April 18, 2024

By Friedrich Gomez

The time-worn adage: “Easier said than done,” always seems to apply to someone else and never to ourselves. This is a common inclination born of human egotism. It’s easy to say we would’ve followed Jesus in his rebellious behavior over two thousand years ago, but in reality, we may not have. His loyal disciples who ate, slept, and lived with him and believed him to be the Hebrew Messiah, still scattered and deserted him during his greatest moments of

need. Would you have fared any better? Would your faith have been mightier than that of his loyal disciple, Simon Peter, whom Jesus called “The Rock”?

If Jesus were here today, and beckoned you to leave your family, your wife, your husband, your children, and cherished loved ones – would you deny yourself, and follow him? Suddenly, the time-worn phrase, “Easier said than done,” takes on new meaning. The phrase suddenly challenges us into a deeply profound discussion of who we are today, and how – if any – we have

changed as human beings over the course of twenty-one centuries.

The question of whether Christians today would truly follow the historical Jesus and his revolutionary ways is an irresistible ‘feeding trough’ for contemporary pastors and ministers to sermonize over. It is a most fantastic conception with enormous implications. The debate and painful soul-searching it forces Christians to experience, is a requirement of their faith: “How much do you love your Christ, and to what end would you sacrifice for him?”

It is surprising to note that many

Christians initially are recorded to be steadfast and adamant in expressing their unswerving loyalty to their Christ, stating that they would have followed him during the time that he lived. However, upon deeper reflection of the danger in which Jesus lived and rebelled, these same Christians refine and, sometimes, retract their carte blanche remarks. This is an enormously fascinating study of the human psyche, belief system, and the imperfect attributes of our species, such as weakness and temptation (all the quintessential elements that come into play in all the Gospel commentaries).

Jesus from page 1

So, before you jump on board the popularity wagon as a Jesusfollower (if you were back in his day), perhaps you should know a little more about him before the wagon gets hitched. We often forget that this historical Jewish rabbi we call Jesus was, in actuality, an extremist to the ninth power, a dangerous revolutionary in the eyes of the established Jewish religious orthodoxy, 21 centuries ago. It becomes easy for us to say we would follow him in his rebelrousing ways from the comfort of our warm, safe homes, today.

In truth, we don’t know what it was actually like to exist in that volatile and explosive region of the ancient world. It was a filth-infested, diseased pagan world under the cruel control of the Roman Empire. You forget about the rape of your children, and grandchildren, and the sodomizing of your wife, husband, and parents. The daily cold-blooded killings without lawful intervention and protection that you insist upon having in today’s modern world. We turn away in disgust over such commentaries because we lack the stomach for it, and yet we are among the first to eagerly stand up and openly declare, “Yes, of course I would’ve followed Jesus back then!”

Give Us This Day Our Daily Chuckle

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

Choices

While walking down the street a Senator was tragically hit by a car and died. His soul arrives in Heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.

“Welcome to Heaven,” says St. Peter. “Before you settle in it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts you see, so we’re not sure what to do with you.”

“No problem just let me in,” says the Senator.

“Well, I’d like to, but I have orders from the higher ups. What we’ll do is have you spend one day in Hell and one in Heaven. Then you can

Jesus lived a most dangerous life with little or no concern for his own. He was a rule-breaker, revolutionary, and blasphemer, in the eyes of his own Jewish settlement. A peasant under the cruel and powerful Roman Empire. Now that you are cognizant of the violent antecedents of our cultural Jesus, and the savage bloodletting which led to his horrific nailing to a wooden cross, the pivotal question remains -- would modern-day Christians have followed him?

TEST ONE. Both Matthew and Luke refer to a critical encounter whereupon Jesus poses a sacrificial question to a man. Jesus’ question, on the surface, appears insensitive, harsh, perhaps even brutish. The man approaches Jesus and states that he wants to follow him. But, the man kindly asks Jesus if he can first bury his father. Jesus replies in Aramaic, “Come with me, and let the dead bury the dead.” Sadly, the man withdraws his request and returns to fulfill (at least in his mind) the honorable duty to his father.

Now, the question is, if you had just lost your son, daughter, spouse, or parents, would you have dropped everything, all burial expectations, and without leaving instructions to others, just leave to follow this Jesus?

(Notation: The false notion of the ancient Jewish practice of the el-

choose where to spend eternity.” “Really?, I’ve made up my mind. I want to be in Heaven,” says the Senator.

“I’m sorry, but we have our rules.”

And with that St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to Hell.

The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.

Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people.

They played a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and the finest champagne.

Also present is the devil who really is a very friendly guy who is having a good time dancing and telling jokes.

They are all having such a good time that before the Senator realizes it, it is time to go.

dest son remaining near the body for up to one year in order to bury the bones, was never a Jewish procedure during Jesus’ day. Nevertheless, this apologetic reasoning is still used in attempts to explain Jesus’ seemingly harsh and unreasonable request. The world’s foremost Judeo-Christian and secular antiquity scholars are in full consensus that the procedure during that historic time (for the Jews) was as follows: As soon as a person was dead, the eyes were closed, he/ she was kissed with love and the body was washed (Genesis 50:1, Acts 9:37). In this washing, the body was anointed with perfumes (nard was the most usual of these, however myrrh and alces were also used). During the time of Jesus, the body was customarily wrapped in shroud (as was Lazarus) and the face covered with a special cloth called a sudarium. Hands and feet were tied with strips of cloth. Once this was done, relatives and friends would come to the home to say goodbye to the deceased for the last time. All of this happened in a very short time; burial usually followed within eight hours of death. In such hot climate, burial could not be delayed.

It is necessary, in an article such as this, to make excursions to address such details because there still persists, to this day, the prevalent misconception that the dead

Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises.

The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens in Heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him, “Now it’s time to visit Heaven.”

So, 24 hours passed with the Senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing.

They have a good time and before he realizes it the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.

“Well then you’ve spent a day in Hell and another in Heaven. Now choose your eternity.”

The Senator reflects for a minute before he answers: “Well, I would never have said it before, I mean Heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in Hell.”

body had to remain up to one year so that the bones could be buried by the surviving family. JudeoChristian cognoscenti believe this misinformation persists because “well-meaning” Christians do not wish for Jesus’ request to sound overly-harsh (to the son who just lost his father and only wishes to bury him first).

In any regard, how did you do on this first question? Would you have dropped everything, before burying your son, daughter, spouse, or parents, and followed Jesus, as he requested?

TEST TWO. In the Book of Leviticus, in the Christian Old Testament (Jewish Torah), God’s law is plainly set down regarding lepers when (according to Scripture) God spoke directly to Moses and Aaron. Clearly, leprosy was considered a most horrible affliction during Jesus’ day. Lepers were greatly feared and certainly considered unclean (non-kosher), and definitely not allowed to worship or socialize with the common people. The Old Testament Bible enumerates specific details regarding the quarantining of lepers. Even from a far distance, if anyone is approaching, lepers must cover their mouth with their hands and

continued on page 3

So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to Hell

Now the doors of the elevator open and he’s in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.

The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulders.

“I don’t understand,” stammers the Senator. “Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne and danced and had a great time. Now there’s just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?”

The devil smiles at him and says, “Yesterday we were campaigning. Today you voted.”

Jesus

Jesus from page 2

shout loudly, over and over, “Unclean! Unclean!” The New Testament Bible clearly records how lepers would violate these Biblical laws by approaching Jesus without warning. In a bad-scenario-madeworse, Jesus would break all rules by openly receiving them without admonishment; touching them and, ostensibly, healing the leper of his/ her affliction. All of this, even on the Sabbath.

Would you have sacrificed your health, and over-ridden a horrific fear (inherent for the time) to aid the historical Jesus in his healing ministry, when he dared touch and socially interact with lepers? Well, if you also answered “yes” to this second question, then you’re doing much better than even many of his would-be disciples.

TEST THREE. In the next sacrificial test, a very rich man is talking with Jesus. The man seems like a good person and tells Jesus he has kept all the commandments and strives to persist in good ways. “All these things I have kept; what am I still lacking?” he asks. Jesus replies, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Mathew 19:21) This story ends when the rich man silently walks away, for his wealth was great.

If he appeared to you today, and asked you to do the same, would you pass this same test? Would you clean out your entire bank account, including your 401k retirement fund, cash out all your investments, as well as your purse or billfold, even your pockets, and piggy bank, and give it all away to the poor?

Would you have said “yes” to give away all your money, home, cars, material possessions, and obeyed his invitation to follow him?

RULE-BREAKING -- AN ANALYSIS. As a rule-breaker, this historical figure, Jesus, was a trail blazer. So much so, that it would eventually lead to his crucifixion at Calvary. One highly public scenario was a scandalous event, which backfired on the religious leaders who wished to exploit it for their own means.

It involved one of the most famous women in the Christian Bible, Mary Magdalene. Early in the morning this Jesus, the unpredictable iconoclast, walked into the temple and commenced teaching wisdom from the Torah when he was abruptly interrupted by the scribes and Pharisees who had plotted to trap him. Into his midst they brought a woman named Mary Magdalene. The

Pharisees and scribes pointed to her and one said aloud, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery – in the very act! Now, Moses, in the Law, commanded that such a person must be stoned.”

