June 20, 2024

“You rarely have time for everything you want in life, so, you need to make choices. And hopefully your choices come from a deep sense of who you are.” Fred Rogers

By Pete Peterson

A logo appears on the TV. Then we see buildings and landscaping as the “Neighborhood Trolley” crosses several streets. The text reads, “Mister Rogers Talks About . . .” . Fred Rogers enters the TV house, wearing his work clothes. While singing “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” He opens the closet door, removes his jacket, hangs it up and dons a cardigan zipper sweater. Then, he sits, takes off his dress shoes, and puts on a pair of blue sneakers. As cool as the underside of a pillow, as familiar as a glass of milk, anoth-

er episode of the ground-breaking children’s TV show begins.

Welcome to Mr. Rogers Neighborhood.

Over 35-plus years, Fred Rogers –the lanky, gawky-looking man who created and starred in this revolutionary Public Broadcasting System’s show left an indelible mark on American children. Today, his series which ran from February 19, 1968 to February 20, 1976, and again from August 20, 1979 to August 31, 2001, is recognized as a breakthrough show in educational TV and Roger’s himself is a luminary in the field of child psychology.

But, Fred Rogers was not a psy-

chologist. He was an ordained Presbyterian minister. He was never a Navy Seal a distinction wrongly attributed to him. He was not a homosexual, or a communist, and he certainly was not out to destroy the American way of life as his detractors claimed. He was instead, a communicator, a man of vision who harnessed the great potential of television to teach and entertain. He aimed his efforts toward an underserved, but exceedingly important segment of the population, kids.

Dangerous Topics

During the show’s long run Rogers stretched the envelope, tackling topics thought to be verboten, particularly on a children’s program. He spoke with his young viewers about serious subjects, including death.

On March 23rd, 1970, he retrieved a dead fish from his aquarium, placed it in a small box and buried it while his audience looked on, a first for TV of any type. Over the years, Rogers broached topics as controversial as divorce, depression, anger, competition and other challenges he knew his audience experienced, but which were seldom talked about, certainly never on TV.

The Show’s Format

During each half-hour segment, Rogers spoke directly to his viewers taking them on factory tours, introducing them to science and chemical experiments, showing them how certain crafts are created and how musicians make music, all the while interacting with his them as if they were his best friends. Rogers was

Mister Rogers from page 1

careful to be himself in front of the camera because he said, “One of the greatest gifts you can give anybody is the gift of your honest self. I also believe that kids can spot a phony a mile away.”

Rogers used puppets to chronicle occurrences in the “Neighborhood of Make-Believe,” and often talked with neighbors about their jobs. Thus, viewers learned of Brockett’s Bakery, Bob Trow’s Workshop, and Negri’s Music Shop. In one episode, Roger’s took his cameras behind-the-scenes to record how the TV show, The Incredible Hulk was made.

The Closing Format

At the end of most episodes, Rogers sang “It’s Such a Good Feeling” (a different song, “Tomorrow” was used from 1968-72). He removes his blue sneakers and says in a higher pitched voice, “You’re alive”, as he slips into his dress shoes. He snaps his fingers twice, goes to his closet, takes off his cardigan, hangs it up and dons his jacket. As he goes to the door he sings, “You always make each day a special day. You know how: By just your being you/your-

Give Us This Day Our Daily

Chuckle

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

Men’s Rules

At last a guy has taken the time to write this all down. Finally, the guys’ side of the story.

These are our rules! Please note.. these are all numbered ‘1 ‘ ON PURPOSE!

1. Men are NOT mind readers

2. Learn to work the toilet seat. You’re a big girl. If it’s up, put it down. We need it up, you need it down. You don’t hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

3. Sunday sports. It’s like the full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be.

4. Crying is blackmail.

self. There’s only one person in the whole world like you, and that’s you. And people can like you just/ exactly the way you are. I’ll be back next time. Bye-bye.” During the closing credits, the camera reversed the opening sequence’s pan shot, and the “Neighborhood Trolley” crossed from right to left.

