U.S. MILITARY SUICIDES Increasing At Alarming Rate!
By Friedrich Gomez
According to the official database of the U.S. Department of Defense, as well as a 2023 report from the United Service Organization:
“Suicide rates among both active and retired military members have been increasing over the past few years at a most alarming rate.”
MORE U. S. MILITARY DIED FROM SUICIDE THAN FROM BATTLE SINCE 9/11.
Less than two months ago, on 22
May 2024, a most chilling and terrifying official report confirmed what was long suspected:
1. More U. S. military veterans and active service members died from self-inflicted suicide than from all battles and skirmishes in both the Iraq and Afghanistan wars combined.
2. U. S. military suicides are nothing new and are increasing at what is now called a “National Crisis” and “Out of Control.”
3. U. S. military suicides are (more) than 2 ½ times higher than the general population.
BIGGEST MISUNDERSTANDING OF U. S. MILITARY SUICIDES.
One of the biggest problems is misunderstanding the nature of U. S. military suicides.
The first thing people ask is:
“How can anyone do that to their family and loved ones? It’s unforgivable for anyone to commit suicide knowing full-well how much their death will traumatise and torment their spouse, children, family and friends forever. Anyone
who commits suicide is a horrible person.”
This common question, alone, reveals the widespread public misconception about suicide.
The average layperson still does not comprehend the complexity and medical phenomena of “suicidality.” The general public still does not fully understand that people who suffer from deep clinical depression, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other mental health issues, are not – because of their own affliction – not afforded
Suicides from page 1
the option of rational thinking, simply because they are part of their own mental illness.
Deep down, they don’t wish to die.
Nor do they want to leave their cherished loved ones behind.
In this investigative report, let’s take a personal, up-close look at the “face” of suicide by placing you, the reader, in a front row seat to experience personal empathy and better understanding of this complex, rising and deadly phenomena known as military suicide.
“I LOVE YOU, PLEASE FORGIVE ME.” FINAL U.S. VETERAN SUICIDE NOTES LEFT TO LOVED ONES.
DATELINE: Slidell, Louisiana. Misty Morris lived happily with her husband, Anthony. They are the proud and happy parents of two small children, Jasmine and Keola – the pride and joy of their married lives.
Sgt. Anthony Morris is a proud military man in the U.S. Army National Guard.
Give Us This Day Our Daily Chuckle
This week, a compendium of wit, wisdom and neat stuff you can tell at parties. Enjoy!
Why Teachers Drink
The following questions were set in last year’s *GED examination (*General Education Development).
These are genuine answers (from 16 year olds)
Q. Name the four seasons.
A. Salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar
Q. How is dew formed?
A. The sun shines down on the leaves and makes them perspire.
Q. What guarantees may a mortgage company insist on?
A. If you are buying a house they will insist that you are well endowed.
In time, he would become a twotime combat veteran to serve in the raging Afghanistan War.
There, in Afghanistan, Sgt. Morris would see, experience, and mentally internalise the horrifying agony of unrelenting, unforgiving death everywhere.
The terrifying screams and slaughter of innocent children, the death of helpless civilians, as well as seeing the brutal combat deaths of his closest military friends.
He would become a two-time combat veteran, and serve in Afghanistan.
Sgt. Morris, himself, would be badly injured – emotionally and physically – and he would require special treatment in the Wounded Warrior Project at Fort Benning, Georgia.
There, at Fort Benning, it would take almost a full year before he was medically released. Then, shortly thereafter, he was given a full Honorable Discharge.
Sgt. Anthony Morris, the 6-yearveteran who was deployed to Afghanistan, finally came home.
Q. In a democratic society, how important are elections?
A. Very important. Sex can only happen when a male gets an election.
Q. What are steroids?
A. Things for keeping carpets still on the stairs. (Shoot yourself now, there is little hope)
Q. What happens to your body as you age?
A. When you get old, so do your bowels and you get intercontinental.
Q. What happens to a boy when he reaches puberty?
A. He says goodbye to his boyhood and looks forward to his adultery. (So true)
Q. Name a major disease associated with cigarettes.
A. Premature death.
Q. What is artificial insemination?
A. When the farmer does it to the bull instead of the cow.
Q. How can you delay milk turning sour?
A. Keep it in the cow. (Simple, but brilliant)
Q. How are the main 20 parts of the body categorized? (e.g. The abdomen)
A. The body is consisted into 3 parts
But, he returned home . . . a completely different human being.
There was still something deep inside of him that was badly broken.
The emotional carnage of actually living-and-breathing an unspeakable horror in combat – all ravaged his psyche over a span of years – all of which altered him, against his own free will.
Through no fault of his own, he had sudden and terrifying ‘flashbacks’ to the very Hell which mentally and emotionally crippled him for life.
U.S. military veteran, Anthony Morris, was now suffering from (severe) clinical PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder).
He had no idea what demons were within him, nor was he aware and cogent enough to do battle with this insidious, invisible enemy within.
Then, one day it happened. Again.
But this time . . . it was worse . . . and greatly more terrifying than ever before.
- the brainium, the borax and the abdominal cavity. The brainium contains the brain, the borax contains the heart and lungs and the abdominal cavity contains the five bowels: A,E,I,O,U.
Q. What is the fibula?
A. A small lie.
Q. What does ‘varicose’ mean?
A. Nearby.
Q. What is the most common form of birth control?
A. Most people prevent contraception by wearing a condominium. (That would work)
Q. Give the meaning of the term ‘Caesarean section’.
A. The caesarean section is a district in Rome.
Q. What is a seizure?
A. A Roman Emperor. (Julius Seizure - I came, I saw, I had a fit)
Q. What is a terminal illness?
A. When you are sick at the airport. (Irrefutable)
Q. What does the word ‘benign’ mean?
A. Benign is what you will be after you be eight. (Brilliant)
Q. What is a turbine?
A. Something an Arab or Shreik wears on his head. Once an Arab boy reaches puberty, he removes
Not only for himself – but this time . . . for his own beloved wife and precious little children.
U.S. veteran, Anthony Morris, was no longer standing in his own home.
He was faraway, back in Afghanistan.
Standing in his own kitchen, he was now undergoing a severe mind-altering PTSD attack.
He suddenly imagined his own wife and kids as Middle East enemies, planning on attacking him!
Per his military training and instinctive reflexes . . . he grabbed a very large kitchen knife intent on killing his enemies, who were in fact, his own loving wife and his two small, innocent and precious little girls, who adored their daddy.
Screaming in terror and confusion, his wife and two little children ran into the adjacent dining room area, where their two tiny daughters, Jasmine and Keola, were quickly hiding and trembling in stark terror!
Suicides continued on page 3
his diaper and wraps it around his head. (Priceless)
Getting Older
1. I changed my car horn to gunshot sounds. People get out of the way much faster now.
2. Gone are the days when girls used to cook like their mothers. Now they drink like their fathers.
3. I didn’t make it to the gym today. That makes five years in a row.
4. I decided to stop calling the bathroom the “John” and renamed it the “Jim”. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.
5. Old age is coming at a really bad time.
6. When I was a child I thought “Nap Time” was a punishment. Now, as a grownup, it feels like a small vacation.
7. The biggest lie I tell myself is “I don’t need to write that down, I’ll remember it.”
Chuckles
Suicides from page 2
The loud screams and anguished cries of his own children and wife were heard briefly on a frantic phone call that was immediately cut short.
Suddenly, as quickly as it all began, the violent and deadly attack ended.
Inexplicably, Anthony – somehow – snapped out of it!
Standing, shaking, with long knife still in his hands . . . his fingers slowly relaxed and the deadly kitchen knife slipped and fell to the floor.
No one was hurt.
Only terrified out of their wits.
Looking about himself, Afghanistan veteran Anthony Morris suddenly realised what had just happened.
Himself now frightened and not understanding what just happened – he suddenly did not trust himself any longer.
\ He loved his wife – his lifelong love – too much.
And his own small little girls were what kept him alive in the Middle East.
Not trusting himself, Anthony checked into a hotel.
On Saturday, 10 August 2021, he sat down in his hotel room with pen and paper and wrote out his thoughts on four separate pieces of paper.
It was there, alone in his hotel room, that Anthony Morris, U.S. military veteran, killed himself.
When his lifeless body was discovered, there close to him, were 4 suicide notes.
One for his dad, mom, and brother.
One just for his mom.
One for his wife and children.
And one for just his two children.
Not even the altered universe of a suicidal mind could keep him from writing his final love letters to his family.
Not until then, before he left his only world.
Regarding Sgt. Anthony Morris’ tragic bout with PTSD, what follows are his final handwritten goodbye-letters (unedited
and with original spelling errors) which his widowed wife and surviving family members posted (and which went viral) for all to see and read -- so they could honour Sgt. Anthony Morris’ wishes in continuing the fight against military suicides – which he succumbed to -- through no fault of his own.
SUICIDE LETTER #1. “To Dad, Mom and brother Ryan.” I miss you guys. I love you all so much. I’m sorry for what had to happen. Never wanted to hurt anyone. But I’m in a better place – where I know who I am. Here now I can’t be fixed and I can’t take it anymore. Be happy for me.
Dad you’ve allways helped financially everytime and I gotta ask this last time to please look after my Angel Misty and kids. Please. Love you Ma, Dad, Ryan. “No Kaoi.”