Logically, there was no way to escape the dilemma: If this Nazarene frees her, he would openly and clearly break the Law of Moses in front of all the people assembled before him. If he agrees to have her stoned, the horrifying spectacle and bloodshed that stoning-to-death brings, would forever tarnish Jesus’ preaching of compassion, forgiveness, and love. Biblical scholars substantiate that this Jewish Rabbi Jesus, stooped down without reply and calmly wrote on the ground with his finger, as though he did not hear. His plotters eagerly persisted: “But teacher, what do you say?” The plot was well-planned: even if this Messianic figure said nothing, then they could claim he lacked wisdom, and therefore, not the Anointed One which many had begun to proclaim. Scripture recounts how he continued to draw silently on the ground and when they persisted for an answer, he gave one that was neither yes, no, or silence (all of which would have discredited him). Extraordinary for his day, the Nazarene, instead, answered their question with a question, which evaded the plotter’s carefully precalculated trap. He gave a disguised answer wrapped in a query: “Who among you is without sin, for the law also commands that such a person should cast the very first stone?”

Even contemporary secular academicians regard this as a most startling and brilliant dialogue, reminiscent of what scholars today call ‘elenctic methodology’ which was not known in that part of the ancient Jewish world. This dialogue and the subsequent ‘word-exchange’ is critiqued as unique genius; a subtle yet profound exhibition of archaic wisdom, unprecedented for its time and place.

The Pharisees had previously approached Jesus, asking him in another well-devised plot: “Should the Jews pay taxes to Caesar?” If Jesus were to answer yes, he would condone the enslavement of his people under brutal Roman law. If he answered no, then he would openly breach Emperor Tiberius’ law.

The trap was calculated to perfection. Ostensibly, to human logic, there was no viable way out of this dilemma. The Pharisees prodded him, till Jesus finally asked his accusers to show him a coin and inquired of them, whose image is upon it. They obliged, extending a Roman denarius coin with the likeness of Tiberius upon it with the inscription: “TIBERIVS CAESAR DIVI AVGVSTI FILIVS AVGVSTVS.”

(Translation from Latin: “Tiberius Caesar, Son of

Jesus continued on page 5

Looking for things to do? Places to go?

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

Email it to: Lisa.ThePaper@gmail.com

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

• Submit your press release by the previous Friday.

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

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

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

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 Mira Costa College Oceanside Campus at 1:00 pm in the Board Room Trailer T200 by the Police Station and by the Internet Application ZOOM.

April 19: 1:00 The Art Institute of Chicago’s Collection of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism Paintings. Robin Douglas, O’side Museum of Art

The Art Institute of Chicago would not have the world-renowned collection without brilliant and brave female art collectors. See who they were and what they collected to inspire generations past, present and future.

April 19: 2:30 RAD: Women’s Self Defense Elaine Armstrong, LIFE Member

Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) enhances the options for self-defense so these options become viable for a woman who is attacked. Included will be sexual assault prevention, awareness, and senior safety. Elaine will demonstrate a few simple self-defense techniques that anyone can do.

April 26: 1:00 El Corazon, The Heart of the City John Daley VP Oceanside Historical Society Oceanside historian John Daley returns to give us a look at El Corazon’s history from ranch land to mine and to the Park it is today.

April 26: 2:30 Celebrate Arbor Day Megan Shaw, Urban Forestry Coordinator, What is an urban forest? Learn about the history of Arbor Day, tree introduction to San Diego and current urban forestry missions.

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: 1 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. * Speaker has books or CDs for sale.

Iona Pay, French Horn Convergence Brass

April 19 7:30pm

Encinitas Library

540 Cornish Drive

French hornist Iona Pay performs across Southern California with groups such as the Santa Monica Symphony, Orchestra Santa Monica, the Southern California Brass Consortium, the New West Symphony, and the Coronado Philharmonic. She also performs in opera orchestras, chamber ensembles, and studio sessions in Los Angeles and San Diego. Iona co-founded the Los Angeles Brass Alliance, an ensemble for early-career brass musicians that will commission new works, collaborate with different musical communities, and bring engaging performances to the public with the ensemble. Committed to bringing classical music to a wider audience, she served as a Gluck Fellow musical ambassador while at UCLA and currently teaches with Harmony Project, a free music program for K-12 students in Los Angeles.

Diane Hansen Recognized by Becker’s Healthcare

“Women Hospital Presidents and CEOs to Know” 2024 List

The leading magazine for hospital business news, Becker’s Hospital Review, released its 2024 list of “Women Hospital Presidents and CEOs to Know,” with Diane Hansen, President and CEO of Palomar Health being featured. The presidents and CEOs featured on this list are responsible for growing their organizations, fostering positive workforce cultures, expanding services and facilities, increasing provider and patient satisfaction levels and much more. This list honors women executives like Hansen for their dedication to bettering organizations for patients and providers alike.

Over the past few years, under Hansen’s leadership, Palomar Health has undergone a remarkable transformation. Becker’s Hospital Review addresses these achievements and transformative initiatives led by Hansen, and the significant positive impact she had on the healthcare system and the community. Her unwavering passion for community care access, commitment to healthcare workforce engagement, and relentless pursuit of delivering an exceptional patient experience have culminated in her recognition.

“It is a true honor to be recognized by such a distinguished organization like Becker’s Hospital Review,” said Hansen. “Our growth as a healthcare system is a testament to

Man About Town

BBQ Rules

We are about to enter the BBQ season. Therefore it is important to refresh your memory on the etiquette of this sublime outdoor cooking activity . When a man volunteers to do the BBQ the following chain of events are put into motion:

(1) The woman buys the food.

(2) The woman makes the salad, prepares the vegetables, and makes dessert.

(3) The woman prepares the meat

our strong dedication to serving our communities through initiatives and reimagining our patients’ healthcare experiences.”

With more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Hansen has been recognized as one of the Top Women Leaders of San Diego by San Diego Business Journal in 2023 and CEO of the Year by ACHD in 2021. Her vision and dedication have statistically elevated Palomar Health to a regional and national healthcare powerhouse. Some of the notable accomplishments achieved under her leadership include:

• Financial Growth: Palomar Health has experienced a substantial increase in total gross revenue, with a remarkable +17.7% growth.

• Patient Enrollment: Palomar Health Medical Group saw a significant increase in patient enrollment,

for cooking, places it on a tray along with the necessary cooking utensils and sauces, and takes it to the man who is lounging beside the grill - beer in hand.

(4) The woman remains outside the compulsory three meter exclusion zone where the exuberance of testosterone and other manly bonding activities can take place without the interference of the woman.

Here comes the important part:

(5) THE MAN PLACES THE MEAT ON THE GRILL.

(6) The woman goes inside to organize the plates and cutlery.

(7) The woman comes out to tell the man that the meat is looking great. He thanks her and asks if she will bring another beer while he flips the meat.

Important again:

(8) THE MAN TAKES THE MEAT OFF THE GRILL AND HANDS IT TO THE WOMAN.

(9) The woman prepares the plates, salad, bread, utensils, napkins, sauces, and brings

with a +5% growth due to the strategic marketing efforts reaching the local market segments.

• Physician/Nurse Attraction: Palomar Health is now attracting hundreds of physicians from some of the highest-ranking healthcare organizations in the market, further enriching the medical staff through programs like the Nurse Incentive Program, which awarded nurses up to $100,000 within a three-year period.

In addition to improving patient experience and maintaining an impressive reputation in the San Diego community, Hansen’s dedication to Palomar Health is evident in the numerous awards and accolades received by both her and the healthcare system:

• World’s Best Hospital by Newsweek, six years in a row.

• Best Maternity Hospitals by Newsweek, two years in a row.

• Patient Safety Excellence Award by Healthgrades in 2023.

• Surgical Care Excellence Award by Healthgrades in 2023.

• America’s 100 Best Joint Replacement by Healthgrades, 20162023.

• America’s 100 Best Orthopedic Surgery by Healthgrades, 20172023.

• America’s 100 Best Spine Surgery by Healthgrades in 2023.

Local News continued on page 6

them to the table.

(10) After eating, the woman clears the table and does the dishes And most important of all:

(11) Everyone PRAISES the MAN and THANKS HIM for his cooking efforts.

(12) The man asks the woman how she enjoyed ‘ her night off ‘, and, upon seeing her annoyed reaction, concludes that there’s just no pleasing some women.

So at long last Spring limps in to visit us . . . after a cold, windy, and rainy winter season.

Yes, it’s bbq season . . . but lots of other activities await us as well.

Trips to the beach . . . swimming, snorkeling, perhaps scuba diving? Lots of adventure and beauty in that lovely Pacific Ocean!

This year, as an added bonus, many Americans, primarily in the midwest and east/southeast coastal areas, will be treated to a remarkable summer sound as trillions of cicadas will emerge from the ground this spring, bringing loud buzzing and their molted exoskel-

the Editor

Let me begin from the beginning, in the book of Genesis 12:3 God warned many nations “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse”.

Right now the United States is cursed, not by Democrats or Republicans, Washington D.C, China, Russia, Iran, etc, The U.S has pushed God out and now he has let the evil take over that is controlling most of the world. Not until we all get on our knees and beg the Lord to help us. Britain attempted to obstruct the rebirth of Israel In 1920-1948. From that moment in its history Britain’s empire underwent a process of weakening and collapse and today, less than a generation later, like Spain, it is

Letters continued on page 14

etons. This year, the insects will be coming from both periodical cicada groups, arriving in numbers that have not been seen in generations. We always used to call them locusts back in Omaha . . . but they are not locusts. They are cicadas - and the buzzing noise you hear will likely bring back many memories of a spring and summer of your youth.

Not sure how many cicadas we are likely to see/hear in California. Time will tell.

Now is also the time when folks begin making travel planes . . .for both domestic and international travel.

