December 19, 2024

TRUCE OF WORLD WAR I The Christmas Miracle

By Friedrich Gomez

By any stretch of the imagination, it should never have happened. And yet it did. Something unbelievable transpired 110 years ago that still brings scholars together to re-examine the events and attempt to understand how the seemingly impossible was, in fact, made possible.

It was said to be a Christmas miracle truce of World War I.

Of all the unusual events of 20thcentury warfare, no singular “miraculous event” has captured the imagination of the entire world as

this one. To this very day, it remains a towering mystery.

Amidst a most terrifying landscape of relentless bloodshed and unspeakable horror, a totally unexpected, unexplained moment of peace and goodwill would, suddenly, overshadow the evil deeds of deadly enemies who, just moments before, were at each other’s throatlatch.

The unfolding of this most unlikely event is replayed countless times by contemporary historians who still hold seminars, author books, and write theories all in search of a ra-

tional answer. But, in the final analysis – they all still remain amazed and befuddled.

Simply put, the so-called Christmas miracle truce of World War I just refuses to be explained – at least by any rational, Earthly standards.

Well, as the olde adage has it: “The best place to start is at the beginning.” So, come along with me as we talk to the world’s foremost war historians today and listen to what they have to say.

And also read the personal letters and diaries of men in the trenches

that day who were first-hand witnesses.

THE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE TRUCE.

On 7 December 1914, Pope Benedict XV begged for an official truce between the warring countries, at least during the holy Christmas holidays. In part, the pontiff implored: “That the guns may fall silent at least upon the night the angels sang.”

The Pope’s plea was “officially” ignored by the combatant nations involved.

Miracle from page 1

The realities of war had run too deep, and the first-hand experiences of witnessing agonising death had only hardened the hearts of opposing sides. And strengthened the resolve to seek revenge.

The Germans were attacking France, engaging French and British troops at the Battle of Marne in September of 1914. In the following Battle of the Aisne, the Allied Forces and the Germans fiercely fought with neither side openly winning, all of which declined into somewhat of a stalemate. As such, opposing forces dug-in with a system of fortified trenches. From deep trenches, war continued. Peering in-and-out of dirt ravines the enemies fought against one another. By November of 1914, there was a continuous “front line” which ran from the North Sea to the Swiss frontier. On both sides of this front line sat opposing armies, fighting each other – often at close quarters – from deep within their respective bunkers.

MULTIPLE TRUCES, NOT JUST ONE.

Give Us This Day Our Daily Chuckle

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

Police were called to a day care where a three-year-old was resisting a rest.

Did you hear about the guy whose whole left side was cut off? He’s all right now.

The roundest knight at King Arthur’s round table was Sir Cumference.

The butcher backed up into the meat grinder and got a little behind in his work.

••••

My abs hurt from all the sit-ups I just laughed at myself for thinking about doing.

••••

When an atheist called him a “moron” for believing in God, Dr. Ben

During these conflicts from opposing dirt trenches, truces would occasionally develop between British and German fighting units, which can be dated as early as November 1914. This was not one single, organised truce running at exactly the same days and along the entire length of the front lines. Quite the contrary. Where there may have been a temporary truce in one particular region, elsewhere along this same front line -- Allied and German soldiers were being killed.

SEPARATING MYTH FROM FACT.

The ongoing myth that there was one, single giant truce during the Christmas season between warring factions is unanimously disputed by the world’s foremost war scholars. Professor Alan Stanley, author of over 30 historical books and Head of Historical Research from Australia explains: “It wasn’t one truce but a whole series of spontaneous truces.”

There is no question that these miraculous truces during the First World War have been tarnished with nostalgic exaggeration. In his-

Carson responded with one brilliant line that put the atheist in his place. “I believe I came from God, and you believe you came from a monkey,” he told the individual, “and you’ve convinced me you’re right.”

••••

On a “one-night stand”, who stands?

••••

Schubert had a horse named Sara. Schubert’s Sara neighed.

••••

I wore sandals to church today.

‘Cause that’s what Jesus would do. Mine were Birkenstocks. I don’t think Jesus had those.

••••

When a bee gets trapped in the car with me, I look like I’m in a slap fight with Liberace’s ghost.

••••

I am simply appalled. I just found out that they make chicken out of dead birds.

••••

The Burgundy Mercedes I bought over a year ago isn’t the best but it gets me from Point A to Point B. AAA tows me to Point C.

torical fact, the so-called Miracle Christmas of World War I has been romanticised to the extreme where it barely resembles its true self. The esteemed war historian, Dr. Alan Stanley has never been hesitant in pricking the balloon of historical fantasy. In 2001, the award-winning professor pointed out historical errors in the ABC Television accounts of the Second World War POW camps in Singapore. In the same vein, Prof. Stanley explains the so-called Christmas Day Miracle Truce of 1914 as being overly-exaggerated and hyped beyond recognition. “In some sectors, you couldn’t put your head above the parapet for fear of snipers and artillery fire,” Prof. Stanley says.

However, Dr. Stanley does concede that at other locations along the front lines, the ‘miracle’ did, in fact, begin to unfold. But it was far different as portrayed on TV dramas and countless pageants around the world. It was still a potentially deadly scenario with little or no guarantees.

“Indeed, about 80 British soldiers were killed in fighting on Christmas Day,” Professor Stanley says, along this same front line.

••••

Day 3 of riding this bike and I still can’t find my way out of Toys R Us.

••••

When you drink Vodka over ice, it can give you kidney failure,

When you drink Rum over ice, it can give you liver failure.

When you drink whiskey over ice, it can give you stomach problems

When you drink Gin over ice, it can give you brain problems.

Apparently, ice is really bad for you.

Warn all your friends.

••••

Me? Behave? Seriously... As a child I saw Tarzan strolling naked. Cinderella arrived home after midnight. Pinocchio told lies. Aladdin was a thief. Batman drove over 200 miles an hour. Snow White lived in a house with 7 men. Popeye smoked a pipe and had many tattoos, and in later years, Pac-Man ran with digital music eating pills that enhanced his performance. The fault is not mine!

••••

What actually occurred needed no hype or romanticising; those moments of miraculous truces stand on their own merits as unprecedented moments of modern warfare.

ACTUAL LETTERS FROM SOLDIERS DURING THE WWI MIRACLE

TRUCE.

British second lieutenant, Bruce Bairnsfather (1887-1959), who served throughout the war, was one soldier who experienced the truce first-hand and the camaraderie which followed after he left the safety of his trench to mingle and talk with the erstwhile deadly German enemy. In a personal homebound letter he wrote:

“I wouldn’t have missed that unique and weird Christmas Day for anything. I spotted a German officer, some sort of lieutenant I should think, and being a bit of a collector, I intimated to him that I had taken a fancy to some of his buttons. I brought out my wire clippers and, with a few deft snips, re-

Miracle continued on page 3

Wow – We can now all start playing with the same rules as Murphy!

Rule 1.a.5: A ball sliced or hooked into the rough shall be lifted and placed on the fairway at a point equal to the distance it carried or rolled into the rough with no penalty. The senior should not be penalized for tall grass which ground keepers failed to mow.

Rule 2.d.6 (B): A ball hitting a tree shall be deemed not to have hit the tree. This is simply bad luck and luck has no place in a scientific game.

The Senior Player must estimate the distance the ball would have traveled if it had not hit the tree and play the ball from there.

Rule 3.B.3(G): There shall be no such thing as a lost ball. The missing ball is on or near the course and will eventually be found and pocketed by someone else, making it a stolen ball. The player is not to compound the felony by charging himself or herself with a penalty.

Rule 4.c.7(h): If a putt passes over the hole without dropping, it is deemed to have dropped. The law of gravity supersedes the Rules of Golf.

continued on page 3

Chuckles

Late Breaking News!

Miracle from page 2

moved a couple of his buttons and put them in my pocket. I then gave him two of mine in exchange.”

(Eventually attaining the rank of Captain in the British Regiment, (Charles) Bruce Bairnsfather became a well-established, prominent British cartoonist during World War I with his cartoons published weekly in “The Bystander” magazine.)

HENRY WILLIAM WILLIAMSON (1895-1977).

English Army officer, Henry William Williamson, served in the Regiment’s 1st Battalion and went to France, entering the Western Front trenches in the Ypres Salient where he would later witness (and took part) in the Christmas Truce between his own British forces and German troops. Weeks later, in January of 1915, Williamson was relieved from the winter trench warfare when he came down with ‘trench foot’ and dysentery. He was evacuated back to England, but, he never forgot that most unexpected Christmas Miracle which transpired in the middle of “No Man’s Land.”

SIR EDWARD HAMILTON WESTROW HULSE (1889-1915).

British officer, Sir Hulse’s letters describing the Western Front Christmas Truce were published as a collection after his death. It remains, today, as well-documented actual witness accounts of a ‘miracle’ that seemed even beyond the comprehension of its participants who lived it. Hulse would never recover from the unexpected shock of witnessing and living the Christmas Miracle, as he described it:

“Every sort of souvenir was exchanged (between the enemies outside their respective trenches), and photos of families were shown, etc. It was absolutely astounding, and if I had seen it on (a newsreel) film, I should have sworn that it was faked!”

