leather shop. They kept trying to get 20 Euros off the price, like
Give Us This Day Our Daily Chuckle This week, a compendium of wit, wisdom and neat stuff you can tell at parties. Enjoy! A woman in a supermarket is following a grandfather and his badly behaved 3 year-old grandson. It’s obvious to her that he has his hands full with the child screaming for sweets in the sweet aisle, biscuits in the biscuit aisle; and for fruit, cereal and pop in the other aisles. Meanwhile, Gramps is working his way around, saying in a controlled voice, “Easy, William, we won’t be long... easy, boy.” Another outburst, and she hears the granddad calmly say, “It’s okay, William, just a couple more min-
they were at a garage sale. It got embarrassing when they got into a fight with the merchant. They had to call the manager. I wanted disappear.“Everything inside me wanted to say: ‘Come on, people, you paid a fortune for this tour, at the end of the day, what’s a few Euros more?’” I nodded again. “Overpaying for leather is a form of hate crime.” “I guess I just wanted to say to all the Americans in my group, ‘You know what, guys, we’re in someone else’s house over here in Italy. Don’t act so entitled. “Don’t blow your nose in restaurants, or blow cigarette smoke at people on the street, or pass gas when you’re in public, or burp at the table. Jeez.“You’re a guests in this country. You don’t act this way when you’re a guest in someone’s house do you? No. It’s just not nice. Are we savages? Where were we raised? In a barn?” “No,” said the bartender with a smile. “You were raised in America.” •••• Rome. The sun is rising over the City of Seven Hills. I am sitting at a cafe, not far from our hotel, editing a column on a yellow legal pad. I am here for breakfast, waiting for my wife to wake up. The Colosseum is just down the
utes and we’ll be out of here. Hang in there, boy.” At the checkout, the little terror is throwing items out of the cart, and Gramps says again in a controlled voice, “William, William, relax buddy, don’t get upset. We’ll be home in five minutes; stay cool, William.” Very impressed, the woman goes outside where the grandfather is loading his groceries and the boy into the car. She said to the elderly gentleman, “It’s none of my business, but you were amazing in there. I don’t know how you did it. That whole time, you kept your composure, and no matter how loud and disruptive he got, you just calmly kept saying things would be okay William is very lucky to have you as his grandpa.” “Thanks, lady,” said the grandfather, “but I’m William... the little bastard’s name is Steve.” *** Why we miss Rodney Dangerfield: My wife is such a bad cook, if we leave dental floss in the kitchen the roaches hang themselves.
street. The old stones are kissed by morning light. The Circus Maximus, the ancient chariot racing stadium, is flooded with morning fitness enthusiasts, jogging the old track. Most of whom are American.
Namely, she loves our food. She loves iced tea. And fried chicken. Also, she adores American television shows like “Monk,” “Bonanza,” and she grew up listening to the Grand Ole Opry. She has a tattoo of Lucille Ball on her elbow.
The waitress stops at my table. She is an older woman. Exotic in every way. Midnight hair. Black eyes. She could have been Sophia Loren in another life.
And I’m starting to get homesick. Don’t get me wrong, I love to travel. In fact, “love” might be too weak of a word. I’ve learned a lot about Italy. Some good; some bad. I’ve learned a lot about Americans, too. Some good; some bad.
She smiles when she takes my order. “Are you a writer?” she asks. “I’ve been called worse.” “What Southern state are you from?” she asks. “How’d you know?” I said. She smiles again. “You say the word ‘chair’ with two syllables.” Her name is Ginerva. I’ve never heard this name before, but it’s a lovely name. And it makes me feel warm inside because the women I come from don’t have names like this. We have Myrtles, Ruth Anns, and Janice Louises. Here, they have Isabellas, Ludovicas, and Ginervas. Ginerva is a highly traveled individual. Speaks six languages. Has been everywhere. Seen everything. But she loves America the best. Especially the Southeastern United States.
I’m so ugly I stuck my head out the window and got arrested for mooning. The other day I came home early and a guy was jogging past my house, naked. I asked him, ‘Why?’ He said, ‘Because you came home early.’ My wife’s such a bad cook, the dog begs for Alka-Seltzer. I know I’m not sexy. When I put my underwear on I can hear the Fruit-of-the-Loom guys giggling. My wife is such a bad cook. In my house we pray after the meal. My wife likes to talk to me during sex; last night she called me from a hotel. My family was so poor that if I hadn’t been born a boy, I wouldn’t have had anything to play with.
But mainly, gentle reader, I’ve learned that you will never know what a consummate ass you can become until you go abroad. And that’s a good thing. I’ve learned that people are all, more or less, the same. I’ve learned that all children say “mama” almost the same in every language. Most of all, Dear Reader, I’ve learned that the most identifiable characteristic about me is that I am American. And this makes me proud. I am not proud because my people get everything right. We don’t. We are a messy, insane, uninformed, unsure, and sometimes hotly confused people, still working on ourselves. Still working on our culture. Still hammering out our ideals. We are the baby of the Great InItaly continued on page 3 I was such an ugly baby that my mother never breast fed me. She told me that she only liked me as a friend. I’m so ugly my father carried around a picture of the kid that came with his wallet. I’m so ugly my mother had morning sickness AFTER I was born. I remember the time that I was kidnapped and they sent a piece of my finger to my father. He said he wanted more proof. Once when I was lost, I saw a policeman, & asked him to help me find my parents. I said to him, “Do you think we’ll ever find them?” He said, “I don’t know kid. There’s so many places they can hide.” My wife made me join a bridge club. I jump off next Tuesday.
It’s a rough day. I got up this morning, I put on a shirt & the button came off, put sheet in my brief case an the handle came off. I’m afraid to go to the bathroom!
I went to see my doctor. “Doctor, every morning when I get up and I look in the mirror I feel like throwing up. What’s wrong with me?” He said: “Nothing, your eyesight is perfect.”
I could tell my parents hated me. My bath toys were a toaster and radio.
One year they wanted to make me a poster boy -- for birth control.
The Paper • Page 3 • November 16, 2023
Italy from page 2
By the time we landed, many of us were plugging our noses.
ternational Family, still trying to figure out who the heck we are. Our older siblings in Europe are all rolling their eyes, because they’ve figured out who they are, mostly.
We deboarded, then got our bags from the luggage merry-go-round. Our friend Amy drove us home. We were jet-lagged zombies. Hungry. Barely coherent. I fumbled with my keys to open the front door. We collapsed in our bed fully clothed.
Whereas we are a historically unsettled people, always undergoing growth pains. One generation comes. One generation goes. Constantly changing, clawing against ourselves to grow. And that makes me feel some measure of pride. Because, for better or worse, we are not just the nation of Gettysburg and Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer. We are the nation that gave the world George Washington Carver, Orville and Wilbur Wright, Ray Charles, Norman Rockwell, and Samuel Clemens. The waitress asks if I am homesick. “A little,” I tell her. She asks if I would like anything special for breakfast. I tell her to surprise me. Ginerva goes into the back and changes the music. The station is now playing Bill Monroe’s “Uncle Pen.” When she brings my breakfast, she has outdone herself. Ginerva had the cook fry prosciutto like panfried ham. He scrambled a few eggs, and toasted a slice of bread. It is an American breakfast, not on the menu. Made special. But the crowning gift she brings is something I didn’t expect. Ginerva has brewed black tea, just for me. Then, she took the liberty to add sugar, and ice it down. The sweet tea comes in a tall pint glass, with cubes of ice. She has placed a sprig of mint in it. She pats my head in a motherly way when she delivers the gift. “Iced tea,” she says with a smile. “For my American writer.” They’re doing okay here in Rome. •••• We left Italy before sunrise. Our plane touched down in Birmingham at 7:08 p.m. We had been in the air longer than it takes many people to complete a PhD. Our seats were located beside the bathrooms. Midway through the flight, the bathroom door jammed. Passengers had no choice but to keep using the john with the door slung open.
The next morning I awoke early, and had no idea where I was. I stepped onto the porch and watched the sunrise over Magic City. The sky was pink and gold. The air was as crisp as supermarket lettuce. Birmingham was smiling back at me. I checked my watch. I wasn’t quite sure what time it was. The jet lag was playing with my mind. My body said it was suppertime. The wristwatch said it was morning. I watched the morning from my porch. The garbage truck came by. A lady was out walking her dog. A jogger was out for his pre-sunrise bout of masochism. A masochist is someone who likes a cold shower in the morning so he takes a hot one. The jogger waved and said, “Welcome home. What’d you guys do in Italy?” “Carbs,” I said. I drove into town to buy a newspaper. You can’t just go buy newspapers anymore. You have to know where to find them. They’re getting more rare by the day. So I walked into my usual gas station. The bell dinged. I purchased one paper and one cup of bathwater coffee. I sat in the parking lot sipping the world’s worst cup of Joe, wearing a smile. Namely, because in Italy the coffee is all world-class. You walk into an Italian filling station and the coffee is a five-star cup. And I absolutely hated it. Give me a cup of crappy American gas-station coffee any day. Next, I went to the Piggly Wiggly to buy a few groceries. After several weeks in a foreign country, our fridge was about as populated as the Antarctic continent. I wandered the produce aisle. The employee stocking oranges smiled at me. They don’t smile at you in Italy. In the checkout lane, the gal behind the register also smiled. She asked whether I was having a good morning. I told her yes, I was. I said I Italy continued on page 5
Oodles!