A word to the wise from someone who was not so wise.

Travel. See the world.

Explore areas you’ve never seen. Do it while you are healthy and physically fit. All too many of us wait . . “until we retire” . . .”until we’ve saved up the money” . . . “until we have the time . . “

Diane Hansen, President and CEO of Palomar Health.

Jesus from page 3

the Divine Augustus, Augustus.”) After producing the denarius coin, his enemies continued taunting him for a reply. The defiant Jesus’ answer would emerge unexpectedly and his accusers would be thunderstruck at the ingenious retort, which extricated him from condemnation. Pointing to the coin’s image, Jesus replied: “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s. Render unto the Lord the things that are the Lord’s.”

As hateful as they were, they withdrew, as if stunned into submission. Their mortal, earth-bound wisdom had confirmed to them that their question would be foolproof and yet, somehow, their eyes were suddenly skinned; their ears somehow re-pierced. It is recorded in Matthew 22:22 that: “They marveled and being satisfied with the answer, they went away.”

In other scenarios, this same historical Jesus seemed both perplexing and profound; both genius and madman. To the ancient world, his ideas often seemed far too impossible to understand. He often spoke of Invisible Governments and the Powers of Principalities. The unseen forces and elements of good vs. evil in the physical world which, he voiced, are the true underpinnings that cause misunderstandings, wars, bloodshed, and rampant injustice. To established thinking, he was again, thought to be touched with lunacy. Would you have followed such a man, which the prevailing religious authorities evaluated as being insane?

His interpretation of reality seemed beyond human comprehension for its time. Only faith, not intellect, kept his disciples loyal. He viewed Scripture from a remarkably differ-

Man About Town from page 4

And then the time comes . . . you’ve accumulated money, you can make the time available . . . but you are no longer in shape. Old age has arrived much more quickly than planned . . . you have aches and pains . . . arthritis . . . medical concerns . . . difficulty walking . . and you are forced to give up your dreams of traveling the world and enjoying it.

If you are still physically fit . . . if you still feel good . . . if you are still health . . . GO!

Don’t let time pass you by.

I’ve been fortunate in life. I traveled over a great deal of this planet . . . Scotland, Ireland, Japan, Vietnam, Australia, Mexico . . . but I haven’t even scratched the surface!

ent angle and perception, a radical departure from established Jewish religious thinking. For example, it was prophesied that their Savior would establish a kingdom on Earth. For Jesus, this prophecy was erroneously taken literally to mean a physical, military kingdom which would topple the established despotic rulers and liberate the Jews from their enslavement. It was far too abstract for them to envision a spiritual kingdom, an unseen kingdom, which girds the world today, making Christianity the most prevalent and powerful influence and spiritual force in existence.

To his contemporaries, enemies and followers alike, he seemed to speak in strange riddles. For both his detractors and disciples, Jesus would often remain vastly misunderstood. He once confused the most brilliant religious teacher of his day with his interpretation of Jewish rabbinical truth and Biblical Law, by telling the scholarly Nicodemus: “You know the letter of the law, but you do not know the spirit of the law.” Nicodemus, the scholarly expert on the Torah and who had no equal in interpreting Jewish Scripture – was suddenly confused. Nicodemus (Pharisee and member of the Jewish Sanhedrin) could not fathom its meaning, nor could he comprehend the terminology of being “reborn.” According to Christian historians, Jesus’ contemporaries could not see the apparent “spirit of the law” in regards to Mary Magdalene, nor the outcome of it which ostensibly resulted in her becoming “reborn” as a disciple. Whether Christian, Jew, or atheist, it is noteworthy that this Mary Magdalene is recorded to have stood, resolute, at the foot of Jesus’ eventual and ignominious crucifixion, just outside the walls of Jerusalem, whilst all but one male disciple scattered with fear. According to the Gospel of

Today I see and read about places I’d like to go . . . most of which require a lot of walking . . . which has become a problem for me. I’m the guy who used to spend hours on the tennis court . . .weekends taking kids on 5 mile hikes . . . jumped out of airplanes . . . went scuba diving and snorkeling . . . . No more. I’ve grown old and just can’t do the things I used to do.

Don’t you make the same mistake. Get out and live life! Travel!

End of lecture.

•••

Happy to learn that Jerry and Brocade Harmon are safe and home from their visit to Brocade’s home country, Taiwan. Fortunately, they had returned home prior to the earthquake having hit. Taiwan is

Mark, only 3 women remained at the foot of Jesus’ cross. Christian scholars identify them as: Mary Magdalene, Mary (Jesus’ mother) and Mary’s sister Salome (Mary of Clopas). Other women were said to be in the vicinity, but not at the foot of his cross. Earlier, the disciple Peter Simon (whom Jesus called “The Rock”) faltered in his mighty faith and disavowed 3 different times that he even knew the Rabbi Jesus, out of fear of being held complicit with his alleged crimes.

Would you have followed this rebel Jesus throughout his trials and tribulations? If you answered yes, then you fared much better than his own disciples who are the patriarchs of the Holy Bible, the very cornerstones of Christian literature.

THE ELUSIVE JESUS. Throughout his ministry, the Rabbi Jesus often resorted to speaking cryptically, on purpose, to mask his true meaning or hide ultimate truth in specific scenarios, which on the surface seemed without reason or rhyme. This behavior even confused his own disciples. Mystified, they finally asked their Messianic figure: “Master, why do you suddenly speak in parables when others approach?” At other times, there were variations of the same query: “Master, why do you speak to the people in parables?” He gave a timeless reply which, even today, seems conflicting and irrational for the purpose of his ministry: “I speak in parables so they won’t understand.” He later illuminates his meaning in his native Aramaic language: “Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the Kingdom of God, but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables.”

So, in parables he chooses to hide some ultimate truth in riddles, and symbolic meanings, that are not

one country I would love to visit. By all accounts a beautiful country with beautiful people and many sights to see.

•••

Sad to hear of a tragic motorcycle accident involving Escondido/Hidden Valley Kiwanis member, Dave Geary, owner of Dave’s Computers, in Escondido. He was knocked off his motorcycle by high winds while on a ride with his group near Yuma, Arizona. He was rushed to the Yuma Hospital and later flown to San Diego were he was eventually transferred to the VA Hospital in La Jolla, which has a world class spinal clinic. Dave’s spinal cord was severed so he will be paralyzed from T7 and below, with movement only in his arms and above. He has begun rehab therapy at the VA but will no longer be able to operate his computer repair firm in

to be taken literally. (The word ‘parable’ from the original Greek ‘paroimia’ essentially means, “a fictitious illustration.”)

When this Jewish teacher spoke of the birds in the air, and the seeds cast on dusty roads and sparse rocky terrain, he was not speaking literally, but only symbolically of men’s faith (the seeds) and the birds (the devourers of faith), and so forth. Because of this, many who critique the Bible on fanciful tales, and childlike notions, do so – ironically – with wrongful premise. A wrongful premise which this mysterious religious figure, Jesus, warned us about 21-centuries ago when he pronounced: “Therefore, I speak to them in parables: because they seeing, see not. And hearing, they hear not. Neither do they understand.”

Such misunderstandings and misinterpretations followed him towards the final panel of his life, as Jesus finally stood before Pontius Pilate on various charges from his Jewish accusers, including misleading the Jewish people (a religious subversive), evading taxation, as well as proclaiming to be a “king,” (King of the Jews) – which is certainly a dangerous rebellious statement of defiance to Emperor Tiberius’ reign.

Pilate, the 5th Prefect of Rome, was a pagan first, then a subordinate to Roman rule, second. Instinctively, he first had to answer to his own private demons of superstition. The Jewish vagabond who now stood before him was no ordinary man he was dealing with. The best minds of his enemies could not chart his motives, nor predict his responses but, instead, they were shocked at his unexpected exploits and powers of reasoning. Pilate

Jesus continued on page 12

Escondido. Plans are in place to find a new home for Geary as his present home is a multi-level residence which will no longer work for him. His Kiwanis friends have united together and are arranging to move many of his clothes, tools, etc. into a storage unit.

Fortuntately, Dave had planned his life out well. Geary is a retired Air Force Veteran and will have his medical needs covered by the VA; also, he has both his retirement income and disability income (from military injuries) so he should be okay financially . . . but he has a long recovery and rehab road ahead.

Thank heavens he has the VA taking care of him. The VA, time and time again, takes care of its own!

The VA has been very kind to me and they will be for Dave Geary as well.

Kids & Social Media

Millions of children and young adults throughout the nation are active social media users. Last week two bills dealing with social media’s impact on child and adolescent mental health passed the Assembly Health Committee.

Worldwide, there are 34 social media platforms, with at least 100 million users. According to a U.S. Surgeon General’s report last year, 95% of teens aged 13 to 17 use social media, and more than one in three report they use it “almost constantly.” Most social media platforms require users to beat least 13, but 40% of children ages 8 to 12 report they use social media despite age restrictions.

As we all know, adolescence is a critical period of development. The report found that adolescents who use social media more than three hours each day face twice the risk of experiencing poor mental outcomes. These include depression, anxiety, inadequate sleep, low self-esteem, eating disorders and online harassment.

On the other hand, social media’s impact on our youth can be beneficial. Positive community connections with others who share identities, abilities and interests, increased self-expression and the ability to form friendships and social connections can all be en-

Local News from page 4

• America’s 100 Best Stroke Care by Healthgrades, 2022 - 2023.

• Best Regional Hospitals by U.S. News and World Report, 20222023.