(Writer’s note: “No Kaoi” is actually “No Ka Oi” and in Hawaiian it loosely means “The Best.”)
SUICIDE LETTER #2. “Mom. I love you soo much XO. I need to let you know that you can’t blame Misty for any of this. This is me. Misty was allways my better half. She sacrificed soo much for me and the kids. She gave me life, a purpose to try. Please love her for me while I’m gone.
Please help with the kids. I love you more than words. Mom, don’t be sad. Smile for me XO. Love you.
SUICDE LETTER #3. “Wife and children.” Misty, Jasmine, last but not least Keola. I love you all so much. I’m so sorry for all the things I had ever put into your lives. I wasn’t allways this way but I’m unfixable . . . and I can’t take it anymore. Everything will be better this way. None of you ever did wrong in my eyes. Please be stronger than me. Live long and healthy. Misty you’re my Rock. I can’t but I wish I could of showed you truly how much I love you. Your my savior, my angel. I love 637.
(Writer’s note: 637 is popularly thought of as Angel Numbers. Together, these individual numbers 6, 3, 7 when combined together, imply (for some) to be a sign that your guardian angels are trying to send you a message from the divine realm. They want you to find balance in your life and to keep moving forward in your life’s path.)
LETTER #4. “To the Children. The loves of my life. I’m sorry. Daddy just can’t be fixed. No mat-
5
Oodles!
Looking for things to do? Places to go?
Check out Oodles every week for listing of civic and service club meetings, and more! Have an event you need publicized?
Email it to: Lisa.ThePaper@gmail.com
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.
The Music Men Summer Rehearsals
The Music Men Chorus, a North County a cappella choir that sings Barbershop style songs, invites interested men singers, teenaged and older, to attend our summer rehearsals, learn 2 songs, and perform them with us at an outdoor music event in late August.
Come to our Tuesday night rehearsals (July 23 and 30, August 13, 20, and 27), and learn 2 songs (Neil Sedaka’s “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” and Elton John’s/Tim Rice’s “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”). If you find you like Barbershop singing with its its beautiful ringing chords, then you can sing with us at the Playing Music on the Porch event on Saturday August 31 from 2-5 pm in Escondido.
Previous musical training is helpful, but not a requirement to sing with us. We’re looking for men who love singing, who are curious about Barbershop a cappella singing, and are willing to attend 4 rehearsals and learn 2 songs.
We rehearse on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9:30 pm at San Marcos Lutheran Church, 3419 Grand Avenue, in Luther Hall.
For more information about the Music Men Chorus visit our website, musicmenchorus.org, or call Joe Pascucci at (760) 845-3593.
July 19 1:00 Inspiring a Passion for Nature Through Books Georgeanne Irvine, Author* Director of Pub-
Oodles continued on page 14
LIFE Talks are held in person at the MiraCosta College, Oceanside Campus, at 1:00 pm in Classroom 5313 in the Kinesiology Building 5300 (park in Lot 5A, next to the new gymnasium) and by the Internet Application ZOOM.
Local
Palomar Health Medical Group Announces New Interim President
The board of directors at Palomar Health Medical Group and the executive team at Palomar Health are proud to announce they have selected Russ Riehl as Interim President of the medical group. Riehl brings over 21 years of dedicated service to Palomar Health and tremendous success in his dual role as both Palomar Health’s Vice President of Ambulatory Services and Palomar Health Medical Group’s Vice President of Operations.
As the Interim President of Palo-
mar Health Medical Group, Riehl will work closely with Diane Hansen, President and CEO of Palomar Health, to advance their mission.
“Russ has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving our community and leading our teams in finding new and innovative ways to improve the care we provide,” said Hansen. “We have the utmost confidence in Russ’ ability to seamlessly integrate himself in his new role and continue propelling Palomar Health Medical Group in a positive trajectory.”
Exercise Safety First When Hiking in the Heat
There are hundreds of hiking trails available to San Diego County residents and visitors, but it can be dangerous, and even deadly, to not take the heat into consideration before lacing up your boots.
A 50-year-old woman died after leaving a group of hikers she was hiking with and setting out on her own in the Black Mountain Open Space Park in the City of San Diego.
The County routinely closes parks in remote areas due to excessive
Man About Town
When I was a kid, I couldn’t understand why Eisenhower was so popular. Maybe this will explain why.
General Eisenhower Warned Us.
It is a matter of history that when the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces, General Dwight Eisenhower, found the victims of the death camps he ordered all possible photographs to be taken, and for the German people from surrounding villages to be ushered through the camps and even made to bury the dead.
heat to protect hikers, but heat can be an issue on any trail. Often, CAL FIRE/San Diego County firefighters and sheriff’s deputies are called to help rescue people who have become ill or injured while on hikes. In 2024 to date, CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire have responded to 50 hiker rescue/aid calls, though not all were heat-related.
To avoid becoming ill or injured, CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire Capt. Brent Pascua suggests peo-
He did this because he said in words to this effect
‘Get it all on record now - get the films - get the witnesses - because somewhere down the road of history some bastard will get up and say that this never happened’
The UK debated whether to remove The Holocaust from its school curriculum because it ‘offends’ the Muslim population which claims it never occurred. It is not removed as yet. However, this is a frightening portent of the fear that is gripping the world and how easily each country is giving into it.
It is now more than 60 years after the Second World War in Europe ended. This message is in memory of the six million Jews, 20 million Russians, 10 million Christians, and 1,900 Catholic priests Who were ‘murdered, raped, burned, starved, beaten, experimented on and humiliated’ while many in the world looked the other way!
Now, more than ever, with Iran, among others, claiming the Holocaust to be ‘a myth,’ it is imperative to make sure the world never forgets.
How many years will it be before the attack on the World Trade Cen-
ple, especially less experienced hikers, avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day, head out early before it gets hot or later in the day, when it is starting to cool off.
Additionally, he offered these safety tips to help people prepare for hiking in warm weather.
• Choose hikes that are appropriate for your skills and physical condition. Go with the safest option trail in intense heat.
• Stay hydrated. Drink water before, during and after hiking.
• Check weather forecasts and be familiar with the terrain for your trail.
• Let someone know where you will be and when you plan to return. Don’t just rely on your cell phone because it can lose reception in remote areas.
• Hike with others, never alone.
• Bring a backpack or bag with food and water, extra sunscreen to reapply and a flashlight, first aid kit, multipurpose tool or knife and a whistle.
• Park rangers recommend one liter (about a quart) for every 2 to 3 miles. Bring more water than you think you’ll need — and even more water on longer or strenuous trails.
• Non-perishable items like dried fruit, energy bars, trail mix, peanut butter, canned tuna, whole
Local continued on page 14
ter ‘NEVER HAPPENED’, Because it offends some Muslims?
No wonder it offends the Muslims … they sided with Hitler!
Remember when all classrooms had an American flag in them?
Do they even teach our children about the World Trade Center attacks in 1993 and 2001, or did it go the way of Pearl Harbor and Veterans Day?
Don’t even mention Christmas or prayers in school.
To Those of Us Born 1925 - 1955:
To All The Kids Who Survived The 1930’s, 40’s & 50’s
First, we survived being born to mothers who may have smoked and/or drank - While they were pregnant.
They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn’t get tested for diabetes.
Then, after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs.
Covered with bright colored lead-
Letters to the Editor
Great job on Mind Blowing Facts About California. Everyone at my workplace loved it. Big fans of The Paper! FYI, the Escondido Public Library ran out of copies of The Paper on Day One according to a library staff member.
Terry Galloway, North San Diego.
We loved the trivia quiz on California! Chose teams, gals against the men! Amazing, fascinating facts! The girls kicked our butts. A lot
Letters continued on page 14
based paints.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, locks on doors or cabinets, And, when we rode our bikes, we had baseball caps, Not helmets, on our heads.
As infants and children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, no booster seats, no seat belts, no air bags, bald tires and sometimes no brakes.
Riding in the back of a pick- up truck on a warm day was always a special treat.
We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle.
We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle, and no one actually died from this.
We ate cupcakes, white bread, real butter, and bacon. We drank KoolAid made with real white sugar.
And we weren’t overweight.
WHY?
Because we were always outside playing...that’s why!
Suicides from page 3
ter how hard I try to be normal and level headed it allways comes back and even worse. I wasn’t always this bad. Most times I wish I died in afghanistan. I was never right again. What I did had to happen and is nobodys fault but my own. I will always love you Jasmine, Keola & my Rock Misty. Mom, Dad, Ryan, I love you all very much. Could you please look after Misty & the kids while I’m gone.”
(Note: It’s no secret that the U.S. Army National Guard played a large role in the war on terror. Guard and Reserve units made up about 45% of the total force sent to Iraq and Afghanistan, and received about 18.4 percent of the casualties.)
THEY DO NOT WISH DIE. DEEP DOWN THEY STRUGGLE AGAINST SUICIDAL THOUGHTS.
Mental illness, in all its varied forms, are not what the victim chooses. Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), clinical depression, mental flashbacks, are all symptomatic of diseases of the mind which the victim – when they have moments in clarity of mind – they struggle and wish they could be rid of it, and continue living.
These medical diseases of the mind are not a game of choices and something to play with . . . these are deadly scenarios which must be treated and addressed by
Man About Town from page 4
We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.
