October 19, 2023

October 19, 2023

Volume 53 - No. 42

A Question of National Pride and Loyalty

Jesse Owens at the Olympics

The Reichstag

By Tom Morrow This is a story of fiction based on factual historic occurrences.

About the only thing as strong or more powerful than familial ties is one’s loyalty to national identity.

Denying one’s roots can be an almost impossible task … Johann “John” Trask knew of such a dilemma. He held one of the exalted positions of town barber in Lone Tree, Iowa. Next to Father Mike of

The Graf Zeppelin

The Eiffel Tower

St. Mary’s or The Reverend Samuel Storms of the town’s Lutheran Church, John was the primary receptacle for depositing local semiimportant community information and confessions.

For those in the small farming community who had known John as a young man his life story had paragraphs of astonishing revelations.

He was American born but to a German immigrant family who never shed the shackles of their national identity.

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After surviving the stigma of being the primary cause of a world war and the threat of a second, those with a strong German heritage were trying to leave things in the past.

John was a “Volksdeutscher” of the first order. He was an American, to be sure, but as long as his father, Wilhelm Trask was alive, homage was secretly paid to their home country. It was an edict that came with a cost. The old man paid the tab during and after World War I, now John was the second generation to

experience what it would cost to be a Volksdeutscher.

The upper Middle West of America during the 19th and early 20th centuries saw a heavy settlement of German immigrants which caused a considerable amount of angst during the several European wars.

The question of national loyalty became a serious problem … many native-born Germans felt they were betraying the Fatherland if they joined the American military, while others returned to their native soil

Pride

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The Paper • Page 2 • October 19, 2023

Pride from page 1

to the United States. From 1840 to 1880, they were the largest national group of immigrants.

to serve in uniform. Whichever path they chose here in America many families bearing Germanic family names faced discrimination and persecution often tearing families apart. A geographic belt consisting of areas with predominantly German-American heritage extends across the United States from eastern Pennsylvania to the Oregon coast where many families first settled.

Following the Revolutions of 1848, a wave of political refugees fled to America, who became known as “Forty-Eighters.” They formed small German-Jewish communities in cities and towns. They typically were local and regional merchants selling clothing; others were livestock dealers, agricultural commodity traders, bankers, and operators of local businesses.

In many communities during the 19th century throughout the Dakotas, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Kansas, the German language was spoken more than English. Some small community newspapers were published in German. It wasn’t until the advent of World War I in the early 20th century did things begin to revert to an all-English-speaking society. Of all the nationalities that have immigrated to the U.S., other than adjacent Mexico the biggest percentage has been from Germany.

German Americans established the first kindergartens in the United States, introduced the Christmas tree tradition, and introduced popular foods such as hot dogs and hamburgers. The largest flow of German immigration to America occurred between 1820 and World War I, during which time nearly six million Germans immigrated

Give Us This Day Our Daily Chuckle This week, a compendium of wit, wisdom and neat stuff you can tell at parties. Enjoy!

Uncle Mel When I was very young My Uncle Mel fell ill.

My father said, “Before he’s dead, Let’s check his doctor’s bill.”

“You never know,” continued Dad, “This world is full of swill, And since Uncle Mel’s a cheapskate, He might cut us from his will.”

So we went down to the hospital Where he was hooked to a machine, And Uncle Mel didn’t look too good

The farthest John had ever traveled from Lone Tree was to barber school in Des Moines some 80 miles away. He followed his father’s profession because the only other work to be done in a farming community was farm work and store clerking. Haircuts were 25 cents; shaves 15 cents and beard trims were 20 cents. On a good day a barber could earn $2 to $3 dollars … more than a farm worker could earn in a week. There was a special technique for shaving and John had learned it in Barber college.

Within a year after school clients were waiting to sit in John’s chair.

His father didn’t mind … the elder Trask planned on turning over the business in a few years when it came time to retire.

John’s father taught him the basics of cutting hair, but at first, clients seldom sat in his chairs because of his perceived inexperience. Besides, there were three other shops situated around the town square.

He was shriveled up and green.

We all made stupid small talk As we sat around his bed, But when Mom and Dad went for some air I stayed with Mel instead.

The minute my folks left the room, Old Mel’s eyes seemed to clear, He grinned and pulled me toward him and whispered in my ear, “Sonny boy, when I was young, ‘Bout the same age you are now.

I thought that right would always win And that truth would shine somehow.

But now that I’m a sick old coot And I’ve learned a thing or two, Take these tips from Uncle Mel ‘Cause I’d never lie to you.

Everyone’s a criminal, Everyone’s a con Your mom and pop, your cousin Mitch, The list goes on and on.

Everyone is guilty Of some stupid little crime, Like spitting on the sidewalk, Why, I do it all the time.

In 1936, after saving a good deal of money for the train and ocean trip across to Germany John traveled to Berlin to attend the Olympic games. Also, a distant uncle gave John a small inheritance to help make the trip. John wanted to see for himself the so- called miracles being performed by Adolf Hitler and Nazi-controlled Germany.

Once he arrived at the games John witnessed sprinter Jesse Owens’ amazing athletic feats, the magical demonstrations of moving pictures created from a box that was being called television, and fast-moving cars racing across Germany’s magnificent, divided roadways.

Compared to the Great Depression struggles he left in America John thought upon arrival he was in some sort of wonderland.

the new modern highways was extraordinary for the wide, four lane freeways, which allowed unlimited speed. Drivers could travel as fast as their vehicles will take them.

After some two hours of kibitzing, John agreed to meet with the man the next day. He identified himself as Andre von Schultz. They would meet for a personalized tour of Berlin. The well-dressed man said he was a radio script writer and English reader for the German National Radio Network. That much information was announced on the business card the man had given John early on in their conversation.

On his first day, John was sitting at his hotel’s sidewalk café enjoying an entre of sausages and kraut when he was approached by a pleasant looking man who had been sitting at a nearby table.

The conversation included three large two-liter steins of cold lagers delivered by an amply conditioned fraulein, who carried each stein in her well-muscled arms. The two men adjourned their meeting about midnight. John went to his room for a night’s sleep in preparation for the next day’s city tour.

“Pardon me, mein herr. I overheard your order to the waiter; I take it from your English accent you are from North America … surely not from England,” the man quickly added.

As agreed, Andre met John in his hotel at 9 a.m. the next morning.

The host was driving a small car that John was unfamiliar with. Andre said it was called a “Volkswagen,” (Peoples car).

“Why, yes, I mean ‘ja wohl,’” John acknowledged. Other than John’s interacting with waiters and hotel porters, the man’s friendly intrusion was welcomed. The next hour was filled with small talk ranging from the Olympics to the autobahn. John reckoned the speed on

“Herr Hitler, our Fuhrer; assisted in its design,” Andre said, with a hint of pride.

And everyone’s a pencil thief No matter what they make.

When Congress meets they legislate How many bribes to take.

Yeah, I know that they’re all schemers, They’d love to see me kick, But Uncle Mel is no one’s fool, I’ve still got one last trick.

And what about them preachers Who tell you what life means, While all of your donations Buy them nice new limousines.

You’re the only one that I can trust, So here’s what I’m gonna do, Before I go, just so you know, I’m leaving it all to you!”

And everyone’s a litterbug, And who hasn’t left some poop for someone else to step in ‘Cause they just plain didn’t scoop.

And everyone’s forgotten Some income here and there, Like that ten bucks Grandma sent, You thought nobody’d care.

And everyone has jaywalked And never even paused To think about the ten car crash Their careless rush just caused.

Everyone has loitered Or trespassed once or twice, or lied on some insurance form, Or played a little dice.

Everyone’s a bookie, The papers give the spread, Your pop has got it eight to five That I never leave this bed.

The tour began at the Brandenburg Pride continued on page 3

Well, I just stood there speechless, Then I gave him a great big hug, And as I wiped away a tear, I pulled out Uncle’s plug. *** Editor’s Note: We’ve picked on attorneys so often that we thought, in the spirit of fairness, we should turn our attention to another distinguished profession . . . accountancy: Q: What’s an auditor?

A: Someone who arrives after the battle and bayonets all the wounded.

Chuckles continued on page 13

The Paper • Page 3 • October 19, 2023

Pride from page 2 Gate in the center of the city. Andre drove by the massive Reichstag building, the German seat of government where parliament members meet. The huge building was under reconstruction to take care of fire damage the huge structure had endured.

“Jewish terrorists,” Andre grunted, referring to the Reichstag damage.

The city was filled with statues commemorating ever-important leader from Germany’s past, including two identifying Bismarck, “The Iron Chancellor.”

After some two hours of touring the city, Andre suggested lunch at a favorite hof brau he knew and enjoyed. ”I will see that you get an authentic Deutschland meal.”

Andre likened the meals at John’s hotel were only slightly of the styling of Germany, catering to the influx of tourists visiting for the Olympics. The food was a selection of both Deutsch dishes as well as American and British cuisines, catering to the large contingents of tourists for the Olympics. Instead of various national language writing on the menu, pictures of entrees came with a small national flag for identification.

The 1936 Summer Olympics, commonly known as “Berlin 1936,” was an international multi-sport event held from Aug. 1 to Aug.16 in which the German capital won the bid to host the Games over Barcelona., Spain. To outdo the 1932 Los Angeles Games, Hitler had a new 100,000-seat track and field stadium a new 100,000-seat track built, as well as six gymnasiums and other smaller arenas.

The Games were the first to be televised locally along with overseas radio broadcasts reaching 41 countries. Filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl was commissioned by the German Olympic Committee to film the Games for $7 million. Her film, titled “Olympia,” pioneered many of the techniques used long into the future for the filming of sports.

Hitler saw the 1936 Games as an opportunity to promote his government and ideals of racial supremacy and antisemitism, and the official Nazi Party newspaper wrote in the strongest terms that Jews should not be allowed to participate in the Games. German Jewish athletes were barred or prevented from taking part in the Games by a variety of methods, although some women swimmers from the Jewish sports club in Vienna did participate. Jewish athletes from

other countries were said to have been sidelined to avoid offending the Nazi regime. Lithuania was expelled from Olympic games due to Berlin position regarding Lithuanian’s anti-Nazi policy.

Total ticket revenues were 7.5 million Reichsmark generating a profit of over one million R.M. The official budget did not include outlays by the city of Berlin (which issued an itemized report detailing its costs of 16.5 million Reichsmarks or outlays of the German national government which did not make its costs public but is estimated to have spent $30 million.

After the Nazis took control of Germany, and began instituting anti-Semitic policies, the IOC held private discussions among its delegates about changing the decision to hold the Games in Berlin. However, Hitler’s regime gave assurances that Jewish athletes would be allowed to compete on a German Olympic team. One year before the games, the American Olympic Association suggested to change the venue to Rome. They saw the Italian city as a good replacement because Rome was originally selected to hold the 1908 Summer Olympics.