• High Performing in Maternity Care by U.S News & World Report: 2022 - 2023.

• Top General Hospital Award for the Palomar Medical Center Poway in 2023 by The Leapfrog Group.

• “A” Hospital Safety Grade at both Escondido and Poway campuses by The Leapfrog Group in 2023. (This was the first time both hospitals achieved an “A” grade in the history of the organization.)

• District Hospital of the Year by ACHD in 2022.

Home Invasion Robbery with a Machete Arrest

An Escondido family was awakened in the middle of the night by an intruder waving a machete and threatening to kill everyone inside.

hanced through social media.

The issue is complex, and requires more attention, but additional standards and safeguards may be necessary. AB 2657 will set up the Social Media Commission, comprised of experts and stakeholders tasked with creating a comprehensive report with formal recommendations for regulating social media as it relates to child and adolescent mental health. AB 2390 will create a Social Media Harm Reduction Pilot Program to comprehensively examine the adverse mental health impacts resulting from the use of social media by children through the 12th grade. Both bills were introduced by Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula (D – Fresno) and passed the Health Committee without opposition.

Our vulnerable children and youth must be protected during their formative years. By passing AB 2657 and AB 2390, we will begin to take a look at a critical mental health issue that impacts children, youth and our future.

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.

On Thursday, April 11th, at 1:35 m, Escondido Police dispatch received a 911 call regarding an intruder with a machete in a home on the 1000 block of Camelia Street in Escondido. Officers arrived in less than four minutes and were confronted by several people fleeing the house and screaming for help. Two men from the residence were trying to hold down the suspect in front of the house. Officers detained the suspect, later identified as 29-year-old Jesse Angel Martinez of Escondido. A machete was recovered nearby, and Martinez was found to have a knife inserted in his neck from one of the residents. Martinez is on active California State Parole and is a registered sex offender.

Officers learned that Martinez allegedly broke into the house and was waving the machete while threatening to kill everyone in the home. The residents of the home fought back, and at some point, Martinez was stabbed in the neck. Three residents of the house were injured during the attack, but they are all expected to recover.

5th District Supervisor Jim Desmond

We Stopped the Fixed-Rate Electricity Proposal

I wanted to share some good news regarding our ongoing battle for fair electricity rates.

You may recall the recent uproar surrounding the proposed changes to the fixed rate portion of our SDG&E electric bills. Many of you joined me in expressing concern about the unfairness of tying this fee to household income rather than actual electricity usage.

Your voices were heard loud and clear, and I am thrilled to report that our pressure has made a difference.

Thanks to the collective efforts of our community, the Public Utilities Commission has decided to revise its approach. While the new system isn’t perfect (there should be no fixed rate fee at all), it represents a significant step in the right direction. Instead of facing potentially exorbitant charges based on income, most customers would be charged $24.15 per month, while low-income ratepayers would pay between $6-$12 per month. This means you will pay the same fixed rate fee regardless of income.

While there is still work to be

Martinez was treated at the scene and transported by Escondido Fire Department Paramedics to the hospital for additional treatment. He is currently being treated for his injuries, which are considered non-life threatening. When he is medically cleared, Martinez will be booked into jail on the following initial charges: 664/187 PC Attempted Murder, 245 PC Assault with a deadly weapon, 459 PC Burglary, and 422 PC Threaten Crime with Intent to Terrorize. Anyone with information about this case is urged to call Det. Hand (760) 839-4985 reference case 24003305. ***

Escondido Man Arrested for Narcotics Sales and a Loaded Firearm

On April 10th, 2024, members of the Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving (COPPS) Unit were conducting patrol in the Harmony Grove Creek bed, west of 1800 Harmony Grove Road, in

done, as we already pay too much for electricity, and adding a $24.15 fixed fee is still too much, this decision marks a significant victory for accountability in our electricity pricing system. What we pay for electricity should be based on our energy usage, not income.

I want to thank everyone who signed petitions, sent emails, and spoke against this unfair proposal. Your engagement truly made a difference. We have shown that we can enact meaningful change when we come together as a community and speak with one voice.

While the new flat rate is not yet finalized and will be voted on in May, I am confident we can see this through to the end with your continued support. Let’s keep up the pressure and ensure our voices remain heard.

Again, thank you for your dedication and commitment to making our community a better place for all.

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

the city of Escondido. The location is city owned property, closed to the public. The COPPS Unit has an open project at the location due to blight and persistent crime and disorder.

During the patrol, officers encountered a homeless subject, later identified as 30-year-old Jalen Owens, occupying an illegal encampment. Owens was on active probationary status with the San Diego County Probation Department. Officers conducted a search of Owens’ person and property. During the investigation, officers located approximately 80 grams of fentanyl, 17 grams of methamphetamine, $2,000.00 in cash, body armor, and a loaded firearm.

Owens was arrested and later booked into the Vista Detention Facility. Owens was charged with numerous weapons and narcoticrelated violations to include: possession of narcotics with intent to sell, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, and violation of probation.

By Tom Morrow

It was a moniker most of its members didn’t like but being a “Dolly” in the “Donut Army” was a way for a single American woman to get near the front lines as a civilian volunteer of the new American Red Cross “Clubmobile Service.”

The concept was the 1942, idea of Harvey D. Gibson, who was the American Red Cross commissioner for Great Britain. The World War II Clubmobiles operated from late 1942 until 1946, traveling throughout Great Britain and the battlefields of Europe.

Gibson’s original idea was a converted “single-decker English commuter bus fitted with coffee and donut--making equipment” as well as chewing gum, cigarettes, magazines, newspaper, and phonograph records. The first Clubmobile was staffed with three American Red Cross women who traveled throughout Great Britain, beginning on Oct. 22, 1942. Af-

by Don R. Martin

Back in the day, when cars were much simpler, it was easier to figure out what was causing that rattle or clu-clunk was from underneath the hood. In more recent years, the landscape has drastically evolved from the days when the inner workings of cars were straightforward enough for amateur mechanics to troubleshoot with confidence. The anecdote about customers attempting to save money by supplying their own parts only to find the problem persists, highlights a critical shift in the complexity of modern vehicles and the importance of professional diagnostics.

While sophisticated for their time,

Historically Speaking

The ‘Donut Army’ of World War II

ter the first month of operation, the Red Cross staffers requested units be supplied with a little bit of home. A few weeks later the Clubmobiles were each fitted with a kitchen consisting of a builtin unit doughnut machine and a small stove for coffee. One side of the small unit was for serving food and drinks, while the rear of the bus consisted of a “lounge” area with built-in benches.

In 1943, Barbara Camp of Tulsa, Oklahoma joined the women of the American Red Cross Clubmobile service after graduating from college. In later years she would marry and become the mother of now retired U.S. Marine Col. George Brown of Oceanside.

“The World War II effort required a lot of Americans to work in areas and industries they never would have considered, all as a part of supporting the war effort,” Colonel Brown told me. “My mom was born and raised in Tulsa. She went to school at the University of Oklahoma. Upon graduation, she volunteered with the American Red Cross, was accepted and sent to England. In August 1944, She entered the European War zone going across the English Channel to Normandy’s Omaha Beach.”

Some 100 American GMC trucks were converted into Clubmobiles, each of which was driven and

staffed by crew of three American Red Cross women who were affectionately known among the troops as “Donut Dollies.” However, many of the women didn’t like that moniker.

In August 1944, Barbara Camp was among some 10 groups of Red Cross women, along with eight Clubmobiles units sent to France. From that point on, the Donut Dollies traveled with the rear echelon units of the U.S. Army and received their orders from the Army for the duration of the War.

Car Repair & Self Diagnosis

cars were fundamentally simpler in design and function. This simplicity lent itself to a culture of self-repair and maintenance, where owners, equipped with a basic set of tools and a manual, could address a wide range of issues. The causes of noises, leaks, and performance drops were often visible to the naked eye or discernible through a keen ear.

As technological advancements have made great strides in the automotive industry, vehicles have become exponentially more complex. These days cars are equipped with advanced electronics, computer systems, and networks of sensors that manage everything from engine performance to safety features. This complexity has rendered the art of self-diagnosis and repair increasingly challenging.

I have a few customers who prefer to provide their own parts thinking that they can save a lot of money and just pay to have the parts installed. The complexity of newer vehicles means that symptoms can be misleading, and what appears to be a problem with one component can actually be a sign of a deeper, more complicated issue.

Quite often what happens is it didn’t turn out to be the part that was causing the problem. So what happens is they get their car back and it is still having issues. Shortly thereafter, I see the vehicle again and this time do a thorough diagnosis, finding the real problem/problems. Now they have to pay to have it repaired again.

This trial-and-error approach can exacerbate existing problems. Installing the wrong part or incorrectly performing a repair can lead to further damage, compounding the cost and complexity of eventual repairs. It also underscores a vital consideration: the warranty on repairs. Professional auto repair shops typically offer warranties on their work, providing peace of mind and protection against defective parts or workmanship. This assurance is forfeited when individuals undertake repairs themselves or insist on supplying their own parts without a thorough diagnosis.

Today’s mechanics are not just skilled laborers; they are highly trained technicians who understand the intricate networks of modern vehicles. They have access to specialized diagnos-

Historically Speaking continued on page 12

tic equipment that can communicate with a car’s onboard computer, reading and interpreting the vast array of codes and data that govern its operation. These tools, combined with the technician’s expertise, allow for a precise diagnosis that goes beyond surface-level symptoms to identify the root cause of a problem.