No one was able to reach us all day ... And, we were OKAY.
We would spend hours building Our go-carts out of scraps and then ride them down the hill. Only to find out that we forgot about brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.
We did not have Play Stations, Nintendo and X-boxes. There were no video games, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVDs, no surround-sound or CDs, no cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet and no chat rooms.
WE HAD FRIENDS
And we went outside and found them!
medical intervention.
As cited in the above example, they, themselves, are confused and frightened of their own behaviour.
Sadly, a part of them recognises their aberrant and dangerous mood swings, and often become confused and terrified at what they have become.
And as with Sgt. Anthony Morris’ flashbacks, they no longer trust themselves around family members and physically remove themselves to another location – sometimes to a hotel, or other place – where they can do no harm to loved ones.
In an ideal situation, they and/or family members should reach out for suicide medical intervention, immediately (details at story’s end).
Sadly, in their last precious moments of life, deep down inside . . . they do not wish to die and leave their family and loved ones behind.
As often recorded in their suicide notes, or final phone calls, in their last precious moments of life –they wistfully and fleetingly wish to live and not die.
And they regret what is about to happen.
Such was the case in the following real-life scenario.
In their last seconds of life, they often show regret in their facial
We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and lost teeth, and there were no lawsuits from those accidents.
We would get spankings with wooden spoons, switches, pingpong paddles, or just a bare hand, and no one would call child services to report abuse.
We ate worms, and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.
We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, 22 rifles for our 12th, rode horses, made up games with sticks and tennis balls, and - although we were told it would happen - we did not put out very many eyes.
We rode bikes or walked to a friend’s house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them.
Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team.
Those who didn’t had to learn to
expression – the instant before they die.
DATELINE: LONG COUNTY, GEORGIA.
His name is Mickey Keeney. He served in the U.S. Army 11C Airborne for 8 years. Keeney served multiple tours in Kuwait and Panama in the 1990s.
His combat tours were unforgiving.
They took both a physical, emotional, and mental toll.
After he was Honorably Discharged from the U.S. Army, Mickey Keeney continued to be plagued by serious knee and back injuries which caused him much discomfort and pain.’
He also would fall victim to PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder).
After his Honorable Discharge, U.S. Army veteran, Mickey Keeney, loved carpentry work, so he did a lot of side jobs where he could work on various houses.
As if troubles were not already enough, his wife ended up leaving him, taking their 3 kids (two girls and a boy) with her to Oregon.
Along with his tortuous and terrifying bouts of PTSD, the divorce and separation from his own wife and children devastated him even more.
Trying his best to re-adjust, Keeney remarried and his son moved back with him, so that helped a little.
deal with disappointment.
Imagine that!!
The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of ... They actually sided with the law!
These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers, and inventors ever.
The past 60 to 85 years have seen an explosion of innovation and new ideas.
We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all.
Mornin’ God.
It’s me again.
Well, you’ve outdone yourself again.
It’s a cool morning. Air is fresh
Keeney started going to the VA Medical Centre because of his back and knees and screening for cancer.
But his medical status was only up to a 45% rating and, thus, he had 6 open cases to reevaluate for a higher rating.
In 2019 he was told that he would be paralysed by the end of 2020 if he didn’t have something done to his back.
This set him way back because the VA kept cancelling his appointments.
By this time, he was in serious pain.
Despite all of his personal afflictions, Mickey Keeney, advocated against military veteran suicides.
And he successfully saved others from suicide.
He was always there, every single time a fellow veteran called him for help.
He, himself, started to feel better.
However, as fate would have it, Keeney’s own son joined the military as a combat medic, and tried committing suicide and ended up hospitalised with PTSD and TBI (TBI is a neurological disorder caused by trauma to the brain, causing a range of impairments in physical abilities as well as thinking, learning, vision, etc.).
Suicides continued on page 12
and sweet and the Night Blooming Jasmine is sharing its sweet aroma with us, thanks to You.
Lots of great things gonna happen today. Don’t know what they are yet but am looking forward to them just the same. At least one of the great things that will happen today is I’ll have our two puppies look deep into my soul with those beautiful brown eyes that see all, tell all, and display total dedication and love, every time they look at me. When you created dogs you sure got it just perfect! Wish some of my fellow human beings were as lovable as dogs. Sometime, when you’re not too busy, maybe you could work on that.
You’ve got more important things to do than listen to an old fella like me . . . I just wanted to check in and let you know I’m still here if you ever need me. Just let me know. As the old saying goes . . .
Man About Town continued on page
New Laws
A number of new laws passed by the State Legislature and signed by the Governor have gone into effect this year.
New laws that went into effect July 1st:
• Drug testing kits must now be made available in bars to prevent date-rapes and drink spiking
• Second Amendment impacts include an 11% tax on all firearms and ammunition sold in California; credit card payment networks will be required to provide a unique identifying code for merchants that sell firearms and ammunition
• Landlords will no longer be allowed to ask for security deposits greater than a single month’s rent
• Employers will now be required to implement a workplace violence prevention plan
• Consumer impacts include a new “Right to Repair” law requiring manufacturers of electronic devices over $50 to make documentation and spare parts or tools available for repair
• Students may no longer be suspended for “minor misbehavior” but the law will sunset in 2029 for grades 6-12 so that the impact of this change can be evaluated.
Laws that went into effect January 1st:
• A streamlined approval process for housing projects developed by religious or higher education institutions will be implemented
• Reform of the Mental Health Services Act to better address current needs and provide greater accountability
• Funding for 11,150 new behavioral health beds along with 26,700 outpatient treatment slots will be provided
• Human trafficking of minors will now be designated a serious felony, and penalties will be enhanced
For better or worse, these are just some of the new laws that went into effect this year. The Legislature is out of session in July, and will re-convene August 5th. Session will end August 31st – more new laws are on the way.
Assemblymember Marie Waldron, R- Valley Center, represents the 75th Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes the cities of Poway, Santee, portions of the City of San Diego, and most of rural eastern and northern San Diego County.
5th District Supervisor Jim Desmond Stopping Human Trafficking
San Diegans will soon see and hear a new County media campaign designed to raise public awareness about human trafficking. This educational campaign includes radio announcements, outdoor billboards, and digital media to inform children, youth, and their peers on how to protect themselves from exploitation.
This was part of an effort I led last year to educate our students about the signs of human trafficking. By arming our students with information about the tactics used by traffickers, we empower them to make informed decisions and recognize when they or their peers may be in danger.
The FBI reports that San Diego is one of the nation’s 13 hotspots for human trafficking.
A recent study by two local universities estimates that there are thousands of victims of trafficking annually here in San Diego, and the average age of victims is 16 years old.
Rarely is the victim kidnapped. Instead, human traffickers are far more likely to lure their young victims by developing a relationship with the youth, often via social media.
by Christopher Elliott
As County Supervisor, I am deeply concerned about the impact of human trafficking on our community. Predators target young girls and boys, subjecting them to a life of sexual exploitation through coercion and manipulation. These victims are thrust into an abyss of despair, their dreams and aspirations shattered and replaced with unimaginable suffering.
Law enforcement and prosecution efforts alone are not enough to stop these human rights violations. Prevention through education, especially at a young age, is the best defense against exploitation, particularly in this era of social media.
To report suspected child abuse or neglect, please call the Child Abuse Hotline at 858-560-2191, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also visit the County’s Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children webpage and the District Attorney’s Protect San Diego Kids webpage for additional resources.
San Diego County District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond, 1600 Pacific Highway, #335, San Diego, CA 92101, United States http:// www.supervisorjimdesmond.com/
I returned my custom outfit to Afrikrea, but they kept my money!
When Alaina Chargois orders an outfit from an online marketplace called Afrikrea, she receives the wrong item. But after she returns it, the merchant doesn’t respond -- and it won’t refund her $230. What should she do?
Q: I ordered a custom outfit from Afrikrea, an online market that sells clothing, jewelry, art and accessories. I received the shipment, but it wasn’t the pattern I ordered and didn’t fit.
I contacted the seller, who did not respond until I sent an email that the return package was back in their city, waiting to be picked up. The seller asked if I’d like a replacement or a refund, but then stopped responding.
I reached out to the Afrikrea site via email and Instagram and didn’t get any support from them either. Can you help me get a refund for the $230 I spent on the outfit, please?
I’ve been waiting for three months. ~ Alaina Chargois, Washington, D.C.
A: Obviously, the merchant on Af-
rikrea should have sent you the right outfit. Based on what you’ve sent me, it looks as if you received the wrong dress, and the merchant just ignored you when you returned the package.
But there are a few issues. First, it looks as if you returned the outfit without a return authorization. Typically, a merchant will pay for your return or at least provide a barcode for a FedEx or UPS package so you can return it to the right place. It looks as if you sent the package back
to the merchant and then notified the business.
Also, it looks like you didn’t contact the platform until after you tried to work out the return with the merchant. I think you should have let Afrikrea know about the problem before -- not after -- you tried to return it.
I checked with Afrikrea about your package. It says you reached out to the platform via its customer care email address (yeswecare@afrikrea.
com) to let it know that you wanted to return your article. An Afrikrea representative says the company replied the same day asking for the order number in order to process your request.
“With no response from her, we did not proceed with her case,” the representative said.