There would be a congenial exchange of British cigarettes and German cigars. The entire peaceful ordeal and goodwill towards erstwhile enemies, all taking place on a bloody battlefield still strewn with dead bodies, seemed too much for the human mind to process:

Sir Hulse recalled in his letter: “I saw to my amazement, not only a crowd of about 150 British and Germans in front of my lines, but six or seven such crowds (of British and German soldiers) all the way down, extending toward the 8th Division on our right!”

(Note: Sir Edward Hulse’s name

can be viewed today on the Salisbury War Memorial in Wiltshire, England. Hulse’s remarkable participation in the ‘miracle truce’ has been re-told in a variety of world publications, including America’s Reader’s Digest (1930 issue, as well as subsequent issues).

UNUSUAL TRUCE EPISODES.

The Christmas truce occurred in different sections along the Western Front Lines, on different dates ranging from December 23, 24, and on Christmas day. Scholars today debate on the veracity of organised football (soccer) matches and Christmas trees shared amongst opposing sides. Such accounts are (mostly) scrutinised as being overly embellished accounts, although such reenactments will, no doubt, continue with a ‘life of their own’ as portrayed by numerous movies, fictitious TV dramatisations and pageant plays. One account mentions a British soldier having his hair cut by a pre-war German barber. Another episode recounts a pig roast between enemy camps and organised soccer matches and decorations of Christmas trees. Contrary to popular legend, there is little to confirm such events. As some World War I scholars point out:

“The majority of the famous 1914 Christmas Day football matches, it appears, were either third-hand accounts based upon rumours or games that never happened.”

One such historian, Dr. Iain Adams of the University of Kent, England, has offered authoritative comments about the First World War truce football activity for newspapers and websites across the world, including the United States, Canada, Pakistan, Poland, and Germany.

Dr. Adams believes Christmas truce football matches have been “romanticised” and were not the organised games many believed them to have been, but there may have been a few soldiers that participated in a kick-about.

According to Dr. Adams:

“In some places I have no doubt at all that they played football on Christmas Day (1914) but it was not a football match. I suspect what happened in two or three places was the lads would start kicking a can about and someone would have brought a football so in two or three places a real football would have been used.”

Adams points to several examples of soldiers describing “football substitutes.” One WWI participant described “a cap-comforter stuffed with straw,” while another soldier

Oodles!

Looking for things to do? Places to go?

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

Email it to: Lisa.ThePaper@gmail.com

The Paper goes to print on Tuesday morning. You ar E mor E L ik ELY T o g ET P ub L is HE d if Y ou:

• Submit your press release by the previous Friday.

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

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

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

music men Chorus Looking for guys Who Love To sing a Cappella

Do you like “a cappella” singing? (No Accompaniment). Want to sing in a chorus that sings 4-Part, Close-Harmony Songs with beautiful ringing chords?

If you answer “Yes!”, come visit the Music Men at a Tuesday evening rehearsal and try Barbershop Style singing. We always welcome visitors to sing with us.

We sing a variety of song stylesromantic ballads, patriotic songs, pop tunes, songs from movies and musicals, gospel/inspirational songs, and Holiday music - at public events and private venues in North County.

The Music Men rehearse most Tuesday evenings from 7:00-9:30 p.m. at San Marcos Lutheran Church, 3419 Grand Avenue, San Marcos 92078, in Luther Hall.

Contact Joe Pascucci at (760) 8453593 or joevalp@cox.net. Or check our website, musicmenchorus.org.

Chuckles from page 2

Rule 5.f.3(y): Putts that stop close enough to the cup that they could be blown in, may be blown in. This does not apply to balls more than three inches from the hole. No one wants to make a travesty of the game.

Rule 6.a.9(k): There is no penalty for so-called “out of bounds.” If penny-pinching golf course owners had bought sufficient land, this would not occur.

The senior golfer deserves an apology, not a penalty.

Rule 7.G.15(z): There is no penalty for a ball in a water hazard, as golf balls should float. Senior golfers should not be penalized for manufacturers’ shortcomings.

Rule 8.k.9(S): Advertisements claim that golf scores can be im-

Chess at Park avenue Community Center Home of Escondido Senior Center 210 Park Avenue, Escondido 760-839-4688

Chess players of all skill levels are welcome every Wednesday in the shuffleboard building from Noon –3 p.m. Friendly games with large boards and pieces provided. Follow the signs or ask at the front desk for directions.

Cardiff Farmers Market Every Saturday • 10am - 2pm

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

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

proved by purchasing new golf equipment.

Since this is financially impractical for many senior golfers, one-half stroke per hole may be subtracted for using old equipment.

Please advise all your senior friends of these important rule changes.

Two women were sitting next to each other at a bar. After a while, one looks at the other and says, ‘I can’t help but think, from listening to ya, that you’re from Ireland.’

The other woman responds proudly, ‘Aye, I surely am!’

Local

CEo of Palomar Health addresses recent financial Concerns

CEO of Palomar Health, Diane Hansen has issued the statement below regarding their recent finaicial concerns:

“Hospitals throughout the state face increasing challenges from rising costs and falling revenues. Palomar Health is no different. Although expected to compete with the large systems, Palomar Health has always fought to remain an independent, public hospital, dedicated to its community. As a recent article notes, sometimes that means changing services to reflect patient needs, and sometimes means Palomar Health will face unusually high financial pressure. The good news is that Palomar Health’s Board of Directors, its management team, its doctors, its nurses and its key lenders and partners are united in ensuring Palomar Health remains a healthy and strong participant in the healthcare of North County San Diego. Thus, while Palomar Health is certainly under financial pressure, there is no reason to think it will need to enter bankruptcy. Palomar Health’s leadership wants the community to know it is not going anywhere, and that it will continue to work toward improving the health of North County San Diego.”

Man About Town

Received this email last week from good friend and major talent, Tom

Lyle,

All good things come to an end. I don’t have to tell you how hard it is to keep things going at 85 years.

A combination of health problems within my family tells me it’s time to retire.

I’ll finish out the year with my final column on Dec 26.

About Palomar Health

Established in 1948, the awardwinning team at Palomar Health provides the most comprehensive health care in North San Diego County through its two medical centers and more than 900 affiliated medical providers serving more than half a million people. Palomar Health is nationally recognized as operating one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals; a Best 100 Hospital for joint replacement and orthopedic surgery; a Best Hospital for stroke care, heart care and bariatric surgery; a Diabetes and Stroke Center of Excellence; and a Blue Distinction Center for spine surgery, cardiac care and maternity.

Through its network of providers, Palomar Health offers medical services in virtually all fields of medicine, including primary care, cardiovascular care, emergency services, trauma, cancer, orthopedics, women’s health, behavioral health, rehabilitation, robotic surgery and bariatric surgery at offices strategically located throughout the North San Diego County region. For more information, please visit PalomarHealth.org.

Local News continued on page 5

My thanks for keeping me in the public eye.

Thanks again, Ol’ friend, Tom

And so we approach the close of a brilliant career by an outstanding newspapermanh, public relations guru, reporter, columnist, historian, friend of celebrities, stars, as well as the common man . . .and equally elderly hewspaper editors (Tom is 85, I’m 86.).

Tom has been doing his column with us, weekly, for the last 10-12 years (time passes quickly when you’re having fun . . and reading Tom’s columns was fun!)

He handled publicity for the Hotel Del Coronado . . including the time when the movie, “Some Like it Hot,” was filmed with Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis and .... what was that blonde’s name again? Oh, yeah . . Marilyn Monroe. He has been an important part of the the San Diego Union Tribune, the Coast News, the original Escondido Times Advocate . . . and most recently . . us.

We shall miss his weekly missives as, I’m sure, you will as well.

Tom and I both grew up in the midwest . . .we’ve both had wonder-

Letters to the Editor

A while back you wrote in your Man About Town column that if there are “people watchers” at the La Jolla VA Hospital that they no doubt have a ball whenever your writer Friedrich Gomez takes you there because he is so animated and often walks along, waving his arms and (this is the part I love): he often dances to music that only he can hear!!! My husband, two teenage kids, and I just fell so in love with Friedrich!!! Lyle, we all got such a laugh from your description of how adorable he is and how people at the VA just seem to have a ball just watching him, that I had to take several copies of The Paper to work and place them in the lunchroom! Well, throughout the day all the girls at work were saying “He

ful careers in the media . . .and we both have the greatest readers on this entire planet!

You will be missed, Tom. Enjoy your retiremennt!

(Tom’s final column will appear in next week’s edition.) ***

Some additional thoughts . . . .

THE OLD PATHS

I liked the old paths, when Moms were at home. Dads were at work.