* * *

Fred McFeely Rogers was born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania – 40 miles east of Pittsburg – on March 20, 1928. His father, James Hillis Rogers, was a successful businessman who was respected and relied upon by many of the local residents. Fred’s beloved mother, Nancy McFeely Rogers, was the daughter of a similarly successful businessman. The whole family was steeped in a strong sense of service and strong ties to community, friends, and relatives. These values remained with Fred throughout his life. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida in music composition in 1951.

Before entering educational TV, Fred was an assistant producer for The Voice of Firestone and later, floor director for The Lucky Strike Hit Parade, The Kate Smith Show and the NBC Opera Theatre. In 1952, he married Joanne Byrd, a

5. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one: Subtle hints do not work! Strong hints do not work! Obvious hints do not work! Just say it!

6. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.

7. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That’s what we do.Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.

8. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 days.

9. If you think you’re fat, you probably are. Don’t ask us.

10. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one

11. You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it done. Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.

12. Whenever possible, Please say whatever you have to say during commercials.

13. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.

concert pianist and fellow Rollins graduate.

In his youth, Rogers was short and chunky, often teased for his curly hair, and called “Fat Freddie” by his schoolmates. An easy target for school bullies, he later said he had to learn to “take care of himself” since his parents were emotionally remote and to show anger in any way was frowned upon. Perhaps this why during his long run on PBS, Rogers returned regularly to the topic of anger, focusing on peaceful ways to deal with it.

In the early 1960’s, the field of child psychology was peopled by many great minds - B.F. Skinner and his Theory of Reinforcement – that we learn from the consequences of our actions; Swiss child authority, Jean Piaget, and his cognitive development theory had many followers as did Melanie Klein and Sigmund Freund’s daughter, Anna. Yet when Rogers looked for hints to communicate “child-to-child” with youngsters, he found a barren landscape. Recalling that in his childhood he was afraid to speak openly, Rogers turned to hand puppets to make this process easier.

While researching this story, a man approached me in a coffee shop. “You want help?”

14. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings. Peach, for example, is a fruit, not a color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.

15. If it itches, it will be scratched. We do that.

16. If we ask what is wrong and you say ‘nothing,’ We will act like nothing’s wrong. e know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.

17. If you ask a question you don’t want an answer to, expect an answer you don’t want to hear.

1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine... Really.

18. Don’t ask us what we’re thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as hunting, fishing, golfing, or something with wheels.

19. You have enough clothes.

20. You have too many shoes.

21. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!

Thank you for reading this. Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight.

But did you know men really don’t mind that? It’s like camping.

“Please,” I said. He smiled broadly.

“I was a latch-key kid. I’d get home around 3:45 school days. Mom and Dad would get home at 6:30 to 7:00. So, I’d watch TV and Mr. Rogers. He taught me everything I know about communications – to say what you mean clearly without worrying about how silly it sounds. Later, I ran with a tough crowd. We were planning a series of crimes. I remembered Mr. Rogers’ puppet, Daniel Striped Tiger, saying sometimes we need to make new plans. That gave me the courage to walk away from my life of crime. My two friends went to prison and I went to college.” He laughs. “All the characters on “Neighborhood” had a back story.”

He then spoke of Daniel Striped Tiger as a friend. “He was a resident of the Neighborhood of MakeBelieve, living in the clock located near the Platypus Mound on the west side of the Neighborhood opposite the castle. Daniel was the president of the Tame Tiger Torganization, loved hamburgers, and often held parties at his clock for his closest tiger friends.”

My friend continued. “Daniel was

Rogers continued on page 3

Pass this to as many men as you can - to give them a laugh.

Pass this to as many women as you can - to give them a bigger laugh.

A Wedding at “The Villages”

Two very active seniors (Jacob, age 92, and Mary, age 89), living in The Villages, are all excited about their decision to get married. They go for a stroll to discuss the wedding, and on the way they pass a drugstore. Jacob suggests they go in. Jacob addresses the man behind the counter, “Are you the owner?”

The pharmacist answers, “Yes.”

Jacob says, “We’re about to get married. Do you sell heart medication?”

The Pharmacist: “Of course we do.”