There’s a possible explanation for all of this. It’s possible that you reached out to the merchant and Afrikrea and that they responded. But the emails might have gone to your spam folder. You might have also tried to call Afrikrea. The number is (929) 9995810.
I contacted the company on your behalf. Afrikrea responded quickly and gave you a full refund.
Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy (https://elliottadvocacy.org), a nonprofit organization that helps consumers solve their problems. Email him at chris@elliott. org or get help by contacting him at https://elliottadvocacy.org/help/
Problem Solved
Illustration by Dustin Elliot
By Tom Morrow
At the turn of the 20th century the average American had never traveled more than 50 miles from home primarily because of limited personal conveyance leaving the railroad and the horse as the primary modes of transportation because roads were limited or nonexistent. In good weather the horse (and buggy) were the more popular modes of conveyance, but going more than 10 miles could be a major trip. A horse can go for so long before it (or the need for rest, water and food. Before the Ford Model T going from town-to-town was best accomplished by railroad.
Henry Ford changed America’s availability for personal transportation freedom. The Ford-built Model T was an automobile produced from Oct. 1, 1908, to May 26, 1927. It is generally regarded as the first mass-affordable automobile, which made car travel available to middle-class Americans. The relatively low price was partly the result of Ford’s efficient fabrication,
Historically Speaking
Game Changer: The Ford Model T
including assembly line production instead of individual handcrafting. Known as the “Tin Lizzie,” the savings on each car allowed the price to decline from $780 in 1910 to $290 per car in 1924.
The Ford Model T was named the most influential car of the 20th century in the 1999 Car of the Century competition. The Model T was successful not only because it provided inexpensive transportation on a massive scale, but also because the car signified innovation for the rising middle class and became a powerful symbol of the United States’ age of modernization. With more than 15 million built, it was the most sold car in history before
being surpassed by only the Volkswagen Beetle in 1972.
The first production Model T left the factory on Sept. 27, 1908, in Detroit. Nine years later on May 26, 1927, Henry Ford watched the 15 millionth Model T roll off the assembly line at his factory in Highland Park, Mich. The Model T was Ford’s first automobile mass-produced on moving assembly lines with completely interchangeable parts.
Henry Ford said of his Model T: “I will build a motor car for the great multitude. It will be large enough for the family, but small enough for the individual to run and care for. It will be constructed of the
Travel Troubleshooter
by Christopher Elliott
This Apple Vacations voucher
Cathy Balsewich’s travel advisor offers her a $200 resort credit at a hotel in the Turks & Caicos. Why doesn’t it work -- and who is responsible?
Q: I wanted to book a trip to the Turks & Caicos last year. My travel advisor recommended Apple Vacations, and said it had a promotion that offered a $200 resort credit.
I booked the trip, but when we checked out, a hotel representative said the $200 credit was not valid. It had expired the month before we traveled.
Apple eventually offered us a $200 credit for a future Apple Vacations trip, and said it must be used within a year. This is unacceptable to us because we have no intention of booking another trip, and certainly not with Apple. If this had been properly applied as promised, $200 would have come right off the bill when I checked out.
best materials, by the best men to be hired, after the simplest designs that modern engineering can devise. But it will be so low in price that no man making a good salary will be unable to own one – and enjoy with his family the blessing of hours of pleasure in God’s great open spaces.”
Ford raised workers’ salaries to $5 per eight-hour day, six days a week, the highest in the nation for nonskilled workers. With those wages most Ford workers could afford to buy a car they helped build.
Historically Speaking continued on page 12
doesn’t work! Can I get my money
It’s a small dollar amount in the grand scheme, but it’s just plain rude to offer us the $200 only if we book another trip in the next year. Can you help?
~ Cathy Balsewich, Evergreen Park, Ill.
A: Your resort credit should have worked. And you’re absolutely right, a $200 voucher that expires within a year is not an acceptable resolution.
But just a minute. The terms of your resort credit should have been clearly disclosed when you booked your trip through your travel advisor. I reviewed the offer made through your travel agent and there was no expiration date on it.
Frankly, that should have raised some red flags with your travel advisor. All promotions expire, and your agent should have found out if there were any terms that might
apply to your booking. But ultimately, this was on Apple Vacations to properly disclose and, if necessary, to fix the issue.
You might have asked about the expiration date on your voucher, too -- although you can be forgiven for not doing so. I mean, that’s why you work with a trusted travel advisor. A travel pro can look at a reservation and ensure nothing is missing.
I would have leaned on your travel advisor for help. Agents have insurance that protects them from errors and omissions, and you might have received a quick resolution through your travel advisor. But the travel expert might have also negotiated a settlement on your behalf with Apple Vacations. When I suggested you pressure your travel agent for a solution, you mentioned that your advisor runs a small business in your neighborhood and that you wanted
back?
to be a supportive customer. That’s a great attitude, but you are being supportive of travel agents by holding them accountable.
I list the names, numbers and emails of the Apple Vacations executives on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org. A brief, polite email to one of them might have fixed this quickly.
I contacted Apple Vacations on your behalf. Separately, your travel agent met with Apple and you also sent an email to the company -- a real team effort!
Apple Vacations agreed to refund you the $200.
Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps consumers solve their problems. Email him at chris@elliott.org or get help by contacting him on his site.
© 2024 Christopher Elliott.
Henry Ford
1925 Ford Model T touring car.
Airlines are shedding fees, giving away free stuff, and being extra nice to their customers. Has the world gone mad?
“That’s what I’ve been asking myself,” says Gail Clark, who complained to American Airlines after a recent flight delay and received a lightning-fast response, including a personal apology and 7,500 frequent flier miles deposited to her account.
Clark, a retired CEO from Bluffton, S.C., says she’s used to footdragging and canned apologies. She says something feels wrong.
Sébastien Long has seen it with Southwest Airlines. The flight attendants keep pouring him free drinks whenever something is less than perfect on the plane. And when they do, they dismiss it in their Southwest way, with an, “Oh, I forgot to charge you, and we’re about to land.”
“Honestly, it’s almost too nice,” says Long, who runs an apartment rental company in Houston. “I feel like someone’s going to get in trouble for not charging me.”
The niceness is contagious.
Last month, Spirit Airlines killed its unpopular flight change and cancellation fees. Frontier Airlines did the
Why are airlines being so nice to you?
same. And JetBlue announced that all customers -- even those with a “basic” economy class ticket -- will get a free carry-on bag in addition to one small personal item.
“After the pandemic and the bad press the airline industry was getting this past spring, it seems natural that they would put more emphasis on smoothing nerves and garnering more trust from passengers,” says Anthony Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor.
Why Airlines Say They’re Being Nice
The biggest changes by far are the low-fare carriers like Spirit and Frontier removing their fees.
Barry Biffle, Frontier’s CEO, said the airline made the change because of its promise to “make travel with Frontier as flexible and worry-free as possible.”
“We understand that plans can change, and we want to ensure that when they do, our passengers can adjust their bookings without the stress of additional fees,” he said in a prepared statement.
Spirit’s chief commercial officer, Matt Klein, said in a press release that the airline wanted to change the game by offering “unparalleled flexibility and peace of mind.”
He added, “It’s just the beginning of our pursuit to make affordable
travel easier and more seamless than ever.”
But they left out a very important detail. This spring, the government announced a new rule that requires airlines to tell consumers upfront if they charge fees for changes or cancellations. And that regulation would have made their fares look more complicated and probably led to fewer bookings.
“The airline industry had to be forced by legislation and regulation to do the right thing,” says Bill McGee, a senior fellow for aviation at the American Economic Liberties Project.
Another possible reason: We complained last year. A lot.
The U.S. Department of Transportation last week reported that airline complaints for 2023 were the highest ever, except for the pandemic year of 2020. The agency received 96,853 grievances about air travel, compared to 86,240 in calendar year 2022. The government hasn’t released any numbers for this year yet.
But it’s not just regulation, fed by an almost constant stream of pas-
Nice
continued on page 9
Illustration by Aren Elliott
Nice from page 8
senger complaints. There are other reasons behind the change in customer service attitudes.
When it comes to airlines, things have changed since the pandemic -- in a good way.
“Market dynamics have shifted,” explains Jason Block, CEO of WorldVia Travel Group. “Airlines are looking for ways to attract and retain customers in a more competitive environment.”
One way of doing that is by taking better care of their customers instead of taking them for granted.
Airlines are also seeing an opportunity to distinguish themselves from the competition, according to Andy Palacios, a vice president at App in the Air, an app for frequent air travelers.
“Customers have had many negative experiences with airlines, from poor customer support to hidden fees and unsatisfactory onboard experiences,” he says. “They’re trying to win back some of that business and appeal to customers who previously avoided them.”
Which airlines are the nicest?
Image Source: U.S. Department of Transportation/Elliott Report
It’s difficult to say which airlines are trying the hardest to woo their passengers with better service.
As a group, the “low-cost” carriers like Spirit and Frontier have generated some positive buzz recently -- mostly because of their new relaxed rules.
There have also been reports of legacy airlines like American, Delta and United going the extra mile for customers.
And, of course, there’s always Southwest, which has a legendary reputation for customer service to live up to.
Here’s the thing: The reports of great service are sporadic. Amid the steady stream of complaints I receive as a consumer advocate,
I’ve been getting surprise reports of truly outstanding, pre-deregulation-level customer service. But it’s hard to predict when it will happen -- or which airline will deliver it.