Brothers went into the army. And sisters got married BEFORE having children! Crime did not pay; Hard work did; And people knew the difference. Moms could cook; Dads would work; Children would behave. Husbands were loving; Wives were supportive; And children were polite. Women wore the jewelry; And Men wore the pants. Women looked like ladies; Men looked like gentlemen; And children looked decent. People loved the truth, And hated a lie.

sounds so adorable and precious I think I’m in love!” And the menfolk said they’d be damned proud of meeting him because even though Friedrich writes like a college professor he’s not a pompous ass!! As luck would have it, just a few days ago we saw HIM in Oceanside at the Beach Break Cafe with his girlfriend and a number of others. Lyle, he’s EVERYTHING you described so accurately in your Man About Town weekly column! So boyish, innocent, and full of life and not ashamed to show it. We love you Lyle! Even more for taking care of him and being protective of him as you said in your column “I have become very protective of Friedrich. If anyone would try to harm him, they’d have to deal with me.” Lyle, you made us cry with those words. Always watch over him as we can tell he is very vulnerable and naive. God bless you Lyle and The Paper always!!

Caroline Douglas, San Diego County.

To submit a letter to the editor, please email thepaper@cox.net. Please be respectful, limit your letter to a maximum of 300 words and include your full name, e-mail address, town, and a valid phone number where you can be reached. Letters will not be published anonymously. Letters are subject to editing. Please no hand written letters.

They came to church to get IN, Not to get OUT!

Hymns sounded Godly; Sermons sounded helpful; Rejoicing sounded normal; And crying sounded sincere. Cursing was wicked; Drugs were for illness. The flag was honored; America was beautiful; And God was welcome! We read the Bible in public; Prayed in school; And preached from house to house.

To be called an American was worth dying for;

To be called an American was worth living for;

To be called a traitor was a shame! I still like the old paths the best. ***

This weekend while you are unpacking your winter blankets and you come across a few old ones, please donate them to your local shelter. While you’re on your way down to your local shelter with your blankets stop at the pet store, buy a few toys for some shelter animals. When you get there ask them if you can walk a shelter dog or pet a shelter cat. Who knows? Maybe you will find your NEW BEST FRIEND or a play mate for your other BEST FRIEND..

Lyle,

The end of an era . . .

Morrow . . .

Miracle from page 3

explained, “Some of our boys tied up a sandbag and used it as a football.” Other descriptions tell of “made-up footballs” such as a “bully-beef tin.”

FACTUAL ACCOUNTS.

The so-called Christmas Miracle Truce was widespread along the front lines (but not universal).

Evidence reveals that in many segments along the Western Front lines, hostilities continued without cessation. Sadly, in at least two ‘truce attempts’ soldiers attempting to fraternise with the enemy during the Christmas season by peacefully leaving their trenches unarmed, were shot by opposing sides.

However, a miraculous truce did prevail in widespread fashion involving an estimated 100,000 troops on opposing sides along various routes. In some areas, hostilities returned later that same

Local News from page 4

day. And in other places, hostilities stopped until after New Year’s Day.

According to the Associated Press, the last surviving male veteran from the Christmas Truce of 1914 was Alfred Anderson who passed away in 2005 at the great age of 109. Only 18-years-olde at the time, British Black Watch regiment soldier, Anderson, recalled: “The eerie sound of silence” when shooting stopped during the Christmas Truce of World War I. He remembers how it all began:

“All I heard for two months in the trenches was the hissing, cracking and whining of bullets in flight, machine-gun fire and distant German voices.” Anderson was in a French farmhouse behind the front lines.

Then suddenly, it all happened.

“But then, there was a dead silence that next morning, right across the land as far as you could see. We shouted ‘Merry Christmas,’ even though nobody felt merry.”

Escondido declares Local Emergency

High Levels of bacteria in Escondido Creek

The City of Escondido is taking decisive action to address significantenvironmental and public health concerns in the Escondido Creek near Harmony Grove area,following initial testing of water conditions demonstrating contamination related to encampments in the area.

A proclamation of local emergency has been declared, with critical measures planned to protect community health, safety, and the environment. The emergency proclamation will enable City staff to act swiftly to address risks posed by contamination in the creek bed area, ensuring the health of residents and safeguarding natural resources. Recent water quality test results show elevated bacteria populations that include:

• Coliform bacteria populations are 2 to 3 times higher than generally acceptable standards for safe and sanitary human contact, while Enterococcus bacteria levels are generally 7 to 14 higher than acceptable standards for human contact. One location near an encampment showed an Enterococcus population over 23 time the acceptable standard.

• Both Coliform and Enterococci are typically used as so-called “indicator” bacteria whose presence is indicative of the overall bacteria population.

• The presence of trash and human waste, coupled with the bacteria populations indicate both harm to

But then it all changed. It was like a miraculous dream when peace and goodwill among men truly prevailed.

Anderson recalled British and German troops swapping cigarettes and even singing Christmas carols together. But then, the silence ended. After all, this was war forced upon combatants by respective nations. Anderson sadly reminisced: “The silence ended early in the afternoon and the killing started again. It was a short peace in a terrible war.”

Indeed, it was a terrible war, one of the deadliest conflicts in the history of the human race with over 16-million people left dead. Total number of both military and civilian casualties is, of course, much higher.

GENERALS WERE HATED, AS THEY WANTED FIGHTING TO RESUME.

The unrehearsed spontaneity of the Christmas Truces begat by ordinary men in savage combat, needs no additional embellishments or passionate exaggeration. The very fact that this humane truce transpired at all, involving an estimated 100,000 combatants, along a most treacherous and deadly terrain spanning 440 miles from the North Sea to the Swiss frontier with France – is in itself, a most fantastic occurrence by any measure.

The high command on both the British and German sides ordered the fighting to resume and called for the peaceful armistice initiated by their own soldiers to abruptly end. As such, the generals on both sides were hated by their respective regiments.

Serjeant George Ashurst (18951988), member of the British Army remembered how the generals on both sides of the conflict were hated because they wanted the mi-

the waterway and an unsafe human living condition.

The City is providing advance notice to those affected in the area, and contacting nearby residents and businesses.

This effort will include collaboration with local non-profit service providers, regulatory agencies, and community partners that include:

• Turn Behavioral Health Services

• North Inland Mental Health Center

• Serenity House

• Interfaith Community Services

• YMCA Transitional Aged Youth Services

• Office of Homeless Solutions

• Neighborhood Healthcare

• Love Esco

• McAlister’s North Inland

Regional Recovery

• San Diego Rescue Mission

• Acadia Healthcare Comprehensive Treatment Center

The Church of God, Escondido will serve as a staging area for outreach and support services during this process. To secure the area, fencing will be installed to prevent further damage and contamination, while invasive vegetation and debris will be removed to help restore environmental health. Ongoing efforts include establishing a security plan, monitoring the site, and conducting a second phase of cleanup once the fencing is in place.

“This is not an overnight process,” emphasized Chris McKinney, Deputy City Manager “While you will see progress, ratifying the emergency order, securing necessary resources, and connecting people with support services are essential first steps before fencing or other remediation efforts can begin.”

The City recognizes that homeless-

ness is a complex issue that requires compassion and collaboration. This declaration aims to protect public health and the environment while providing necessary resources and support to those affected.

“We understand the sensitivity of this issue, especially during the holiday season,” said Sean McGlynn, City Manager. “Our goal is to balance urgent environmental, public health and safety needs with empathy for those impacted by these actions.”

On December 16 at 4 p.m. the City will hold a special City Council meeting to ratify the City Manager’s proclamation of local emergency and request that the Council allocate 4 million dollars from City reserves to address the public health and environmental risks associated with the area.

The City will also provide regular updates to ensure transparency and maintain open communication with residents and stakeholders.

Miracle continued on page 12

5th District Supervisor Jim Desmond

Putting Community safety first

The safety of our community should always be the government’s top priority. Last week, I was disheartened when the Board of Supervisors, in a 3-1 decision, voted to designate San Diego as a “Super” Sanctuary County. I was the lone dissenting vote, and I believe this policy is both reckless and dangerous.

To be clear, this is not about mass deportations or separating families. It is about ensuring that individuals who are in our country illegally and have committed serious crimes are held accountable for their actions. Public safety is not a partisan issue; it’s a fundamental responsibility of government.

This new policy goes beyond California’s already expansive Sanctuary State laws by actively shielding individuals who have committed violent and heinous crimes from deportation. Under this measure, law enforcement is prohibited from notifying federal immigration authorities (ICE) about individuals convicted of crimes such as: Rape and stalking, Assault and battery, DUI, Burglary, Child abuse and more.

Let’s be clear about what this means:

people who have been convicted of these appalling crimes will be allowed to remain in our communities without any cooperation between local law enforcement and federal authorities. This isn’t about protecting families or vulnerable individuals—it’s about shielding violent offenders from accountability.

The real victims of this policy are the mothers, fathers, children, and families who may be harmed by individuals this measure protects. Instead of prioritizing their safety, this decision undermines it, creating an environment where even those convicted of serious crimes can evade justice.