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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. 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 Nov 17 1:00 MCC Dance Reflections 2023 Dave Massey, Artistic Director & MCC Students Come see the diversity of dance, the talent of the incredible student performers and the overall artistry of movement as the MCC Dance Dept gives us an insight into their upcoming presentation. Nov 17 2:30 El Corazon – The People’s Park Joan Bockman President, Friends of El Corazon. El Corazon is a 465-acre Park in the center of Oceanside. The approved Specific Plan has something for everyone! Visit and enjoy the Park now—before completion! Nov 25 1:00 NO SESSION THANKSGIVING BREAK To join a Zoom meeting, LIFE must have your email address in order for you to receive the invite link. Meetings will start at 12:45 pm (you can join 15 minutes earlier) and the speaker will start at 1:00 pm. Email: life.miracosta@gmail.com To Donate to the LIFE Scholarship Fund: Write a check to MiraCosta College Foundation; Mail it to: One Barnard Dr., MS 7; Oceanside, CA 92056. In the memo area put: LIFE Scholarship Fund. Or go to: https:// foundation.miracosta.edu/donatenow and you can donate online. There is a “drop-down” box to indicate the donation will be credited to the LIFE Scholarship Fund. The QR code below can also be used.
Encinitas Holiday Street Fair November 19th from 9am to 5pm Enjoy over 450 unique food, arts and crafts vendors plus four entertainment stages, children’s rides, Bike Valets, the kid/dog-friendly beer garden! Take advantage of free family fun, entertainment, a National Award Winning MainStreet and a traditional So-Cal beach town. Come shop for the holidays and support local artists and makers. Savor craft beers, enjoy some quality food and soak up some winter sun while listening to the best bands in San Diego rock out at the Beer Garden Stage (12pm-5pm.) Great news cyclists, Bike Valet stations sponsored by will be open to store your bicycles while you peruse the Street Fair! Take a break from the hustle and bustle by listening to the eclectic music at The Lumberyard Courtyard Stage, or see the stars of tomorrow perform at the Community Stage! PLEASE NOTE that there is NO PARKING on Hwy 101 from D to J Street on Saturday and Sunday from 4am – 6pm. Your car will be towed by law enforcement if parked in the specified area. There will be signage leading up to the Street Fair as a reminder. Interested in becoming a vendor? Follow this link for further details! Vendor Registration Info Want to be a bigger part of the event? Email Irene at ipyun@encinitas101.com for more info! *** Escondido Library Events All Library facilities will be closed on November 23 & 24, 2023 for Thanksgiving. The Library will also close at 5:00 p.m. on November 22. Cultural Fair Series: Afghan Culture & Art November 18 • 2:00-4:30 pm Turrentine Room • All Ages Meet with successful Afghan professionals, enjoy Afghan live music and dance, and learn about Oodles continued on page 14
The Paper • Page 4 • November 16, 2023
Local News
Boys & Girls Club of Oceanside Offers Thanksgiving Day Meals For Those In Need Thanksgiving is a time for sharing, caring, and showing appreciation for the blessings we have in our lives. Unfortunately, not everyone in our community has the means to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Through community support, the Boys & Girls Club of Oceanside will prepare and provide Thanksgiving Day meals to Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside families in need. Here is how you can help: Small Dinner: $30 Serves approximately 2-3 Medium Dinner: $50
Serves approximately 4-5 Large Dinner: $100 Serves approximately 8-10 The goal is to create as many Thanksgiving meal packages as possible to ensure that no family in the BGCO community goes without a delicious and heartwarming Thanksgiving meal. PURCHASE A MEAL We understand that times can be challenging, and not everyone may be in a position to contribute. Your
support can also come in the form of spreading the word about the Thanksgiving Meals and encouraging others to participate. Let’s come together and make this Thanksgiving a truly special and inclusive celebration for all. Thank you for your support. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and blessed Thanksgiving! To purchase a meal, visit: h t t p s : / / i n t e r l a n d 3 . d o n o r p e rf e c t . n e t / w e b l i n k / We b L i n k . aspx?name=E9702&id=29
Valley Senior Village Celebrates Grand Opening
Valley Senior Village offers residents an array of medical and mental health programs and
The $24 million complex includes about $10 million from the County’s Innovative Housing Trust Fund and No Place Like Home capital and operating funding.
services, including case management, designed to promote stability and independence. The services are provided by the Hope through Housing Foundation, San Ysidro Health, and Interfaith Community Services through a contract with County Behavioral ing emotions that those of us who love dogs know and feel. This was from about two years ago - a memory from Facebook. Have a Kleenex handy and read on: Bruce Krider is a good friend of mine. Together, we founded The Puppy Coalition, whose mission it is to save dogs from being needlessly euthanized.
Man About Town This is a piece that, every time I read it, the tears begin to flow. I love Bruce Krider. Were I a Catholic I think I’d nominate him for sainthood. He has saved so many dogs at great personal expense to himself - probably over $100,000 of his own money over the years. He is also a helluva writer, captur-
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Health Services.
Valley Senior Village celebrated its grand opening Thursday in Escondido, becoming a haven for seniors in need of an affordable place to live. The apartment community features 50 homes for those at least 62 years old and serves low-income and formerly unsheltered seniors. Construction on the community began in January of 2022 and finished in August of 2023 as a result of a collaboration between the County of San Diego, National CORE and San Diego Community Housing Corporation.
Letters to the Editor
We accept the fact that sometimes it is necessary to euthanize a dog. If they are terminally ill, if they are vicious. or if they have a tendency to bite people without warning (thinking they are protecting you). When this happens several times . . . when a professional trainer has not been able to shed the dog of this trait . . . then it is time for a painful decision. What follows may break your heart, as it broke mine, and Bruce’s. Bruce has saved at least 35 dogs
This is the County’s seventh affordable housing development ribbon cutting of 2023. In addition, the County has been a partner in breaking ground on nine additional affordable housing projects so far this year. Valley Senior Village is currently 100% occupied. More information about Valley Senior Village is available on the National CORE website.
this year alone and found homes for them and he has saved between 600 and 700 since he started his mission back in 2012. This one dog, Jeb, he has cared for, I think, 18 months . . . no home. Jeb has bitten or attempted to attack on close to ten or twelve occasions. Thus the need for this action. Bruce Krider’s Account It hasn’t been a week since Jeb crossed the bridge and he doesn’t leave my thoughts much still. When I wrote and said, it would be one of the toughest days ever, that was no overstatement. I had to be an actor that day. I needed to act like I didn’t have a care in the world and that life was great. That said, it even seemed hard getting dressed that day knowing what I was going to do. It was like every fiber in my body was not wanting to go along with this. It was the heart talking. We all have different reasons to do or not do things and some of the messages come from your logical thinking brain but other ones come from your
To submit a letter to the editor, please email thepaper@cox.net. Please limit your letter to a maximum of 300 words and include your full name, e-mail address, town, and a valid phone number where you can be reached. Letters will not be published anonymously. Letters are subject to editing. Please no hand written letters.
heart. I would have to get through this day one step at a time and just try to not think too much. Something like a robot operating on a program. But it doesn’t work like that. I got to his kennel about 9:10am and for the next 5 hours Jeb and I walked everywhere we ever walked or played or just sat down together and ate junk food. We went to the Nordahl dog park and he play with a female boxer. People were saying, “What a great dog he is! Look at him play with her so nice!” I didn’t let on how the day was going to end. Just tried to keep up the happy face and I didn’t want to look somber around Jeb. He was supposed to be having fun.... and he was. His very best behavior was always in the dog park. It was also when he was with me. Man About Town continued on page 5
The Paper • Page 5 • November 16, 2023
Italy from page 3 had just gotten back from Italy. She said she had gone to England with her church last summer. They spent two weeks there. Then she leaned forward and spoke in a hushed voice.“You know the biggest thing I learned overseas is that there’s nothing quite like your own bathroom.”
THE FINAL WORDS
On that note, I drove to the nearest Waffle House for breakfast. The server asked what I wanted to order. So I told her: Eggs, sunny side up, bacon, ham, white toast, hash browns (scattered, smothered, chopped, diced, and topped), a pecan waffle, orange juice, a bowl of Bert’s chili, and a partridge in a pear tree. “Anything else?” the waitress asked. “Yes,” I said. “I need a hammer and a few nails.” She looked at me funny, then asked what the hammer was for. Because, I explained. Now that I’m back in Birmingham, I want to nail my feet to the ground.
Sean Dietrich
Man About Town from page 4 We then went to Discovery Lake where we have walked hundreds of times, then over to Lake San Marcos where he and a number of different dogs walked together with he and I. They all got homes. He never did, so he shared walks with lots of dogs. Then we went to Simmons Family Park in San Marcos about a mile from my house. It has a great area where you can look for miles all up and down the coastline with a beautiful ocean view. Something in me wanted to do that with him. Not sure I can say why. It just seemed like the thing to do now. I talked. He mostly listened and looked at me sometimes tilting his head like dogs do. My arm was around him and we Man About Town continued on page 12
By Tom Morrow This is mostly a collection of true stories, only the names have been changed primarily to cover the fading memories of this writer and to protect the wishes of select but credible sources not wanting to be identified. He was the sage of the editorial staff. Hayden Marshall had been a journalist longer than anyone in the newsroom. Rumor has it he once was William Randolph Hearst’s favorite writer. He witnessed Howard Hughes lift his giant wooden seaplane off the water in Long Beach Harbor back in 1947, and covered hundreds of other stories for nearly seven decades. All his great stories were true according to Editor Ed Mack. He urged anyone questioning the old man’s myriad of reports told around the news desk to look up the stories the old man had covered and reported on. Now, a terrible fate could be awaiting Mr. H. as his years come crashing to a close: Alzheimer’s -- that terrible disease erasing the memories of a lifetime. All the history that will be lost when this journalistic institute fades from reality is mind-boggling … it happened to Reagan … it can rob from the best of us. Hayden Marshall was an “old school” reporter. He lived and worked when newspapers were king in the communications field. Now, at nearly 90 years old, he had been reduced to writing obits – or so most of the young reporters thought. No journalist fresh out the gates of J-schools, would dream of lower him or herself to writing about the recent dead. The average person gets their name in print only three times in their lifetime if they’re lucky: their birth notice, their wedding announcement, and their obituary, Mr. H. reckoned as much.