Jesse Owens of the United States won four gold medals in the sprint and long jump events and became the most successful athlete to compete in Berlin while Germany was the most successful country overall with 101 medals (38 of them gold); the United States placed a distant second with 57 medals.

Over lunch John learned from Andre much of the blood-red Nazi banners had been taken down and shop keepers, hotel personal, and most other working Germans likely to encounter tourists were urged or warned to assume pleasant attitudes regarding the living conditions of Germany.

John began to detect that his lunch partner was most agreeable to the new life the Nazis and Hitler were building in their nation. Still, there were ample indications of Nazi control of the country. The blood-red banners with black swastikas on a white circle could be seen hanging on several government and other official buildings. Shops and department stores had small German swastika flags for tourists to take home as mementos of their visit.

The major streets of Berlin looked much like what he saw in New York City when he arrived to board the steam ship bound for Europe.

There were no homeless or poor people on city streets like those found in American cities where Pride continued on page 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 If you submit photos do not embed them. Send them as jpg, tif, or pdf attachments only.

The Paper comes out on Thursdays. Deadline is the previous Friday.

Simple press releases are the best: who, what, where, when, why.

Please no brochures or flyers. Keep it simple You’ll get more ink!

Escondido Library Events Beginning Genealogy Workshop October 19 • 6:00–7:30 p.m.

Pioneer Room Discover tips and tricks to learn more about your family history with free Library tools like Ancestry.com and FamilySearch. Beth McIntyre, Pioneer Room volunteer and genealogy researcher of more than 30 years, will get you started with a free four-generation chart and other helpful materials.

Want to get ahead? Write down any information you find from items in your home, like family Bibles, birth certificates, and photo albums.

Workshop is limited to 12 and registration is required.

Register here https://library.escondido.org/register.aspx Spooky Local History: History of the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe October 21 • 3:00–4:30 p.m.

Turrentine Room • All Ages Discover the history and paranormal phenomena at one of Vista’s historic sites. Nicole Strickland will share the adobe’s rich historical tapestry and give attendees a glimpse into its ghostly happenings, from personal stories to captured audio evidence of the supernatural.

Artsy Adults: Fall Stitching October 25 • 6:30–7:30 p.m.

Turrentine Room Create your own beautiful fall decoration! Choose from different seasonal felt shapes and buttons and stitch them to your own embroidery hoop and circle of burlap to take home. Supplies provided and are limited

Veterans’ Writing Group October 21 1617 Mission Ave. • Oceanside The Veterans’ Writing Group will host its monthly meeting on 10/21/23 at the Veterans Association of North County (VANC) 1617 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92058.

All Veterans, dependents and active-duty military members are welcome to this free event.

Our women’s group meets 10-11, live and on Zoom.

All writers meet 11-2 live and on Zoom (separate access from women’s group) Contact Garry G. Garretson at 760-419-9468 with any questions. vwgsdcounty@gmail.com Website: https://www.veteranswritinggroup.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/VWGSDCounty X (Twitter): @VWG_SDCounty Instagram: vwg_SanDiego 501 (C)(3) *** Doggie Costume Contest & Parade October 21 • 11:00am to 12:00pm Bates Nut Farm 15954 Woods Valley Road Valley Center

½ Price Sale in the Friends Bookshop October 27 & 28, 2023

Don’t miss the annual “Howlo-ween” Doggie Costume Contest & Parade. Bring your dog in their favorite costume to enjoy the pumpkin patch and compete in the contest. Prizes will be awarded to the top dogs! Registration opens at 9:00 am. Judging and parade begin at 11:00 am.

All items in the store 50% OFF marked price (25¢ minimum) Only cash payment accepted.

After the contest, take part in all of the Pumpkin Patch festivities, and sample some great food.

All events generously sponsored by the Friends of the Escondido Public Library

$10 Parking October Weekends.

Oodles continued on page 5

The Paper • Page 4 • October 19, 2023

Local News

Palomar Health Sets New Standard in Minimally Invasive Care with ION Robot for Early Lung Cancer Detection Cancer continues to challenge the medical community’s understanding and treatment efforts, and according to the American Cancer Society, the leading cause of cancer death in America is lung cancer – with only a 25% survival rate over five years. This led Palomar Health, California’s largest healthcare district, to take their extraordinary care to the next level and launch a minimally invasive procedure with the ION Robot as an option for early lung cancer detection.

The ION Robot is a state-of-theart robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system designed to detect lung cancer at its earliest stages. Palomar Health’s mission extends beyond surgery for lung cancer, with a focus on innovative approaches that prioritize patient wellbeing.

“Early lung cancer detection is the cornerstone of saving lives,” said Dr. Michele Quan, Palomar Health’s lead physician working with the ION Robot. “Luckily, at Palomar Health, we can be innovative and provide a wider scope of treatment options that continue to help us reimagine the patient experience, including their cancer journey. With the ION Robot, we’re turning the tide against this devastating disease, offering patients hope and a higher chance of recovery from lung cancer.”

Committed to delivering the highest quality of care, Palomar Health

Man About Town I found last week’s cover story by Friedrich Gomez to be particularly interesting in that I knew Dick Clark quite well. I managed a radio station he owned, KGUD, in Santa Barbara, back in 1969. I saw Dick in person several times, spoke to him on the phone fairly often. A good man.

I dealt primarily with his father, “Poppa Clark,” so-called as he, too, was Richard Clark. Made it easier to just refer to him as Poppa Clark.

My wife, Mary, has never let me forget the time that Dick Clark

set itself apart by innovating and adapting new technologies, enabling them to serve the community in even bigger ways. At Palomar Health, the entire organization constantly seeks better ways to improve every part of the patient experience and to always provide extraordinary care by reimagining healthcare and removing the fear associated with it.

Palomar Health has already successfully performed three procedures using the ION Robot. One of the patients to undergo this procedure was denied biopsy methods by traditional available options.

The ION Robot procedure was just what the patient was looking for, as they received life-changing news about their recent diagnosis.

During the procedure, Dr. Quan and her team were able to locate the nodule and obtain biopsies in under 20 minutes with the ION Robot and send it out to be tested.

As Palomar Health continues to push the boundaries of healthcare innovation, the ION Robot program represents a significant milestone in providing minimally invasive care for lung cancer patients and marks a significant step forward in the fight against lung cancer.

“We believe in pushing boundaries and redefining healthcare,” said Diane Hansen, President and CEO of Palomar Health. “The ION Ro-

bot program underscores our commitment to providing extraordinary care, making a meaningful impact on the lives of our patients and huge strides toward early detection and recovery, changing the patient journey entirely.”

About Palomar Health 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.

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.

called me down to Los Angeles and I didn’t take her along. It was a big music festival and I sat at Dick Clark’s table and met many celebrities, among them a young man named Glen Campbell. Turns out it was a major celebration with all kinds of celebrities, primarily from Country music. Long time country fans may remember the name Hank Thompson and his Brazos Valley Boys. (KGUD was a country music station). I deeply regret not taking Mary as she would have loved the event . . . but when Dick called me down to LA he didn’t tell me what he wanted me for.

We had another connection with country music. My secretary, Peggy Rogers, had been the personal secretary to Gene Autry for many years. Autry had a show on Saturday mornings called “Melody Ranch” which was broadcast from LA and we would visit the set fairly often. Autry didn’t appear on the show but he controlled it and booked the guest artists.

Gene Autry would call Peggy from time to time, just to reminisce. I never met Mr. Autry. I could have.

Peggy could have set it up ... but I was always too busy.

Letters to the Editor Lyle, my husband and I both wish to thank you for the nostalgic and wonderfully funny walk down memory lane. We’re both referring to your captivating cover story “California and Its Unique Residents” (9/28/23 issue) of The Paper and written by your wonderful scribe Friedrich Gomez! It was a multi-generational piece because my husband and I couldn’t stop laughing over the hilarious California anecdotes from the traffic commute, earthquakes, and past governors Reagan, Schwarzenegger, and “Pat” Brown -- hilarious stuff! And our respective parents (both in their late 70s) “lived” through the hippie counter-culture and the “Free Love Movement” on college campuses and Letters continued on page 16 the entree had been cooked in oil that was old and should have been changed. Not a nice presentation.

This time we waited five minutes and nobody came to take our order.

Unforgivable.

We got up and left . . . headed for China Fun on East Valley Parkway.

We were promptly served with outstanding food.

At one time Bamboo House was an excellent place to dine. They have let the food and service slip.

Dick Clark •••• Disappointing Restaurant Review: We used to frequent The Bamboo House on Midway Avenue in Escondido.

No more.

I took Mary there last week. Were given menus. Menus and wine list were old, torn, tattered, dirty. Prices had been “updated” by writing in Magic Marker pens. Tacky.

Chinese food there is only “okay.”

One evening I sent a plate back as

There are two other Chinese eateries in Escondido. China Fun on East Valley Parkway and Chin’s, on Escondido Blvd. We dine 2-3 times a week at China Fun. Both places offer good food, more than fair prices, nice, clean facilities and excellent staffing. Our personal favorite is China Fun. •••• I love this time of year. You can dig graves in your front and people Man About Town continued on page 14

The Paper • Page 5 • October 19, 2023

Pride from page 3 much of the population was unemployed and suffering from the Great Depression.

Hitler was credited with putting Germany back to work. Inflation seemed under control and the German Reichsmark compared within reason to the valuation of the American dollar. John’s hotel stay lasted a week after the Olympic Games had concluded. Thanks to that distant uncle, John had plenty of money to provide for a pleasant vacation.

Night life in Berlin was unbelievable to a young man from the Midwestern countryside of Iowa.

Night clubs and theater performances seemed everywhere. John found such entertainment just by walking out the hotel front door, but he didn’t have to go that far because there was a full orchestra and singers performing nightly for guests in the hotel ballroom. There always was men in SS uniforms or tuxedos accompanied by women dressed in evening attire. John felt a bit under dressed but he had a tie, white shirt and tweed suit coat, which sufficed.

Andre was continually making entertainment suggestions with obvious boastfulness. He always was dressed in a rather expensive-looking suit and the amount of sports clothes he wore during the day was an indication his job must be a good paying one.

Suddenly a group of young men wearing khaki uniforms with swastika arm bands came marching by the outdoor café. Andre identified the group as members of the Hitler Youth. He said they were similar to the American and British Boy Scout organizations. But John felt a little intimated by the young men’s angry voices and gestures. No Boy Scout would conduct themselves in such a belligerent manner.