Can the nice airlines last?
Don’t get used to the niceness. Because even if it lasts -- and it probably won’t -- there’s a price to pay.
“There’s no free lunch here,” says Mike Taylor, J. D. Power’s resident airline expert. For every dropped fee, and indeed for every nicety airlines add, you should expect to pay a higher fare. (Just maybe not yet. As the Department of Transportation recently noted, airfares are down 6 percent over the last
year, and they are below pre-pandemic prices.)
But ultimately, airlines have a corporate culture, shaped over the last four decades, that does not favor customers. And for most domestic airlines, it’s one that thinks of passengers as self-loading cargo, as walking dollar signs, to be manipulated with addictive loyalty programs and squeezed for every fee it can legally charge.
“I don’t think it will last forever,” says Radchenko of AirAdvisor, noting that customer service moves in cycles, and we’re just in a brief phase that happens to benefit passengers.
Real change will only come when airlines start thinking of their passengers as people who should be served with dignity, regardless of their loyalty status.
And, unfortunately, the only way that will ever happen is if airline passengers start to prioritize service over cheap fares.
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.
Chuckles from page 2
8. I don’t have gray hair; I have “wisdom highlights”! I’m just very wise.
9. If God wanted me to touch my toes, He would’ve put them on my knees.
10. Last year I joined a support group for procrastinators. We haven’t met yet.
11. Why do I have to press one for English when you’re just going to transfer me to someone I can’t understand anyway?
12. Of course I talk to myself. Sometimes I need expert advice.
13. At my age “Getting lucky” means walking into a room and remembering what I came in there for.
14. Actually I’m not complaining because I am a Senager. (Senior teenager) I have everything that I wanted as a teenager, only 60 years later. I don’t have to go to school or work. I get an allowance every month. I have my own pad. I don’t have a curfew. I have a driver’s license and my own car.The people I hang around with are not scared of getting pregnant. And I don’t have acne. Life is great.
Behind Every Great Man is a Greater Woman!
One day, the Churchill couple walked through a posh neighbourhood in London.
People greeted and exchanged words with the Prime Minister.
A street sweeper, on the other hand, greeted Ms. Churchill in particular, and the two stayed aside for a while in a familiar conversation.
Churchill then asked his wife what she had had to discuss with a street sweeper for so long. “Ah... he was in love with me a long time ago,” she said.
Churchill smiled and said, “You see, if you had married him, you would be the wife of a street sweeper today.”
Mrs. Churchill looked at her husband in amazement and said the legendary words “But no Darling, if I had married him, he would be Prime Minister today.”
Yogi Berra
Lawrence Peter Berra played Major League Baseball for 19 years for the New York Yankees.
He played on 10 World Series Championship teams, is a MLB
Pet Parade
Lovebird
Lovebird is Rancho Coastal Humane Society’s pet of the week. She’s a 2-year-old, 7-pound, female, Domestic Short Hair cat with a Torbie (Tortoiseshell / Tabby) coat.
Lovebird was a stray cat who was taken to a shelter, then transferred to Rancho Coastal Humane Society through Friends of County Animal Shelters (FOCAS.) She’s shy but learning to trust people.
The $100 adoption fee for Lovebird includes medical exam, spay, up to date vaccinations, and registered microchip.
Visit Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas or log on to www. SDpets.org.
Open 11 to 4, Thursday through Monday, and by appointment Wednesday.
Hall of Famer and has some aweinspiring stats. His name is consistently brought up as one of the best catchers in baseball history, and he was voted to the Team of the Century in 1999.
Amazing accomplishments aside, they probably aren’t how you know Lawrence . You know him as Yogi, a nickname given to him by a friend who likened his cross-legged sitting to a yogi. Yogi is famous for his fractured English, malapropisms and sometimes nonsensical quotes. Yogi departed Mother Earth in 2015 at the ripe old age of 90. There seems to be no end to his fans love for him.
Here are a few Yogi Berra quotes that will make you shake your head and smile.
1. “It’s like deja vu all over again.”
2. “We made too many wrong mistakes.”
3. “You can observe a lot just by watching.”
4. “A nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore.”
5. “He hits from both sides of the plate. He’s amphibious.”
6. “If the world was perfect, it wouldn’t be.”
7. “If you don’t know where you’re going, you might end up some place else.”
8. “The towels were so thick there I could hardly close my suitcase.”
San Diego Humane Society is supporting families and their pets who need a little extra help.
Through the Community Pet Pantry, anyone can visit our campuses to pick up a bag of dog or cat food, and other supplies, as available.
No appointment is needed for this service. Hours are Tuesday-Sunday from 10am to 6pm.
El Cajon 373 N. Marshall Ave.
Escondido 3500 Burnet Drive
Oceanside 572 Airport Road
San Diego 5480 Gaines Street
Pet of the Week
Pita
Meet Pita, a one-of-a-kind pup who radiates joy and love! Pita is known for his friendly demeanor and a pleasant disposition that warms the hearts of everyone around him. He’s a true companion, always eager to engage in a playful game or to offer a comforting presence. His personality is truly one of a kind, making him a delightful addition to any home. Pita’s foster family reports that he’s an avid adventure-seeker — whether he’s finding the best sniff spots on a walk, leaping into a pond or engaging in a high-speed tennis ball chase, he makes every moment more exciting! Adopting Pita means you’ll bring home a loyal companion, a lifelong snuggle buddy, a partner in adventures and a reason to smile each day. Email escadoptions@ sdhumane.org if you’re interested in adopting Pita (908468) through San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido Campus at 3500 Burnet Dr. Through July 31, adoption fees are just $25 for all puppies, kittens, dogs and cats, including Pita! If you have questions about the adoption process, you can visit sdhumane.org/adopt or call 619-299-7012.
Online profile: https://www.sdhumane.org/adopt/available-pets/animalsingle.html?petId=908468
Computer Factory
845 W. San Marcos Blvd. 760-744-4315
Bob Dylan wrote and sang this song in 1964. Reading the lyrics sixty years later might give you cold chills. Dylan’s lyrics paint a perfect picture of our place in today’s rapidly changing World. This week’s column looks at some of the familiar things that are likely to follow the Dodo to extinction in the 21st century.
1. The Post: Office Email, Fed Ex, and UPS have just about wiped out the minimum revenue needed to keep the post office alive. Most of your mail every day is junk mail and bills. As folks eventually stop paying and receiving bills by mail, the post office will disappear.
2. Paper checks: Check usage to-
“No dogs in the bedroom!”
I was surprised when a friend blurted that out. We had known each other for 20 years.
We even produced telethons to raise money for animals. But when I pointed at a big, fluffy dog and said, “I’ll bet that dog takes up half of the bed,” he went bonkers.
“Don’t tell me you let your dog sleep with you!”
Of course I let my dog sleep with me. She will alert me to strange sounds, snuggle, and protect me, if necessary.
day is a fraction of what it was 20 years go. It costs the financial system billions of dollars a year to process checks. Plastic cards and online transactions will lead to the eventual demise of the check.
3. Print Newspaper: Younger generations simply don’t read the newspaper. The rise in mobile Internet devices and e-readers has pushed newspaper and magazine publishers toward Internet based subscription services.
4. Books: You can browse a bookstore online and read a preview chapter before you buy. Internet books are half the cost of paper books. Soon nearly everyone will be screen-flicking instead of turning pages. Move over Dodos, here come the books.
5. Land Line Telephones: You don’t need it anymore. Most people keep it simply because they’ve always had it. You already have a smart phone. Do you really need a land line?
6. Man made music: The music industry is slowly dying. The dearth of innovative new music plus download banditry is partially to blame. Over 40% of the music purchased today are “catalogue items,” from older established artists. Those artists also dominate the live concert circuit, Musical scores created by AI (artificial intelligence) combined with record-
ed instrumentation are replacing live musicians.
7. Television: Revenues To the networks are down dramatically. People are watching TV and movies streamed from their computers. And they’re playing games and doing Internet based activities instead of watching TV. Cable rates are skyrocketing and commercials run about every four minutes and 30 seconds. Good riddance for most of it.
8. Handwriting (Cursive Writing): Already gone because most schools no longer teach “joined handwriting”. Today nearly all writing is done with some kind of key-touch device.
9. Privacy: It’s been gone for quite a while. There are cameras everywhere, on the streets, in public and private places, in your PC and “smart phone”. “They” know
who you are, where you are and what you’re doing. If you look up something on the IW (intelligent web), it takes note of your interest and informs zillions of sellers who will inundate your browsing with pleas to buy their product, again and again and again.
10. PCs: The age of the PC as a stand-alone workstation is over. The PC revolutionized day to day tasks in homes and businesses all over the World in the late 20 th century. In the 21st century, AI and broadband technology combined to create today’s high speed IW. PCs are simply one of many devices that access the speed and intelligence of the IW. The IW does all the work and PCs are mere Input / Output terminals with a display.
Move over Dodo birds.
I got my first dog when I was six. She slept in the entryway to our house. Her bed was a blanket in a box. I asked Mom and Dad why she slept out there. They said that the farm dogs they had when they were kids always slept in the barn. They never even considered letting our dog sleep in the house, much less in my bed.