“It’s my job to make sure everyone gets a proper send off so history will know they were here,” he’d tell anyone who would care to listen. Mr. H. considered it a crime to charge families for publishing a loved ones’ obit in the news columns. Recently the old man seemed to be talking about himself. After more than 70 years a newspaperman, there would be a lot of words to write. Leaving the old man working in the newsroom was odd. He was well above retirement age. “I don’t remember when I was 65,” he chuckled one morning. Readers had come to love his reports, and for the past 10 years, his feature obits of newsmakers. Many readers would send letters, filled with personal information, hoping the old journalist would do a feature on them when they passed. Mr. H. loved telling stories about the old days for those taking the time to listen and read. As the years passed, his newsroom audience grew larger during coffee breaks. Whenever an editor or reporter would stumble upon a past situation or a name they didn’t recognize, Mr. H. was the “go-to” source before Wikipedia, Yahoo or Google. One young female reporter was talking with a source on the phone. She hung up with a perplexed look on her face. The woman quickly walked over to Mr. H. who was holding court around the coffee pot. “What’s a ’twenty-four Maxwell?” the youngster asked. The old sage smiled, and quietly answered that it was a popular American automobile of the 1920s. “It’s the car Jack Benny talked about driving on his radio show.” “Who’s Jack Benny?”
As the years passed and Mr. H. grew older, the younger reporters began realizing he was someone who had witnessed and reported on many of the 20th century’s most important stories. He began as a cub reporter for a Long Beach daily and was there that day in 1947 when the eccentric aviator Howard Hughes lifted his giant seaplane off the bay of Long Beach. He saw the “Spruce Goose” fly for about a mile – something experts said could never happen. Hughes would later confide, off the record, the plane was a death trap and vowed never to fly it again. Mr. H. witnessed the historic event because he didn’t rush back to the office, thinking that was all there would be when Hughes seemed to be just taxiing the plane around in the harbor. “Most all of the Los Angeles boys had cut and run back to their newsroom to report that the big plane was simply taxing around the bay,” the old man recalled. “I was one of the few who actually saw it fly – me and a couple of movie newsreel cameramen.” Then there was the time as a young journalist Mr. H. was covering a trial in Los Angeles. He got to see “old school” reporting in action. The police reporter for the HeraldExaminer used the telephone in the courthouse newsroom, calling his paper’s city desk. He was covering the sensational LA murder case of “The Black Dahlia.” The gruesome story began in January 1947. A young would-be actress’ body was mutilated, cut in half at the waist. No killer was ever found, but it wasn’t moved into the “cold case” category until a young cub reporter had earned has spurs. “Gimmie re-write, doll-face,” he Final Words continued on page 9
The Paper • Page 6 • November 16, 2023
5th District Supervisor
Jim Desmond
Fixed-Rate Electricity Proposal Last week, I had the opportunity to participate in the California Public Utilities Commission public meeting regarding the proposed new fixed-rate electricity plan. This proposal has sparked significant concerns, particularly for the residents of San Diego. If you’re unfamiliar with this plan, let me provide a breakdown of its essential components and the potential implications it holds for our community. The proposed fixed-rate bill fundamentally operates on an incomebased charging model, where the more one earns, the higher the flatrate electricity charges. This scheme would impose fixed monthly charges based on your income before a single kilowatt-hour is used. Here’s a breakdown of what this could mean for San Diegans: • Households earning between $28,000 to $69,000 would face a monthly charge of $34. • Those with incomes ranging from $69,000 to $180,000 would see a monthly charge of $73. • Households earning above $180,000 would encounter a monthly charge of $128. Median-income households in San Diego would end up paying $876 annually for electricity, irrespective of their actual consumption. It’s also ridiculous that individuals who have invested in residential solar won’t
be exempt from these fixed charges. There is another vital opportunity to voice your concerns and stand against this proposed plan. On November 20th, there will be a Virtual Public Forum where you can participate. If you wish to make a comment during the forum, please refer to the phone-in information provided below. Phone: 1-800-857-1917, passcode: 6032788# Participants who join via phone will have access to audio and the opportunity to make comments. To contribute a comment, after entering the passcode, when prompted, press *1, unmute your phone, and record your name. Please note that during high call volumes, there might be longer wait times, and the operator will call on you when it’s your turn to speak. Participation and voice in these forums are crucial to ensure your concerns are heard and considered. Let us unite to oppose this unjust proposal and advocate for fair utility billing practices in our community. San Diego County District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond, 1600 Pacific Highway, #335, San Diego, CA 92101, United States http://www. supervisorjimdesmond.com/
A Word from San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones
One day left to provide feedback on the Active Transportation Plan Enhancing active transportation options will allow individuals to travel throughout the city as they please and invite safer means of travel. I encourage community members to share their feedback on the draft plan to ensure your recommendations and transportation concerns are considered in the development of the final plan. The City of San Marcos aims to provide active transportation options that encourage bicycle and pedestrian travel. The draft Active Transportation Plan is currently available for public feedback. Community members will have until tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 17, to provide feedback by submitting comments through the website at www.sanmarcosatp.com or by emailing the city at ATP@sanmarcos.net.
Community members can also visit the website to participate in the interactive map. The interactive map allows community members to point out areas where they’d like to see safety, connectivity or accessibility improvements for the San Marcos Active Transportation Plan. For more information, please visit www.sanmarcosatp.com or email ATP@san-marcos.net for any questions.
Why do we still fall back and spring forward? In 2018, 60% of California’s voters supported Proposition 7, which was aimed at eliminating the biannual ritual of moving clocks back in the fall and forward in the spring. Daylight saving time was first imposed as a temporary energy saving measure during World War I, and was re-instated during World War II. After World War II ended, states were allowed to decide the issue, and in 1949, voters approved Proposition 12, which permanently established daylight saving time in California. Since voters authorized daylight saving time in the first place, any changes must again be approved by the voters. Under Proposition 7, the Legislature was asked to introduce a bill changing the times and dates of daylight saving time, in compliance with federal laws. As a result, Assembly Bill 7 was introduced in 2019 to authorize year-round daylight saving time. I supported AB 7, and though the bill passed the Assembly without opposition, it never made it through the Senate. In 2022, similar legislation was introduced, but failed to make headway in the Assembly.
But even if California had passed this legislation, there would still be another hurdle. The Uniform Time Act passed by Congress in 1966 allows states to opt out of daylight saving time and remain on standard time (as in Arizona and Hawaii). However, the bill does not allow year-round daylight saving time. To resolve these issues, in 2022 Florida Senator Marco Rubio introduced bipartisan legislation called the “Sunshine Protection Act” to make daylight saving time the permanent, standard time for the entire country. The bill passed the Senate, but so far has stalled in the House. So where are we? For the time being at least, twice a year we will be stuck with changing our clocks back and forth, despite 60% of the people saying NO to the practice in 2018. Assemblymember Marie Waldron, R- Valley Center, represents the 75th Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes the cities of Poway, Santee, portions of the City of San Diego, and most of rural eastern and northern San Diego County.
Problem Solved by Christopher Elliott
Philips recalled my husband’s CPAP machine. Now it wants us to wait for a replacement Linda Jordan’s husband’s CPAP machine has been recalled. But delivering a new one to him may take a while. How long is too long to wait?
problem machine. He can’t reach anyone else on the phone about this. Their customer service is nonexistent. Can you help in any way? ~ Linda Jordan, Pleasanton, Calif.
Q: My husband has been using the Philips Respironics CPAP machine for years. Last month, we found out that it was part of a recall they had two years ago. My husband filled out their form and then called a few days later to get a case number.
A: A CPAP machine (that’s shorthand for “continuous positive airway pressure”) is a device that delivers pressurized air to your nose and mouth while you’re sleeping. Philips voluntarily recalled your husband’s CPAP machine after discovering a potential health risk related to a part. It should swap out the recalled machine with a fixed one immediately.
The recall website states that Philips has devices ready for patients and that it is making “every effort” to ensure they get into the hands of those who are waiting for them. Philips is telling us that the replacement CPAP machine will be shipped in two months. This is unacceptable. My husband has congestive heart failure and there have been hundreds of people affected by this
But before I get to that, I have a question. Why are you only learning about this recall now? Philips should have sent you an email or letter notifying you of the recall. Problem Solved continued on page 12
The Paper • Page 7 • November 16, 2023
Historically Speaking
An Actor Who Was The Unlikeliest of Heroes Prior to The War, Albert had toured Mexico working as a clown and high-wire artist with a Circus, but secretly, he worked for U.S. Army intelligence, photographing German U-boats moored in Mexican harbors.
By Tom Morrow One of Hollywood’s venerable stars, who was featured in dozens of movies, television and radio shows was a highly-decorated U.S. Naval officer during World War II. Edward Albert Heimberger had a very long resume that included being a businessman, insurance salesman, nightclub singer, circus performer, Army intelligence agent, pioneer television star, Hollywood character actor, environmental activist, and World War II decorated Naval hero. Better known in TV and movies audiences as “Eddie Albert,” he was born April 22, 1906, in Rock Island, Ill. He was nominated twice for Best Supporting Actor (Roman Holiday, 1954; The Heartbreak Kid, 1973), and appeared in some 90 television productions. Among his many top film performances include “Brother Rat,” “Oklahoma,” “Captain Newman, M.D.,” and “The Longest Yard.”
Preston on Broadway in “The Music Man.” In 1965, Albert starred in “Green Acres,” co-starring Eva Gabor as his urbanite, spoiled wife. The show was an immediate hit. Then, in 1975, Albert starred in the popular crime drama “Switch” as a retired police officer, Frank McBride, who goes to work as a private detective.