Andre replied to John’s employment question. “I work for the German Radio network’s foreign language broadcasts,” The German took John into one of the broadcast studios to witness an evening broadcast. Andre spoke almost flawless English, albeit in a slight British accent with a sophisticated upper crust flare. Andre said he had attended college at Oxford in England where he mastered the basics of the language. He explained his short-wave broadcasts beamed to North and South America were made at night which was primarily early evening and nighttime listening times for those listeners on the other side of the globe. Andre professed news of the German government’s progress and musical entertainment were Andre’s primary script fare. The program

had plenty of recorded musical classics of Beethoven and Wagner as performed by the Brandenburg Symphonic Orchestra.

John could not help but ask Andre about the reported treatment of Jewish people.

News of their persecution had reached the U.S. But John it wasn’t all that clear about what the truth was.

“Exaggerated radio reports have been distributed outside of Germany,” Andre explained in a somewhat awkward utterance. “I assure you our Jewish friends are treated with respect.”

As they drove down one of Berlin’s main shopping districts Andre pointed to several supposed Jewishowned shops. John would later discover after he left Germany for his return home those supposed Jewish-owned and operated businesses were a ruse to make a good impression for the thousands of tourists in Germany for the Olympics. The Nazis were putting on a fake impression for the benefit of tourists.

He truly was in a fantasyland.

It was time for John to start his return home to Lone Tree. He first had arrived at the French port city of Le Havre aboard the British steamship SS Endeavor. From there he had traveled by train to Berlin. On his return to U.S., John promised himself to a side-trip visit Paris and then return home from Frankfurt by way of the German airline Lufthansa’s huge air ship Graf Zeppelin.

John had saved his haircut and shave money for two years to make the European excursion, so the trip was, indeed, a dream vacation for the young Iowan. His father, Wilhelm, had served in the U.S. Army’s Expedition Force in 1918, during World War I. Now those wonders in Paris were available to his son. He had described the restaurants, and museums of Paris, so John looked forward to visiting the French capital almost as much as he had Berlin. He was anxious to savor the soft taste of French red wine at a picturesque sidewalk café joining those dining Parisians who were noted for. From his father’s many descriptions, John could almost taste the wine.

By August 1936, only Germany still pursued hydrogen gas-filled air ship development. The U.S. Navy and the British had abandoned their military use of lighter-thanairships. The Zeppelin company continued to operate the Graf Zeppelin on passenger service between Frankfurt, Lakehurst, New JerPride continued on page 12

Oodles from page 3

• Evil Laugh and Blood Curdling Scream Contest at 8 p.m. ***

• Halloween music all night by Crate Miners - DJ Sean.

Costume Contest & Parade October 22 • 9:00am to 1:00pm Bates Nut Farm 15954 Woods Valley Road Valley Center

Trick-or-treating goes until the treats are gone, so bring your trickor-treaters early! For more information, call 760-754-4512 or visit sunsetmarket.com.

You and your family have worked hard on your Halloween costumes…here’s your opportunity to show them off! While you’re at it, document your efforts with some photos in the Pumpkin Patch at Bates Nut Farm. Participants in the Bates Costume Contest will get a certificate of participation, halloween treats and a tractor hayride ticket. Not wearing a costume? Come anyway to enjoy the costume parade and cheer for your favorite costumes. Prizes will be awarded in four age categories, so everybody has a chance to win.

Registration begins at 9:00, and costume parade and judging begin at 11:00. Create lasting memories at Bates with all the Pumpkin Patch activities, scrumptious food, and live music on the Bates Stage from 12-3. $10 Parking October Weekends. *** Haunted Market October 26 • 5-9 pm Sunset Market, Pier View Way west of North Coast Highway Downtown Oceanside MainStreet Oceanside’s Sunset Market transforms into the Haunted Market for one special night each year. From 5-9 p.m. on Oct. 26, there’ll be trick-or-treating for kids 12 and under at this free, family-friendly Halloween event, plus special scary entertainment and contests at the main stage:

About the Sunset Market Featuring up to 200 merchants and spanning four city blocks, MainStreet Oceanside’s Sunset Market is San Diego County’s top weekly food and music street fair. Every Thursday from 5-9 p.m., thousands of residents and visitors alike gather here to enjoy hot food from around the world, gourmet goodies and desserts, eclectic shopping and live entertainment. Located on Pier View Way west of North Coast Highway in Downtown Oceanside since 2007, this free, family-friendly event also features Dorothy’s KidZone with children’s activities. For more information, visit sunsetmarket.com. *** “Let Freedom Reign” Church Worship with Adam Riojas October 28 Oceanside Pier Amphitheatre Free and open to the public 10am to 10pm.

10 am to 3 pm Spanish ministries, 3pm to 10pm English Ministries Children’s games and crafts area.

Bringing the Church and Country Oodles continued on page 12

• Haunted Market Costume Parade at 6 p.m.

Reverse Mortgages Pay off existing mortgage, home improvements, even purchase a new home!

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A reverse mortgage can help turn the value of your home into cash without having to make monthly mortgage payments and can help you better manage your financial future. It can provide you with the means to supplement your monthly income, cover healthcare costs, pay off existing mortgages or other financial obligations, fix up your home, or simply gain peace of mind.

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The Paper • Page 6 • October 19, 2023

5th District Supervisor

Jim Desmond

Getting the word out about drug abuse Red Ribbon Week -- October 23rd to 31st -- delivers a strong antidrug message to school children nationwide. I strongly support this annual program, and again this year my office is distributing thousands of Red Ribbon certificates to schools throughout the 75th Assembly District.

In 2021, there were almost 6,000 overdose deaths in California – most of them fentanyl-related.

That’s an increase of 121% in three years. Fentanyl has become the number one killer of persons aged 18 to 45 in San Diego County. The drug is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It comes in various forms, and can be made to look like any prescription pill.

Even a very small amount can be lethal.

Most fentanyl is smuggled across California’s southern border. U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized more than 22,000 pounds of fentanyl between October 2022 and June, 2023. That compares to 8,300 pounds seized the previous year. Even though California has spent more than $1 billion to reign in this deadly epidemic, the problem has grown.

Help is available. Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), is con-

sidered the gold standard in treating opioid addictions. However, several areas in San Diego County located within the75th Assembly District have been identified as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HSPSAs). Lack of treatment options, and the long driving distances involved can limit effective and timely treatments. That can cost lives.

This session I introduced AB 1233 to help make Naloxone and other fentanyl antidotes more available in tribal areas. The bill was recently signed into law by the Governor. But we need to do all we can to prevent overdoses by spreading the word about the dangers of drug abuse – the message thousands of students receive during Red Ribbon Week.

By using MAT, educational programs like Red Ribbon Week, and enhanced law enforcement against drug traffickers, this deadly scourge can be stopped. We can save thousands of lives.

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.

A Word from San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones Gain experience with local volunteer opportunities

Volunteering with the city can give you an inside look at how the lo-

Let’s start with some great news!

Thanks to the unwavering efforts of SANDAG Board members, led

by San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones, we have successfully eliminated the mileage tax from the transportation plan. Mayor Jones pushed vigorously for this issue to be heard and got most of her colleagues to remove this tax. It’s a significant win for San Diego County!

However, our work is far from over.

SANDAG is still actively pursuing its $160 billion transportation plan, and with the mileage tax out of the picture, they are exploring alternative funding sources. Their latest proposal involves converting over 800 miles of San Diego County roads into managed toll lanes.

We already bear the burden of some of the highest driving costs in the country. From exorbitant gas prices due to steep gas taxes to the nation’s highest vehicle registration fees, San Diegans feel the impact on their wallets daily. The prospect of managed toll lanes on

I urge you to contact your local SANDAG representative and express your thoughts and concerns about this toll lane proposal. Your input matters; together, we can ensure our voices are heard and our roads remain accessible to all.

Thank you for your continued support in defending the interests of our community.

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

My Vegas Golden Knights tickets disappeared. Why won’t Ticketmaster refund them?

San Marcos Senior Activity Center: • Class and program instructor • Building maintenance/janitorial • Special events • Computer lab

Q: I bought seven tickets to a recent Vegas Golden Knights game through Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster confirmed my order, and my tickets were in my account an hour later.

Complete the Parks & Trials Reserve Ranger Program application or visit the city website.

The mileage tax was removed through the collective voice of our community speaking out in opposition. Our politicians listened because we made ourselves heard. To thwart the proposal to managed toll our beloved San Diego roads, we must unite again and demonstrate the same dedication.

by Christopher Elliott

One minute, Adam Edikauskas has tickets to a Vegas Golden Knights hockey game. The next moment, the tickets vanished from his account. Why won’t Ticketmaster refund his money?

Parks & Trails Reserve Ranger Program: • Reserve rangers • Mounted bike patrol • Jack’s Pond Nature Center docents • Monthly hike leaders • Trail advisory committee

nearly every road will only further strain our finances.

Problem Solved

cal government operates, and it is a treat for me to share with community members the joy of working with our city. Below are current volunteering opportunities that community members can join today.

Be sure to complete the SAC volunteer application and submit it to Supervisor Jennifer Overmann at joverman@san-marcos.net.

Our city staff would like to extend a special thank you to our community members who partake in volunteering opportunities throughout the city. By taking advantage of these events, community members can gain valuable work experience, develop strong relationships and demonstrate their current skill.

The Latest at SANDAG

When game time rolled around, I pulled up my account to scan my tickets, and they were no longer there.

I went to the box office for help.

They explained these tickets had changed hands over eight times. I have contacted Ticketmaster, and they have submitted a request for a refund.

This was over a month ago. A follow-up has yielded nothing. I disputed the purchase with my credit card, but my bank sided with Tick-

etmaster. I will have to submit an appeal by next week. I am hoping to get help getting a full refund of the $504 I spent. Can you help me? ~ Adam Edikauskas, Vancouver, Wash.

A: Talk about a doubleheader of disappointment! You not only missed the game, but Ticketmaster decided to keep your money.

But I can see a problem with your case right off the bat (sorry for mixing my sports metaphors, but “right off the stick” didn’t have quite the same ring to it). You gave Ticketmaster only a few weeks to process the refund before going to a credit card dispute.

As I explain in my complete guide to credit card disputes, a chargeback is your last option when you have a problem with a company.

Problem Solved continued on page 12

The Paper • Page 7 • October 19, 2023

Historically Speaking

The Well-Lived Life of Victor Mature PCP stage play. He made 10 films before World War II.

By Tom Morrow One of my favorite interviews was with the noted movie star Victor Mature, who for the last 30 years of his retired life lived in Rancho Santa Fe here in North San Diego County.

Victor John Mature, born Jan. 29, 1913, in Louisville, KY, was one of Hollywood’s most successful actors who starred in a variety of musical, suspense, western, and comedy films.

Those under 50 probably aren’t acquainted with Mature’s work, but to early movie buffs he was a top star of more than 70 films. Some of his best-known roles include: “My Darling Clementine” (1946), “Kiss of Death” (1947), “Samson and Delilah” (1949), and “The Robe” (1953). He also appeared in many musicals opposite such luminaries as Rita Hayworth and Betty Grable.