The evolution of automotive technology from mechanical simplicity to electronic complexity has fundamentally altered the landscape of car repairs and maintenance. While the allure of self-diagnosis and repair remains, the reality is that modern vehicles often require the expertise and specialized tools of professional technicians to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective repairs. As cars continue to advance, the wisdom of relying on skilled technicians for maintenance and repair becomes increasingly apparent, ensuring that vehicles remain safe, efficient, and reliable.

Don has been repairing vehicles since the early 80’s. Visit his Youtube channel Don’s Garage in VC.

Recruiting poster for WWII women

Everything You Need To Know About Traveling This Summer

Summer travel in 2024 will be “expensive in every way,” says Katharine Nohr. And she should know.

She’s planning a two-week adventure to Europe in June, which starts with a marathon flight from Honolulu to Zurich, where she’ll speak at a conference. Then she’s hopscotching across Europe -- to Vienna, then on to the Olympics. She’s made plans to be in Nantes, France, to watch a soccer game, Lille for basketball and Paris for gymnastics, boxing and swimming.

All told, it’ll set her back five figures despite her best efforts, which include flying economy class and staying in the lowest-priced hotels.

“The trip is pricey, even with my efforts to economize,” says Nohr, an attorney from Honolulu. “But it’s a once-in-my-life adventure.”

Summer Travelers are Pursuing Exciting, Expensive Vacations

Nohr is part of a wave of travelers that are making big plans for this summer. The itineraries are exciting -- and expensive.

Pretty much every barometer of travel intent is up for the summer travel season. Inflation and unemployment are low, and consumer sentiment and curiosity are high, fueling an unprecedented interest in travel during the summer of 2024.

“Bookings are rising,” says Susan Sherren, who runs Couture Trips, a travel agency. “Unfortunately, hotel, tour, and air prices are not falling. So, if you plan on hitting the road this summer, make sure you are willing to splash some cash.”

Travel companies say they’re overwhelmed with summer reservations.

“The travel economy is booming,” says Joe Ialacci, owner of Yacht Hampton Boating Club, a company that rents yachts in Sag Harbor, N.Y. He’s seeing a 40 percent increase in rentals this summer compared to last year as Americans shift some of their vacation dollars to domestic destinations.

Prices aren’t the only thing trending higher. People’s expectations for their summer vacation are also higher than at any time since the pandemic, says Sangeeta Sadarangani, CEO of Crossing, a multinational travel agency headquartered in London.

“They’re embracing the unknown,” she says.

And one of the great unknowns is travel prices. How much higher will they be?

What will prices be like this summer?

It depends on where you’re going.

There’s good news if you’re traveling within the U.S.: flights and hotels are a little less expensive than last summer. But they’re rising elsewhere. Here’s the breakdown:

Airfares are mixed. Domestic roundtrip airfares for summer are averaging $325 per ticket, which is down 5 percent from last year, according to the travel platform Hopper. Flights to Europe are cheaper, too. They’ve fallen 12 percent from last year to $1,012. But flights to South America are up 4 percent and flights to Canada have risen 5 percent. You’ll pay an average of $759 to fly south of the border and $430 to head north.

U.S. hotel rates are down. Domestically, they’re down 7 percent to an average of $304 per night. Internationally, they’re up 2 percent to $314 per night, according to Kayak.

Car rental prices are rising. Average domestic car rental rates are up 10 percent this summer to $113 per day, according to Kayak. Last summer, rates dropped 14 percent after the car rental shortage ended. Internationally, rates are up 3 percent to an average of $88 per day.

But you can avoid the high prices with a little strategic planning, experts say.

What To Avoid This Summer

American travelers are becoming more predictable in their summer vacation choices, says John Lovell, president of Travel Leaders Group. Immediately after the pandemic, they embarked on “revenge” vacations to far-flung locations. Now they’re returning to more conventional vacations.

“We continue to see U.S. travelers heading back to the more traditional locations across Europe this year, like London, Rome, Athens and Munich,” he says.

There are places that will be exceptionally busy -- and exceptionally pricey -- this summer.

Paris during the Olympics. The

Olympic Games are taking place in Paris this summer. Rooms are more than double the normal rates. which is typical of the Olympics. Paris is already crowded with tourists during the summer, so you can probably imagine what it will be like with the Olympics. Zut, alors!

Taylor Swift is touring Europe this summer. Prices will be higher and the crowds will be denser. “If you aren’t planning to attend one of her concerts, I recommend planning around those European cities when she’s there,” says Betsy Ball, cofounder of Euro Travel Coach.

Other big summer events. Even if you steer clear of Taylor and the Olympics, you’re still not out of the woods. There’s the UEFA Euro 2024 football tournament in Germany in June. There’s the Tour de France in July, which begins in Florence and finishes in Nice. France is also hosting the Paralympic Games in August and September, which will take place in Paris, Nice, Marseille and Bordeaux.

When is the best time to book a 2024 summer vacation?

Since this is going to be a busy one, the sooner you book, the better. Hopper recommends buying your airfare two to three months before your departure for domestic flights, and for international -- well, it’s probably too late to get that rock-bottom fare. If you’re reading this in April, you can still find something for late August or early September, according to its airfare experts.

As always, you can save money by booking a flight for midweek instead of on the weekend -- and, of course, by keeping far, far away from the big travel holidays like Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day.

Also, if you’re going overseas, remember their holiday calendar is different. For example, half of Europe shuts down during August for summer vacation. It’s worth a look-up, otherwise, you could face some real disappointments.

Strategies For Traveling Better During The Summer

One tactic that consistently works is splitting your getaway into two sections. Take that required summer vacation with your family somewhere less expensive during the high season. Then, wait until shoulder season for the big trip.

That’s what Ross Copas, a retired electrician from Tweed, Canada, is doing during the summer of 2024. It’s a road trip across the northern U.S. by motorcycle -- New York to Washington State, and then back east through Canada.

Then he’s heading to Amsterdam in September for a 23-day European river cruise. He says the late summer getaway will be costly, but he doubts fares will fall anytime soon. “So price be damned,” he adds.

Actually, that’s pretty smart. I took the same cruise he’s planning on Viking River Cruises many years ago, and it was worth every penny.

With hotel rates rising in some places this summer, this is the right time to consider alternatives. Monica Fish, a writer from Glen Rock, N.J., is headed to Ireland to catch one of Taylor Swift’s performances. She says hotel rooms in Dublin are overpriced if they’re even available. But Fish found an affordable vacation rental.

“We just had to book it farther in advance than we normally would,” she says.

Go Ahead, Follow The Crowds This Summer

I think it’s fine to follow the crowds this summer. I’ll be doing it. I’m planning to rent an apartment for a month in Switzerland with Blueground, a long-term apartment rental company. Then I’m crashing on a friend’s sofa in Spain, then heading to Sweden to see other friends and visiting my brother in Finland. Yes, travel writers know people everywhere.

But don’t follow the crowds off a cliff. There are places even I won’t go. I might take the four-hour train trip from Zurich to Paris in June to check out my favorite patisseries, but I wouldn’t go anywhere near the City of Lights during the summer games in July unless I made a reservation a long time ago.

Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can email him at chris@elliott.org.

Illustration by Aren Elliott

“I love this store. I go here for so many different reasons. They have such a random variety of items for sale and are great when you need a loan! Very welcoming and friendly.”

“I was very pleased with the workmanship of everybody who works here. I gave my phone number 2 weeks ago and they got what I needed.

The

Pastor Says . . .

Hope & Despair

Recently, I took a trip to Las Vegas to visit some of my faithful callers of my Dial-A-Prayer callers, a daily phone ministry. They are all getting older, so my visit was to encourage them as their spiritual leader. I try to do this at least every three years. It was a rewarding trip and visit.

I usually go with friends who share the driving and lodging expenses. Because it is convenient, we stay at the South Point Casino and Hotel. What is always interesting to me is the gambling crowd— people sitting, at times, for hours at a slot machine or a card table. Most of us know this activity close by with our local casinos. One doesn’t have to go to Las Vegas to have this experience.

It is the experience of the gambler that intrigues me. It is a compulsion for many, regardless of the money spent. Many people spend all they have, even their Social Security money, and mortgage their homes. What hope motivates a person to lose all sense of value in this activity? It is a hope of getting rich or hitting it big. Play after play or card after card is with the expectation of success and instant riches. The same is true when playing the lotto. Think for a minute of the recent payout of one billion dollars. People spent millions of dollars in the hope of having the correct numbers. After all, someone will win. Why not me? There is no winning if you don’t play the game; what do we hope for? Money, success, power, health, and more stuff. So we hope to be the winner. But most end up losing. Tragically, many lose vast sums of money and end in despair. The result of a failed hope is despair.

The Bible also speaks of hope. I hope for a more robust and happier life, which is all we need. It brings into focus a call to faith, not despair. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1). What do we hope for - money, success, power, health, and long life? Or a life with purpose, service, trust, love, forgiveness, and a relationship with God? What do we build our hope on - a lotto ticket, a slot machine, a deck of cards, or as the old him says, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus, etc.” and all He represents. Such a hope keeps one from despair and the consequence of an indulgent life.

Call 760–746–6611 for hope, Pastor Huls

Pet Parade

Fred is pet of the week at Rancho Coastal Humane Society. He’s a 5-1/2-year-old, 75pound, male, Labrador Retriever / Terrier mix.

Fred was transferred to Rancho Coastal Humane Society through Friends of County Animal Shelters (FOCAS). He was adopted and spent almost 5 years in his home. Now Fred’s family returned him, saying he needs more time than they can give him.