As a teenager, he went to Central High School in Minneapolis and joined the drama club with schoolmate Harriette Lake (later known as actress Ann Sothern). They graduated in the class of 1926. Then Albert entered the University of Minnesota, where he majored in business. After graduation, he embarked on a business career, but the stock market crash in 1929, left him unemployed. Albert stopped using his last name since it invariably was mispronounced as “Hamburger.” He moved to New York City in 1933, where he co-hosted a radio show. After the show’s threeyear run, Albert was offered a film contract by Warner Bros. Albert became one of the earliest television actors, performing live in one of RCA’s first television broadcasts. Albert wrote and performed in the very first teleplay, The Love Nest, which was aired “live” on Nov. 6, 1936.
On Sept. 9, 1942, Albert enlisted in the United States Navy and became a commissioned officer. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat “V” for his heroism during the 1943 invasion of Tarawa. As commander of a landing craft, Albert, under heavy enemy fire, rescued 77 Marines stranded offshore.
In 1938, he made his feature film debut in the Hollywood version of “Brother Rat” with Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman, reprising his Broadway role of “Bing” Edwards.
After the war, Albert starred in “On Your Toes.” Back on Broadway he did hit shows such as “The Seven Year Itch” (1952–1955) and in 1960 Albert replaced Robert
Eddie Albert
In his personal life, in 1945, Albert married Mexican actress Margo María Castilla. They had a son, Edward Jr., in 1951, who also became an actor. They adopted a daughter, Maria, who became her father’s business manager. In 1980, Margo Albert died from brain cancer. In his final years, Albert suffered from Alzheimer’s. Edward Jr., put his acting career on hold to care for his father. Albert senior died of pneumonia in 2005 at the age of 99. He is interred at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery, next to his late wife and close to his Green Acres co-star Eva Gabor. Edward Jr. died a year after his father, suffering from lung cancer. He was 55. Historically Speaking continued on page 14
Reverse Mortgage Payout Options closes. That’s referred to as an Initial Draw. Your Initial Draw is in addition to the closing costs for your loan. These funds can be wired to you when your loan funds. You can choose to establish a Line of Credit (LOC), This allows you to have access to your money whenever you need it. The Line of Credit provides you an emergency fund, offering you some peace of mind. Also with the Line of Credit option, you can withdraw money and you can also repay some of it if you wish. by Laura Strickler Since I covered how some of my clients have utilized the reverse mortgage loan program (HECM), it’s also important to understand the different payout options available to you. The loan can adapt to a variety of payout requirements. Here are some ways you can access your equity once you have your own reverse mortgage: You can take cash when your loan
Another way you can access your equity is to set up lifetime payments. This is known as Tenure Payments. Tenure Payments will pay you the principal limit in regular monthly draws for as long as you live in the home. You could opt to receive monthly advances for a certain number of years. This is called Term Payment. The Term Payment could be set up to help you delay collecting Social Security for a few years, if that’s something that
would be beneficial to you. The trifecta of payout options is the Modified Tenure or Modified Term option. Either of these options allow for a Line of Credit. I have used this with clients to pay off an existing mortgage, take monthly advances for life (Tenure) or for a few years (Term) AND establish a Line of Credit! I mentioned that the Reverse Mortgage is a very flexible loan program. If you start off with a Line of Credit, but then you find that you really would prefer to have a monthly advance for the rest of your life (Tenure), you can contact your loan servicer and they will convert that for you. Lenders will charge a nominal fee for the administrative paperwork, but then you will have the security of knowing you will receive that amount each month. These days, inflation is making life hard for everyone. When you are a senior and living on a fixed income and your earning days are behind you, if you own a home, you are in
a position to alleviate some of that stress. The equity you have built in your home can help you take care of yourself now. I’ve had many people tell me that they want to leave the home for their children. When I first began in this business, it was more of an ideal that people wanted to live up to. Not that it still isn’t important, but so many adult children want their parents to enjoy their retirement. Also, more children don’t necessarily want their childhood home. Granted, that’s generalization and there are children who do want to live in their family home. That is still possible even with a reverse mortgage. Please reach out if you’d like me to address something specific in this column. And please call me if you’d like to discuss this dynamic program for yourself. Laura Strickler Reverse Mortgage Advisor NMLS #315848 760-518-9839
The Paper • Page 8 • November 16, 2023
Extreme Weather Ahead: Here’s Your El Nino Travel Survival Guide extreme weather event like an El Nino-powered blizzard. But the time to think about it is now.
Brace yourself for a hard winter, fellow travelers. “Prepare for the worst,” warns aviation expert David Doughty. “You might encounter ice storms, blizzards and other treacherous weather conditions.”
“Once an event impacting a destination is named, like a severe winter storm, it’s too late to purchase travel insurance and have your prepaid expenses protected,” explains Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Partners USA.
These won’t be ordinary storms, either. Meteorologists say they’ll be powered by climate change and El Nino. Last month, the National Weather Service issued an El Nino advisory, predicting the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Don’t forget to read the policy. Some insurance coverage is general, covering weather disruptions. But other policies can get quite detailed, and you need to know what’s covered before a big storm slams into your airport.
Will El Nino affect your next trip? Travelers like Nikita Sherbina are ready. “I’ve taken precautions for my winter travel plans,” says Sherbina, who runs a business software company in Seattle. “I’ve also booked refundable or flexible tickets for my trip, and I’m keeping a close eye on weather forecasts to adjust travel dates if necessary.” Is Sherbina overreacting? No. Crazy weather could sink your winter vacation, and meteorologists expect the erratic conditions to continue through early spring. But there’s a way to weatherproof your next trip, and the time to do it is now. I am, but my solution is a little bit contrarian. I’ll tell you more in a moment. So what happens when the weather disrupts your trip? An internal survey of 1,400 TripIt’s users found that 15 percent of its users were affected by extreme weather this summer, but it projects that number will rise as El Nino weather patterns form. “Unpredictable weather could mean trouble for travelers this winter,” says Jen Moyse, vice president of product at TripIt. Of those surveyed by the travel planning app, 41 percent of travelers stuck to their plans and only 1 percent of respondents canceled their trip. If that pattern holds, it means more of us will be stuck in traffic, waiting at the airport, or trapped somewhere in a snowstorm, unable to get home. But what parts of the country will get the worst of it? Why This Winter Could Be Difficult For Travelers Traveling during winter is hard enough, with snowstorms, rain and flooding always a possibility. But El Nino has the potential to turn it up a notch. El Nino disrupts regular weather patterns and can trigger intense storms.
Illustration by Dustin Elliott What does that mean for domestic travelers? Most of the action will happen in the Southeast, which will be wet and stormy, according to Ray Schmitt, president of the weather analytics company Salient Predictions. “The East Coast, in general, should be rather wet, but not too snowy,” he predicts. Paul Pastelok, the lead long-range forecaster and senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, says the Pacific Northwest could have active, El Nino-fueled storms later this year, with more “hit or miss” weather heading into 2024. For late November and December, he sees more storms and precipitation across California extending into the central Rockies. “El Nino will be strong and can be a dominant factor in the forecast,” he says. Translation: Remember the winter storms in January that prompted the cancellation of thousands of flights? You might see a few more of those early next year. They’ll be bigger than last year’s storms and bring more rain and snow. Jeff Rolander, vice president of claims at Faye Travel Insurance, says the extreme weather is part of a broader trend, which some experts have attributed to climate change. “The baseline of normal has changed significantly,” he told me. “A decade ago, there’d be a couple of large hurricanes per season. Now, storms are on the horizon quite frequently, and it’s a matter of severity, not if it will hit.” Bottom line: It’s already been a busy few years for extreme weather, as far as travel is concerned. And it’s about to get busier.
Flexibility And Awareness Are Important El Nino could ruin any trip in late 2023 and early 2024, including yours, experts say. “You should be mindful of this when you’re booking a flight to somewhere in the Northern Hemisphere that is prone to adverse weather conditions,” says Doughty, who is the CEO of an aircraft charter company. Airlines use what’s called a huband-spoke system, which means if you’re flying somewhere, you might be making a connection in Atlanta, Chicago, or Dallas. So even if you’re headed somewhere that isn’t prone to extreme weather, you might be making a stopover there and subject to El Nino weather patterns. If you’re driving, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle is ready for winter weather long before the first winter storm hits. Winter tires, a first aid kit, and maybe brushing up on your winter driving skills are a must. For Sherbina, flexibility is the key to handling Mother Nature’s wrath. He’s implemented a remote work plan for his employees to ensure that harsh weather doesn’t disrupt his business. So if the weather outside is frightful, his employees stay home. It’s a philosophy he applies to his travels, too. So if he can’t fly, he switches to driving -- or vice versa. “My advice would be to always have a backup strategy in place to tackle any potential disruptions due to El Nino-induced weather,” he says. Let’s Talk About Travel Insurance Yes, travel insurance can cover an
For example, a policy like Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP)’s AirCare, which specializes in covering flights, will kick in when there’s a snowstorm causing a flight cancellation or a delay caused by de-icing plane wings. In addition to its air travel coverage, BHTP also has a policy called ExactCare Extra, which includes coverage for snowy mishaps like rental car collisions on icy roads or snowstorm-related delays and cancellations. Other travel insurance policies have similar coverage. “Insurance is a small investment that can save you a lot of stress and money,” says Ajay Kumar Shrestha, a trekking guide in the Himalayas. “But you have to make sure it covers weather.” How To Avoid El Nino Weather Disruptions There’s only one way to avoid extreme winter weather and still travel -- and that is to select your destination carefully to steer clear of the worst of it. Head south to avoid severe blizzards. Or travel to Asia or Europe to escape the worst effects of this climate pattern. That’s how I’m planning to sidestep El Nino this year. My next writing assignment is taking me to South America for the southern hemisphere summer in December, January and February. I’ll be in Chile next month, which experts say will be a little warmer than usual because of El Nino. But, thank goodness, no snowstorms. Elliott’s El Nino Travel Tips Find a travel advisor who can handle a crisis: Hire a competent travel advisor and make sure they know how to handle a crisis. Agents who specialize in adventure travel and business travel should fit the bill. El Nino continued on page 12
The Paper • Page 9 • November 16, 2023
Final Words from page 5 half-snarled a bark into the phone with a voice of authority. Minutes later the veteran reporter was dictating his story to one of the city desk’s news clerks. The next day when the front-page story appeared in the paper, it read exactly how the old timer had dictated. Beginning during the days of the Korean “Peace Action,” Mr. H. was said to have been pen pals with Herb Caen, the San Francisco sage who scribed the daily city happenings of note in his “Baghdad by the Bay” daily newspaper column. Any young journalist could learn a thing or two by picking the old, but sharp brain of Mr. H. But young people of any day are inclined to ignore senior citizens, never considering the fact old people were once young, facing many of the same problems, challenges, and joys. Quite often dictates of the day (now and then) calls for similar solutions. A wise old J-school professor at Arizona State University often said: “One of the keys to success as a reporter is to find a good, seasoned writer and try to be like him or her. Whatever knowledge they can impart upon you will only help mold your career.” Truer words were never said.