Dogster.com said medical professionals used to discourage people from sleeping with their pets, but now they’re changing their minds.
One article said sleeping with your pet can be good for your physical and emotional health. Another said we share companionship and love with our dogs, even while we’re asleep.
Most dogs prefer sleeping with their humans even more than they like sleeping with other dogs. They get security and comfort just being near us.
I walked around our office at Ran-
cho Coastal Humane Society and conducted an impromptu, highly un-scientific poll.
Elizabeth said her dog sleeps at the foot of the bed.
Linda told me her dog sleeps on her pillow, almost on her head.
Cy’s dog sleeps in the bedroom, but in a dog bed on the floor.
When I asked Mikala and Michelle if they slept with their dogs, they
both shot back, “Yes!” Doug was a “No.” Between a new baby and unusual hours, a dog on the bed doesn’t work for now. Understandable.
Devin doesn’t have a dog right now, but if he did, it would definitely sleep on the bed with him.
Mary wants her dog to sleep on the bed, but her cat won’t let it.
There’s no right or wrong. Do what makes you and your dog happy.
Suicides from page 5
His son’s medical afflictions, including suicidal thoughts, caused Keeney further torment and added worry.
Deep down inside, Mickey Keeney always struggled with depression and anxiety.
He could openly carry firearms in Georgia, so he always had his pistol on him.
Some nights, he would hold his pistol to his head and calmly ask: “What if I just pull the trigger now?”
Not fully understanding PTSD, his family would often just say, “Shut up, you’re not going to do that!”
The evening of 15 April 2020 wasn’t supposed to be any different.
He had a busy day working outside in the yard and could barely move because of the pain in both his knees and back.
Despite the anguish and pain, when his wife came home from work, he cheerfully told her: “Hello beautiful.”
She immediately began yelling at him about going into her daughter’s room and moving small items around. He tried to tell her that their dog did it, but she wouldn’t listen.
It escalated from there.
At about 5:40 p.m. that same evening, Mickey Lee Keeney of Long County, Georgia, once again held a pistol under his chin and calmly said: “How about I just end this now?”
Unlike the previous times . . . this time the gun went off!
“We are telling ourselves it was accidental . . . because that’s what’s getting us through all of this,” his deeply anguished wife says today.
But, the very last look on his face – just before he died -- is what still haunts her today.
As with most suicides, the victims – deep down inside – don’t really wish to die. They do not wish to leave their families.
To this day, she recalls: “The look on his face, just when the gun went off . . . was an expression of instant regret.”
He died within a second.
The look of regret and confusion still on his face.
U.S. Army veteran – a multiple veteran who toured Kuwait and Panama . . . was now dead at age 42.
Feeling lost and depressed and with the heavy feelings of guilt upon herself, his wife often strolls about outside where he once found happiness working in the back yard.
Her eyes often stop and stare at his truck.
\ His truck was his escape from everything. It was his citadel. His last fortress of hope where he could feel safe and protected.
“He would sit in that truck, every night,” she would recall.
And there, inside his truck, he would sit every night and listen to music and call family and friends from there.
Note: The family chose to make their story known to honour Mickey Lee Keeney, who advocated and fought for suicide prevention and saved many of his friends, only to tragically fall victim to suicide, himself. They wish to make his story known so that others may be spared the same agony by using suicide prevention resources, listed at the end of this cover story.)
FOCUSING & EDUCATING THE PUBLIC ON U.S. MILITARY SUICIDES.
A few years ago, I wrote a cover story on suicide among the general U.S. population.
This time, I wish to focus on my military brothers and sisters.
U.S. military veterans are at a whopping 72% higher risk of suicide than civilians who have never served in the military.
WE OFTEN FORGET WOMEN ARE PART OF U. S. MILITARY & ALSO AT SUICIDE RISK.
People often forget that women are an important part of our U.S. military – and that they, also, are at a much higher risk of suicide than their female civilian counterpart.
Especially as their military roles increase and they are more widely subjected to the horrors of war, which is never a pleasant business.
Please take a moment to read the following so that a better understanding, insight, and perspective may be attained by the reader
Suicides continued on page 13
Man About Town from page 5 Historically Speaking from page 7
“Your wish is my command.”
Have a great day. After all, You made it.
Amen.
Dear Lyle
Welcome back, it’s been a while since we’ve heard from you. As I recall, the last time we checked, you were having some problems with my boy, JC. Happy to hear you express appreciation for the Jasmine, I spent a lot of time with that one to get it just right.
Your suggestion that I need additional work on “your fellow humans” is a matter of concern to me. I fear you may be somewhat confused about my reasons for making puppies. They can’t really look into your soul, unless you are incredibly shallow. After all they are just dogs. We made them trusting and forgiving, offering unconditional love with no strings attached to serve as an example of the behavior I expect from you.
Focusing on the puppies misses the point. I certainly don’t mind your appreciating them and they are cute and cuddly but their purpose is not to serve as a toy for you, it is to show you how I want you to live.
I am certain that once you understand this and become more “puppylike” your problems with “unlovable” humans will disappear. I am encouraged that you appreciate those qualities in my puppies and hopeful that you will learn from them. That’s a good boy Lyle.
Your one and only
God
(The above message, directly from God, came to us thanks to the technical genius of Paul Van Middlesworth, owner of The Computer Factory in San Marcos, CA. He has set up a direct computer link to “The Man Upstairs” and His Heavenly Mansion on a Hill.)
The Model T has a front-mounted 177-cubic-inch inline four-cylinder engine, producing 20 horsepower for a top speed of 42 mph. According to Ford Motor Company advertising, the Model T had fuel economy of 13 to 21 mpg. The engine was capable of running on gasoline, kerosene, or ethanol.
The ignition system used in the Model T was an unusual one, with a low voltage magneto incorporated in the flywheel, supplying alternating current to trembler coils to drive the spark plugs. This was closer to that used for stationary gas engines than the expensive high voltage ignition magnetos that were used on some other cars. This ignition also made the Model T more flexible as to the quality or type of fuel it used. The system did not need a starting battery, since proper handcranking would generate enough current for starting. Electric lighting powered by the magneto was adopted in 1915, replacing acetylene gas flame head lamps and oil lamps, but electric starters were not offered until 1919.
The Model T engine was produced for replacement needs as well as stationary and marine applications until 1941, well after production of the Model T ended. The Fordson Model F tractor engine, that was designed in the mid-twenties, was very similar to, but larger than, the Model T engine.
The Model T is a rear-wheel three speed drive vehicle but in actuality it is a two-speed, because one of the three speeds is reverse. The righthand floorboard pedal operates the transmission brake … there are no brakes on the wheels. The floor lever also controls the parking brake, which is activated by pulling the lever all the way back. This doubles as an emergency brake.
Henry was very accommodating when it came to exterior color of the Model T. “Customers can have any color they want as long as it’s black,” he would say. After years of coaxing, his son, Edsel, finally won the “paint argument” as well as the introduction of the newly designed “Model A” in 1927. By 1932, the Ford Motor Company had begun mass-producing the revolutionary “V-8” engine, which continues to be the standard design for many mid-to-large size American vehicles.
Henry Ford died April 7, 1947, at age 83, but he witnessed the beginning of our nation’s massive highway system to accommodate the millions of vehicles he and other automobile companies have put on the road. If you enjoy the personal freedom of driving to work or taking a vacation across the nation, thank Henry.
SERVICE DIRECTORY
Suicides from page 12
regarding the phenomenal rise of military suicide, particularly, among U.S. women through the years:
1. On 28 April 1993, former U.S. Secretary of Defence, Les Aspin, issued a historic order that allowed women to fly in combat missions. Unknown to most every American, women have been combat pilots engaged in actual combat missions for over 31 years now.
2. In 2013, the U.S. Pentagon lifted the ban on women serving in “direct ground combat roles.” For over eleven years now, women have served as vehicle drivers, mechanics, and even infantry officers in charge of their troops in direct ground combat missions.
3. Since the Al-Qaida terrorist attacks at the Twin Towers on 11 September 2001, more than 300,000 (i.e. more than a quarter million) U.S. military women were deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. They often found themselves on the frontlines, involved in heavy firefights.
In Iraq and Afghanistan, a total of 166 women were killed during combat operations and over 1,000 were wounded.
4. Women are the fastest growing group in the U.S. military Veteran population. Women know it’s not
MIGHTY MOJO
an easy job and that they could be killed by enemy fire or blown up. But they comprise a fiercely patriotic group who deeply care and wish to serve our country. For civilians, that may be difficult to comprehend.
5. U.S. military women are not immune to combat-related conditions, such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), clinical anxiety, depression, and suicide. Especially as their duties and exposure to war have greatly increased. In 2021, there were 350 suicide deaths among women Veterans.
6. Women who have served in the U.S. military have a 166.1% higher risk of suicide than civilian women.
NOTE: Although the number and rate of suicides for male veterans have been historically higher than for female veterans, the adjusted suicide rate for female veterans jumped by 24.1 percent from 2020 to 2021, according to U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs data released just 3 months ago on 5 November 2024.
EVERY 11 MINUTES SOMEONE THINKS ABOUT OR ATTEMPTS SUICIDE.
According to the official database records and research reports from the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), countless millions of everyday Americans (seriously) think about suicide each and every day.