San Diego deserves better. Our policies should reflect our commitment to justice and safety for all residents, regardless of political ideology. Let’s focus on what truly matters: protecting our communities and ensuring that no one— regardless of their immigration status—is above the law.

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

Travel

When Carl Helwing tries to cancel his Uber One membership, he ends up with a $99 overcharge -- and a confusing paper trail. Can he get his money back?

Q: I’m trying to resolve a problem with my Uber One membership and recurring Uber Eats errors.

I’ve been trying to cancel my Uber One membership. Uber wouldn’t let me, so I disputed the charge with Amex, provided the documentation, and they gave me a credit.

One month later when I urgently needed a ride, I discovered I was locked out of my account until I paid $99. After hours on chat with the customer service department, a representative told me to pay the $99, and then it would be credited back by Uber. Only if they did the credit back, would it unlock my account.

I paid the $99, but upon getting a

Travel shaming reaching epidemic proportions. But

Leah Frazier recently posted a video to her social media accounts about her adventures in Dubai, which included attending brunch at one of the Gulf state’s legendary luxury hotels.

“The video showed a group of travelers having the time of their lives,” says Frazier, who runs a marketing agency in Dallas.

But the comments were angry and demeaning. Why did she fly halfway around the world just to eat brunch? How could she be so culturally insensitive? Wasn’t she embarrassed by her behavior?

“I got a lot of ‘shame-on-you’ responses,” she recalls.

Frazier is not alone. Although travel shaming is a practice that’s as old as travel itself, it’s been picking up some momentum lately. During the pandemic, many Americans mistakenly thought they had acquired a license to tell each other how they could travel. And then growing climate change awareness lit a fire under this phenomenon.

Now, anyone who travels could get travel-shamed. That includes you.

what’s the cure?

What is travel shaming?

If someone scolds you for traveling too much, they’re travelshaming you.

The shaming can take several forms:

Environmental travel shaming. Think Swedish flygskam, which became trendy just before the pandemic. Most air travel harms the environment, so there’s plenty of embarrassment to go around.

Political travel shaming. That’s where you visit a hostile country such as North Korea or Iran or a place with a large indigenous population and a history of exploitation.

Animal travel shaming. If you go on a Big Five hunting expedition in Africa or even do a swim-with-the-dolphins experience, you might undergo shaming from those concerned about animal welfare.

Shaming continued on page 8

by Christopher Elliott

i can’t cancel my uber one membership.

you get my money back?

“pending” credit, later I reached out again and identified that only $56 had been credited back, not the full $99.

I then chatted again, and after a long back and forth, multiple con-

tacts, and explaining the issue several times, I finally got a call. An Uber representative confirmed for me and documented in the chat that the $99 charge from earlier, that currently showed as pending, was voided, along with the $56 credit,

which was also voided.

But today I discovered that the $99 charge actually did go through, and was not voided. Uber now says it doesn’t do live calls and refuses to resolve my problem. Can you help me get my $99 back?

~ Carl Helwing, Antioch, Ill.

A: Uber should have refunded you without making you go through all that. This is some tangled mess Uber’s gotten you into.

First, let’s get a few terms out of the way. Uber One is a subscription service that offers discounts on Uber and Uber Eats. A membership costs $9.99 per month or $96 per year.

You were experiencing problems with Uber Eats, so you decided to

Troubleshooter

Illustration by Dustin Elliott

By Tom Morrow

One of the great friendships I made during my half-century of covering entertainment personalities was with Hall of Fame song writer Hugh Martin, who lived for many years in North San Diego County. His most memorable work was for the 1945 Warner Brothers’ Judy Garland film “Meet Me in St. Louis.”

Noted concert pianist Kevin Cole, also was a close friend of Hugh. He told me Since World War II, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” has been the most requested and played songs of the holiday season, even surpassing Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas.”

“I’ve seen one of his annual royalty checks ... each year they usually run six or seven digits,” Kevin told me several years ago. The song continues to be a most popular piece at Christmas time, including the present season.

Hugh said he wrote the lyrics, for five Broadway musicals: Best Foot Forward (1941); Look Ma, I’m Dancin’! (1948); Make a

Uber from page 6

cancel your subscription. A representative told you that you would get a full refund for your annual subscription. But then you didn’t, so you disputed the charge on your credit card. After you won the dispute, Uber locked your account until you paid up, but promised to refund you -- and then didn’t.

Everybody with me so far?

Credit card chargebacks are a last resort for billing disputes, for a variety of reasons. One of the reasons, which is not often discussed, is that it can lead to you being banned until you pay what the company says you owe. This is particularly problematic with ridesharing and car rental companies. You could win a car rental dispute and still lose because you’re banned. I have more details on how to handle a credit card dispute in my free guide on

Historically Speaking

‘Have Yourself a merry Little Chrismas’

Wish (1951); High Spirits (1964) (music and lyrics, with Timothy Gray); and Meet Me In St. Louis (1989), a stage version of the film with an expanded score Hugh and Ralph Blane. He composed the songs for the London West End musical Love from Judy (1952).

Hugh was born in Birmingham, Alabama, the son of Ellie Gordon (Robinson) and Hugh Martin, an architect. He attended Birmingham-Southern College, where he studied music.

Martin’s first Broadway credit was as an arranger for the 1937 musical Hooray for What! and was a vocal or choral arranger for such later Broadway musicals as The Boys From Syracuse (1938–39), Too Many Girls (1939–40), DuBarry Was a Lady (1939–40), Cabin in the Sky (1940–41), and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1949–51), Top Banana (1951-52), and Lorelei (1974). He was a vocal arranger for Sugar Babies (1979-82).

As a performer, Hugh appeared on Broadway in Hooray for What! (1937), Where Do We Go From Here (1938), and Louisiana Purchase (1940–41).

Ralph Blane was Martin’s songwriting partner for most of his work, and, in 1956, the two recorded an album of their songs entitled Martin and Blane Sing Martin and Blane with the Ralph Burns Orchestra. Hugh and Blane were twice nominated for the Academy Award for Best Song, for “The Trolley Song” in 1944, and for

credit card chargebacks on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org.)

I would have taken this to a higher level at Uber, especially after its refusal to discuss your case by phone. I publish the names, numbers and email addresses of the Uber customer service executives on my consumer advocacy site.

I reached out to Uber. “It appears that there was a miscommunication regarding the refund process for Carl’s Uber One membership,” a representative explained. Uber refunded your membership fee, unlocked your account, and added a $25 credit to your account as an apology.

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.

“Pass That Peace Pipe” (co-written by Roger Edens) from the MGM film Good News in 1947.

Hugh Martin received four Tony Award nominations, three for High Spirits (Best Musical, Best Book Author of a Musical, Best Composer and Lyricist) and one for the 1990 Meet Me in St. Louis (Best Original Score).

Hugh’s other film work included songs for the films Athena (1954) starring Jane Powell, Debbie Reynolds, and Vic Damone, and The Girl Most Likely (1957) starring Jane Powell as well as the film version of his Broadway hit Best Foot Forward (1943) which starred Lucille Ball.

Hugh collaborated with noted pianist and vocalist Michael Feinstein for a 1995 CD Michael Feinstein Sings The Hugh Martin

Chuckles from page 3

The first one says, ‘So am I! And where about in Ireland are ya from?’

The other woman answers, ‘I’m from Dublin, I am.’

The first one responds, ‘So, am I!! And what street did yalive on in Dublin?’

The other woman says, ‘A loovely little area. It was in the west end. I lived on Warbury Street in the old central part of town.’

The first one says, ‘Faith and begorrah it’s a small world. So did I! So did I! And what school did ya go to?’

The other woman answers, ‘Well now, I went to Holy Heart of Mary, of course.’

Songbook, an album on which the then 80-year-old songwriter accompanied Feinstein on piano and sang a duet. On an earlier CD Feinstein recorded the Martin composition, “On Such a Night as This”. In 2006, Martin released an album of his music called Hugh Sings Martin on the record label PS Classics, which drew from his catalog as a composer, lyricist, arranger and singer. The album was released in conjunction with the Library of Congress.

Martin became a Seventh-day Adventist and spent much of the 1980s as an accompanist for the female gospel vocalist Del Delker on her revival tours; in 2001 he rewrote his most famous song (with the assistance of Garland biographer John Fricke) as a more specifically religious number, “Have Yourself A Blessed Little Christmas,” which was recorded that year by Delker with Hugh, at 86-years-old, playing piano on the recording.

His autobiography Hugh MartinThe Boy Next Door was published in October 2010, He was inducted into the National Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983, and was a member of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. Hugh Martin died on March 11, 2011, in Encinitas at age ninety-six.

So, as we celebrate yet another holiday season we are surrounded by music of Christmas. Although my friend Hugh Martin is no longer with us his music will always be here.

The first one gets really excited and says, ‘And so did I! Tell me, what year did you graduate?’