Writing obits is considered by many young reporters as being a “crap” job. Few youngsters wants to do that task. If they only knew. Writing a good obit takes skill and Mr. H., a.k.a. Hayden Marshal, was a real wordsmith. One day, a particular obit headline Mr. H. was working on wrote itself, grabbing the attention of everyone in the newsroom: “He was a tenth of a second right behind Jesse in Berlin!” Mr. H. yelled the headline to a half-awake newsroom. On that day as obit writer, Mr. H. announced to readers about the man who came in second place behind Jesse Owens in the 100-yard dash during the 1936 Berlin Olympics. “Can you imagine how many nights during his long lifetime that guy woke up out of a nightmare dreaming about what could have been?” It was a terrific story. Chicago’s Ralph Metcalf did alright for himself ending up as a congressman. As a young college track star he jointly held the world record in the 100-meter dash and placed second in that event in two Olympics, first to Eddie Tolan in 1932 at Los Angeles and then to Jesse Owens at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, Germany. Metcalfe won four Olympic Final Words continued on page 12
The Paper • Page 10 • November 16, 2023
The Pastor Says . . . The Truth When was the last time you heard the truth and nothing but the truth? That used to be the pledge, or the oath said, in court testimony, or perhaps you remember our good man, Detective Friday, who is famous for his expression, “the truth, and nothing but the truth.” I would like to hear the truth from our politicians, who profess to be claiming it, but whenever they open their mouths, they tell a different story and claim it is permissible to believe something else. It is in promises made, party politics, and what is said is what people want to hear.
San Diego Humane Society is supporting families and their pets who need a little extra help.
I had the opportunity to listen to news reporters who use the expression that certain people in Congress, as well as those running for office, are nothing but liars, spewing one lie after the other. We are left to believe that there is no one we can trust and that what is said Pastor Huls is only deceit and fabrication with claims that what is said is what people want and need to hear. Are there times when the truth is too complicated to accept? I wonder about Trump, who purports to lie, even admits it, and has a solid following, and, of course, says his opponents are all telling lies; who are we to believe? Indeed, who do we believe? It is my opportunity in this article of the paper not to find fault with Donald Trump or the present administrators of Joe Biden, to ask, “What do we thousands believe and why?” Hundreds, if not thousands, believe in what is said. But there is a more significant challenge. It is the challenge of Jesus Christ. He said he testified to the truth. At the time, the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, asked, “What is the truth?” He came from a Roman political world filled with persons vying for positions of influence well known as a part of Pilate’s community. So Jesus’ statement, “Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice,” needs clarification, not only for Pilate but for the world and us. Is what Jesus said the truth? Is what people say about him true? Is he the son of God? Is he the Messiah? Is he the judge of all men for true justice? Does he speak for God? And will our eternal destiny depend on him? This, we ask, is he the truth? Or has he lied to the world? To you? To me?
Pastor Huls
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
Pet of the Week
Lou
Sylvester
Lou is pet of the week at your Rancho Coastal Humane Society. She’s a 5-year-old, 22-pound, female, Terrier mix. She was transferred to Rancho Coastal Humane Society through FOCAS (Friends of County Animal Shelters) three years ago. Lou was adopted, now returned due to changes in her home. She loves tennis balls and treats. The $145 adoption fee for Lou includes medical exam, spay, up to date vaccinations, registered microchip, and a one-year license if her 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 at 389 Requeza Street 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.
Handsome, happy-golucky Sylvester is the whole package! This handsome rottweiler mix is in a good mood whether he’s out and about with friends or just relaxing at home with this favorite people. Sylvester has lived with other dogs before and enjoys having a pup friend around. His favorite days include car rides and play time at the park, followed by cozy snuggles. After some time to let him settle in at home, you’ll have the most loyal, loving companion! Sylvester is available for adoption at San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido Campus at 3500 Burnet Dr. Adoption fees are 50% off for all kittens, puppies and adult dogs through Sunday, Nov. 12! 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=881318
The Paper • Page 11 • November 16, 2023
The Internet, Artificial Intelligence & Humanity
The Computer Factory 845 W. San Marcos Blvd. 760-744-4315 thecomputerfactory.net
Nome and I retired from the “corporate world” in 1995 and opened The Computer Factory right here in downtown San Marcos in the space vacated when the San Marcos City Library moved to their present location in San Marcos Civic Center. We had been professionally involved with “Fortune 500” companies in the computers industry for over thirty years. Nome worked in logistics. I served the early years as an engineer and then over twenty years managing computer related manufacturing divisions for NCR, Packard Bell and United Telecom. From our vantage point at The Computer Factory we’ve wit-
nessed the process of evolving technologies that profoundly affect every aspect of our daily lives today and the future course of humanity. In the past twenty eight years we’ve watched “tech giants” like Compaq, Gateway and Packard Bell peak and then fade away. We’ve seen Dell and HP slowly outsource the design, manufacture, sales and service of their products until they became computer companies in name only. We witnessed the death of retail Tech giants like Comp USA, Circuit City, Radio shack and Fry’s. For over twenty years the PC was justifiably regarded as the pinnacle of American ingenuity. Their stand alone applications revolutionized the execution of tasks at work, home and school. Then in 2001 the introduction of broadband Internet combined with AI (artificial intelligence) began to usurp the stand alone functionality of PCs. By 2010, for most applications, the PC had become just another Internet access terminal. The PC age was over and the AIBI age (Artificial Intelligence Broadband Internet) age was here. The long term impact of the “AIBI age” on humanity may be rapid and profound. For the first time in human history there is an intelligence that rivals or even exceeds our own. Since the dawn of man we have relied upon our internal repository of knowledge and reasoning power to make decisions. We might consult
Part I
other sources or seek consensus but the decisions still came from within. AIBI offers us the option of allowing AI to make decisions for us. It is a seductive option because AIBI has a infinitely larger data base than any human or group of humans and, with well constructed AI capabilities, should make more accurate decisions than humans. Using technology to make life easier is not new, it’s hardwired into our DNA. Humans have always sought ways to achieve a result with a minimum expenditure of physical and mental effort. From inventing the wheel, domesticating animals to building roads and airplanes, we keep finding ways to make life easier. Sixty years ago pocket calcula-
tors eliminated the need to know how to manually find a square root or the area of a circle. Most of us know longer know how to do it the hard way. Is that progress? Folks under thirty never knew a World without AIBI. Their reliance on it is a natural and rational dependency. They implicitly trust and rely upon the AIBI and their connected devices. Connectedness is an integral part of their lives. We folks over forty- five came of age before AIBI became ubiquitous. We tend to use the AIBI features that support our established habits and life styles. The AIBI has created a generations gap between the under thirty and the over forty five generations of historic proportions and there is no one to blame for it. More on this topic next week.
Before you buy a “retail” PC! Consider an “Enterprise” Refurb
Notebooks, desktops, All-in-ones, Micros With new OS, New SSD and extras Windows 11 8th Gen and Above Intel & AMD ~ $400-$600 Windows 10 7th Gen and Below Intel & AMD ~ $195-$500 Upgrade your Old PC (SSD, Win 10/11, RAM) ~ $120-$200 Trade in credit for older PCs on new or refurb PC ????? Refurbs- half the price, twice the performance PC Repair and Upgrade Service Custom Built PCs (games, design, modeling etc)
845 W. San Marcos Blvd. • 760-744-4315 • www.thecomputerfactory.net
John Van Zante’s Critter Corner
Isn’t it Too Early to be Talking About Thanksgiving our dogs and cats who see all that food and eat until they’re sick. Let’s keep this simple. Here are a few rules to help keep pets safe on Thanksgiving:
If you have pets, you understand that what goes in on Thanksgiving Day, comes out, one way or another. Every Thanksgiving I remind pet owners, “No Bones for Beagles, Taters for Tabbies, Cheesecake for Chihuahuas, or Pies for Persians.” Here are a couple more bad cliches. German Chocolate Cake is not for German Shepherds and Russian Blue cats don’t need Russian dressing. We like to think we’re smarter than our pets. But, on Thanksgiving, we KNOW there will be a price to pay for that second or third or fourth helping. We’re no different from
• Make sure pets have “Pet Food” available. • Keep the pets out of the kitchen. • No Bones. (Cooked bones can splinter and puncture the digestive system) • DO NOT give your pets fat. • No sweets, candy or desserts. • Do not “make a plate” for your pet. • No Booze, cider, sparkling water, etc. If you offer “people food” to your pets, or if they can reach the food
you left on the table or counter, they’ll eat it. We’re responsible for them, even on the day when we make the worst food decisions for ourselves. Remind your guests NOT to sneak food to your pets. They don’t know your pet’s digestive system, allergies, or medications. They don’t know how many other guests are sneaking food to your pet. You’ll be the one spending Thanksgiving in the Emergency Room while they’re still claiming, “But I only gave him
one bite.” Curiosity (or a sneaky guest) really can kill your cat. They might think it’s cute or they’re getting away with something. It’s not funny. DO NOT feed my pets after I asked you not to. We enjoy our animals every day. For Thanksgiving, make sure your decorations are safe for pets. Take out the trash. And make sure your pet has a place to hide if it gets overwhelmed. It’s a fair trade for a lifetime of companionship.