San Diego Humane Society is supporting families and their pets who need a little extra help.

Through the Community Pet Pantry, anyone can visit our campuses to pick up a bag of dog or cat food, and other supplies, as available.

No appointment is needed for this service. Hours are Tuesday-Sunday from 10am to 6pm.

El Cajon 373 N. Marshall Ave.

Escondido 3500 Burnet Drive

Oceanside 572 Airport Road

San Diego 5480 Gaines Street

Fred Pet of the Week

The $145 adoption fee for Fred includes medical exam, neuter, up to date vaccinations, registered microchip, and a one-year license if his new home is in the jurisdiction of San Diego Humane Society.

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

Buddy

Meet Buddy! This adorably pup’s sweetness is undeniable, and his love makes those around him feel instantly watm and fuzzy inside. While Buddy may be a little shy at first, he warms up quickly, leaning into pets and showing his affectionate side. He’s a gentle soul who cherishes every bit of love he receives. If you’re ready to bring home the best buddy around, he’s your pup! Buddy (900323) is available for adoption at San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido Campus at 3500 Burnet Dr. If you have questions about the adoption process, you can visit sdhumane.org/adopt or call 619-2997012.

Online profile: https://www.sdhumane.org/adopt/available-pets/animal-single.html?petId=900323

Pastor Huls

The Computer Factory

845 W. San Marcos Blvd.

760-744-4315

thecomputerfactory.net

For most of the past three million years man and his ancestor’s evolution was driven by survival and reproduction. We evolved the strength speed and size that abetted our survival imperatives but our brains were the key to becoming the dominant species on the planet. We developed technologies, tools and weapons that kept us warm fed us and protected us and our families. In recent centuries our evolutionary priorities seem to have shifted. Intelligence and strength no longer seem to be strongly linked to reproductive success. Ensuring food, shelter and survival are no longer primary concerns.

Reproductive successful no longer seems strongly linked to physical and mental excellence. What is driving our evolution today?

Will the IW (Intelligent Web) replace human cognition? Part 2 of 2

There is no doubt that the IWs (Intelligent Web) birth in 2001 combining man-kinds accumulated knowledge with AI (artificial intelligence marked a turning point in human history. We developed a way to assemble and store virtually the whole of human knowledge (the Internet) and made it easily and instantly accessible to anyone on the planet. We married this store of information with a technology, AI (artificial Intelligence), capable of processing information with humanlike intelligence. This combination of knowledge and intelligence is the IW.

We DIs “digital Immigrants”, who came to adulthood before the advent of the IW, will exit the planet sometime in this century leaving the fate of humanity in the hands of the DNs “digital natives” and their successors. Today the IW is only in the middle of its third decade and even the most senior DNs are just approaching middle age. Yet in this abbreviated time period, the tremendous impact of the IW on the future of mankind has become evident.

The IW is an ever expanding reservoir consolidating nearly the entirety of human knowledge. AI (Artificial Intelligence) is the technology that makes machines “think” like humans. Human intelligence can only be applied to the data base available in the mind of an individual, but Internet based AI has access to an infinitely greater warehouse of knowledge than that of any human mind. DNs have grown up with mobile

devices that give them continuous access to the IW. They have incorporated the IW as a component of their own cognition.

Recent drops in DN IQ test scores have raised eyebrows among DNs. Are the younger generations getting dumber because they get solutions from the IW instead of figuring things out using their own knowledge and reasoning power? Dumber is probably not the right word but the recent IQ tests may well be measuring the effect of a reduced requirement for internal data storage and cognitive processing as a result of access to the quicker, easier and more reliable solutions provided by the IW.

Using the IW to solve problems and answer questions instead of our own internal cognitive resources is a rational alternative for several reasons.

The IW usually provides reliable answers and solutions faster and with less expenditure of human energy.

Using the IW as an alternative to our own memory and cognition just makes sense.

As time passes we will continue to improve the effectiveness of AI and expansion of the Internet’s knowledge base. The access devices like phones, tablets and voice activated digital assistants will be supplemented by implants that maintain hands free twenty four hour contact with the IW. With the survival and reproductive benefits of physicality and cognitive acuity eliminated through automation and IW access, the question is whether we humans will find new reason to continue to place a value on maintaining our physical and mental fitness or will we simply go to pot?

Before you give up on your “old” PC, check out the cost of an upgrade.

Solid State Drive (SSD) - windows 10/11 - more memory (RAM) - Faster Internet - Bluetooth/Wifi, better/biger monnitor - external speakers - external CD/RW - wireless keyboard and mouse - etc.

John Van Zante’s Critter Corner

Project Dog Foster – We’re In This Together

There are a dozen animal shelters and a couple hundred pet rescues in San Diego County. Most of us work together really well.

There’s a perfect example of this going on now through the end of April during Project Dog Foster. Six members of the San Diego Animal Welfare Coalition are working together to find foster homes for the dogs in our care. Participating organizations include City of Chula Vista Animal Services, Frosted Faces Foundation, PAWS of Coronado, Rancho Coastal Hu-

mane Society, San Diego County Department of Animal Services and San Diego Humane Society.

There are more dogs than there are kennels. We must stop overcrowding.

The goal of Project Dog Foster is to find San Diegans willing to lend a helping paw by fostering pets in their homes.

• Fostering is temporary. You get the benefit of helping a pet without making a lifelong commitment.

big dogs who would love that.

• You tell us what you can handle. Maybe you can take a pet on weekends, for a few weeks, until you leave on vacation, or until it’s adopted.

• Tell us which pets work for you.

Living in a tiny apartment? Foster a tiny dog. Got a few acres? We have

• We’re asking you to foster. If you decide to adopt a pet that you foster, that’s your decision. You’ll get no pressure from us.

“I could never do that. I would keep them all.”

No. We won’t let you. It wouldn’t be good for the pets, and it wouldn’t

be good for you. We want you to be successful when you foster.

Mikala McFadden is director of our Foster Program at Rancho Coastal Humane Society. Mikala says, “Many pets don’t show their true personalities in a kennel setting. In a foster home, pets can decompress and blossom into a loving companion that potential adopters are looking for.”

Fosters serve as bridges. They help pets transition out of shelters and into their new homes. When you let a dog show you who it really is, we can match it with a family.

We’ll make it easy and fun, no matter where you live in San Diego County.

Visit

Jesus from page 5

was fully aware of these antecedents and fully informed of his past brushes of the law. Additionally, he was greatly vexed at his wife’s admonishment. “While Pilate was still seated on the bench, his wife sent him a message: ‘Have nothing to do with that righteous man. I suffered much in a dream today because of him.’” (Matthew 27:19) (Note: Pilate’s wife, Procla (var. Procula), was said to have converted to Christianity after the death of Jesus. Today, she is venerated by the Eastern Orthodox Church as Saint Procla (Hagia Prokla), as well as by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. She was canonized for her bold intervention and courageous attempt to save Jesus from crucifixion. Although Jesus uttered that he (must) die for the sins of the world, Procla nevertheless acted on “sincere, good intentions” as she saw it. Her virtues have been extolled by such notable scholars as Origen of Alexandria who is assessed by most biblical experts thusly: “Widely regarded as one of the most important Christian theologians of all time.”) Note: Origen of Alexandria (184 AD – 253 AD) is not to be confused with Origen the Pagan.

But at the moment, Judean governor, Pilate, is cautiously surveying the man known as Jesus of Nazareth, who stands before him in the flesh. Deeply superstitious, Pilate had already tried without success to send Jesus to Herod, since Jesus was a Galilean and Herod was in Jerusalem at that time. Herod Antipater, nicknamed “Antipas,” was a 1st century ruler of Galilee and Perea. He is often referred to as both “Herod the Tetrarch” and “King Herod” in the New Testament. (Although the Bible, inaccurately, refers to him as King Herod, he never held the title of king. Nor should he be confused with Herod the Great (King of Judea), who preceded him.) It was this same Herod Antipater who had previously ordered the death of John the Baptist by decapitation and had longed to see this mystical Jewish teacher, Jesus, in hopes of observing one of his miracles. However, the so-called Messiah says little to Herod’s questions. After being brutalized by Herod’s soldiers, he is returned to an even more reluctant Pontius Pilate.

Pilate inquires further, carefully, as if treading on dangerous, uncharted waters: “Where is your kingdom?” Weakened and bloodied, Jesus’ soft reply is impossible to comprehend: “My kingdom is not of this world.” It was from such supernatural pronouncements that some – even Jesus’ family members – thought him at times to be mentally deranged.

When the Roman governor inquires of Jesus: “Tell me, what is truth?” it was not an idle question. Pilate, in his mortality, and confused fear, truly wished to tap into this (seemingly) other-worldly wisdom. Who was this man, he wondered. Whither did he truly come? He seems not of this world. Sadly, for Pilate, his question “What is truth?” remained unanswered. To his reply, Jesus answered with silence. To Pilate, it made no sense not to reply. To the paradigmatic Jesus, silence was the perfect answer. Similarly, he had uttered seemingly bizarre statements in the past, such as: “Oh Father, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike.” (Matthew 11:25)

One scholar notes that, with his encounter with Pontius Pilate, there: “Was a chasm between two modalities of understanding. Pilate represented the mundane world, limited, and rooted. The alleged metaphysical Messiah, Jesus, saw the world as only a passing shimmer, rippling across the surface of Reality. Between these two viewpoints there is an unbounded void which can never be bridged by intellect. It can only be bridged by faith.”