The other woman answers, ‘Well, now, let’s see. I graduated in 1964.’

The first woman exclaims, ‘The Good Lord must be smiling down upon us! I can hardly believe our good luck at winding up in the same pub tonight! Can you believe it? I graduated from Holy Heart of Mary in 1964 me self!’

About this time, a regular, Michael, walks into the bar, sits down, and orders a beer.

Brian, the bartender, walks over to Michael shaking his head and mutters, ‘It’s going to be a long night tonight, Michael.’

Michael asks, ‘Why do you say that, Brian?’

Brian answers, ‘The Murphy twins are drunk again.’

Hugh Martin

Shaming

from page 6

A recent study of travel shaming by Temple University researchers found that the embarrassment caused by travel shaming can make people change their behavior. But it notes that the carrot works better than the stick; what it called “positive framing” of any concerns was far more effective. But maybe not as much fun.

And make no mistake, travel shaming in the age of the internet is fun -- at least, for those doing the shaming. Even airlines do it. If you’ve read the comments section of any travel blog, you know what I mean.

So what’s the solution? Experts say the trick is a little rhetorical jiu-jitsu, choosing your destination carefully and knowing what to say if someone tries to dress you down.

Avoid being defensive -- and show some empathy.

The moment someone comes at you with a finger-wagging, you want to respond. Of course you do! But take a deep breath and let them speak.

“Consider the reason the per-

son is attempting to shame you,” says Abbe Depretis, who teaches business communication at Carnegie Mellon University. “Are they jealous that they can no longer afford to travel or take time off work and they are lashing out? Are they concerned about the rights of the people in the destination or about the environmental impact of travel?”

Once you understand where the person is coming from, you can have a productive conversation, adds Depretis.

Book away from the embarrassing destinations.

That’s what Jay Ternavan, founder of Jayway Travel, recommends. For example, you might catch some flak for visiting a place like Dubrovnik, Croatia, a beautiful walled city on the Adriatic with a reputation for being overrun by cruise ship passengers.

“Rather than contributing to the strain on Dubrovnik, why not explore hidden gems like Rovinj, Šibenik, and Korčula?” he says. “These charming places have rich histories, stunning architecture, and equally beautiful coastlines -- all without the over-

Shaming continued on page 14

The Pastor says . . . The Wonder of it all

The Biblical story of the birth of Jesus, as recorded in the Bible both in Matthew and Luke, has been one of the most studied, taught, portrayed in films, and discussed more than any other event in the history of humankind. People are intrigued by the account of a supernatural conception, singing angels, a mysterious star, bewildered parents in poverty, a little-known village called Bethlehem, heavenly announcements to shepherds, and the baby born in a stable and laid in a manger. The written account covers but a few pages in the Bible. And yet, it exceeds all the comments and writings of the world’s fabled philosophers, artists, authors, and persons of history. It has truly been an expression of The Wonder Of It All.

Recently, I attended a Christmas musical. Young people sang carols about the child Jesus. All over the world, plays enact that two-thousand-year-old event. Children dress as shepherds, the parents of Jesus, Joseph, and Mary, and the magi with their gifts. They gather around a fabricated manger with a doll representing the baby Jesus. This scene is enacted thousands of times in the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

Thousands of people are inspired and committed as they dedicate their time and talent to practicing songs for evenings of praise for thousands who want to acknowledge the birth of Jesus. Over the centuries, such masters of talent as Handel have dedicated themselves to producing the world’s most incredible music about the birth and life of Christ. Every hymn book would be incomplete without songs about the birth of Jesus.

The birth of Jesus is an important date in our historical timeframe. While the historical accuracy of the actual date is questionable, the event is not doubtful based on what we date our lives and correspondence.

While the Biblical story of Jesus’ birth gives us much to reflect on, much more has grown from this legacy.

It is the time of year when our thoughts move from the everyday tasks of life for just survival to an expression of beauty and celebration. Just driving through the community, we see houses, fences, front

Pastor continued on page 14

Pet Parade

Saxony is Rancho Coastal Humane Society’s pet of the week. She’s a 3-yearold, 8-pound, female, Domestic Short Hair cat with a Blue and White coat.

Saxony was transferred to Rancho Coastal Humane Society through Friends of County Animal Shelters (FOCAS.) She had two kittens who have been adopted. Now she needs a home.

The $100 adoption fee for Saxony includes medical exam, spay, up to date vaccinations, and registered microchip.

Visit Rancho Coastal Humane Society at 389 Requeza Street in Encinitas or log on to www.SDpets.org. Open 11 to 4, every day but Tuesday.

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

Gita is a big, lovable dog who has already shown great potential in her new home. Previously, she was housetrained and got along well with the children in her former household. As she continues to grow, Gita will likely become even more affectionate and well-adjusted. Her friendly nature and good behavior make her a wonderful addition to any family. With continued love and care, Gita will thrive and bring joy to those around her. Gorgeous Great Dane Gita (934803) is available for adoption at San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido Campus at 3500 Burnet Dr. If you have questions about the adoption process, you can visit sdhumane.org/adopt or call 619-299-7012.

Online profile: https://www.sdhumane.org/adopt/available-pets/ animal-single.html?petId=934803

Pastor Huls

The Computer factory

845 W. san marcos blvd. 760-744-4315 thecomputerfactory.net

Here’s how we got to 2024.

Humans developed oral language approx 70,000 years ago. Language was a gigantic leap forward in that it freed us from having to rely solely on our own experience and observations for survival. We could now share in the experiences and observations of those around us. The oral sharing of knowledge and experiences greatly enhanced our survivability. But oral traditions and lore have limitations and, over time, they can become lost or unreliable. The invention of written language approximately 7,000 years ago provided a more reliable and permanent foundation for storing and preserving learning and wisdom.

Over the ensuing millennia, as our

I’m not going to blow any yule log smoke at you. This Critter Corner is mostly stuff you already know. But things get busy this time of year. Family and friends come and go. The doorbell rings. Some pets run to the door to greet the guests. Others look for a place to hide. The worst possible reaction is something that can be avoided. They “door dash” and you spend the next hour or day or week searching the neighborhood, trying to find them.

Here are simple guidelines from Rancho Coastal Humane Society to help keep pets safe this holiday season.

inventories of shared knowledge grew, we invented ways to copy, duplicate, and disseminate it through libraries and educational institutions. In recent centuries we saw the “renaissance man” replaced by the “specialist.” The pool of human knowledge had become so vast and deep that no man could posses even a measurable fraction of it. Leonardo Da Vinci was replaced by a legion of doctors, lawyers, scientists and other “specialists” each spending a lifetime learning and practicing within their own narrow discipline. 70,000 years of “progress” has changed us from self-reliant individuals using our wits to thrive in natural environments into colony creatures relying on the collective skill sets of all for survival in this modern, man-made environment we call civilization.”

Over the past two centuries we witnessed the creation of technologies that facilitate the accomplishment of nearly every human activity. We’ve revolutionized the satisfaction of basic human needs through energy, travel, communications and food production technologies. One thing that has remained a constant throughout human history is the assumption that the premier engine of intelligence on the planet was the human mind. Sir Isaac Newton in a letter to Robert Hooke penned “We stand on the shoulders of giants” While we often credit an invention to an individual. like Alexander Graham Bell and the telephone, we also know that ev-

ery “invention” is in reality a milestone along a chain of discovery involving many. Breakthroughs and inventions come about as insights resulting from the accumulated learning earned by the “giants” who came before us.

2001 saw the inception of the IW (intelligent Web) that combined broad band Internet with AI (Artificial Intelligence) This was the beginning of a technology that for the first time could challenge human intelligence for reasoning supremacy. Here’s how it works. The Internet provides a high speed connection between our input/output devices that relay questions and receive solutions and the network’s super-computers. The super-computers receiving these inquiries are interlinked to the entirety of human knowledge. This network can

access and process data infinitely faster than any human mind. The world’s fastest operating computer today is the “Frontier” computer at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. It weighs 54,000 pounds and has 40,000 CPUs. and can perform over one quintillion calculations per second (a one with 18 zeros). The new “quantum” computer being tested by Google is millions of times faster than “Frontier”!

There is simply no way for the most of us to comprehend the magnitude of this technology or its potential impact on us. It appears that we may have released a technology that exceeds our own intellectual capabilities in every respect. That it may be self perpetuating and evolve to be independent of us is a serious possibility. “The Genie is out of the bottle” and we can’t put it back.

“Another MAn’s treAsure”

1000 square feet devoted to Indescribable “Stuff” ***

This is the place to start your Christmas shopping! Sleeping Bags, China Sets, Luncheon Sets, Glassware, Beer Steins, Car Seat, Suit Bag, Tote Bags, Seat Cushions, Magnets, Magazines, Books, Wine Glasses, Lanterns, Wooden Shoes, Headsets, Speakers, Flower Vases, Umbrellas, Insulated Drink Cups, CDs, DVDs, Art Glass, Sculptures, Commemarative Plates, Lots Of PC Stuff And a whole lot more.