The Paper • Page 12 • November 16, 2023
Final Words from page 9 medals and was regarded as the world’s fastest human in 1934 and 1935. He later went into politics in the city of Chicago and served in the United States Congress for four terms in the 1970s from Illinois. His life was definitely one of history. One of the more intriguing continuing stories around a Los Angeles newsroom were tales of the underworld as told by Los Angeles gangster Mickey Cohen. In 1950, Cohen was investigated along with many other underworld figures by a U.S. Senate committee known as the U. S. Sen. Estes Kefauver Commission. As a result of this investigation, Cohen was convicted of tax evasion in June 1951 and sentenced to prison for four years. Cohen loved to talk to select members of the press … writers he trusted to tell his story the way the mobster considered it correct and fair. Evidently Mr. H. was one of those trusted scribes. When he was released from prison in October 1955, Cohen became an international celebrity. A biographer reported Cohen, among other things, ran floral shops, nightclubs, gas stations, and even drove an ice cream van on San Vicente Boulevard in the Brentwood section of Los Angeles. After getting out of prison Cohen had a meeting with Christianevangelist Billy Graham. The gangster reportedly told the preacher: “I am very high on the Christian way of life.” Allegedly when Cohen did not change his lifestyle, he was confronted by Christian acquaintances. Cohen’s response: “Christian football players, Christian cowboys, Christian politicians; why not a Christian gangster?” In 1961, Cohen was again convicted of tax evasion and sent to Alcatraz. He was the only prisoner ever bailed out of the island prison in San Francisco Bay. His bond was signed by U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren. After his appeals failed, Cohen was sent to a federal prison in Atlanta, Georgia. Cohen was a great source of information and gossip, both good and bad. In 1972, Cohen was released from the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary where he had spoken out against prison abuse to reporters who would listen. He had been misdiagnosed with an ulcer, which turned out to be stomach cancer. After undergoing surgery, he continued touring the United States and made television appearances, once with U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark. In July 1976, Cohen died at age 62, in Los Angeles of complications from cancer surgery.
An obituary is a story about any ordinary citizen as well as one not so ordinary like Ralph Metcalf’s, Mickey Cohen’s, or Sara Jane Smith’s down the street. All deserves to be told. Some stories are just more interesting than others. The average person should have their name in print at least three times in their lifetime – if they’re lucky. “It’s our job to make sure everyone gets a proper send off with their final words,” Mr. H. would conclude. “The family shouldn’t have to pay for it. The fact they have lived among us is reason enough. Newspapers are tomes of historical record. If you want to learn the history of a particular date, go to the newspaper of record.”
Tom Morrow
El Nino from page 8 Give yourself more time to get there: If you’re traveling during El Nino, it may take longer if you get caught in a storm. “I personally always plan extra time on either end of my travels during the winter to ensure I’m not cutting it too close and missing an important meeting or event,” says John Gobbels, chief operating officer of Medjet. Download a weather app and set up alerts at your destination: No one gives weather smartphone apps a second look, but you need them in an El Nino year. Here’s a good place to start: Set up weather alerts for your destination (here’s how to do it on your iPhone). That way, you know what kind of trouble lies ahead. Bookmark the National Weather Service site and check out an app like MyRadar, which allows you to track a storm. 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.
Problem Solved from page 6
You could have reached out to Philips’s executives to underscore the urgency of your situation. Although I don’t currently list the names and numbers of the Philips executives on my consumer advocacy site, you can find them by using my guide to locating the contact information of any CEO. A brief, polite email to one of them might have given you options.
to be released from a life of difficulty and pain. But Jeb was fine. I didn’t have the luxury of being able to say, “I am putting him out of his misery.” At least like in the story of “Old Shep” when the farmer learned from his vet that Old Shep really needed to be put down. He was ailing badly and there was little point in procrastinating. The farmer and the dog amble off to a distant part of the farm, the farmer reminiscing to Shep about what a good friend he has been all these years. And then the farmer’s wife hears a gunshot ring out in the distance. Jeb had no physical difficulties. He was old but remarkably healthy.
One option: You could have rented a CPAP machine while you waited. Philps might have even paid for the machine if you asked nicely (although I can’t guarantee it). Or you could have persuaded Philips to double-time it on your husband’s new CPAP machine.
Lunchtime. He loved McDonald hamburgers so he had three and a few French fries. That despite there were “free flowing doggie treats” all morning. Some really good ones that were bacon wrapped goodies. Whatever he felt like, I wanted him to have.
I asked Philips about your case.
We went to Carlsbad beach next and walked on the sidewalk. I had to put a muzzle on him though because it was in these circumstances that he could get in trouble. We walked from the downtown area down to the beach parking area closer to the power plant and then back. He was great the whole time... of course making it no easier to take the next final step.
I’m not sure why it didn’t, but I wonder how many other Philips customers are using a recalled CPAP machine.
“We regret the inconvenience that the recall has caused patients and have made providing the rapid replacement of devices our most urgent priority,” a representative told me. “To date, we have produced approximately 99 percent of the new replacement devices and repair kits needed for patients under this recall. When we receive a new and complete patient registration today, we are generally able to provide a new device in about six weeks. We inform patients of this anticipated timeline and in many cases, are able to ship devices to patients more quickly.” You were one of those cases. Less than a week after I asked about your husband’s CPAP machine, Philips sent you a new one. 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/ Man About Town from page 5 looked at the ocean (as well as some crows arguing in front of us). I was getting a little misty and, Jeb, looking directly at me in a concerned way and began licking the tears away. At that point I am thinking, “OMG, How am I supposed to put him down now?” He trusts me for God’s sake. Is this not going to be the ultimate betrayal?” A few months earlier I had to put down our very old Shepherd, Bella. She was sick and needed
I left the muzzle on him initially for our next step, the vet’s office at 2.30p. They were waiting. I told them I was coming in and why. It was quick. He got a catheter in his leg and was brought back to the exam room where I was sitting on the floor and where they would administer the drugs. He was fine still and spotted some remaining treats to the left side of me on the floor ...........and he got them all. Then I held him/ hugged him and quickly took off his muzzle. I didn’t want him to die with a muzzle on. They gave him the first injection which was a strong sedative and he became very relaxed to the point of being mostly oblivious. The vet left the exam room and gave us a few last minutes together. After a few minutes more she returned and administered a big syringe of Pentobarbital and he was gone in probably 25 seconds, me holding his head and petting him while it was happening. Then I lost it. I just killed a creature that would have instantly and without hesitation sacrificed himself to protect me. There is no loyalty greater than that in ANY species. Of that I have NO doubt and so while I know I had to protect others from him and know what I had to do, it will never be enough to make me comfortable with what I did that day. I hope he forgives me someday.
The Paper • Page 13 • November 16, 2023
CRITICS CORNER a lot in common in that Gregory, the owner of Mikki’s for the past 20 years, once worked for Charlie Mitich, owner of Charlie’s and former owner of The Wagon Wheel.
by lyle e davis I propose to submit to our readership periodic reviews on local businesses . . . the good, the bad, the ugly. (Very few ugly reviews. Most businesses are run by pretty decent people . . . once in awhile a stinker sneaks in. We’ll let you know if and when that happens.) As most readers of The Paper know, I love good food, good service, and fair prices. I also tend to favor family run businesses. Just two such businesses are Mikki’s Cafe, 1639 E. Valley Parkway, in the little shopping center near Rose and E. Valley Parkway, and Charlie’s, 210 N. Ivy. Both restaurants have
cakes or toast, and always delish! . . . most recently I had their Country Omelet, which includes your choice of hash browns or home fries, and a choice of pancakes or toast and jelly. My appetite was more than pleased as Charlie taught Greg well. Both restaurants I had a big smile on my face when I left. I’m are family owned and operated . . . Mikki’s, amazed at how much food Mikki’s puts on headed up by Greg, also feature his daughters the table for such a reasonable price. Liz and Maribel as servers . . . and his grandsons as well, all of whom are pleasant, well At Charlie’s, of course, I most often order the trained, and eager to serve you very generous ‘Lyle’s Special’ (what else?). This was put plates, whether breakfast or lunch. Mikki’s on the menu by Bill Meleka as he noticed I closes at 3pm. ordered it so often. Still do. Three half-slices of French toast, two eggs, any style, and your Charlie’s is still owned by Charlie Mitich choice of bacon or sausage. Think it’s one of but it is managed by Bill and Susie Meleka, the better breakfasts in town. Less than $10. Charlie’s daughter and son-in-law. Bill, a big, brawny, handsome guy, once acted as Nice to know when I leave this planet I will a bouncer at a local night club . . . which is still have a breakfast dish with my name on where he met Susie. Seems like either Bill the menu, thanks to Bill. or Susie are always there . . . sometimes both at the same time. Charlie is usually there for You may have a favorite cafe/restaurant/busicoffee and/or breakfast in the mornings. ness you would like me to review. Drop me a note via email at thepaper@cox.net and let Both restaurants have very attractive menus, me know. I’ll try to get out to visit them (I prices that are more than fair, and serve up never let them know I’m coming as I want generous portions, and staff that are attentive my reviews to reflect the service and food and eager to please. quality anyone can expect, not just a member of the press). At Mikki’s I often have their Prime Rib breakfast, very reasonably priced at less than $14, More reviews to follow. You keep reading . . including two eggs, hash browns and pan- . we’ll keep writing!