Jacob: “How about medicine for circulation?”

Pharmacist: “All kinds.”

Jacob: “How about suppositories and medicine for impotence?”

Pharmacist: “You bet!”

continued on page 14

Mister

Chuckles

Mister Rogers from page 2

soft-spoken, easily frightened, and pretty much a worrywart. He loved to play with his truck, and talk with his friend, Lady Aberlin. She and Daniel show their affection by rubbing their noses together and saying ‘ugga mugga’.”

My new friend paused. “Should I continue?” I nodded.

He said, “Like me, Daniel thought he was a mistake, but Lady Aberlin assured him that was not the case. I took that to heart. Like all of us, Daniel had problems. He was colorblind and naive. Bob Dog once convinced him that a plant could grow cans of soup. That’s as silly as me thinking I’d make a bunch of money committing crimes.”

My friend sipped his coffee. Remember, this is a guy in his mid40’s, I’d never met before. “Daniel didn’t have a grandfather, but he had friends throughout the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, including his imaginary buddy, Malcolm Apricot Dinko, and his schoolmates at Someplace Else – Prince Tuesday and Ana Platypus. Daniel shared his birthday with Purple Panda who didn’t have a birthday of his own.

Daniel Striped Tiger was a regular guy despite his shortcomings. He was the ring bearer in the wedding of Betty Okonak Templeton and James Michael Jones. He founded the Neighborhood’s Reindeer-Tiger sports team and attended clocklover’s meeting. He was the only one who could communicate with Yo-Yo LaBelle - the visitor from the stars.”

My friend paused. “They don’t make TV like that anymore. It was fun being a kid then.” He’s right. They don’t.

A Quiet Statement Against Racism

During the 60’s, when blatant racism across America was common – a Las Vegas Hotel drained their swimming pool after black singer Lena Horne swam in it; a public pool in Oklahoma closed operating because two black kids took Red Cross-sponsored swimming lessons – Rogers invited Officer Clemmons, an African–American, to join him in bathing his feet in a shallow plastic pool, “since it’s been a hot day, and we all deserve a break.” (This became a regular feature on the show, and to compound the issue, horrors, of horrors, Officer Clemmons would later reveal he was homosexual.)

Recently, Clemmons has this to

say about the show. “Fred gave kids the time, attention, and understanding they needed to grow up and be healthy.” Many of those who regularly watched “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” decades ago as children, now turn to Fred Rogers’ philosophy in adulthood. The recently released documentary on Rogers, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” is in limited distribution now. At special showings in Washington DC, Bartlesville, Oklahoma and San Antonio, Texas, record crowds attended it’s viewing. Chris Nashawaty of Entertainment Weekly wrote, “Rogers is a balm of kindness and empathy in these troubled, divisive times. A byproduct of his trademark kindness and empathy, is the trust and safety his audience feel being with him.”

Media critic, Art Groschner says, “In the beginning, Rogers helped build trust in public television. Now, the reserved, caring, quiet man in the sweater, may just be the temporary antidote we need just now. The fact that he was not ‘cool’ sort of validates his overall message. Today, his uncoolness feels kind of cool.”

Critics of Mr. Rogers

However, not everyone feels that Rogers and his message is a valid, now or then. Don Chance, a finance professor at Louisiana State University and a recognized expert on child development, says it dawned on him as the semester ended and students made their usual pilgrimage to his office, asking for their grades be raised.

“They felt so entitled,” he recalls, “and it just hit me. We can blame Mr. Rogers.”

Fred Rogers taught several generations of children they were ‘special’ just for being whoever they were. He meant well, but he is a sterling role model of what’s wrong with our kids in many ways. What often got lost in his self-esteembuilding patter was the idea that being special comes from working hard and having high expectations for yourself.”

Mr. Rogers is not the only child authority guilty of this viewpoint. As educators and researchers struggle to define new parameters of parenting, many revisit the language of child ego-boosting. What are the downsides of telling kids they’re special? Is it a mistake to have children call us by our first names? When we focus our conversations on our children’s lives, are we denying them the insights found when adults talk about adult things?

Some child development authori-

5

Oodles!