THE COMPUTER FACTORY

845 W. SAN MARCOS BLVD • 760-744-4315 www.thecomputerfactory.net

Pets just want to be safe. Before you even realize it’s happening, a frightened cat or dog can slip out the door and run down the street. Once they’re out, they’re in unfamiliar territory, so they find a place to hide, or they run until they’re lost.

Rule #1 is to provide your pet with a crate or some other safe place indoors and away from the festivities. A friend told me, “I REFUSE to put my pet in a crate! He’s not a prisoner!” Really? You prefer chasing an escapee down the street? It doesn’t have to be a crate, but your pet does need a secure place where it feels safe.

• Remind your guests NOT to feed your pets. (Really. I mean it.)

• NO ALCOHOL!

• When you’re having a party or guests are coming over, make sure pets have pet food and water….NOT table food.

• Keep pets away from the tree, packages, flames and decorations.

• Even during the party, dogs need “potty breaks.” Don’t put them in the yard and forget about them.

• If you’re going out on Christmas or New Year’s Eve, leave the TV or radio on.

• Make sure your pet is microchipped, and the registration is up to date.

• Ask before taking your pet along to someone else’s house.

• If you get a new puppy or kitten for Christmas, get it into a routine and stick to your rules. That’s a lot easier than allowing guests to teach it bad habits that you and your pet live with the rest of its life.

Keep your best friends…animal and human…safe this holiday season.

John Van Zante’s Critter Corner

Miracle from page 5

raculous Christmas Truce to end:

“We got orders that came down the trench, ‘Get back in your trenches, every man!’ The generals behind must’ve seen it (the truce camaraderie between the British and Germans) and got a bit suspicious so what they did, they gave orders for a battery of guns behind us to fire, and a machine gun open-fired and officers fired their revolvers at the Jerries (Jerry or Jerries was a slang for Germans). ‘Course that started the war again. Ooh, we were cursing the generals to hell! We hated the sight of the bloody generals!” (Note: the alternate spelling “serjeant” used at the top of this paragraph (instead of “sergeant”) was used in The Rifles and other units that draw their heritage from the British Light Infantry.)

TRENCH BACKGROUND COMMENTARY.

110 years ago, on a cold, miser-

ably wet day leading up to the ‘Miraculous Christmas Truce’ in December of 1914, human conditions were horrific. Trenches were awash with slimy mud creating cakes of soggy mess everywhere. Trench-related diseases were rampant. Trench foot was caused by standing in water and mud for long periods of time causing the person to loose blood circulation. In some grisly cases, soldiers’ socks started to grow onto their feet. In severe cases, the soldier’s foot would have to be amputated.

Trench fever was another most unpleasant disease caused by body lice. The lice would live on the soldiers as parasites, causing trench fever which was highly contagious and was passed between soldiers. Aside from fever, severe headaches, and aching muscles, there were also eruptions on the skin in the form of open sores. It was a painful disease that took up to 12 weeks before improvement was noticed. It often struck more than once.

Shell shock was a relatively new ill-

ness caused by modern day weapons during World War I. It was not a physical, but a mental illness. The constant noise and explosions along with the fear and danger which went along with it, caused soldiers to act strangely and unable to focus and follow commands or perform duties properly. Doctors at the time did not fully understand shell shock.

Against these miserable and deadly surroundings, there emerged a historic armistice between combatants that unexpectedly arose out of the debris of cold corpses and relentless bloodshed.

From this most unlikely God-forsaken “No Man’s Land” where hate and revenge festered to an unimaginable evil pitch, somehow, a flower of love and compassion dared blossom. As described by TIME Magazine writer, Naina Bajerkal:

“On a crisp, clear morning, thousands of British, Belgian, and French soldiers put down their rifles, stepped out of their trench-

Problem solved

by Christopher Elliott

es and spent Christmas mingling with their German enemies along the Western Front. In the 100-plus years since, the event has been seen as a kind of miracle.”

There is simply no other way it can be explained. Except “miraculous” in a human arena otherwise completely void of love and compassion.

Pvt. Albert William Moran (18071996) of the Second Queens Regiment during the Christmas Truce of World War I said:

“It was a beautiful moonlit night, frost on the ground, while almost everywhere; and about seven or eight in the evening there was a lot of commotion in the German trenches and there were these lights – I don’t know what they were. And then they sang ‘Silent Night’ – ‘Stille Nacht’ (Silent Night in German). I shall never forget it. It was one of the highlights of my life. I thought, what a beautiful tune.”

Traveling safer during The 2024 Holidays

When Paul Grattan thinks about holiday travel, he gets nervous. And for good reason.

As a retired New York Police Department sergeant -- most of it spent with the city’s Transit Bureau -- he’s seen what happens during the busy period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.

And as they say in New York -- it ain’t a pretty sight.

At the height of the holiday shopping season last December, grand larceny incidents rose 1.5 percent from 2022. “Law enforcement has also seen upticks in organized retail theft and the subsequent sales of stolen property online,” says Grattan, who spent years supervising a plainclothes team in the NYC subway system.

In other words, you better watch your back if you’re traveling this holiday season. And that’s true beyond the city limits of New York.

The holidays can be the most dangerous time of the year to travel.

Travel safety is a hot topic this holiday season, according to experts.

“This upcoming holiday season may differ in terms of travel safety primarily due to the anticipated

increase in travelers, which could surpass pre-pandemic levels,” says Tim Dodge, vice president of marketing at Arch RoamRight. “High travel periods can lead to increased incidents of loss or theft.”

And that’s not the only difference.

“Travelers face an increasingly complex safety landscape,” explains Frank Harrison, regional security director for the Americas at World Travel Protection. “Several factors are poised to make this year different, including unpredictable weather, rising social unrest, and an uptick in faith-based violence and extremism. Migration challenges

and refugee movements add further layers of complexity, particularly with petty crime becoming more prevalent in destinations where resources are stretched.”

So how to stay safe?

Know what you’re getting yourself into.

Experts warn that travelers make easy targets during the holidays. Even a small amount of research should allow you to figure out ways to avoid large crowds and minimize security risks. This is particularly true if you’re traveling abroad, where criminals target Western visi-

tors. “Travelers should be mindful of political unrest or heightened security threats in specific areas,” warns John Rose, chief risk and security officer for ALTOUR, a global travel management company. “Stay informed through travel advisories and be prepared for last-minute changes or restrictions on particular destinations.” (Here are the State Department travel advisories.)

Keep your eye on the weather.

Holiday weather is notoriously unpredictable in the Northern Hemisphere. “You can count on it being a factor this holiday season,” says Jen Moyse, a vice president at TripIt and SAP Concur, a travel expense management company. “We’re continuing to see storms at unpredictable scale and timing, so travelers need to be prepared for everything and pay attention to weather reports.” There are ways to monitor the weather before and during your trip. For example, TripIt Risk Alerts notify you when potential disruptions like weather events may affect your trip, even before they result in a flight delay or cancellation.

Be ready for anything.

Miracle

Illustration by Dustin Elliott

MIGHTY MOJO

Miracle from page 12

Graham Williams of the Fifth London Rifle Brigade was also there and describes it in his own words:

“First the Germans would sing one of their carols and then we would sing one of ours, until when we started up ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful’ the Germans immediately joined in singing the same hymn to the Latin words ‘Adeste Fideles.’ And I thought, well, this is really a most extraordinary thing – two nations both singing the same carol in the middle of a war!”

The Christmas truce also allowed both sides to bury their dead comrades, whose bodies had lain for weeks on the ground between opposing trenches, known as No Man’s Land.

IT MAY NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN ON THIS SCALE.

Historian, Taff Gillingham, who has researched military history of the 20 th century and has built replica trenches that are now used by TV and film companies, is keen to emphasise the importance of the conflict and the impact it had on world history. Gillingham holds the staunch opinion that the WWI Christmas truce is particularly noteworthy because he believes it

could never happen in any other year. “A year later virtually everyone who had joined the army had joined just to kill Germans, so there’s no appetite for a truce, so it doesn’t happen again,” states Gillingham.

Adding to Gillingham’s assessment of the event not happening again are the newly-installed laws of warfare: In future years, commanding officers cracked down on fraternising with the enemy, and anyone caught extending the hand of friendship would be sent to a court-martial review board and disciplined. A few months later, many of the troops in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment lost their lives at the Battle of Ypres, when the Germans used poison gas for the first time. Such a deadly and unforgivable weapon would change the face of war. “There would be no other festive armistice; no more sport played across battle lines.”

In later years, on Easter of 1915, there were recorded instances of truces between Orthodox troops of opposing sides on the Eastern Front (not on the Western Front). And in December of 1916 and 1917, German overtures to the British for truces were recorded without any success.

In some French sectors, singing and an exchange of thrown gifts was occasionally recorded.