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The Paper • Page 14 • November 16, 2023
Oodles from page 3
clearance. Proceeds scholarships.
Afghan women’s clothing. Create your own traditional artwork and visit the professional Afghan artwork exhibition. ½ Price Sale in the Friends Bookshop November 17 & 18 All items in the store 50% OFF marked price (25¢ minimum) Only cash payment accepted. All events generously sponsored by the Friends of the Escondido Public Library *** Dos Valles Garden Club’s Poinsettia Sale December 2nd 8am-noon Martin Gang Ranch 28933 Cole Grade Road Valley Center Exotic varities and old favorites! Holiday wreaths and plant clearance. Proceeds support scholarships. *** Christmas Concert December 2 - 3pm San Dieguito United Methodist Church Encinitas On Saturday December 2 at 3 p.m., San Dieguito United Methodist Church’s Chancel Choir, Bell Choirs, and a Brass Quintet will be featured in a Christmas concert with music old and new. The church is located at 170 Calle Magdelena, Encinitas 92024. Free admission, donations gratefully accepted. Visit encinitaschurch.com. *** Dos Valles Garden Club’s Poinsettia Sale December 2nd 8am-noon Martin Gang Ranch 28933 Cole Grade Road Valley Center Exotic varities and old favorites! Holiday wreaths and plant
support
*** Sikes Adobe Celebration December 3 • 11am-2pm 12655 Sunset Drive Escondido Join Friends of Sikes Adobe and celebrate the season at the historic Sikes Adobe Farmstead in Escondido, on Sunday, December 3,2023 from 11:00am to 2:00pm. Enjoy free farmhouse tours, paper crafts, cookie decorating, beverages, and treats. This family friendly event takes place at 12655 Sunset Drive, Escondido. For more information contact Calei@sdrp.org or visit the SDRP website. *** Christmas in Valley Center December 8 • 4pm-8pm December 9 • 9am-3pm Bates Nut Farm 15954 Woods Valley Road Valley Center The magic of Christmas is in the air! Come out and celebrate with your family for free. Made possible thanks to many volunteers and local donations. First 1,000 kids get a free gift. Polar Express hayride to visit Santa Free crafts, Gingerbread house making, Local crafters, Jumbo Slide, Face Painting, Character Balloons, Food Vendors Santa’s grand entrance Friday at 6pm by Firetruck. For more information, visit www. batesnutfarm.biz and click on the Events tab. *** Breakfast With Santa December 9 • 9am-11am Armstrong Feed & Supply 28520 Cole Grade Road Valley Center Free breakfast and photos with Santa. Pets are welcome!
Barbershop Christmas Concerts December 3 & December 10
Historically Speaking from page 7
The Music Men, North County’s premier a cappella chorus, will present a 90-minute Christmas concert of your favorite holiday tunes, sung barbershop style, at two locations in December. These familyfriendly concerts are a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and include sing-a-longs. Each performance will also feature guest quartet “Behind The Barn.”Suggested donation, $10. The concerts are as follows: Sunday December 3, 3 pm, at San Marcos Lutheran Church, 3419 Grand Ave. Sunday December 10, 2 pm, at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 2020 Chestnut Avenue, Carlsbad. Visit musicmenchorus.org more information.
for
*** 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. *** Free Tax Filing Help 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.
***
Looking For Things to do? Places to go? Check out Oodles every week for listings of civic and service club meetings, and more!
James Stewart MORE STARS – The entertainment industry contributed big during World War II, from producing military training films to making propaganda films. But, more importantly, some popular actors put on a uniform to serve in a variety of ways: James Stewart, Clark Gable, Ronald Reagan, William Holden, George Gobel, Gene Autry, U.S. Army Air Corps. Charles Durning, Mel Brooks, Hugh Martin, Audie Murphy, George Stevens, William Wyler, U.S. Army. Victor Mature, U.S. Coast Guard; Henry Fonda, Robert Montgomery, John Ford, Johnny Carson, U.S. Navy. David Niven, British Royal Army; Ian Fleming, Leslie Howard, British Secret Service. Tyrone Power, Lee Marvin, Ed McMahon, George C. Scott, Brian Keith, Gene Hackman, U.S. Marine Corps. Sterling Hayden began in the U.S. Marine Corps, but was transferred to be an agent in the OSS, (forerunner of the CIA). James Stewart, a highly-decorated Army Air Corps B-24 pilot, stayed in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, retiring as a Major General. Lew Ayers, a conscientious objector, served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. He was awarded three combat battle stars. And, many of the other Hollywood actors as well were awarded Bronze Stars combat ribbons, along with a few Purple Hearts. Audie Murphy was the highest and most decorated serviceman in all branches of the U.S. military during WWII. He didn’t become an actor until after the War. Bob Hope and hundreds of other USO members and entertainers went to all areas of combat throughout the world to entertain the troops from 1942 through 1945. That period was the last time so much of the acting world was united in War efforts.
The Paper • Page 15 • November 16, 2023
LEGALS
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF Evelyn Lumantad Kullmann Case No. 37-2023-00043185 PRLA-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 Juanita Lumantad Kullmann, Evelyn Lumantad, has been filed by Frank X. Kullamann III 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 Frank X. Kullmann III 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: March 19, 2024 Time: 10:30 am 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. Petitioner: Frank X. Kullmann III 228 Festival Dr. Ocanside, CA 92057 760-967-7646 11/16, 11/23, 11/30, 12/7/2023
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9020654 The name of the business: Face Defined Esthetic, located at 4151 Oceanside Blvd., Oceanside, CA 92056. Registrant Information: Thao Nguyen Phuong, 5265 Rosewood Dr., Oceanside, CA 92056. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 10/6/2023 /s/ Thao Phuong Nguyen with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/6/2023 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9021368 The name of the business: Dapper Dog, Duppeg Dog and Cat, located at 2897 Cordrey Drive, Escondido, CA 92029. Registrant Information: Dapper Dog LLC, 2897 Cordrey Dr., Escondido, CA 92029. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: N/A /s/ Patrick Motenaar, Manager with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on
10/18/2023 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9021337 The name of the business: True Impact Signs, located at 330 Rancheros Dr., Ste 130, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant Information: True Impact Sign Solutions Inc., 300 Rancheros Dr., Ste 130, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 10/18/2023 /s/ Benjamin Mceachen, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/18/2023 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9021308 The name of the business: Auto Shine Revival, located at 1904 Stewart Street, Oceanside, CA 92054. Registrant Information: Efstathios Stavropoulos, 1904 Stewart Street, Oceanside, CA 92054. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 9/1/2023 /s/ Efstathios Stavropoulos with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/18/2023 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9019765 The name of the business: Jag Genesis, located at 732 Point Cabrillo, Oceanside, CA 92058. Registrant Information: Jakob Adan Matanane, 732 Point Cabrillo, Oceanside, CA 92058. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Jakob Adan Matanane with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/26/2023 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9020134 The name of the business: Jojobokwe Candles LLC, located at 3796 San Ramon Dr., Unit 52, Oceanside, CA 92057. Registrant Information: Jojobokwe Candles LLC, located at 3796 San Ramon Dr., Unit 52, Oceanside, CA 92057. This business is operated by a Limted Liability Company. First day of business: N/A /s/ Joana Davis, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/29/2023 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9021036 The name of the business: To Have and to Hold Coaching, located at 1441 Main St. 175, Ramona, CA 92065. Registrant Information: Lauren Jeanne Roethle, 1220 D Street, Ramona, CA 92065. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Lauren Jeanne Roethle with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/13/2023 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9021046 The name of the business: Diaz Service Spa Movers Inc., Dia Service, Diaz Services, Diaz Service Professional Spa Movers, Diaz Bros, Diaz Delivery, Diaz Movers, located at 1918 N. Twin Oaks Valley Rd #A, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant Information: Diaz Service Spa Movers Inc, 1918 N. Twin Oaks Valley Rd #A, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 10/20/2021 /s/ Martha Diaz, Secretary with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/13/2023 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9021554 The name of the business: Compadre Manufactured Homes, located at 380 S. Melrose Dr., Ste 366, Vista, CA 92081. Registrant Information: Compadre Brokers, 380 S. Melrose Dr., Ste 366, Vista, CA 92081. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 10/18/2023 /s/ John Rory Manning, President
with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/20/2023 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/23/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9018556 The name of the business: Inspire Agency Group, located at 2630 Half Dome Place, Carlsbad, CA 92010. Registrant Information: Nicole Kuklewicz, 2630 Half Dome Place, Carlsbad, CA 92010. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 9/21/2018 /s/ Nicole Kuklewicz with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/8/2023 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/23/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9020831 The name of the business: Forest Souls Tattoo, Forest Souls LLC, located at 3772 Mission Ave., Suite 128, Oceanside, CA 92058. Registrant Information: Forest Souls LLC, 3772 Mission Ave., Suite 120 Oceanside, CA 92058. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: 10/6/2023 /s/ Brenna Debartolo, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/6/2023 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/23/2023 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME: 2023-9020559 Create Christian Church, located at 4070 Bonita Rd., Bonita, CA 91902 The Fictitious Business Name referred to above was filed in San Diego County on 2/7/202 and assigned file no. 20209003438. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IS BEING ABANDONED BY: Manna Wold Ministries, Inc., 292 E. Barham Dr., Suite 202, San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is conducted by a general partnership. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1000). /s/Daniel E. Jones, President This statement was filed with the San Diego Recorder/County clerk on 10/5/2023.