It is estimated by the CDC and the American Psychiatric Association that every 11 minutes, somewhere in the U.S. – someone either thinks about or attempts suicide.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY TOPS THE STATE WITH HIGHEST U. S. MILITARY SUICIDES.
San Diego County is home to the nation’s largest concentration of military personnel. More than 15,000 active duty service members transition out of active duty service in San Diego County each year.
As such, San Diego County has the highest U.S. veteran military suicide rate in the entire state of California.
(Source: In accordance with Assembly Bill 242 (Chapter 222, Statutes of 2017), the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has created this annual injury data brief on California Veterans (those who have served in the United States Armed Forces) who died by suicide.)
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I’M WORRIED ABOUT SOMEONE – OR EVEN MYSELF?
If you believe someone is in danger of suicide, contact your law enforcement immediately for help. Also contact the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988, then press 1 to chat online. They are available 24/7 (in English and Spanish) and are a confidential
crisis support for veterans and loved ones.
Or if you wish, you can just talk to them, confidentially, on what is troubling you – an issue about yourself, or someone else -- and seek their guidance.
For more information, visit their website and learn more: https:// www.veteranscrisisline.net
SPECIAL THANKS & DEDICATION:
To all the active and retired military veterans and families who have asked me to help promote wider public awareness in combating military suicides – this story is dedicated.
Special Thanks to former U.S. Army military veteran and editor and publisher of The Paper, Lyle E. Davis – without whom this cover story would never have seen the light of day.
Oodles from page 3
lishing San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Press Georgeanne will share inspiring wildlife stories from her award-winning non-fiction Hope and Inspiration Children’s Book Collection which features true stories about real animals from the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park who have also overcome challenges in their lives.
July 19 2:30 Who Wrote Shakespeare? Robert Mayberry, Cal State University San Marcos William Shakespeare of Stratford did not write the plays credited to his name. So, who did? We will examine seven of Will’s contemporaries to see if one of them emerges as the strongest candidate.
July 26 1:00 Update on TriCity Hospital Dr. Ma MD, FACEP, CEO Tri-City Healthcare District Gets an update about Tri-City Medical Center, a full-service acute care hospital with three primary care clinics and over 500 physicians practicing in over 60 specialties.
July 26 2:30 Olympic Spirit & Importance of Sport Clete Adelman, MCC Faculty Join us for a prelude to tonight’s Olympic Opening Ceremony from Paris. To fully appreciate the determination and personal drive that goes into competition at this level, Coach Adelman will provide a glimpse into the motivational and physical direction that decades of his tutorship have afforded young athletes.
* Speaker has books or CDs for sale.
To join a Zoom meeting, LIFE must have your email address in order for you to receive the invite link. Meetings will start at 12:45 pm (you can join 15 minutes earlier) and the speaker will start at 1:00 pm. Email: life.miracosta@ gmail.com
To Donate to the LIFE Scholarship Fund: Write a check to MiraCosta College Foundation; Mail it to: One Barnard Dr., MS 7; Oceanside, CA 92056. In the memo area put: LIFE Scholarship Fund. Or go to: https: //foundation. miracosta.edu/donatenow and you can donate online. There is a “dropdown” box to indicate the donation will be credited to the LIFE Scholarship Fund. The QR code on this page can also be used.
***
Weekday Wellness & Fun
for Seniors
11am - Noon McClellan Senior Center
Calling all seniors! Looking for a way to add some excitement to your weekdays? Look no further! From 11 am until noon, join us at the McClellan Senior Center for a
variety of engaging activities designed just for you!
• Unleash your creativity in our lively art class on Mondays.
• Test your luck and socialize with friends in a thrilling game of bingo on Tuesdays.
• Enjoy some friendly competition with games and cards on Wednesdays.
• Keep your mind sharp with trivia and brain games on Thursdays.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect, have fun, and make new memories with fellow seniors. Mark your calendars and join us for a fulfilling and enjoyable time at McClellan Senior Center! For more information, call 760.643.5288.
***
Gloria McClellan Senior Center July Activities 1400 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista
July 18, 11am Vegan Voyage with Chef Dennis, Herban Eats
July 19, 12:30 Guess Who’s Coming to Lunch Reveal
July 24, 12:30 Birthdays & Anniversaries Celebration
July 25, 11-12 Christmas in July with live music by Lou Rosgen and holiday refreshments.
July 29, 12pm Culinary Adventures Around the World during lunch at the Park Terrace Cafe. This new monthly activity will highlight the food, music, and sights of France.
To register for these events or for more information, call 760-6435288. To read their July newsletter online visit https://www.cityofvista.com/home/showpublisheddocu ment/30331/638550902610064564
***
Community Education Series
Join us for 5 sessions on the 3rd Monday of each month (10:00am to noon)
July 15 - Fall Prevention & Hydration
August 19 - Caregiver Burnout & Dementia
September 16 - Navigating Medicare and MediCal (Medicaid)
October 21 - Grief and Loss
November 18 - New Topic Introduction
Presented by Hospice of the North Coast and the Senior Service Council of Escondido
Free to attend at 728 North Broadway, Escondido – Oak Room. Please register for each session by phone 760-480-0611 or at https:// bit.ly/3xr4MQG
Volunteers Needed
Senior Service Council Escondido
Currently seeking reception volunteers to join our team. Can you spare 3 hours a week? Since 1972, SSCE has provided various services, support groups, tech tutoring and healthcare counseling for seniors in our community.
Skills: Reception Desk customer service plus some computer experience, appointment scheduling, emails & website searches is great!
Bilingual volunteers encouraged to apply. Please stop by for more info and an application.
Senior Service Council Escondido 728 N Broadway Escondido (760) 480-0611 http://www.escondido-senior-services.org
Local from page 4
grain crackers and jerky are a perfect, healthy snack. They provide fuel to boost your energy levels and to make up for lost calories.
• Don’t forget your hat and sunglasses and apply sunscreen.
• Dress in layers of breathable, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes that you can take on and off, based on the temperature and can prevent sunburns.
• Good boots provide grip in rocky and slippery areas, but they also provide a thick layer of protection from the hot earth.
• Follow posted safety rules.
• Print out a map of the trail to bring along to stay on track. Prolonged exposure to heat can cause disorientation or heat stroke.
• If your body temperature gets too high during a hike, you run the risk of suffering heatstroke. Heatstroke is usually caused by dehydration, which leads to the failure of the body’s natural temperature control system. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, muscle cramps, nausea, disorientation, lack of sweat, and loss of consciousness. If you start to experience any of these signs, stop and find a shady area along the trail where you can rest, drink water and refuel with a healthy snack. If symptoms persist, call 911.
• Leave your dog or dogs at home. Dogs get overheated easily. Never leave your pet in the car. On an 85 degree day, a car can reach 102 degrees in 10 minutes and soar upward to 120 degrees –even with the windows down an inch or two.
• If you do take your dog, bring plenty of water for your pet and please don’t walk your dog on hot pavement, asphalt or sand in the heat, it will burn their paws.
Letters from page 4
was lucky guessing on both sides. Had a helluva good time and learned a whole lot about California that shocked us! We never know what surprises The Paper will throw at us! The dog that was Mayor had us hysterical with laughter! But it’s true!!!! Great job!
Kenneth Martin Warren & family. Escondido.
Lyle Davis, thanks for the most incredible quiz I’ve ever taken in my life!!!! The answers seemed impossible, but true!! Really made my day! You’re such a Sweetheart! Luv The Paper!
Caroline Douglas Escondido ***
We can’t begin to tell you just how much fun your recent front cover story “Mind-Blowing Facts About California” was to the entire community, here and everywhere! Great educational source for students to learn new historical facts in a most fun and entertaining way! Who said learning can’t be fun? Taking a fun interactive multiple-choice quiz was great fun for us, our friends, our co-workers, and many student-aged kids! Our friends from inland to Encinitas had a ball. Thanks Lyle E. Davis, publisher of The Paper and to your brilliant writer Friedrich Gomez who is widely loved by all.
Sincerely, Jim Solrac family & friends from Valley Center, Escondido, San Marcos, Oceanside, Encinitas.
Lyle, we loved the fun California quiz by Friedrich Gomez in The Paper (July 11 issue). Amazing how such towering facts about our own state of California can remain hidden and unknown all these many years! Great job!