In the final panel of discussion, showcased before a fervent crowd, Pilate avoids an uprising from the assemblage by acquiescing that Jesus be crucified. But, to appease his own inner-turmoil and dark fears, he washes his hands before the crowd and shouts in fluent Greek: “I am innocent of this man’s blood! You shall bear the responsibility!” Some years later, after giving the order of death by crucifixion for Jesus, Marcus Pontius Pilate would commit suicide. There are multiple versions of Pilate’s suicide, however most of these accounts are not from credible sources. Though ultimately uncertain, most historians state that Pilate was exiled by Roman emperor Caligula and “Committed suicide of his own accord, in the year 38 AD in Roman Italy.”

(Note: Unlike envisioned in the film “The Passion of the Christ,” Pilate’s dialogue with the historical Jesus was never in the Latin language (nor in Aramaic) but, in Koine Greek, according to the world’s foremost authorities on the Bible. Koine Greek was the ‘universal language’ of Jesus’ day, permeating wide sectors of the Roman Empire. This wide-spread linguistic influence was inevitable, since the Greeks had conquered Judaea some two centuries prior to Jesus’ reputed birth. The New Testament Bible was even, originally, first written in Greek. By the 4th century, Greek would eventually replace Latin as the official language, especially in the Eastern Roman Empire. Hebrew and Aramaic were never spoken by the Romans be-

cause they considered these to be languages of the slaves, viz. the Jews. “Passion of the Christ” director, Mel Gibson, concedes to the film’s linguistic inaccuracy, explaining that he was aware that Koine Greek was the language of the region at the time of Jesus, but, there was limited source material for the vernacular used in the film. However, Jesus mostly spoke Aramaic during his day. And certainly Hebrew since he read from the Jewish Torah. But his everyday language was Aramaic.

MISUNDERSTOOD TO THE END. This ancient Jew whom we call Jesus never ceased to be misunderstood, then and now. Even his last words at the crucifixion would be misunderstood. The dying Jesus issues his final, anguished cry from the cross at Golgotha in his original Aramaic tongue (not in Hebrew as recorded in Matthew 27:46): “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani” which translates to: “My God, My God, why hath thou forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34)

Even these piercing words on the ninth hour (3 p.m. in the ancient world) were by design and not –as commonly believed – merely words issued out of pain and feelings of abandonment.

Once more, even to the end, his words would not be truly comprehended.

In meeting his own death, the Christian Jesus, interestingly, was quoting words that had long been uttered approximately 1,000 years before his own crucifixion. In the Hebrew Torah (the Christian Old Testament), Psalm 22:1 reads: “My God, My God, why has thou forsaken me? Why are thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?”

It is compelling that his cry from the cross was not of being abandoned, but rather a repetition of ancient Scripture and, therefore, a statement of fulfilling prophecy.

In the final analysis, this so-called savior did not make the attainment of blind faith easy, by any measure. His reasoning seems difficult to accept. He voiced that he wished never to ‘purchase’ one’s faith with indelible proof from the eyes and ears. He wished for faith to ‘be earned’ the hard way, by making that most difficult ‘leap of faith,’ without seeing and without the benefit of proof.

If Biblical prophecies hold true, then, many spiritual men in high places today (pastors, priests, ministers, rabbis, et al) will eventually falter in their faith, viewing the Scriptures as merely childish

Jesus continued on page 13

Historically Speaking from page 7

Colonel Brown said his late mother recalled how she and her colleagues served coffee and doughnuts to American troop units in Europe. Soon after the (Victory) VE Day, (May 8, 1945), most of the American Red Cross volunteers were returned to the United States. And, like so many U.S. uniformed units, by 1946, most were demobilized and sent home.

“My Mom was one of several hundred Red Cross volunteers who served in Europe,” he said. “I do not know if they had similar units in the Pacific Theatre during the war. I know they had similar units during the Vietnam conflict.”

No known “Dolly” units similar to the European units were in the Pacific during the War, but the Red Cross service did participate in similar fashion during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts.

Colonel Brown said he has regretted many times not asking for more information about his mother’s wartime Red Cross experiences, but like millions of other WWII uniformed personnel, she never talked much about what she saw or experienced.

“Over the years Mom’s World War II service was something we only briefly discussed … regretfully, never in any depth,” Colonel Brown recalled. “I knew she served in France through V-E Day, but that’s about it.”

According to the Red Cross, the Clubmobile service required female applicants to be between the ages of 25 and 35, be a college graduate, single, among other qualities. Despite the nature of the work being voluntary, the application process was very competitive with the Red Cross only accepting about one in every six applicants.

The foremost duty of the American Red Cross women who volunteered their service was to lift the morale of homesick G.I.s overseas during World War II. While their concrete responsibilities extended to providing servicemen with food and entertainment, their most significant contributions were intangible, as there was an emphasis on the character and conduct of women. The demographic of Clubmobile volunteers were instructed to abstain from forming any romantic connections with the men they served. In addition to the aesthetic expectations grounded in traditional notions of femininity, the nature of much of the work the Clubmobile volunteers did not deviate much from the kind of domestic work these women were expected to do on the home front before the war: The jobs they did was traditionally for that time defined as “women’s, work” ... they cooked, cleaned up, and waited on men.

Jesus from page 12

fairy tales and whimsical notions, instead of seeing them through the prism of parables and the lenses of childlike innocence: “Let the little children come to me and do not stop them, because the kingdom of heaven is made up of people like this.” (Matthew 19:14)

Indeed, if his prophecies hold fast, then many clergy and men of the cloth, today, will continue to succumb to a world with no faith. On wrongful premise, they will see man-made flaws in Scripture and Biblical contradictions, not truly comprehending the wrongful intervention of human error – but instead, will blame such inequities on their spiritual Godhead. Thus, rendering their Prime Mover as fictional, but through faulty reasoning. They will continue to preach the Word of God, but only by vocation and with masked doubt. Jesus, himself, warns of these dark prophecies of fallen clergymen who stand behind the pulpit but without sincerity of faith when he quotes Isaiah 29:13 aloud: “Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.” (Matthew 15:7 and Mark 7:6)

When all is said and done, would you have followed him? And would this figure whom Christians regard as the Messiah continue to reinterpret Biblical laws, or overturn man-made laws today? Would

he ignore Supreme Court rulings and thus transgress the Law of the Land? What would this Rabbi Jesus think and say about our laws and rules of behavior today? Contemporary Bible scholars ask the hard questions which, sometimes, move us out of our comfort zone: What would this unpredictable Jew say about the Pope? Or Capital Punishment? Prayer in public school? Gay Rights?

Patricia Sanchez, scholar from Columbia University and Union Theological Seminary in New York, wonders what this Messianic Jesus would say about our current Immigration Laws and accepting or turning away the poor and the hungry? Wealthy pastors and ministers? Different religions? He was always a nitpicker. Would he give us passing grades? And would you agree with him? Would you follow him? After all, you do have your own strong, personal opinions on all the above.

If he appeared at your front doorstep and asked you, right now, to leave your home and family and follow him, could you, would you?

If this sounds unreasonable, read the Torah regarding God’s test to Abraham: he told Abraham to kill his own son, Isaac (a test of faith in which he spared Isaac’s son at the last minute). There is no limit what may be required of you. No one can chart the mind of a Biblical deity. Theologians proclaim that humans cannot put boundaries to his reasoning. Would Jesus shock us today with his views and rebellious ways? Many JudeoChristian and secular authorities say it’s probable.

Such questioning often makes

us squeamish, perhaps even angry. Humans are quick to anger, at times. We all have our private bias, disguised agendas, and hidden prejudices. Psychologists claim it is impossible for humans to be totally objective because we are inherently emotional and subjective, even if mostly on the subconscious level. Author, Anne Lamott, once quipped, “You can safely assume you’ve created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do.”

If we think we know exactly how the Christian Jesus thinks on all these complex and diverse issues, well, you might be surprised. After all, he seemed to break all the rules when he walked the Earth over two millennia ago. His religious contemporaries were absolutely, 100percent positive ‘what was right and what was wrong’ and they had the Good Book to quote from. Yet, somehow, this mystical, elusive, even dangerous revolutionary (as he was viewed), was anything but predictable, even by the religious conventions of his day. And is it okay to ask questions, such as these? Or even to have Biblical doubts? As human beings, we all have doubts, some more than others. Honesty is certainly a proclaimed Christian virtue; honesty to oneself is as important as to someone else. Or so Christians say.

I have multiple images of Yeshua (Jesus’ true Hebrew name), trafficking with prostitutes, eating with tax collectors, healing on the Sabbath, touching lepers, speaking to Samaritans, cleansing the temple by toppling the tables of the moneychangers, and calling the religious leaders (the Pharisees and Sadducees and high priests) a brood of

vipers. Jesus broke so many cultural, social, and religious rules in his day that he turned the world upside down as it has never been before. However, in his own view, he never broke biblical law – he felt he restored it to its original meaning and true intention by God. When he was accused of breaking God’s Law by working and healing on the Sabbath Day, Jesus explained: “If one of you had a child or an ox that falls into a ditch on the Sabbath Day, will you not immediately work to pull them out?” (Luke 14:5 in The Complete Jewish Bible.) In Jesus’ view, the religious leaders had corrupted biblical law and reversed its meaning as he tried to explain: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27) Yet his religious accusers did not understand for they only knew the “letter of the law” and not the “spirit of the law.”