11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/23/2023
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME 37-2023-00036237-CU-PT-NC TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Ashley Itati Montoya-Manscisidor filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: Ashley Itati Montoya-Manscisidor to Proposed name Ashley Itati Mancisidor. 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: 10/20/2023, 8:30 am, in Dept. 25 The address of the court is: 325 S. Melrose, Vista, CA. 92081. A copy of the Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Marcos News Reporter, dba, The Paper, 845 W. San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, Ca. 92078. Dated August 23, 2023 /s/ Brad A. Weinreb, Judge of the Superior Court 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/12/2023
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9022095 The name of the business: Box and Strings, Sweet Baby Hub, located at 605 Hillhaven Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant Information: Box and Strings LLC, 605 Hillhaven Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: 11/5/2020 /s/ Katrina Villareal, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/27/2023 11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 11/30/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9022036 The name of the business: Sol Bliss Studio, located at 3550 Summit Trail Ct., Carlsbad, CA 92010. Registrant Information: Katherine Ann Bobeck, 3550 Summit Trail Ct., Carlsbad, CA 92010. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Katherine Ann Bobeck with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/26/2023 11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 11/30/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9022507 The name of the business: Cocina del Mar, located at 650 Douglas Dr., 122, Oceanside, CA 92058. Registrant Information: SD Oceanside Inc., 4435 Old River St., Oceanside, CA 92057. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: N/A /s/ Justina Sanchez Ambrocio, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/3/2023 11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 11/30/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9022578 The name of the business: Happy Hour Laser And Botox Clinic, located at 317 El Camino Real Suite 308, Encinitas, CA 92024. Registrant Information: Jwendle Nursing a Professional Corporation, 317 El Camino Real Suite 308,
Encinitas, CA 92024. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 10/30/2023 /s/ Janet Wendle, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/6/2023 11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 11/30/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9022403 The name of the business: European Investments Ltd., located at 1338 icolette Ave., Suite 1032, Chula Vista, CA 91913. Registrant Information: Demetrio AlmaguerOlivar, 1338 Nicolette Ave., Unit 1032, Chula Vista, CA 91913. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 10/31/2023 /s/ Demetrio Almaguer-Olivar with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/2/2023 11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 11/30/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9021008 The name of the business: Happiness Nails & Spa, located at 127 N. El Camino Real, #F, Encinitas, CA 92024. Registrant Information: Tran Express Investments Inc., 127 N. el Camino Real, #F, Encinitas, CA 92024. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 10/1/2020 /s/ Hoa Tran, Owner, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/13/2023 11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 11/30/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9021072 The name of the business: One Stop Shop, located at 7030 Via Ostiones, Carlsbad, CA 92009. Registrant Information: Parwana K. Hassanzadeh, 7030 Via Ostiones, Carlsbad, CA 92009. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 10/16/2023 /s/ Parwana K. Hassanzadeh with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/16/2023 11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 11/30/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9021993 The name of the business: HR And J Plumbing, located at 146 Calle Quinn, Vista, CA 92083. Registrant Information: Liborio Yin, 146 Calle Quinn, Vista, CA 92083, Roberto Sanchez, 146 Calle Quinn, Vista, CA 92082, Jose Araya, 146 Calle Quinn, Vista, CA 92083. This business is operated by a Limited Partnership. First day of business: N/A /s/ Liborio Yin with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/25/2023 11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 11/30/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9021206 The name of the business: Advanced
Family Counseling of San Diego, PC, located at 13525 Midland Rd., Suite J, Poway, CA 92064. Registrant Information: Advanced Family Counseling of San Diego, PC, 13525 Midland Rd., Suite J, Poway, CA 92064. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 1/29/2021 /s/ Fanba Restami, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/16/2023 11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 11/30/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9019972 The name of the business: SYC Listing, located at 1200 Harbor Drive N Unit 1B, Oceanside, CA 92054. Registrant Information: Glen Hughes, 1200 Harbor Drive N Unit 1B, Oceanside, CA 92054. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 9/28/2023 /s/ Glen Hughes with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/28/2023 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9020972 The name of the business: Best Property Management Services, located at 378 Paseo Maguerita, Vista, CA 92084. Registrant Information: Jacob Alan Walter Thoresen, 378 Paseo Marguerita, Vista, CA 92084. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 6/30/2023 /s/ Jacob Alan Walter Thoresen with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/12/2023 11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 11/30/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9022848 The name of the business: Laundry Ladies Inc., located at 1457 Chert Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant Information: Laundry Ladies, Inc., 1457 Chert Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 3/2/2009 /s/ Melissa Robbins, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/8/2023 11/16, 11/23, 11/30, 12/7/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9022942 The name of the business: Baller Belt Company, Baller Belts, located at 2259 Del Mar Scenic Parkway, Del Mar, CA 92014. Registrant Information: Baller Belt Company LLC, 2259 Del Mar Scenic Parkway, Del Mar, CA 92014. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: 10/18/2023 /s/ Chase Girant, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/13/2023 11/16, 11/23, 11/30, 12/7/2023
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
The Paper • Page 16 • November 16, 2023
Spectacular Christmas Performance at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church Come and enjoy an exciting and memorable Christmas show guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit, “Christmas Joy! A Choral Celebration” with 80+ singers featuring the nine-time International Chorus Champions Masters of Harmony based in Los Angeles, joined by their guest, award-winning Pacific Coast Harmony chorus of La Jolla, on Saturday, December 2 at 3:00 p.m. The acoustics in the beautiful Sanctuary are extraordinary and vibrant thus expanding the close harmony and magic the two choruses create. It’s a thrill for performers and the audience as well! The venue is suited for musical performances from string quartets and small orchestras to vocal extravaganzas such as ours. The surroundings are extraordinary with beautiful tile mosaics under an exceptionally beautiful dome covered with a mosaic image of Jesus. Tickets are only $25 and may be purchased now online at https:// stsconstantinehelen.ludus.com with a $2 fee per ticket. Download and print your ticket or save it on
Russia and the 75 th Anniversary Commemoration of the attack on Pearl Harbor in Honolulu. The Masters of Harmony welcomes men from all walks of life who enjoy singing at a high level. If you’re one of those men, they would love to have you join them Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. at La Mirada Methodist Church, 15700 Rosecrans Ave., La Mirada. They have recorded eight albums. All are available at www.mastersofharmony.org or after this performance.
your phone. Seating is limited. Order your tickets soon as a sellout is expected. The church is at 3459 Manchester Ave., Cardiff-by-theSea, CA 92007. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Open Seating. Free Parking. The Masters of Harmony chorus is one of the premier men’s a cappella groups in America. As a chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Soci-
ety, they regularly compete with more than 800 choruses from the United States, Canada, and several foreign countries. Besides cyclical competition at divisional, district and international contests, the chorus performs at barbershop shows, commercial bookings, community concerts, and other special events such as the International A Cappella Festival in Saint Petersburg,
Pacific Coast Harmony is a popular mixed barbershop chorus based in La Jolla composed of talented men and women from Southern California. Anyone who loves singing harmony is welcome to visit their rehearsals. They meet Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m. at Saints Constantine and Helen Church in Cardiff. Find them online at www.pacificcoastharmony.org. For additional information and pictures, contact Tim Truesdell at timdsgn1@icloud.com.
Travel Troubleshooter by Christopher Elliott
British Airways lost my ticket. Can you help me find it (and get a refund)? What happened to Louis Hyman’s ticket on British Airways? The airline canceled his flight and promised him a ticket credit or refund. Now it seems to have forgotten about him.
and that British Airways canceled your flight. A brief, polite email to one of the British Airways executives I list on my consumer advocacy site might have helped. You have all the essential information for getting a full refund. You have ticket receipts and all of your correspondence, in which you try to resolve this problem through the airline’s regular customer service channels. It’s a slam dunk.
Q: British Airways canceled my flight from Baltimore to London in 2020. The airline sent me an email that said I could either get a refund or a flight credit, and that I had until the end of this year to decide. However, after calling British Airways numerous times, they claim they have no record of the flight. I paid for this flight with a combination of miles and cash. I’d like a refund of my 150,000 points as well as the $770 in taxes. Can you help me? ~ Louis Hyman, Baltimore A: It’s highly unusual for an airline to lose a reservation like this. But a look at your correspondence suggests that’s exactly what happened. You had a ticket, and then British Airways somehow lost it. And now the airline wants to keep your points and the cash you paid for other taxes and fees.
Normally, you would be able to send British Airways proof of your reservation and it would then fix the problem. I see that you tried to send the airline copies of your reservation, which included all the information it would have needed to track down your missing ticket. What happened? Look at the calendar. This was a pandemic reservation -- one of hundreds of thousands. There were special refund rules for them, and if I had to guess, I’d say there was a special
Illustration by Dustin Elliott
I reached out to British Airways on your behalf. A representative contacted you and apologized for the loss of your tickets.
department within the airline that handled these refunds.
“Due to the age of this record, it was purged from our system,” the agent explained.
Anyway, British Airways got its wires crossed when you asked for a refund. I thought it might have erased your ticket because the flight was more than three years ago. Most airlines retain ticket data for at least 10 years, but they may move older ticket data to an archive database, where it is more difficult to retrieve.
British Airways referred your ticket to its refunds team, which retrieved the purged data.
It’s clear that you had a valid ticket
© 2023 Christopher Elliott.
“They have confirmed that a full refund of all taxes paid has been processed back to the original form of payment,” the representative said. You also received a full refund of your points.