Mature studied acting at the Pasadena Community Playhouse and for three years he lived in a tent in the back yard of a fellow student.

In 1939 he was spotted by an agent for Hal Roach while acting in a

In July 1942, Mature enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and was assigned to the Cutter Storis, which was part of the Greenland Patrol. After 14 months Mature was promoted to chief petty officer. He was discharged in November 1945.

The first film he did after the War was John Ford’s “My Darling Clementine,” in 1946 playing Doc Holliday opposite Henry Fonda’s Wyatt Earp. The film was produced by 20th Century Fox, whose head of production, Darryl F. Zanuck, was delighted Ford had cast Mature, telling the director: “Personally, I think the guy has been one of the most under-rated performers in Hollywood.”

In a 1978 interview, Mature told me “Clementine” was his favorite movie. “It was a great script and I got to work with a great cast,” he said.

It wasn’t the only time Mature was cast with great actors. During the ‘30s, 40s, and 50s, he worked with a number of Hollywood’s finest as a musical song and dance man to a gun-toting film noir heavy to a Biblical figure like Samson.

The 1947 film noir, “Kiss of Death,” was developed specifically for Mature. The movie wasn’t “boffo” but it earned Mature some of his best critical reviews.

Vic and me in 1979.

Mature was famously self-deprecating. Once, after being rejected for membership in an L.A. country club because he was an actor, Mature cracked, “Hell, I’m no actor …

I’ve got 64 films to prove it!” He was quoted in 1968 commenting on his acting career: “… I never was an actor. Ask anybody, particularly the critics.” And, he had a great sense of humor telling Hollywood stories.

During the filming of “Demetrius & the Gladiators” Mature put to use his quick wit between takes when he and a fellow actor walked across the street to a bar for a drink. They were still costumed in battle dress as Roman Centurions. The bar was crowded and the two actors went relatively unnoticed. After a few minutes being ignored, Mature got up and in a loud voice: “Well, it’s obvious this joint

doesn’t cater to service personnel.”

When Mature died of leukemia in 1999, his long-time golfing buddy, the late John Mamaux of Carlsbad, told me a side of Mature few people knew about. It had to do with U.S. Marine Sgt John Basilone. In 1942, after the Marine was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism on Guadalcanal, he was brought back home to sell war bonds with Mature and a number of other celebrities.

The two became close friends.

Mature worried about his buddy, fearing the Marine had a death wish. At nearly every war bond show Sergeant Basilone would go Historically Speaking continued on page 14

Travel Troubleshooter

by Christopher Elliott

Breeze Airways lost our bags. Can you help me find them?

Breeze Airways loses Benjamin Wallis’s luggage and won’t answer his calls. How can he get his bags back?

Q: Breeze Airways lost my family’s checked luggage on a flight from Los Angeles to Jacksonville, Fla. It’s been four days, and we’ve had no update from Breeze. Plus, there’s no way to get in touch with the airline. We’re missing two large suitcases and a car seat.

We’d like to receive our lost luggage. We would like to be fully compensated for the clothes and necessities we have had to purchase since losing our checked luggage.

We would like to be refunded the full amount of our airfare for this hardship. ~ Benjamin Wallis, Los Angeles A: I’m sorry Breeze Airways lost

your luggage. Most airlines have sophisticated tracking systems that are supposed to ensure your luggage gets delivered to you at the end of your flight. And considering that you’re paying Breeze a fee for your luggage, you should expect your bags to show up on the carousel promptly after you land.

But the system isn’t perfect. Airlines lose or misplace one or two bags for every flight, and unfortunately, yours were the unlucky bags.

If an airline loses your luggage on a domestic flight, federal regulations require it to compensate you for “reasonable, verifiable, and actual incidental expenses” you incur while your bags are delayed. The expenses are subject to the maximum liability limit of $3,800 per passenger. However, Breeze is under no obligation to

refund you for your tickets.

Normally, I can’t help readers track down lost luggage. But your case gave me pause. You said you could not reach Breeze. That’s troubling.

Breeze claims that it’s reachable by messaging, text and email. And just in case, I also publish the names, numbers and email addresses of the Breeze Airways customer service executives on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org.

Breeze is also one of the most responsive airlines in the business.

So as I read your case, I thought to myself, “What could have possibly gone wrong?”

The answer is: Nothing. Breeze appears to have responded to your questions in a timely manner. But it did not provide any updates on your luggage, and it should have.

In fairness to the airline, your lug-

gage loss happened during one of the busiest weeks of summer, and the airline was probably straining under a heavy load of lost luggage complaints. That’s no excuse, but it probably explains the lack of information.

Next time you fly, I would recommend buying a tracking device like an AirTag. That way, you’ll always know where your bags are. Better yet, don’t check any bags.

I contacted Breeze on your behalf.

It found your bags and reunited you with them a week after your flight.

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. © 2023 Christopher Elliott.

The Paper • Page 8 • October 19, 2023

Why are America’s trains always running late?

And how do you fix them? sider the other big rail story of the year, the opening of Brightline, a private rail service from Miami to Orlando. The high-speed train can make the trip between the two Florida cities in just under three hours.

Brightline also plans a high-speed train between Los Angeles and Las Vegas in 2027 on new tracks without any freight trains.

Alan Gore wants to know why Amtrak is almost always late for him. Not just a little bit late, but ridiculously, absurdly, preposterously late.

Like the time he tried to catch an Amtrak train from Phoenix to Los Angeles. He and his girlfriend arrived before their scheduled 7 p.m. departure.

And they waited. And waited. And waited.

The train finally pulled into the station at 5 a.m. -- the next day.

They connected with the Amtrak Surfliner and arrived in San Luis Obispo, Calif., their final destination, a full day later than planned.

“One of the conductors told me that being twelve hours late is perfectly normal,” says Gore, a photographer who lives in Sedona, Ariz. “I didn’t even bother asking for compensation.”

Anyone who travels by train in the United States knows that feeling. In the latest quarter, Amtrak trains were delayed 1.42 million minutes, up 9% from the previous quarter and an increase of 10% from 2022. It’s particularly bad on Gore’s route, the Sunset Limited.

Over the last year, passengers have been delayed by a total of 11 weeks and only 28% of trains are on time, according to Amtrak.

“That record is even worse than those numbers indicate because each of those long-distance trains is given a 30-minute grace period before it is officially designated as late,” explains Jim Loomis, author of All Aboard: The Complete North American Train Travel Guide.

Why is Amtrak often so late?

It’s complicated. Amtrak does not have dedicated tracks outside of the Northeast and parts of Michigan and Indiana and uses the same rails as freight trains. But essential consumer protection rules are missing, too. And the sad fact that most Americans don’t care about trains isn’t making it any easier to fix the problem.

Joel Sutherland, a professor of supply chain management at the University of San Diego and a former CSX Railroad official, says America’s rail network is set up to favor freight trains.

“Amtrak must share the rail lines with freight trains, and freight trains tend to get priority,” he says. “This is especially true west of the Mississippi where the rail infrastructure is lacking compared to the East Coast.”

Illustration by Dustin Elliott

Waiting for freight trains is the largest cause of passenger train delays, according to Amtrak. America’s rail network is set to favor freight trains, even though, by law, passenger trains should get priority. As a practical matter, the law is difficult to enforce. A proposed bill would allow Amtrak to begin directly enforcing the rules, but the law is stalled in Congress.

Amtrak has also called for an investigation, which is now in progress, into how Union Pacific Railroad favors freight over people on the Sunset Limited. Union Pacific did not respond to questions about delays on the route.

But the problem is bigger. American train passengers lack some basic consumer protections that might motivate rail carriers like Amtrak to fix the problem faster.

Does Amtrak compensate you for delays?

Believe it or not, Amtrak doesn’t have to compensate delayed passengers.

There is no federal law that requires even a partial refund if your train is late. (In Europe, you get a 25% refund of the ticket price if the delay is between 1 and 2 hours and a 50% refund if the delay is 2 hours or more under EU regulations). Amtrak’s customer service commitment does not promise compensation for delays, either.

As a practical matter, Amtrak sometimes offers compensation in the form of credits for future travel to passengers who experience a long delay.

“We always encourage customers to let us know about their trips, what went well and what did not,” says Amtrak spokesman Marc Ma-

gliari. “For the most part, we work with them individually on whether credit for future travel or a refund is appropriate.”

Amtrak has been experimenting with automatically awarding Amtrak Guest Rewards points to customers on Acela trains based on the length of their delay. Amtrak would not give any specifics, since it’s still a pilot program. But Magliari says passengers are welcome to contact Amtrak and fill out a trip report, which could lead to policy changes or additional compensation.

Still, the fact that U.S. rail carriers don’t have to compensate their passengers for delays may give them less incentive to fix the delays.

What will it take to fix the delayed trains?

Rail experts say nothing less than a massive new investment in passenger rail infrastructure -- new trains, high-speed tracks, generous government support -- can fix this mess.

But a little more involvement from passengers might help, too.

What does it take to make you care about trains? A lot, apparently.

The last Amtrak story to gain widespread national attention was the “train ride from hell” back in January. That’s when an Amtrak Auto Train from Washington, D.C., to Orlando was delayed by almost 20 hours because of a freight derailment. Some passengers reportedly called 911 and claimed they were being held hostage on the train. The experience prompted an outcry from Congress, which demanded answers from Amtrak.

But maybe we’re looking in the wrong place for the solution. Con-

Brightline might be enough to make Americans fall in love with trains again. And here’s what I mean by love: I recently spent two months in Japan, which has one of the best rail networks in the world. Its shiny bullet train, called the Shinkansen, is faster and more efficient than flying and often less expensive. Veteran tour guide Joe Okada, who at 94 is the oldest tour guide in Japan, says in the 1950s Japan dreamed of a transportation system that was better, faster, cheaper, and safer.

“Shinkansen made our dreams come true,” he says.

But there is also a sense of national pride in these superfast trains, which whisk you from Tokyo to Kyoto in about two hours, or five hours less than it takes you to drive.

“Have you been on the Shinkansen yet?” people asked me. And when I said yes, they gave me a knowing smile because the Shinkansen is pretty spectacular.

No one says that about Amtrak, except maybe ironically. Amtrak is trying to reverse the trend with new overnight trains, station upgrades and improved meals. But it’s not enough. We could fix Amtrak by enforcing the law that gives it the right-of-way and strengthening consumer regulations -- and by thinking bigger, when it comes to trains.

“It’s past time to have a national conversation about rethinking, funding, and fixing America’s rail infrastructure,” says Bill McGee, a senior fellow for aviation and travel at the American Economic Liberties Project. “The delays will only worsen the longer we wait.”