Looking for things to do? Places to go?

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

Email it to: Lisa.ThePaper@gmail.com

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

• Submit your press release by the previous Friday.

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

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

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

Grief Support Group

Senior Service Council Escondido June 27th 1pm - 2pm

Find comfort, validation and the knowledge that you are not alone in healing from loss. 2nd and 4th Thursday each month 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Senior Service Council Escondido, 728 N Broadway - Oak Room, Escondido, (760) 480-0611

This group is available for anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one or a caregiver for someone with declining health.

Volunteers Needed

Can you spare 3 hours a week? We are currently seeking reception volunteers to join our team. Since 1972, SSCE has provided various services, support groups, tech tutoring and healthcare counseling for seniors in our community.

Skills: Reception Desk customer service plus some computer experience, appointment scheduling, emails & website searches is great. Bilingual volunteers encouraged to apply. Please stop by for more info and an application. Senior Service Council Escondido, 728 N Broadway Escondido, (760) 480-0611, http://www. escondido-senior-services.org

Senior

Services & Activities

Gloria McClellan Senior Center 1400 Vale Terrace Drive • Vista

The Gloria McClellan Senior Center in Vista offers many activities and services throughout the year which includes a nutrition program and transportation programs. The transportation program provides ADA transportation for grocery shopping shuttles on Mondays & Wednesdays. They also provide

transportation to eligible Vista residents for in-town medical appointments on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays from 9am-1:30pm.

June 20 - Summer Solstice with Sunset Strummers

June 21 - Guess Who’s Coming to Lunch Reveal

June 26 - Birthday & Anniversary Celebration

June 27 - Over 90 Party celebrating our 90+ year old seniors

To view the June newsletter, visit https://www.cityofvista.com/cityservices/recreation-comm-services/senior-services/monthly-newsletter.

Center hours are Monday-Friday 8am-3:30pm, closed on holidays.

Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention

Aging & Independence Services will be offering free Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention (TCAFP) classes in-person. These evidence-based falls prevention programs have shown to improve movement, balance, strength, and flexibility; offer relaxation; and decrease pain and falls. Both programs are appropriate for adults with or without arthritis, rheumatic diseases, or related musculoskeletal conditions. Older adults at a higher risk of falling are strongly encouraged to attend.

Carlsbad City Library1775 Dove Ln Carlsbad, at the WiFi Garden –outdoor class

Wednesdays and Fridays 8:30 am – 9:30 am

Starting Wednesday, June 12th Lemon Grove Library

continued on page 14

Mister Rogers continued on page

NCTD Launches New Transit Service in San Marcos

On, June 11, the North County Transit District (NCTD) launched the new NCTD+ transit service during a ribbon cutting ceremony at the San Marcos Farmers Market. NCTD+ is an on-demand transit service that will offer affordable rides to the community within a 10 square mile zone in the heart of San Marcos.

“During my time serving on the NCTD board, I was a strong advocate in developing a microtransit service to ensure transportation was more affordable, accessible and convenient for the community. Now, I am able to see that vision come to fruition through the NCTD+ on-demand transit service,” said Mayor Rebecca Jones. “This new service will enrich our transportation network and further improve our community’s quality of life.”

Thanks to strong collaboration and partnership between the City of San Marcos, NCTD, Cal State San Marcos, Palomar College and the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce, transportation in the City of San Marcos is now more readily available for residents, families, seniors, college students and employees. City Council, NCTD, San Marcos Chamber, Cal State San Marcos and Palomar College at the ribbon cutting event for the launch of the NCTD+ on-demand transit

Man About Town

We struck a nerve!

It turns out that last week’s cover story hit home with a lot of our readers. It was a reprint of a story we did back in 2011 that covered Jack Port’s heroic career in the military and his participation in the landing on Utah Beach. That fact that last week was the 80th anniversay of D-Day made the reprinting of his story very timely . . . a reminder of how many young military members participated in this deadly invasion.