But never again will such a miraculous event happen on this scale as it did in 1914, say the most noted authorities on the subject. Just how widespread the “Miracle Truce” was is difficult to assess. The most detailed, accepted evaluation, was made by Malcolm Brown of Britain’s Imperial War Museums: “The great Christmas ‘miracle truce’ extended along at least two-thirds of British-held trench line that scarred southern Belgium.” It involved 100,000 combatants along the Western Front Line spanning 440 miles from the North Sea to the Swiss Frontier with France.

By all historical viewpoints, it was a most towering event in the annals of modern warfare, moving even the normally stoic Wall Street Journal to even acquiesce: “What appears from the winter fog and misery is a Christmas story, a fine Christmas story that is, in truth, the most faded and tattered of adjectives: inspiring!”

It has been 110 years since that hallmark Christmas truce.

As we move closer to the New Year of 2025, it is fitting to reflect back on what Benjamin Franklin once penned: “Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbours, and let every New Year find you a better person.”

Wishing you and yours a most

blessed and Happy Holiday Season!

Herewith are some inspiring reflections:

“New Year’s Day is everyone’s birthday, and it is the first blank page of a 365-page book of our lives. Take a leap of faith and begin this wondrous New Year by believing . . . by daring to believe that we can all make a better world . . . and you are never too olde to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”

~ Mother Teresa.

Friedrich Gomez

Shaming from page 8

whelming crowds.”

Have an answer ready.

One thing is for sure: If you do any kind of traveling in 2025, you will probably get criticized by someone. Shel Horowitz, who specializes in advising businesses on environmental issues, advises you to have a diplomatic answer ready.

“I tell them my travel allows me to bring back solutions from other countries,” he says. “For example, in Iceland, I discovered the country is almost entirely powered by renewable energy. But it also gives me a deeper understanding of the environmental issues others face in different parts of the word.”

As someone who specializes in writing about sustainability and tourism, I’ve used Horowitz’s method before. Yes, my flights emit CO2 just like everyone else’s, but my trips also bring a greater awareness of the environmental challenges the tourism industry faces.

How I deal with travel shamers?

Confession: If anyone deserves to be travel-shamed, it’s probably me. I’m constantly on the road, and I fly everywhere. This year alone, I’ve lived on five continents.

Ironically, I face a different kind of travel shame from my journalism colleagues, some of whom travel even more than I do.

There’s an unwritten rule that you have to have visited at least 100 countries to call yourself a travel expert. When I meet a colleague, we often compare notes. And when they say, “Have you ever been to X” -- and I say “no” -- I admit I’m embarrassed.

But when people ask me how I can justify all that travel, I remind the shamers that humans were nomadic until about 12,000 years ago. A peripatetic lifestyle is more traditional than a sedentary one. So please don’t shame me for being normal.

Frazier, the woman with the Dubai video, said at first the shaming comments upset her. She insists she wasn’t being wasteful or disrespectful. She and her friends were just having a good time.

But as she continued to read the comments, Frazier realized that people were making assumptions about her that were wrong. She

started to answer the comments but then realized the shamers were probably just jealous because they didn’t get to visit a luxury hotel in the United Arab Emirates.

“So I just let them go,” she says.

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.

Pastor from page 10

yards, trees decorated with colorful lights, and often the figure of Santa. There is a mystic to the atmosphere as we listen to Christmas music made up of the sacred and secular. School and church groups with children go to hospitals, retirement homes, convalescent facilities, and stores to sing a medley of songs to entertain, inspire, and create a mood of joy for those without the spirit of the season. Such expressions inspire all of us in our needs of life’s demands as we listen to the season’s songs. We hear the season’s music over our radios, on television, in stores, restaurants, and even bars.

What would the season be without gift-giving? We think of the excitement of children as they open their gifts. Parents and grandparents find fulfillment in the joy of a child. Adults are no different when they receive a gift from someone who cares and loves them. The tree, too, is a big part of Christmas. Selecting and decorating is often a family affair with special ornaments, which often become family heirlooms. The lights are a family challenge as together, they are spaced just right.

There is so much more that comes out of the birth event. Cards and expressions of love and friendship fill our mailboxes. Social gatherings and dinners bring people together from long distances and separations. Think for a moment what it would be like without the birth of the child, Jesus. He has made it, THE WONDER OF IT ALL.

Merry Christmas!

Pastor Huls

Safer from page 12

Preparation is key, says Carrie Hartman, president of global corporate travel and relocation platform 3Sixty. “Make sure to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers not only weather-related delays but also medical emergencies and travel disruptions,” she says. “If you’re driving, pack an emergency kit with essentials like blankets, food, water, a first-aid kit, and a power bank. If you’re traveling on business, check with your employer or client to make sure it has a strong duty of care in its policies that covers everything from vetted accommodations to real-time support in case of an emergency.” Dodge, the Arch insurance executive, recommends travelers consider a policy that covers trip cancellations, interruptions, and delays caused by weather or other covered reasons. “This can alleviate the stress of unexpected expenses and complications,” he says.

Know what you have.

Joe Cronin, CEO of International Citizens Insurance, says people often overlook a key step when it comes to protecting their valuables. “Make a list of everything in your luggage,” he recommends. “This is increasingly important if carrying valuable gifts in your luggage. If your suitcase is lost, you have a full breakdown of everything that was lost.” Cronin also recommends taking a photo of everything in your suitcase laid out flat for ease of reference. This can also help if you have to file a travel insurance claim.

If you have to travel during a busy time, take extra precautions.

“Stay extra alert in busy places like airports, train stations, and shopping centers since they’re prime spots for theft, especially during the holidays,” advises Jeff Ketelaars, co-founder of Security Guards Only. How so? Keep your valuables in a secure, hidden spot, like a money belt or a crossbody bag that’s zipped up and close to your body. And always keep an eye on your belongings.

Practice better hygiene during the holidays.

One of the biggest dangers may be the threat to your health. “With flu season approaching, you can follow a few tips to protect yourself and others from getting sick,” advises Eugene Delaune, Allianz Partners’ senior medical consultant. “Use proper hand hygiene like soap and water or an anti-microbial alcoholbased sanitizer. Wipe down common areas like tray tables, seat backs and armrests with anti-microbial sanitizing wipes.” Delaune, a former ER physician, also recommends covering your mouth when coughing and covering your nose when you sneeze. If you are cough-

ing when you travel, wear a mask. “Avoid travel if you are ill, as you’re exposing others around you to an illness or infection,” he adds. In other words, be a considerate traveler.

Slow down.

That’s always good advice, but particularly during the hectic holidays, it can actually save your life. Driving fast on icy roads can be deadly. “Driving on bad roads is stressful enough,” says Jeremy Murchland, president of Seven Corners Travel Insurance. “Build in a buffer and you can remove the worry about whether you’ll reach your destination on time.”

What about those pickpockets?

As to those petty criminals roaming the city during the holidays, Grattan has a few strategies.

Especially during the holidays, you should avoid displaying recently purchased items -- especially highvalue items or in packaging that suggests they are from high-priced retailers.

“If you see something you like, consider buying it online, or carrying it discreetly,” he says.

Related tip: Consider making more significant purchases as you end your day and return directly home or to lodging. Better yet, have them shipped and won’t have to lug them around town.

“But remaining alert is a tried and true method of reducing the likelihood of becoming a victim of theft while traveling,” he says. “Bad actors prefer to prey on easy, inattentive, and unsuspecting people.”

Keep your personal belongings -your phone, your wallet, your handbag -- close, he says. This will drastically reduce your chances of being a victim.

It’s no secret that the holidays can be a chaotic time to travel, but don’t let that deter you from having a safe and enjoyable journey. Whether you’re navigating crowded airports or battling winter weather, preparation is important. Make sure to invest in comprehensive travel insurance, pack appropriately, and remain cautious in public spaces. With a little foresight, you can embark on your holiday adventures with confidence.

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.

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9021000

The name of the business: New Line Mobile Detail, located at 225 W. Los Angeles Dr., #13, Vista, CA 92083. Registrant, Christina Garduno, 225 W. Los Angeles Dr. #13, Vista, CA 92083 and Saul Garduno, 225 W. Los Angeles Dr. #13, Vista, CA 92083. This business is operated by a Married Couple. First day of business: 10/18/2024

/s/ Saul Garduno with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/18/2024 11/21, 11/28, 12/5, 12/12/2024

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9021356

The name of the business: Milestone Moments by Em, located at 1464 Golden Sunset Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, Emmylou Soriano, 1464 Golden Sunset Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A

/s/ Emmylou Soriano with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/23/2024

11/21, 11/28, 12/5, 12/12/2024

ordEr To sHoW CausE for CHaNgE of NamE 24Cu021664N TO ALL INTERESTED PER-

SONS: Petitioner Heather Marie Miller filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: Heather Marie Miller to Proposed name Heather Marie Seaward. 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: January 10, 2025, 8:30 am, in Dept. N-25 No hearing will occur on above date. Please see attachment The address of the court is: 1212 Sandra Circle, Vista, CA. 92083. 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 November 12, 2024

/s/ Hon. Brad A. Weinreb, Judge of the Superior Court 11/21, 11/28, 12/5, 12/12/2024

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9022224

The name of the business: Aprios

Custom Mfg, located at 1333 Keystone Way, Vista,. CA 92081. Registrant, DPI Holdings, Inc., 1333 Keystone Way, Vista, CA 92081. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 6/28/2024

/s/ Alex Danzberger, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/6/2024

11/21, 11/28, 12/5, 12/12/2024

sTaTEmENT of abaNdoNmENT of usE of fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE: 2024-9020129

Senior Care Directory, Lead Or-

chid, located at 15108 Lincoln Loop, San Diego, CA 92127. The Fictitious Business Name referred to above was filed in San Diego County on 2/6/2020 and assigned file no. 2020903383.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME IS BEING ABANDONED BY: JD3 Websites, LLC, 15108 Lincoln Loop, San Diego, CA 92127. This business is conducted by a L.A .Limited Liability Company. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1000).