Elliott’s tips for avoiding a train delay Sign up for delay alerts You can do that on the Amtrak site.

The sooner you know about a delay, the sooner you can make alternate plans, like driving or flying.

For long distances, take Amtrak only on reliable routes Trains continued on page 13

The Paper • Page 9 • October 19, 2023

Speed Dating Event Filling Fast Singles between the age of 54 and 66 are invited to join Simply The Best Singles on Wednesday, December 13th, at the Marina Bar downstairs at Amalfi Cucina Italiana Restaurant at Lake San Marcos.

This is not only a fun speed dating event but also a chance to enjoy this truly unique setting that overlooks the Marina.

The event allows you to save time and money by meeting up to 12 singles of the opposite sex on a one-on-one basis for approximately 3 minutes each. This gives you enough time to determine if you’d like to meet that person again.

Arrive early at 6:30 pm to enjoy complimentary appetizers, seating starts at exactly 7:00 pm. Please try to arrive on time so that you can meet all the attendees. Parking is free.

Dress is upscale casual or “First Impression” dress. If you buy a ticket online, be sure to add the number of tickets in the purchase box i.e., one or more.

The cost is $25 prepay, no walkins please. This event is full for women, but there are still spaces available for men.

Send an email to Kaustin@SimplyTheBestSingles.com to be placed on the wait list. Be sure to add your phone number. You will be given a CREDIT if you pay and we cannot get you in.

Visit www.SimplyTheBestSingles. com for more information.

Writers’ Workshop

November 3 at Vista Library Everyone has a story to tell - come learn the basics of how to tell yours better.

Join author and storyteller, Anastasia Zadeik, for an interactive workshop introducing the writing and sharing of short narrative nonfiction. Anastasia Zadeik is a writer, editor, and storyteller. She serves as Director of Operations for the San Diego Writers Festival, as a co-producer of the San Diego Memoir Showcase, and as a mentor for the literary nonprofit So Say We All. She also sits on the board of the International Memoir Writers Association.

Writers’ Workshops at the Vista Library are free. Registration is required, as seating is limited. Register by calling 760-643-5100, press 3, or online: sdcl.org/vista.

The Paper • Page 10 • October 19, 2023

My Insight Into Understanding Singles As the facilitator of the speed dating events, I gain valuable insight into what makes singles tick. For example, if a man or a woman attend and mark every person there as a match, it usually means they are recently out of a relationship and want to “date” and aren’t interested in or ready for a long-term relationship.

If they mark no one, it can mean they are too particular and take the chance of never finding anyone and consequently ending up alone.

By Karalee Austin, Simply The Best Singles After a number of years of observing and personally knowing 8000+ singles as they met at my singles events, I came to realize I knew more than the average person about singles and relationships. I feel I’ve heard it all in the “singles world” and know what makes many singles tick.

Throughout this column, I’ll share interesting stories of singles I’ve met. Most of the stories will be about those meeting at speed dating events. For those of you who you may not know what speed dating is, it’s where an equal number of single men and women gather to meet on a one-on-one basis for three to five minutes each. If you meet someone you’d like to see again, you mark their name as a match. After the event, your choices are turned in to the speed dating coordinator, who gets back to you with the contact information of your mutual matches.

Most singles love speed dating because it’s an efficient and effective way of dating and it’s very seldom that anyone does not get a date or two or meet their “significant other.”

See the following testimonials sent to me after a speed dating event: The idea if speed dating was intriguing and I tried to recruit a few of my single male friends to join in on the event but they were hesitant.

I can honestly say, they missed a great, fun party. What I really liked was the efficiency of speed dating. I met 14 charming, well dressed, and groomed women in one location and chatted with them all on a one-onone basis. I heartily recommend any on-line daters to check it out. It’s a huge time saver! - J.K., San Diego I am 56 years old and haven’t dated in years. This has given me a whole new confidence in myself and a positive outlook about having a new relationship. For people like me who are busy with their careers, this is a great way to meet people, get back into dating, and ultimately, meet the love of your life. I want to thank you for providing this experience and I encourage all singles to try speed dating. It’s fun, it’s easy, it’s without pressure, and it works. – W.P., Burbank

Pet Parade Gypsie Gypsie is pet of the week at your Rancho Coastal Humane Society. She’s a 1-year and 3-month-old, 47-pound, female, Shepherd mix.

Gypsie was transferred to Rancho Coastal Humane Society from a rescue partner in the Imperial Valley through FOCAS (Friends of County Animal Shelters.) She’s had surgery to repair a hip. Now she’s ready to begin her new life.

The $145 adoption fee for Gypsie includes medical exam, spay, up to date vaccinations, registered microchip, and a one-year license if her new home is in the jurisdiction of San Diego Humane Society. Visit Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas or log on to www.SDpets.org

Speed dating for me has and always will be a wonderful source, and an interesting and creative way of meeting a potential mate. It is done in a no-nonsense, no-waste-of-time, right-to-the-point of greeting and meeting those of the opposite sex.

I have found it to be a wonderful experience and it has made my life much more fulfilled. Karalee, you are very professional and the events are aways very classy. I believe that the positive energy of the events come from your input. – A.D., Santa Monica I just had to tell you about meeting my new guy through your service.

Neither he nor I had ever been to any speed dating service ever! Well once was all it took for me. I met many nice men that night but no one struck me as much as he did!! Many thanks to you and your service!! – L.U., Thousand Oaks In all my years on this planet, I’ve finally met the woman of my dreams…she is charming, gorgeous

and an incredible listener…I’m on one of the most incredible journeys of my life and it’s all because I drove for an hour and a half in a torrential rainstorm to attend your speed dating event that day…Thank you! – R.M., Santa Clarita People need to know your service works! Little did I know that I would meet my ideal match the night I went to the Stargazer but I did and I know that chances of us meeting elsewhere was less likely to happen, that’s why we are so grateful because that ONE EVENT sure made a meaningful difference in our lives. – M.L., Burbank Nowadays, speed dating is a popular way for younger men to date.

Although most of the testimonials above are from singles in the 50-65 year range, it’s often difficult to get men age 50 or older to attend a speed dating event. They simply are not used to dating that way. Once they try it, they truly enjoy it.

Single?

Simply the Best Singles offers

Upscale Singles • Quality Events Simply The Best Singles is an upscale singles organization for singles over the age of 40 living in and around San Diego County, including North County.

Visit our website today for upcoming events to include Dance/ Mixers, Speed Dating Events and Social Activities.

www.SimplyTheBestSingles.com

Kaustin@SimplyTheBestSingles.com • Karalee Austin, 818-577-6877

Pet of the Week Luisa Incoming! A high-speed delivery of love and excitement!

This fast, fluffy friend is Luisa, a high-energy pooch with a passion for life and a gigantic heart! If you love to explore new places and meet new people, then Luisa will be your ultimate adventure buddy. This stunning Belgian Malinois mix knows how to appreciate the quieter moments, too, and is sure to woo you with sweet nature. If you’re ready to open your heart to a gentle soul who brings enthusiasm to each day, she’s your girl! Luisa (876877) 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=876877

The Paper • Page 11 • October 19, 2023

Windows, Microsoft’s Greatest Asset gives Microsoft a revenue boost from new PC sales from Microsoft’s OEM customers.

action. Microsoft sold their Apple holdings in 2003 for $550 million, a $400 million profit.

The cancellation of the free upgrades is the latest small step in the incredible Microsoft success story.

Microsoft’s overwhelming dominance in PC operating systems has always been its most jealously guarded and greatest asset. Whenever their latest and greatest OS releases failed to live up to expectations, as with Windows 95, Vista and 8/8.1, Microsoft was always generous in supporting the preceding OS and quick to replace the problem OS. Today virtually all of Microsoft’s success orbits around the forty + years of PC operating system dominance. It’s not that Microsoft hasn’t sought to expand its horizons. Here’s a partial list of Microsoft failed products. BOB (1995), Band smart watch (2014), Bing search engine (2016), Zune/ Groove music (2006), Internet Ex-

Bill Gates and Paul Allen, childhood buddies, Geeks and college dropouts, founded Microsoft in 1975.

The Computer Factory 845 W. San Marcos Blvd.

760-744-4315 thecomputerfactory.net

Last week Microsoft quietly ended the policy of providing free upgrades to Windows 10 for any PC with Windows 7, 8 or 8.1. This policy had been in effect since Windows 10 was released in 2015. For home and business users with older PCs planning to eventually take advantage of this “free” upgrade to Windows 10, the policy change is an expensive surprise. The upgrade to Windows 10 that we charged $120 to $160 in September now has the added cost of $100+ for the Win 10 OS. This change affects the Windows 7/8 users who have not yet upgraded to Windows 10. Microsoft has three good reasons for ending the free upgrade policy. (1) It served its purpose in encouraging users to stay with Windows.

(2) The remaining un-upgraded Windows 7/8 users represent only 5% of Windows installed base. (3) Ending the free upgrade program

They hit the jackpot in 1980 when tech giant IBM selected tiny Microsoft to provide the OS (operating systems) for IBM’s ground breaking entry into the infant personal computer business. Microsoft bought 86-DOS from Seattle Computer Products for $75,000 in 1981. The modified it to run on IBM PCs. PC-DOS became the first link in an unbroken forty year chain of Microsoft operating systems stretching from PC-DOS in 1981 through Windows 11 in2021.

That deal between Microsoft and IBM in 1981 was the key to Microsoft eventually gaining and maintaining its overwhelming dominance in PC operating systems.

By the 1990s, Apple’s OS, with about 10% of the PC market, was the only significant competition to Microsoft’s OS. When Apple was threatened with bankruptcy in 1997, Microsoft stepped up with a $150 million investment position which allowed Apple the time and resources to turn the company around.

This preserved the appearance of competition in the arena of PC operating systems and avoided potential Justice Dept anti-trust

plorer 6 (2006) Lumina/windows/ Nokia smart phones disasters (2010-2015), Xbox1 (2013) and Windows 8 with tiles (2012).

Microsoft’s most important asset is unquestionably its ownership of Windows with its dominance as a PC OS. Although Windows OS sales represents less than 20% of Microsoft’s revenue, the other 80% of revenue is closely linked to Microsoft’s complete control of the Windows OS. In 2003 Microsoft was valued (market cap) at $290 billion and Apple at $26 billion. Today Microsoft value is $2.3 Trillion and Apple $2.8 Trillion. How did a company that Microsoft had to rescue from bankruptcy in 1997 become the most valuable company in the world? Tune in next week for the exciting story.

Before you buy a “retail” PC! Consider an “Enterprise” Refurb

Notebooks, desktops, All-in-ones, Micros With new OS, New SSD and extras Windows 11 8th Gen and Above Intel & AMD ~ $400-$600 Windows 10 7th Gen and Below Intel & AMD ~ $195-$500 Upgrade your Old PC (SSD, Win 10/11, RAM) ~ $120-$200 Trade in credit for older PCs on new or refurb PC ?????