Unfortunately, several of our readers became upset . . . “no way in hell Jack Port could have done all that when he was only 8 or 9 years

service for San Marcos

“This is another great transit option in our City that provides residents with an additional opportunity to reach our local businesses,” shared Rick Rungaitis, San Marcos Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer. “We’re excited that North County Transit District chose the San Marcos Farmers Market to launch the NCTD+ service.”

In San Marcos, NCTD+ will provide connections to four SPRINTER rail stations, 72 BREEZE bus stops, Palomar College and Cal State San Marcos as well as local restaurants, retail stores and other key locations in the City.

“Developing new ways to increase mobility, provide more connectivity to our transportation network, and bring new assets to the communities we serve is a key focus for The District,” said Shawn M. Donaghy, NCTD Chief Executive Officer. “This flexible, on-demand service offers the first and last mile connection that will help attract more people to transit.”

The new on-demand service is available daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. through the new NCTD+ app, which can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store

and Google Play. Residents can also call 760-726-1111 to book a NCTD+ ride. From now through December 31, 2024, residents get their first ride free with promo code FREERIDE.

For more information on pricing and the San Marcos zone, please visit the NCTD+ website at https:// gonctd.com/services/nctdplus/

Stay Safe During Excessive Heat Warnings

The County is reminding people about County Cool Zones and offering tips to protect yourself from the heat.

The County’s Cool Zones, including the County’s 33 branch libraries, community centers and other locations, offer people safe, airconditioned sanctuaries from the heat.

Signs of an overly high body temperature (103 or higher), heatstroke and/or exhaustion can include dizziness, nausea, confusion and headache. If someone shows these signs, call 9-1-1 and begin cooling the individual by moving them to shade, spraying them with cool

Local

continued on page 5

Letters to the Editor

Friedrich Gomez, kudos for writing the Cancel Culture cover story in The Paper. Intelligently written. Insightful. A literary triumph.

Sincerely, James Alexander Solrac, Valley Center ***

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

old!” they complained.

“If you will re-read the story and read it more closely you will see that we stated in the story that this was a reprint from 2011. That’s 13 years ago. Add 13 years to Jack Port’s age as cited in the story and you will see that he was barely out of his teens . . . a not uncommon phenomenon in wartime. Our soldiers and Marines are young.”

“Oh, okay. You are correct. Sorry.”

“Not a problem. It’s a great story about a great man - glad you were able to read it.” ••••

By the time you read this, Mary and I will have celebrated our wedding that occurred 64 years ago as of yesterday (June 19th, 1960). I will have taken her out for a fine dining experience . . . might be some fancy restaurant . . . more likely we’ll have ‘gone home’ to Charlie’s Restaurant in Escondido. It’s a place we frequent most often . . . we love the people there and they seem to be rather fond of us . . . the food is outstanding . . . and the prices are more than fair. It’s an

All-American type restaurant . . . kind of a ‘mom and pop’ type place . . . I call it my home away from home. If you have an anniversary,a birthday, or any event you wish to celebrate . . . I highly recommend Charlie’s. They treat you right and feed you well.

San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond has called the move “inconceivable,” as Californians already pay more at the pump than residents of any other state.

If there is one thing for which California is known beyond its sunny shores and bustling cities, it’s exorbitant gas prices. In roughly two months’ time, those prices are set to rise even further due to a recent increase to the state’s excise gas tax.

On July 1st, the increase of two cents per gallon will go into effect, bringing the new tax total to about 60 cents per gallon. The move is purportedly aimed at curbing inflation. But the irony of the state raising costs to combat raising costs is not lost on constituents.

“The last thing [Californians]

need is another increase to the gas tax,” said Congressman Kevin Kiley before the U.S. House of Representatives. “I am calling on state lawmakers to stop this gas tax increase. And, as a matter of fact, what they should really do is suspend the gas tax entirely.” He acknowledged that Californians would still pay among the highest rates in the nation, but it “would provide folks throughout our state with relief that they very much need.”

“It is inconceivable that the State of California is once again increasing the Gas Tax,” stated San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond in a video posted to Twitter/X. “We’ve already got expensive energy costs here in California. People are struggling.”