/s/James Delapa III, Managing Member

This statement was filed with the San Diego Recorder/County clerk on 10/7/2024. 11/21, 11/28, 12/5, 12/12/2024

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9021577

The name of the business: Oceanside Pharmacy, located at 3601 Vista Way Ste 103, Oceanside, CA 92056. Registrant, Anjaneya RX, 3601 Vista Way Ste 103, Oceanside, CA 92056. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 2/4/2013 /s/ Tarun Shyam Wadhwa, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/29/2024 11/21, 11/28, 12/5, 12/12/2024

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9020985

The name of the business: All Things Hospice, located at 330 Rancheros Drive, Suite 208C, San Marcos, CA 92069-2909. Registrant, Alternative Hospice Care, 330 Rancheros Drive, Suite 208C, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 9/23/2024

/s/ Raychell Jones, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/18/2024

11/21, 11/28, 12/5, 12/12/2024

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9022410

The name of the business: Collisions Plus, located at 240 N. Andreasen, Escondido, CA 92029. Registrant, Fleet Collision Specialist, 240 N. Andreasen, Escondido, CA 92029. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: N/A /s/ Thomas McMurdo, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/8/2024 11/28, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19/2024

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9023011

The name of the business: Hormone Upgrade & Wellness Center, located at 7529 Draper Ave., Suite D, La Jolla, CA 92037. Registrant, Deborah Wainwright NP Nursing Corp., 7529 Draper Ave., Suite D, La Jolla, CA 92037. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 10/24/2024 /s/ Deborah Wainwright, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/19/2024 11/28, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19/2024

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9022778

The name of the business: New Rainbow Spa, located at 470 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd., San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, Jianlan Shu, 470 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd., San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by an

LEGALS

Individual. First day of business: 11/15/2024

/s/ Jianlan Shu with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/15/2024

11/28, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19/2024

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9022410

The name of the business: Collisions Plus, located at 240 N. Andreasen, Escondido, CA 92029. Registrant, Fleet Collision Specialist, 240 N. Andreasen, Escondido, CA 92029. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: N/A /s/ Thomas McMurdo, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/8/2024

11/28, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19/2024

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9023192

The name of the business: Lucky Foot Massage, located at 754 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd., San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, Linying Wang, 754 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd., San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A

/s/ Linying Wang with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/21/2024

11/28, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19/2024

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9023331

The name of the business: Anew Plan Designs, located at 635 Camino Magnifico, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, Amy Micheal Lauffer, 635 Camino Magnifico, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 9/14/2024

/s/ Amy Micheal Lauffer with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/22/2024

11/28, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19/2024

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9023304

The name of the business: Welcome Back Foundation, Do Gooders, located at 762 E. Mission Rd., Fallbrook, CA 92028. Registrant, Welcome Back Foundation, PO Box 502, Fallbrook, CA 92028. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 1/2/2020 /s/ Dawn Williams, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/22/2024

12/5, 12/12, 12/19, 12/26/2024

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9022793

The name of the business: Vital Vibes, located at 5139 Weymouth Way, Oceanside, CA 92057. Registrant, Steven Sanders, 5139 Weymouth Way, Oceanside, CA 92057. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Steven Sanders with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/15/2024 12/5, 12/12, 12/19, 12/26/2024

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9023091

The name of the business: RV World Storage San Marcos, located at 1101 W. San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, Episodic Ventures LLC, 1101 W. San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: 9/9/2010 /s/ Eugenia Lipets, Managing Member with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/20/2024

12/5, 12/12, 12/19, 12/26/2024

fiCTiTious busiNEss

NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9023109

The name of the business: Celestial Sea Thoroughbreds, located at 38987 Highway 79, Warner Springs, CA 92086. Registrant, Richard Eugene Cornwell, PO Box 418, Warner Springs, CA 92086, Gail Tammy Cornwell, PO Box 418, Warner Springs, CA 92086. This business is operated by a Married Couple. First day of business: 11/25/2019 /s/ Richard Cornwell with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 11/20/2024

12/5, 12/12, 12/19, 12/26/2024

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9023028

The name of the business: Anyplace Realty, located at 940 Melaleuca #G, Carlsbad, CA 92011. Registrant, Jeffrey William Talani, 940 Melaleuca #G, Carlsbad, CA 92011. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 11/19/2024 /s/ Jeffrey William Talani with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/19/2024

12/5, 12/12, 12/19, 12/26/2024

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9023338

The name of the business: Gunk and Junk, Junk and Gunk, located at 4850 Concho Cir, Oceanside, CA 92057. Registrant, Gunk and Junk LLC, 4850 Concho Cir, Oceanside, CA 92057. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: N/A /s/ Isaac C. Dailey Jr., CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/22/2024

12/5, 12/12, 12/19, 12/26/2024

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9023942

The name of the business: Steep & Sourdough, located at 750 Pebble Beach Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, Daniel Allen Paris, 750 Pebble Beach Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Daniel Allen Paris with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 12/4/2024

12/12, 12/19, 12/26/2024, 1/2/2025

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9024067

The name of the business: Weekend Savvy Travel, Cork & Cruise, located at 10395 Tioga Lake Drive, Escondido, CA 92029. Registrant, Weekend Savvy LLC, 10395 Tioga Lake Drive, Escondido, CA 92029. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: 11/15/2024

/s/ Mary Ann Erdos, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 12/6/2024

12/12, 12/19, 12/26/2024, 1/2/2025

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9022718

The name of the business: Acman Quality HVAC, located at 695 Cortez Ave., Vista, CA 92084. Registrant, Guadalupe R. Alfaro Zurita, 695 Cortez Ave., Vista, CA 92084. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 11/14/2024

/s/ Guadalupe R. Alfaro Zurita with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/14/2024

12/12, 12/19, 12/26/2024, 1/2/2025

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9023630

The name of the business: Burns Ministries, located at 6840 Urubu Street, Carlsbad, CA 92009. Registrant, Open Heavens Church, 235 Mar Vista, Vista, CA 92083. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: N/A /s/ Pamela Burns, CFO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/27/2024

12/12, 12/19, 12/26/2024, 1/2/2025

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9021586

The name of the business: West Land Coffee Roasters, located at 3243 Roberta Lane, Oceanside, CA 92054. Registrant, Martin Michael O’Dea, 7258 Ponto Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92011, Daniel Vincent Jacobs, 3243 Roberta Lane, Oceanside, CA 92054. This business is operated by a General Partnership. First day of business: 10/28/2024 /s/ Martin Michael O’Dea with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/29/2024 12/12, 12/19, 12/26/2024, 1/2/2025

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9023337

The name of the business: Express Debt Recovery LLC, located at 2170 S. El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA 92054. Registrant, Express Debt Recovery LLC, 2170 S. El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA 92054. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: 10/1/2014 /s/ Payman Zeal, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/22/2024

12/19, 12/26/2024, 1/2, 1/9/2025

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9024436

The name of the business: Teddy’s Treats, located at 13200 Kirkham Way, Ste 115, Poway, CA 920647126. Registrant, Kenneth James Rose, 13200 Kirkham Way, Ste 115, Poway, CA 92064-7126. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Kenneth James Rose with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 12/12/2024

12/19, 12/26/2024, 1/2, 1/9/2025

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9024147

The name of the business: Jeg’s Modern Plumbing, Jegs Modern Plumbing, located at 39120 Rising Hill Drive, Temecula, CA 92591. Registrant, Johnny Eugene Gange, 39120 Rising Hill Drive, Temecula, CA 92591. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Johnny Eugene Gange with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 12/9/2024

12/19, 12/26/2024, 1/2, 1/9/2025

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9023996

The name of the business: Hormones And Health Wellness, located at 1901 4th Ave., 100W, San Diego, CA 92101. Registrant, WW NP Nursing Inc, 1901 4th Ave., 100W, San Diego, CA 92101. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: N/A /s/ Wytoshery Williams, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 12/5/2024

12/19, 12/26/2024, 1/2, 1/9/2025

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