Refurbs- half the price, twice the performance PC Repair and Upgrade Service Custom Built PCs (games, design, modeling etc)

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John Van Zante’s Critter Corner

Pete – My Dog Park Buddy

One afternoon Howie and I walked into the dog park, and he made friends with Bella, who, like him, was a black dog with a gray muzzle.

Bella’s owner and I gave each other a friendly nod that said, “I’m okay with my dog playing with your dog, if you are.”

After a while Bella’s dad called her over, attached her leash, and gave me a nod. I heard him tell Bella how pretty she was and that he was proud of her for being such a good girl.

A few days later, Howie and I got to the park and there was Bella with her dad. We introduced ourselves. He said his name was Pete. He was retired. He had bad knees, but Bella still needed her exercise.

Pete Adams was a football star at USD High School and San Diego City College before playing at USC.

In the coming months our conversations moved from dogs to trucks to where to get a good burger. You name it, Pete and I talked about it while our dogs played.

He replied, “I played a little ball.”

Then he and Bella leashed up and headed home.

He was a threeyear letterman from 1970 to 1972, winning All-American first team and All-Pac-8 first team honors as a senior. During his senior year, he found a stray dog who became the unofficial mascot for the 1972 Trojans. (Look it up.)

Another dog park friend said, “Pete’s last name is Adams. You should look him up.”

He was a first-round draft pick in the 1973 NFL draft. As Pete told me, “I was sentenced to the Cleve-

We had known each other a few weeks when I asked, “What did you do before you retired?”

land Browns.”

Yeah.

You could say that Pete “played a little ball.”

By the time we met, we were just a couple dog park buddies in our 60’s who enjoyed watching our dogs play together.

To some people, Pete will always be an AllAmerican Tackle.

To me and his other dog park friends, Pete Adams will always be Bella’s dad.

The Paper • Page 12 • October 19, 2023

Oodles from page 5 together for Revival www.atthecrossoceanside.com *** Fall Festival 2023 Dinner and Fundraiser October 28th • 6pm St. Timothy’s Parish Hall Grand Prize Raffle: $1,200. Consolation Prizes: $600 & $300.

Prime Rib with all the fixings!

Dinner Tickets only $30 each.

Purchase Prime Rib Dinner and Raffle Tickets at St. Timothy’s Church before or after weekend Masses. Saturday: 5pm Mass, Sunday: 8:30am & 10:30am Masses.

Credit Cards Accepted Sponsored by Knights of Columbus St. Timothy’s Council 10802.

Proceeds Benefit Catholic and Escondido Com)munity Charities. *** Chess at Park Avenue Community Center Wednesdays from noon to 3pm Home of Escondido Senior Center 210 Park Avenue, Escondido Chess players of all skill levels are welcome every Wednesday in the shuffleboard building from Noon to 3 pm. Large boards and pieces provided. Follow the signs or ask at the front desk for directions. *** Escondido Senior Travel Meetings Escondido Senior Travel Service’s holds a monthly meeting at 1pm in the Park Avenue Community Center, 210 Park Avenue. The next meeting is September 11, 2023.

No meeting in August. Upcoming trips are Knox Berry Farm, September 28 and Laughlin, October 30, November 1, 2023 and December 7, Christmas with Sinatra.

The Travel Office is located at the Park Avenue Community Center, Escondido, and is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10 A.M. to 12 P.M. Phone number 760 2941851. Call for details. *** The Music Men Chorus Welcomes New Singers Tuesday rehearsals • 7pm San Marcos Lutheran Church 3419 Grand Ave, San Marcos in the Luther Room The Music Men Chorus is the North San Diego County chapter of the international Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS). The Society is a

non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, enjoyment, and performance of a cappella, closeharmony songs arranged in the unique “Barbershop” style, known for its “ringing” chords.

The Music Men share their love of Oodles continued on page 14

Problem Solved from page 6 I would have given Ticketmaster a little more time to send your refund. Refunds can sometimes take six to eight weeks.

If you run out of patience, you could always contact the Ticketmaster executives that I list on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott. org. A brief, polite email to one of them might light a fire under the refunds department and lead to quicker action. Ticketmaster has the lowest possible customer responsiveness score, according to our own rating, which is based on our cases.

You kept an excellent paper trail between Ticketmaster and yourself, which allowed me to review the problem quickly. It appears you had electronic tickets that someone removed from your account, after which the tickets changed hands several times, even though you had paid for them. Ticketmaster should have safeguards in place to prevent tickets from being removed from a customer’s account without their authorization. Even after reviewing the lengthy thread between you and Ticketmaster, I have no idea how this could have happened.

I contacted Ticketmaster on your behalf. But you also proceeded with the appeal of your dispute. A few weeks later, you contacted me with good news: Your credit card company reviewed your case and sided with you, refunding your $504.

“I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for taking this on with Ticketmaster and spending the time you did helping me out,” you said. “While we did not get Ticketmaster to admit their fault, we were still able to get the credit card company to side with me, which I think is a win in itself.”

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/ © 2023 Christopher Elliott.

Pride from page 5 sey, and Recife Brazil. The trip to America took 38 hours; to Brazil, some 68 hours. All Zeppelin flights were subject to weather conditions, which could hinder or speed flights. The Graf Zeppelin proved its viability for luxurious air travel.

That same year of 1936, a sister ship, the Hindenburg, completed a successful trip carrying passengers between Lakehurst and Frankfurt.

On May 6, 1937 the new, larger hydrogen-filled dirigible burst into flames as it came in for a landing at Lakehurst’s U.S. Naval Air Station, killing 36 passengers and crewmembers.

After a two-day Parisian visit the Iowan took an express train back to Frankfurt where he boarded the Graf Zeppelin for the return to the United States. Years later John would realize with a chill how fortunate he had been with his smooth uneventful trip across the Atlantic aboard the old Graf Zeppelin.

After the 1937 Hindenburg disaster, the Graf Zeppelin landed safely, returning to Germany from Brazil.

That trip was the last the last international passenger air ship flights.

The Hindenburg’s identical sister ship, the Graf Zeppelin II, was a new, revolutionary dirigible which was designed to fly only filled with helium, but prohibited from carrying commercial passengers without that non-flammable gas. Because of Nazi Germany’s invasion of eastern European countries, the United States refused to sell helium to the Zeppelin Co. Until Sept. 1, 1939, when World War II began, the new Graf Zeppelin II made several test flights and was used by the Nazis to conduct electronic espionage. But the last two great air ships were grounded and scrapped, thus bringing to the end a romantic era of aviation.

Before he left Germany John took two rolls of black and white film with a Kodak box camera to remember the sites during his visit John observed plenty of soldiers marching downside streets, keeping off the main thoroughfares where some tourists might still be in the city. It was apparent to John that Berlin was one giant stage play … and not a very good one. Almost everyone was unrealistically cheerful. As he travelled with Andre in the small Volkswagen down the modernistic four-lane autobahn they passed one of the Luftwaffe’s sprawling military airfields where he casually counted more than 20 of Germany’s new-looking single engine Messerschmitt-109 fighter planes. It looked to John as if Germany was preparing for war.

After an overnight express train trip to Paris. John’s first attraction in the “City of Lights” was to climb

the famed Eiffel Tower, some 1,083 feet high, then he spent all afternoon marveling at the paintings of master artists in the famed Louvre art gallery. John viewed Napoleon’s massive tomb in the French army’s Les Invalides; spend time inside the centuries-old Notre Dame Cathedral and took in the high-kicking frolicking dancers that night at the Moulin Rouge night club.

As his father had suggested, the next day John took lunch at a sidewalk restaurant on the Left Bank of the Seine River while sipping a glass or two of fine, soft French wine. After a full day of sightseeing in the Parisian capital it was time for the return trip to America across the Atlantic aboard the giant Graf Zeppelin airship, which would be a two- day flight. The air ship’s passenger cabin was luxurious compared to the 2nd class passage ocean liner he had arrived on in Europe. From the air ship’s passenger gondola there was a viewing lounge to look down at the Atlantic cruising some 50 to 60 mph at an altitude of 1,500 feet … much faster than a steam ship which took five days for the west-bound crossing. It was first class air passage from Franlfurt to Lakehurst complete with a private cabin and meals. The wine was German, of course, but not as good as French.

Upon arrival at U.S. Naval Air Station Lakehurst, John was departing along with the other passengers when a man in a dark blue suit wearing a brown fedora waved for his attention. The man guided John past two U.S. Custom officers and out to a parking lot where a big, black Buick sedan awaited. Little was said on the short drive to New York City’s Grand Central Station for John’s train trip home. Before he got out of the car, John took the two rolls of film from his jacket and handed them to the fedorawearing man. Then John reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a packet of handwritten notes, handing them over as well.

“Your ‘Uncle Sam’ hopes you had a good trip,” the man wearing the fedora said with a slight chuckle. Then the huge sedan pulled away from the curb and drove out of sight.

John went into the huge train station and boarded the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Overnight Express bound for Chicago. Three days later the Rock Island passenger train pulled into the Lone Tree depot. The young traveler got off the train and walked across the town square to the family’s barber shop.

Three farmers were discussing the area’s weather reports while waiting their turn to be trimmed. His father didn’t look up from the head on which he was working as he asked in a low voice: “So, how was the wine in Paris?”

The Paper • Page 13 • October 19, 2023

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Call Maria cell 760-613-7482 Old accountants never die. They just lose their balance.

Chuckles from page 2 Q: What’s an accountant’s idea of trashing his/her hotel room?

A: Refusing to fill out the guest comment card.

Q: When does a person decide to become an accountant?

A: When he realizes he doesn’t have the charisma to succeed as an undertaker.

Q: What’s the most wicked thing a group of young accountants can do?

A: Go into town and gang-audit someone.

Q: What’s the definition of an accountant?

A: Someone who solves a problem you didn’t know you had in a way you don’t understand.

Q: What’s an actuary?

A: An accountant without the sense of humor.

Q: Why do some accountants decide to become actuaries?

A: They find bookkeeping too exciting.

Q: What do actuaries do to liven up their office party?

A: Invite an accountant.

Q: What’s an extroverted accountant?

A: One who looks at your shoes while he’s/she’s talking to you instead of his/her own.

Q: There are three kinds of accountants in the world.

A: Those who can count and those who can’t.

Q: What’s a shy and retiring accountant?

A: An accountant who is half a million shy and that’s why he’s/ she’s retiring.

An accountant is someone who knows the cost of everything and the value of nothing.

My accountant told me that the only reason why my business is looking up is that it’s flat on it’s back. *** A fellow is walking into a hospital and sees two doctors down on their hands and knees in one of the flower beds. He goes over and says, “Can I help? Have you lost something?”