Patrick Flannigan, North San Diego County
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME
STATEMENT 2024-9011586
The name of the business: In-
spired Practice Strategies, located at 528 Peach Way, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, Inspired Practice Strategies LLC, 528 Peach Way, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: 1/30/2024
/s/ Justine Bautista Godkin, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/3/2024
6/27, 7/4, 7/11, 7/18/2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME
STATEMENT 2024-9012813
The name of the business: Hope Dawning Coaching Services, Hope Dawning, located at 2113 Silverado Street, San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, Tracy Baker, 2113 Silverado Street, San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business:
N.A
/s/ Tracy Baker with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 6/18/2024
6/27, 7/4, 7/11, 7/18/2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT 2024-9012904
The name of the business: Pair It!, Pair It! Food & Wine, located at 445 Marine View Ave., St 300, Del Mar, CA 92014. Registrant, Skyler Cooper Forest Stokes, 445 Marine View Ave., St 300, Del Mar, CA 92014. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Skyler Stokes with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 6/20/2024
6/27, 7/4, 7/11, 7/18/2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME
STATEMENT 2024-9012424
The name of the business: 4Potentia, located at 440 Stevens Avenue, Ste 200 - #1087, Solana Beach, CA 92075. Registrant, Potentia Health, Inc., 200 Spectrum Center Drive, Ste 2100, Irvine, CA 92618. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 01/01/2024 /s/ Jade Beautler, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/13/2024
6/27, 7/4, 7/11, 7/18/2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME
STATEMENT 2024-9010487
The name of the business: Carlsbad Sunset Senior Apartments, located at 1003 Chinquapin Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92008. Registrant, HILP-Apartments, LLC, 10490 Camino Del Venado, Valley Center, CA 92082. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: 3/22/2019
/s/ Harold CJ Coykendall, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/15/2024
6/27, 7/4, 7/11, 7/18/2024
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME
37-2024-00027813-CU-PT-CTL
TO ALL INTERESTED PER-
SONS: Petitioner Tiffany
McLaurin AKA Tiffany A. McLaurin, AKA Tiffany Annette McLaurin filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: Tiffany McLaurin AKA Tiffany A. McLaurin
AKA Tiffany Annette McLaurin to Proposed name Tiffany Annette Manos. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be
granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objections that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
NOTICE OF HEARING:
Date: July 29, 2024, 8:30 am, in Dept. 61
No hearing will occur on above date. Please see attachment The address of the court is: 330 West Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101. A copy of the Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Marcos News Reporter, dba, The Paper, 845 W. San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, Ca. 92078. Dated June 14, 2024 /s/ Maureen F. Hallahan, Judge of the Superior Court 6/27, 7/4, 7/11, 7/18/2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9013338
The name of the business: Easy Choice Wireless, located at 5621 Palmer Way, Carlsbad, CA 92010. Registrant, VTG Mobile Inc, 5621 Palmer Way, Carlsbad, CA 92010. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 1/1/2023 /s/ Robert Feasel, COO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/26/2024 7/4, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25/2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT 2024-9012989
The name of the business: Dragonfire3d, located at 2476 Osborne Terrace, Vista, CA 92084. Registrant, Noah Camden Bailey, 2476 Osborne Terrace, Vista, CA 92084, and Lily Ann Bailey, 2476 Osborne Terrace, Vista, CA 92084. This business is operated by a General Partnership. First day of business: 6/5/2024 /s/ Lily Ann Bailey, General Partner with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/20/2024 7/4, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25/2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT 2024-9012828
The name of the business: Hayes Physical Therapy and Wellness, located at 6433 Estrella Ave., San Diego, CA 92120. Registrant, Chelsea Patrice Hayes, 6433 Estrella Ave., San Diego, CA 92120. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Chelsea Patrice Hayes with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/18/2024
7/4, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25/2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT 2024-9013751
The name of the business: Escondido Family Chiropractic, located at 235 W. Fifth Ave., Ste 100, Escondido, CA 92025. Registrant, Kevin Hubert bugg, 235 W. Fifth Ave., Ste 100, Escondido, CA 92025. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Kevin Hubert Bugg, DC with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 7/2/2024
7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/1/2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME
STATEMENT 2024-9013328
The name of the business: Ligntnin’ Lids, located at 3326 Hollowtree Dr., Oceanside, CA 92058. Registrant, Kino Suarez,
LEGALS
3326 Hollowtree Dr., Oceanside, CA 92058. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 6/1/2024
/s/ Kino Suarez with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 6/26/2024
7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/1/2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME
STATEMENT 2024-9011963
The name of the business: V & R Auto & Furniture Upholstery, located at 601 S. Santa Fe Ave., Vista, CA 92083. Registrant, Alfredo Ramirez, 601 S. Santa Fe Ave., Vista, CA 92083, Raphael Ramirez, 601 S. Santa Fe Ave., Vista, CA 92083. This business is operated by a General Partnership. First day of business: N/A /s/ Alfredo Ramirez with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 6/6/2024
7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/1/2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME
STATEMENT 2024-9014011
The name of the business: Lashed By Kimmy, located at 16621 Dove Canyon Rd #113, San Diego, CA 92127. Registrant, KP Esthetics LLC, 979 Woodland Pkwy 101-44, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: N/A /s/ Kim Oanh Pham Kaelin, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 7/8/2024 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/1/2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT 2024-9013685
The name of the business: Pacific Pro Exterior Clean, located at 3372 Sagewood Hills Rd., Vista, CA 92084. Registrant, Daniel Alan Williams, 3372 Sagewood Hills Rd., Vista, CA 92084. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 4/20/2024
/s/ Daniel Alan Williams with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 7/1/2024 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/1/2024
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF Robert Kegley Schmorleitz Case No. 37-2023-000-40309
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO 1100 Union Street San Diego, CA. 92101
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate or both, of Robert Kegley Schmorleitz. A Petition for Probate has been filed by Guadalupe Herrera in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA. 92101 Central Courthouse. The Petition for probate requests that Guadalupe Herrera be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause
why the court should not grant the authority.
A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows:
Date: October 1, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Dept: 503
Address of court: Same as noted above.
If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within four months from the date of first issuance of letters as provided in Probate Code section 9100. the time for filing claims will not expire before four months from the hearing date noticed above. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.
Attorney for petitioner: Guadalupe Herrera 932 N. Fig St. Unit C, Escondido, CA 92026
442-278-6211
DOP: 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/1/2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT 2024-9011531
The name of the business: San Juan Dental, located at 1955 Cherrywood St., Vista, CA 92081. Registrant, Leoni Dental Corporation, 1955 Cherrywood St., Vista, CA 92081. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: N/A /s/ Rachel Leoni, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/31/2024
7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/1/2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
STATEMENT 2024-9014235
The name of the business: In Ingredients, located at 440 Stevens Ave., Ste 200-#1087, Solana Beach, CA 92075. Registrant, Potentia health, Inc., 200 Spectrum Center Dr., Ste 2100, Irvine, CA 92618. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 1/1/2024
/s/ Jade Beutler, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 7/10/2024
7/18, 7/25, 8/1, 8/8/2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9012979
The name of the business: Roush Real Estate, Cap Inc., Cap RE, Cap Real Estate, located at 325 Kentfield Dr., San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, Commercial Appraisal Profesionals Inc., 325 Kentfield Dr., San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 7/1/2019
/s/ Eric Roush, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/20/2024
7/18, 7/25, 8/1, 8/8/2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT 2024-9012204
The name of the business: Higgs Luxury Real Estate, Higgs Real Estate, located at 2131 Palomar Airport Road, Suite 200, Carlsbad, CA 92011. Registrant, Marlina Higgs, 1224 Weaver Street, San Diego, CA 92114. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 6/10/2024
/s/ Marlina Higgs with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 6/10/2024
7/18, 7/25, 8/1, 8/8/2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9013230
The name of the business: Oceanic Woodworking, located at 603 Seagaze Dr., #121, Oceanside, CA 92054. Registrant, Steven Michael McKellar, 603 Seagaze Dr., #121, Oceanside, CA 92054. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 6/28/2024
/s/ Steven Michael McKellar with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/25/2024
7/18, 7/25, 8/1, 8/8/2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9014490
The name of the business: Ludicrous Detailers, located at 142 Martin St., Oceanside, CA 92058. Registrant, Octavio Alexander Vences, 142 Martin St., Oceanside, CA 92058. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 7/15/2024
/s/ Vences, Octavio A. with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County
Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 7/15/2024
7/18, 7/25, 8/1, 8/8/2024
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME 37-2024-00030187-CU-PT-NC TO ALL INTERESTED PER-
SONS: Petitioner Lily Nevaeh Morton filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: Lily Nevaeh Morton to proposed name Lily Navaeh Pirc. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objections that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
NOTICE OF HEARING:
Date: August 16, 2024, 8:30 am, in Dept. 25
No hearing will occur on above date. Please see attachment The address of the court is: 325 S. Melrose Dr., Vista, CA 92081. A copy of the Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Marcos News Reporter, dba, The Paper, 845 W. San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, Ca. 92078. Dated June 28, 2024 /s/ Brad A. Weinreb, Judge of the Superior Court 7/18, 7/25, 8/1, 8/8/2024
Introduced Ordinance No. 2024-1544
Ordinance No. 2024-1544 - an ordinance of the City Council of the City of San Marcos, California, repealing and replacing Municipal Code Title 12 regarding Motor Vehicles and Traffic. Ordinance No. 2024-1544 was introduced on July 09, 2024, and will be presented to the City Council for adoption on July 23, 2024. A certified copy is posted in the office of the City Clerk at 1 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos, CA. Phillip Scollick, City Clerk, City of San Marcos. DOP 7/18/2024
First, I discovered America, then I discovered
The Paper
Ever since I can remember I’ve had the burning desire to discover new places, new adventures. Because of this, I set out to discover a new country . . . and I was successful. I even ventured inland a great many miles where I discovered a place I called Minnesota. “This,” I thought, “would be a great place for Scandinavians.” So I headed back to Norway to recruit settlers. While I was gone, some clown named Columbus claimed he discovered America. Life ain’t fair. Except life also give us The Paper. I read it whenever and wherever I go exploring and only buy from those who advertise in The Paper. It’s a Viking thing.
Your friend Eric the Red