Unlike his predecessors, this historical Jesus had the most profound wisdom, even by the standards of today’s philosophical thinking and theological abstractions. Whether Christian, agnostic, or atheist, there has been no paradigmatic individual like him, in the entire sweep of human history. This measure of recognition must be conceded to him. Believer or non-believer, he has shaped the landscape of human thinking more than anyone else. And whether he is truly the Christ or an imposter is something we all have to decide for ourselves. To do this day, he seems for many to

Oodles from page 3

Get tickets at https://www.tix.com/ ticket-sales/musicbythesea/4736/ev ent/1346307?subcategoryidlist=198

General admission tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. $10 student tickets.

Escondido Library Events

Artsy Adults: Dots on Rocks

April 24 • 6:30–7:30 pm Turrentine Room • Adults

Join us for the next quarterly craft time for adults where you can choose your favorite colors to paint lovely dot patterns on rocks! Take them home to use as paperweights or as lovely additions to your yard. Supplies will be provided and are limited. ***

Beta Sigma Phi Int. 93rd Founder’s Day Sisters Bloom

April 27 • 10:30am

The Hidden Valley Vista City Council of Beta Sigma Phi International will celebrate its 93rd Founder’s Day, “SISTERS BLOOM”, on Saturday, April 27, beginning at 10:30am Shadow Ridge Golf Club, 1980 Gateway Drive. Vista, CA.

All Beta Sigma Phis – active, inactive, on leave, transferees and guests are invited to make a reservation by calling Susie 760-8893552 by April 17, 2024.

Cost is $34.50 per person. Menu Choices: Classic Cobb Salad, Turkey Club Sandwich, or Vegetarian Cobb Salad.

HVVC Chapters will be honoring and celebrating the recipient for the Golden Circle Ritual, Women of the Yearand the installation of the 2024-2025 HVVC officers will be conferred.

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

“Hearts Full of Song”

May 5 • 3:15 p.m.

Pacific Coast Harmony will present “Hearts Full of Song,” a show of modern four-part acappella harmony music on Sunday May 5, at 2:30 p.m. at the Rancho Santa Fe Community Center, 5967 La Sendita, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067.

The music spans the Great American Songbook, Broadway theater and film, popular songs, and beyond.

A highlight of the show will be a special appearance by Frequency, a tenor-bass acappella group at UC San Diego, founded in 2008 and completely student-run. Several other PCH members’ quartets will also perform.

The show will follow a reception from 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. with beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. Food and beverages are included in the ticket price.

Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door and can be purchased by emailing PacificCoastHarmonyInfo@gmail.com or by calling (619) HARMONY /427-6669.

Pacific Coast Harmony is an acappella ensemble based in La Jolla, California, under the direction of Bonnie McKibben, an award-winning director, quartet champion, and recording artist. The chorus will be competing at the Barbershop Harmony Society’s International Convention in Cleveland, Ohio in early July.

For more information, visit PacificCoastharmony.org or call (619) 427-6669. ***

Zumba Fitness

Sundays 9 am

Beginning Sunday, May 4th

The City of Escondido Recreation Dept. will begin offering a dance fitness class on Sundays at 9 am at East Valley Community Center. This class, using easy-to-follow movements and a variety of music, welcomes all fitness levels.

Registration opens April 16th 8am

Woman’s Club Meeting

May 6 • 10:30am

The next meeting of the Woman’s Club of Escondido will be on Monday, May 6th, starting at 10:30am, at their Clubhouse, 751 No. Rose St., Escondido (corner of Mission Ave). We will be finalizing details for our “Vintage Fashion Show” fundraiser to be held at the clubhouse on Saturday, May 11th, at 1:00PM, and there will be Food, Drinks, Raffles, and Prizes. The cost is $45.

The meeting program we have been looking forward to will be presented by Gina Esoldi with “Next Step Service Dogs.” In addition, we will be filling backpacks for children at Head Start and Growing Minds.

Highlights for the meeting will be

celebrating Cinco de Mayo, with music, Margaritas and Mexican food.

Lunch will follow the program and is $20/person. Guests and potential members interested in knowing more about the Woman’s Club are welcome.

Call the Club’s office at 760-7439178, leave your name and phone number so someone can contact you for your reservation. We look forward to having you attend our meeting.

Calling all EHS Cougars Class of 1974

Aren’t you curious about the life choices and twists and turns of your old buds life journeys so far? Don’t you want to reconnect with people who knew you when . . . well, you know. Here’s your chance!

Our GOLDEN Reunion is coming up and we’re ready to celebrate the facts that we graduated AND we’re still here to party like its 2024! The event is on Saturday, May 18 th between 11 am and 3 pm at our old stomping grounds, Escondido High Football Stadium. The tasty lunch will be catered by the Wrangler BBQ, a longtime sponsor of this annual event.

Tickets and other information can be found on the reunion website: EHSGoldenReunion.org

Tickets are $45 per person and includes food, soda and water. Riding tours of the campus are free. Handicap parking is provided.

This important event is made possible by the EHS 2024 Reunion Committee in association with the Cougar Alumni Club, a 503c nonprofit organization. All donations made to the EHS Golden Reunion are tax deductible.

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Cardiff Farmers Market Every Saturday • 10am - 2pm

Cardiff 101 Mainstreet Association is hosting a weekly Farmers Market every Saturday from 10am to 2pm.

Located at MiraCosta College San Elijo Campus, the new farmers market is a Certified California Farmers Market, featuring locally sourced produce sold by local farmers. The Cardiff Farmers Market will also have an array of related food products and prepared food vendors, along with a curated group of makers and craft vendors.

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Letters from page 4

struggling, A second rate power. where are the Medes And persians, Haman and his sons, pharaoh, Amalekites, Grecian empire, Roman empire,Ottoman empire, Mussolini, Adolf hitler, Stalin, etc. America the Arab nations,united kingdom,

The European Union, Russia,China, and many other nations are in the valley of decision. The creator himself, and only him can save America.

Go to cufi.org (Christians united for Israel) for ways to help.

God bless America, Israel, and you! Angelo Caruso, San Marcos, Ca

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Enjoyed the article on Jack White in the April 11,2024 issue. I graduated from high school with Jack. However, he graduated from OceansideCarlsbad High School. The happens quite seldom. Carlsbad did not have a high school till 1958. Our class of 1957 was the last one to graduate from Oceanside-Carlsbad H.S. No big deal but thought maybe you would like to know.

Sincerely yours, Sue (Helton) Apodaca

***

Flying cars? Articles have recently appeared in various publications on this subject and they all baffle me. The FAA says 80% of aviation accidents occur due to pilot error. Too many fatal accidents occur with cars that don’t leave the ground. How much worse will air cars make that situation? Surviving a plane accident is far less likely than doing so in a car accident. Extremely high insurance premiums, if available at all, probably will prevent a Jetson’s type of future. We need freeway expansion (real lanes, not carpool) to reduce congestion. Fewer people would also help.

Rex Thompson Escondido

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: 4/26/2024, 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,

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9006323

The name of the business: Love

Jesus from page 13

remain the very personification of what Winston Churchill once said of Russia: “A riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.”

For many, science admits no godly interference. It is a most childish notion to do so, say many people today. A growing number of people today believe that Quantum Mechanics, Theory of Relativity, and the physical sciences are the realistic forces, not fanciful Biblical tales and unsubstantiated fantasies. Today’s accepted science (cosmology) states that the entire universe suddenly began out of nothing, in a blinding flash of cosmic light as stated in the Big Bang Theory. In an instant, the entire universe and everything in it -- the stuff of stars and planets and even time, itself – all suddenly existed in a cataclysmic explosion and everything expanded faster than the speed of light. As science explains: “The Big Bang was when our physical universe and everything in it -- suddenly and instantly appeared . . . out of nothing.”

It is compelling to note that at this

God More Ministries, located at 790 Via Bahia, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant Belinda Menna, 790 Via Bahia, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 2/24/2022 /s/ Belina Menna with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/20/2024 4/4, 4/11, 4/18, 4/25/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9007068

The name of the business: Bottled Up Succulents, located at 724 Via Barquero, Lake San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant Bryan Dean Vander Mey, 724 Via Barquero, Lake San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Bryan Dean Vander Mey with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/29/2024 4/4, 4/11, 4/18, 4/25/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9006173

The name of the business: Ederra, located at 1921 Winterwarm Dr., Fallbrook, CA 92028. Registrant Ederra Corp, 1921 Winterwarm Dr., Fallbrook, CA 92028. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 1/12/2024 /s/ Ruchit Mehta, Treasurer with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/19/2024 4/4, 4/11, 4/18, 4/25/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9007223

The name of the business: ChickFil-A Carlsbad West In-Line, located at 5848 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad, CA 92008. Registrant Reese Restaurant Group, LLC, 1349 Topanga Dr., San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by an Limited Liability Company. First day of business: 3/14/2024 /s/ Tyler Reese, Owner with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/3/2024 4/4, 4/11, 4/18, 4/25/2024

very precise cosmological moment, there was an (unimaginable) blinding light, at the very instant of inception. This super cataclysmic light is poignant in that it, perhaps by coincidence, matches what is found in the 4,000 yearold Jewish Torah, which describes in Genesis 1:3 the beginning of the universe: “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.’”

Fanciful physics with a theological spin? Perhaps. Perhaps not.

But, that’s plenty food for thought. If one maintains an open mind, that is.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9006891

N/A /s/ Michael Bernal with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/27/2024 4/4, 4/11, 4/18, 4/25/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9006891

This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: N/A /s/ Glen P. Kiehl, Corporate Secretary with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/27/2024 4/4,

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

Friedrich Gomez