“No,” says one of the doctors.

“We’re about to do a heart transplant on an accountant and we’re looking for a suitable stone.” *** An accountant is having a hard time sleeping and goes to see his doctor.

“Doctor, I just can’t get to sleep at night.”

“Have you tried counting sheep?”

“That’s the problem - I make a mistake and then spend three hours trying to find it.” *** A businessman tells his friend that his company is looking for a new accountant. His friend asks, “Didn’t your company hire a new accountant a few weeks ago?”

The businessman replies, “That’s the accountant we’re looking for.” *** She was an acrobat’s daughter She swung by her teeth from a noose...

Then one fateful day her bridgework gave way and she flew though the air like a goose! *** Some Classic Ads As the following classified classics will demonstrate, there are often more laughs on the advertising and classified pages than you can find in the cartoons and comic strips:

For sale: an antique desk suitable for lady with thick legs and large drawers.

Four-poster bed, 101 years old.

Perfect for antique lover.

Dog for sale: eats anything and is fond of children.

Stock up and save. Limit: one.

Wanted. Man to take care of cow that does not smoke or drink.

Our bikinis are exciting. They are simply the tops.

Illiterate? help.

Write today for free

Mixing bowl set designed to please a cook with round bottom for efficient beating.

Classic Radio Ads Ladies and gentlemen, now you can have a bikini for a ridiculous figure.

When you are thirsty, try 7-Up, the refreshing drink in the green bottle with the big 7 on it and u-p after. *** If I Ever Become an Evil Overlord: 1. My legions of terror will have helmets with clear plexiglass visors, not face-concealing ones.

2. My ventilation ducts will be too small to crawl through.

3. My noble half-brother whose throne I usurped will be killed, not kept anonymously imprisoned in a forgotten cell of my dungeon.

4. Shooting is _not_ too good for my enemies.

5. The artifact which is the source of my power will not be kept on the Mountain of Despair beyond the River of Fire guarded by the Dragons of Eternity. It will be in my safe-deposit box.

6. I will not gloat over my enemies’ predicament before killing them.

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7. When the rebel leader challenges me to fight one-on-one and asks, “Or are you afraid without your armies to back you up?” My reply will be, “No, just sensible.”

8. When I’ve captured my adversary and he says, “Look, before you kill me, will you at least tell me what this is all about?” I’ll say, “No.” and shoot him.

9. After I kidnap the beautiful princess, we will be married immediately in a quiet civil ceremony, not a lavish spectacle in three weeks time during which the final phase of my plan will be carried out.

Trains from page 8 Amtrak’s City of New Orleans, between Chicago and New Orleans, is the most punctual (if you can use that term) long-distance train in the most recent quarter, with a 79% on-time rating. It’s followed by the Capitol Limited between Washington and Chicago (74%) and the Lake Shore Limited between Boston/New York City and Chicago (68%). Avoid chronic laggards, like the Sunset Limited between Los Angeles and New Orleans, which is on time only 19% of the time.

Avoid the train entirely While a train might be faster for some routes (notably where Amtrak owns the tracks in the Northeast), you can often get there faster by driving or even taking a bus. For longer distances, flying is almost always more cost-effective and convenient if there’s an airport at or near your destination.

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

The Paper • Page 14 • October 19, 2023

The Mighty Mojo Page

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Top Grade Printing of All Types BROCHURES • LETTERHEAD POSTERS • BANNERS BUSINESS CARDS

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Historically Speaking from page 7

•••• Long time former Escondido City Councilmember Olga Diaz is in Wisconsin!

As fall begins to turn to winter I worry about my family and friends who are stranded in Wisconsin.

I left the midwest many years ago but still recall the harsh winters I had endured.

on stage and angrily address the audience, yelling he shouldn’t be wasting his time trying to entertain them, rather, he should be “over in the Pacific killing (the enemy)!”

The Marine Corps did it’s best to keep Basilone out of harm’s way.

When Basilone wasn’t selling bonds, the Corps had him working in Special Services as a beach lifeguard at Camp Pendleton. But the sergeant complained enough about sitting around and wanting to go back into combat, he finally was issued orders to return to the Pacific.

Chief Petty Officer Mature nearly got in trouble because of his loud protests to the Marines for sending Basilone back into combat.

“Vic was certain Basilone had a death wish saying he shouldn’t be sent back,” Mamaux recalled. “Vic talked about Basilone countless times over the years I knew him. He did his damnedest to save Basilone. He raised so much hell with the Marine general who was Basilone’s commander that Vic almost got a court martial.”

In February 1945, Basilone landed on Iwo Jima, charged and captured a Japanese bunker single-handedly, but soon after was killed by a mortar round. He received the Silver Star posthumously.

Mature may not have earned an Oscar in Hollywood, but he should always be remembered for the role he played trying to save an American hero.

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Man About Town from page 4 just think it’s horseplay.

Vic and Jean Simmons in the blockbuster film, “The Robe”.

Solar & Roofing

As is well known and documented, Wisconsin folks begin preparing for winter in mid October. They lay out their mukluks, mittens, parkas, and snow machines. They begin positioning where they will build their igloos to protect themselves from bitter winter temperatures (commonly 20-30 degrees below zero) and winds of 30-50 miles per hour.

Butter and Cheese Churners begin their enforced holidays in far off warmer climates . . . like Iowa.

With winter comes the well known winter famine . . . where Wisconsin families often wind up eating their young as well as favorite pets. (Because of their famous compassion and love of animals they often eat their young before their pets. Admirable.)

I worry about these things as I sit on my pool deck, sipping on a cold Margarita, all the while remembering to put on sufficient sun screen to avoid a harsh sun burn.

I may return to visit Wisconsin one day . . . but only after the thaw.

Usually, that comes around mid to late May or early June.

Stay warm, Olga!

•••• I continue to be impressed with our County Supervisor, Jim Desmond.

He is leading the fight(s) against allowing the state of California to relocate previously convicted and sentenced Sexual Predators in San Diego County, against the lousy immigration policies that clutter up our border and allow illegal aliens to enter the US, against the

“dumping” of illegal immigrants in San Diego County cities, against allowing the almost unfettered importation of dangerous drugs such as fentanyl into the US, and he still finds time to visit are civic and service clubs. Jim Desmond is the kind of elected official we need to encourage and support and help him to move up the ladder. I see him as a prime candidate for the position of Governor of the state of California. Just very, very impressed with him. We will continue to support and endorse him for whatever elected position he seeks.

He is one in a million!

Oodles from page 12 Barbershop singing with the community in a variety of ways: through public performances (Christmas concerts, patriotic concerts at Veterans Day celebrations, festivals such as the Escondido Chocolate Festival, senior center luncheons); private performances for church groups, homeowners’ associations, retirement communities, and family celebrations; and the delivery of Singing Valentines.

As with many singing groups, the Music Men’s activities were curtailed during the pandemic. The chorus is hard at work rebuilding its ranks and learning new songs to perform. We always welcome prospective new members. Having a formal background in music, either singing or playing an instrument, is certainly helpful, but not a requirement. We are looking for men who love to sing! On your first visit, we will sit you in between two veteran singers in your vocal part. We also provide audio learning tracks to assist you in learning your part.

We welcome all prospective singers, but currently we particularly need Lead (2nd tenor voice range) singers. Lead singers sing the melody much of the time, so this is a perfect way to begin singing Barbershop.

So if you like to sing along with the car radio, sing Karaoke, sang in your school choir, or have al-

ways wanted to sing in a choir but felt you didn’t have the musical background, we would love to have you visit one of our Tuesday evening rehearsals in San Marcos.

We meet at 7 p.m. at San Marcos Lutheran Church, 3419 Grand Avenue, San Marcos 92078 in the Luther Room.

For more information about the Music Men Chorus, visit our website http:\\www.musicmenchorus.org or call Joe Pascucci at (760) 845-3593. *** Calling All Makers & Artists MainStreet Oceanside is accepting applications from area makers of handcrafted goods for the Eighth Annual Merry Makers Fair. Taking place in Downtown Oceanside on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., this annual holiday pop-up market is part of ‘Tis the Season to Shop Local — a fun, distinctly local holiday celebration inviting the community to explore Oceanside retail establishments and to shop local this holiday season.

A distinctive, artisanal holiday shopping experience, the Merry Makers Fair offers an exciting opportunity to bring you face-to-face with new customers in a festive market setting. Operating at Pier View Way and Coast Highway, Artist Alley between Mission Avenue and Pier View Way, and the Civic Center Fountains, you will also get a glimpse of what it could be like to have a shop or collective in Downtown Oceanside.

Fees to participate in the Merry Makers Fair will be collected on or before November 17, 2023. Fees are $75 per booth. Payments may be made by credit card online via invoice or by cash, check, or credit card in person at the MainStreet Oceanside office at 701 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92054.

To apply, visit https://form.jotform. com/232615269102147 Oodles continued on page 16

The Paper • Page 15 • October 19, 2023

LEGALS

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9018458 The name of the business: San Diego Granny Flats, San Diego Painting, SD Painting, Oceanside Painting, San Marcos Painting, located at 1050 Highway 78, Ramona, CA 92065. Registrant Information: Dan Abraham Jauregui, 1050 Highway 78, Ramona, CA 92065.

This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 9/7/2023 /s/ Dan Abraham Jauregui with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 9/7/2023 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/12/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9018785 The name of the business: Alexis Body Oasis, located at 1768 Pinnacle Court, Vista, CA 92081. Registrant Information: Alexis Breana Holiday, 1768 Pinnacle Court, Vista, CA 92081. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 9/5/2023 /s/ Alexia Breana Holiday with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 9/5/2023 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/12/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9018749 The name of the business: Angel Paws Pet Aftercare, Angel Paws, located at 128 N. Pacific St., #C-4, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant Information: NMS Enterprises Inc., 128 N. Pacific St., #C-4, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 12/26/2009 /s/ Christopher M. Settle, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 9/5/2023 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/12/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9018757 The name of the business: Kingdoom, located at 1729 S. Clementine St., Oceanside, CA 92054. Registrant Information: Fiddleroad LLC, 1729 S. Clementine St., Oceanside, CA 92054. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First

day of business: N/A /s/ Todd Eiscrkerch, Managing Member with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/12/2023 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/12/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9019198 The name of the business: Meritage Wine Market and Tasting Room, located at 162 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd., A-10, Encinitas, CA 92024.

Registrant Information: RJD Wines Inc., 162 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd., A-10, Encinitas, CA 92024.

This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 11/1/2001. /s/ Dustin Cano, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/19/2023 9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9019331 The name of the business: Smart Fix, located at 2525 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92008. Registrant Information: Mohammed Momen Mia, 28507 North Star Lane, Menifee, CA 92584 and Mohammad Mahbub Sarker, 923 Alturas Rd., Apt G44, Fallbrook, CA 92028. This business is operated by Co-Partners.

First day of business: 9/20/2023. /s/ Mohammed Momen Mia with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/20/2023 9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9019022 The name of the business: Disco Mushroom, located at 810 Los Vallecitos Blvd., Suite C, Lake San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant Information: Sofie Berarducci Corp, 979 Woodland Pkwy, Ste 101-108, San Marcos, CA 92069.

This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 9/14/2023. /s/ Sofia M. Berarducci, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/15/2023

9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9019336 The name of the business: Limitless Speed, Limitless Speed Co., located at 1196 Caminito Amarillo, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant Information: Joseph M. Canizales, 1196 Caminito Amarillo, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 9/20/2023. /s/ Joseph M. Canizales with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/20/2023 9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9018987 The name of the business: Coast Terra Landscape Construction, located at 407 Camelot Drive, Oceanside, CA 92054. Registrant Information: Matthew Flores, 407 Camelot Drive, Oceanside, CA 92054. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Matthew Flores with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/15/2023 9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9019136 The name of the business: JCrew Construction, located at 707 Eaton St., Apt J, Oceanside, CA 92054.

Registrant Information: Juan G. Gonzalez, 707 Eaton St., Apt J, Oceanside, CA 92054. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Juan G. Gonzalez with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/18/2023 9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9019089 The name of the business: Harmony And Horses, located at 931 Vale View Drive, Vista, CA 92081.

Registrant Information: Nicole Meyer Stabler BCBA, 931 Vale View Drive, Vista, CA 92081. This business is operated by a Limited

Liability Company. First day of business: 08/01/2023 /s/ Nicole Meyer, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/18/2023 9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9020018 The name of the business: Fringe Benefit Experts, located at 3970 Garfield St., Carlsbad, CA 92008.

Registrant Information: Kuzmack Insurance Services Inc., 3970 Garfield St., Carlsbad, CA 92008.

This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 1/1/2010. /s/ Stephen J. Kuzmack, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/28/2023 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9019525 The name of the business: Evolvea Barbershop, located at 4645 Frazee Rd., Suite D, Oceanside, CA 92057.

Registrant Information: Jazmin Garcia, 1040 Stephanie Ct., 319, San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 9/1/2023. /s/ Jazmin Garcia with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/22/2023 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9019322 The name of the business: Ultran Solutions, located at 3344 Atlas St., San Diego, CA 92111. Registrant Information: Bao Tran, 3344 Atlas St., San Diego, CA 92111.

This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 9/20/2023. /s/ Bao Tran with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/20/2023 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9019173 The name of the business: ABA Adaptive Services, located at 2038

Corte Del Nogal, #140, Carlsbad, CA 92011. Registrant Information: ABA Adaptive Services, LLC, 2038 Corte Del Nogal, #140, Carlsbad, CA 92011. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company.

First day of business: 2/15/2018 /s/ Amanda Romero, Office Manager with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/19/2023 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2/2023

Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/6/2023 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9019141 The name of the business: Jan Associates, located at 685 Saddleback Way, San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant Information: Muhammad Yasin, 685 Saddleback Way, San Marcos, CA 92078.

This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 9/1/2023 /s/ Muhammad Yasin with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/18/2023 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2/2023

Legal

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9020316 The name of the business: Iliac Golf, located at 3553 Liggett Drive, San Diego, CA 92106. Registrant Information: Golf Gear LLC, 3553 Liggett Drive, San Diego, CA 92106. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: 12/17/2021 /s/ Quentin Hill, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/3/2023 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9020654 The name of the business: Face Defined Esthetic, located at 4151 Oceanside Blvd., Oceanside, CA 92056. Registrant Information: Thao Nguyen Phuong, 5265 Rosewood Dr., Oceanside, CA 92056. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 10/6/2023 /s/ Thao Phuong Nguyen with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County

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The Paper is For Sale!

Have you always wanted a platform from which to report on fascinating feature articles, local news, and to help guide your community when it comes to supporting or opposing elected officials and/or ballot propositions?

An Amazing Opportunity Has Opened Up Due to almost two years of major health problems I am reluctantly offering The Paper for sale. We have owned The Paper for 23 years and have loved every minute of every year. We have grown The Paper from a weekly readership of 4,000 to an impressive and loyal weekly readership of over 26,500. It is a profitable, much loved weekly publication serving all of North San Diego County with distribution in San Marcos, Escondido, Vista, Oceanside and Carlsbad. We are offering The Paper for sale as a “turnkey” operation. Staff is in place and have indicated they will stay on with a new owner. You do not need to know the newspaper business to take advantage of this opportunity. Staff knows what they are doing and they do it well. What the new owner(s) will need is either the ability to sell advertising or the ability to recruit one or two talented sales people who can go into the market-place and show clients the demographics, the quality of writing, and the distribution of The Paper. It’s been a wonderful 23 years but, at 85 years of age, it is time to step out of the picture and allow new ownership to enjoy the fruits of our labor over the years. My first preference is to sell The Paper to someone local, someone who knows and cares about our North County commubity. For the right ownership we will provide attractive financing. You have the opportunity of being the eyes and ears of North San Diego County, of listening to and publishing the thoughts and cares of your readership, of helping lead your readership to making the right decisions for themselves, for their families, for their community. We have a healthy dialogue with our readership and the leaders of our communities. Our readers love us, our advertisers love us. We must have done something right.

If you are sincerely interested in The Paper and would like to be the editor/publisher/owner . . . let’s talk!

Give us a call at 760.747.7119

Once we have established the sincerity of your interest, we can arrange to provide you with financials and answer any and all questions you may have.

The Paper • Page 16 • October 19, 2023

Oodles from page 14 *** Operation HOPE- North County Celebrates 20 Years with Gala On Friday, November 3, Operation HOPE-North County will be hosting its 20 Years of HOPE Red Carpet Gala at the Crossings in Carlsbad from 4-8pm. The Gala will be a celebration of 20 years of service to our community as well as an opportunity to honor 2 individuals and 1 local company who have partnered with OHNC and/or have exemplified a deep commitment to serving our unsheltered residents.

Our Jean Cole Commitment to Service Award Recipient is Jordan Verdin is the founder of Humanity Showers, a non-profit that provides mutual aid and mobile showers to folks experiencing homelessness.

Our Volunteer of the Year Award Recipient is longtime volunteer Vickie Lancaster. Our Philanthropist of the Year Award Recipient is Vista-based company BioFilm Inc who has been a continuous supporter of our shelter services.

Since 2003, Operation HOPENorth County has been a champion of providing critical services that help to overcome housing and food insecurity for families with children and single women in our community. As the rate of families experiencing homelessness continues to rise in our region, OHNC depends on the generosity of our community to sustain our mission and services to provide this assistance to our local families in need.

All ticket sales, sponsorships, silent auction, and live auction proceeds will directly benefit continuing support of Operation HOPE-North County through the 2023/2024 year. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Tickets can be purchased at: operationhopeshelter.org Operation HOPE-North County was founded in 2003 in response to a visible increase in the number of unsheltered families with children. It began as a cold-weather shelter and in 2016 transitioned to a year-round organization which has helped countless families with children and single women who are experiencing homelessness. Our Steps to Independence program provides safe shelter, case management, and supportive services to help build life skills leading to self-sufficiency and independence.

The shelter serves over 160 individuals a year and approximately 60% of that population are youth.

Our food pantry provides assis-

tance to over 100 local families a week.

For more information about the Gala and sponsor opportunities please contact: Adri Furtado, Director of Resource Development afurtado@operationhopeshelter. org *** Friends of Daley Ranch Annual Picnic November 4 Ranch House Patio 9:30 a.m. Guided hike for new interpretive signs led by Rick Mercurio; meet at La Honda Gate 10 a.m. Shuttle service starts by La Honda gate for the Ranch House 10:30 a.m. Ranch House and restored barn open for public visit 11:30 a.m. Lunch served 12 noon - Welcome by Jerry Harmon, FODR president - City of Escondido Mayor, Council members, and City Manager - Project reports by FODR Board 1 p.m. Shuttle service starts for the La Honda gate Please RSVP by October 28. Please email us at info@daleyranch.org providing names of all attendees and the number of your guests requesting shuttle service.

Questions? Email FODR at http:// info@daleyranch.org or phone Rick Mercurio at 760-214-7587 *** California Retired Teachers Week November 5-11, 2023 Teachers never stop caring...

Retired Teachers Donate more than $39 million Worth of Volunteer Time!

The week of November 5-11, 2023 is California’s 25th annual Retired Teachers Week. The California Retired Teachers Association urges everyone to find a way to give back to their community. Even with pandemic restrictions still widely in place, last year CalRTA members logged more than one million hours of service in their communities. That’s worth more than $39 million in services. Anywhere you go in North County Inland you are likely to find retired teacher volunteers. They tutor in the local schools, distribute food to those in need, drive seniors to appointments and work at hospitals. Since 1998, the California Retired Teachers Association has sponsored Retired Teachers Week as a way to not only

spotlight our members’ extensive volunteerism but to encourage others to do the same. We cared about our students and our communities while we worked as educators, and that caring doesn’t stop at retirement! Join our call to give back.

You’ll find the effort is well worth your time.

CalRTA, Area XI, Division 63, Publicity Chairperson, Nancy Stone

Letters from page 4 had a nonstop laughing attack at the story’s factual but comical observations! Our four teenagers (age 13 thru 19) were captivated by the cover showing surfers riding waves (they’re into surfing and skateboarding) so when they began reading, all of them were rolling on the floor in spasms of laughter! In an era where “It’s not cool to hang out with your parents” they were suddenly asking zillions of questions (while still laughing), like “Mom, Dad, was there REALLY a guy running for

president who said all those dumb things?!” (They were referring to Dan Quayle!) For the first time in a very long time, our kids were sincerely interested in “Mom” and “Dad” and how we grew up!

My husband and I just looked at each other and we had tears in our eyes! And whenever “Grandpa” and “Grandma” come over, our kids sit on the floor around them and ask questions about “hippies” and why college campuses underwent a sexual revolution? Funny thing, both Grandpa and both Grandma on both sides of the family, well, they seem to want to come over more often! They just “feel more important now.” So does my husband Bill and I. And we have you to thank Lyle Davis for publishing Friedrich Gomez’ amazing cover stories! Oh yes, our teens (two boys, two girls) all related to Friedrich’s funny surfer anecdotes and skateboarding and guess what? They want to meet him! Lyle, is there any way the public can meet Friedrich Gomez instead of just reading about him and his wonderful stories? Funny thing, Lyle, my family seems to be much closer now. And hanging out with Mom and Dad ain’t so corny after all.

Caroline and Bill Douglas North San Diego County.