Indeed, Californians have already been paying more at the pump than residents of any other state. According to data compiled by CalMatters’ Lynn La, the average comes out to “$5.34 a gallon for regular unleaded, compared to the national average of $3.64, according to AAA.” Sadly, in other

Mister Rogers from page 3

ties call for a recalibration of the mind-sets and catch-phrases that have taken hold in recent decades. Among the expressions now being challenged:

“You’re special.”

On the Yahoo Answers Web site, a discussion thread about Mr. Rogers begins, “He spent years telling little creeps that he liked them just the way they were. He should have been telling them there was a lot of room for improvement. ... Nice as he was, and as good as his intentions may have been, he did us all a disservice.”

Signs of narcissism among college students have been rising for 25 years, according to a recent study led by a San Diego State University psychologist. Obviously, Mr. Rogers alone can’t be blamed for this. But as Prof. Chance sees it, “he’s representative of a culture of excessive doting.”

Prof. Chance teaches many students of Asian descent. He says they accept whatever grade they’re given. “They see B’s and C’s as an indication that they must work harder, that their elders assessed them accurately. They didn’t grow up with Mr. Rogers or anyone else telling them they were born special.”

By contrast, Chance says, when American students receive low grades, they attempt to “hit you up for a higher mark because they came to class and feel they worked

Local from page 4

water and fanning, placing them in a cool shower if they are alert, monitoring their body temperatures, continue cooling efforts and NOT giving them fluids to drink. Here are some tips to help people avoid heat-related problems:

• Stay in an air-conditioned area during the hottest hours of the day. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler. Do not rely on electric fans for cooling if temperatures exceed 90 degrees.

• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.

• Drink plenty of water (avoid alcohol and sugary drinks) and don’t wait until you are thirsty.

• Take cool showers.

• Never leave a child, elderly person, or pet unattended in a car.

• Keep pets cool in hot weather.

• Avoid unnecessary hard work or activities outside during the hottest part of the day.

• Avoid unnecessary sun exposure

hard.” He wishes more parents would offer kids this perspective: “The world owes you nothing. You have to work and compete. If you want to be special, you’ll have to prove it.”

Chance Doesn’t Like: “They’re just children.”

When kids are rude, self-absorbed or disrespectful, some parents allow or endure it, saying, “They’re just children. This phrase is a worthy one when it’s applied to a teachable moment, such as telling a kid not to stick his or her finger in an electrical socket. But as an excuse or as justification for unacceptable behavior, it is plain misguided.”

Finally, Chance doesn’t like kids being overly-familiar with adults as in, “Call me Cindy.”

“When is it ever appropriate to place kids on the same level as adults,” Chance writes, “with adults and kids calling each other by our first names? On one hand, familiarity can mark a loving closeness between child and adult. On the other hand, when a child calls an adult Mr. or Ms., it helps him recognize that status is earned by age and experience. It’s also a reminder to respect your elders.”

Is Tell Me About Your Day, Okay?

Alvin Rosenfeld, a Manhattanbased child psychiatrist who studies family interactions, says, “It’s crucial to talk to kids about their lives. That dialogue can enrich the whole family. However, parents also need to discuss their own lives and experiences.”

and wear a wide-brim hat if you need to be in the sun.

• Avoid using the oven to cook.

Pet Safety Tips

• Keep your pets indoors if the temperature is lower inside.

• Exercise pets in early morning hours or early evening to avoid prolonged exposure to the heat. Avoid strenuous runs or hikes.

• Keep your pets’ water supply in a tip-proof container, always topped off, and be sure it stays cool (pets will not drink water that is too hot).

• Consider a misting system to keep the outdoor areas cooler.

• Be sure your pet has shade ALL DAY, if they are outside. Remember, the sun’s position changes during the day.

• Do not take your pets for car trips unless absolutely necessary. A car can heat up very quickly. On an 85-degree day, a car can reach 102 degrees in 10 minutes and soar upward even with the windows down an inch or two.

• Don’t take your dogs for walks on

In America today, Dr. Rosenfeld says, family life often begins with the anointing of “His Majesty, the Fetus.” From then on, many parents primarily focus their conversations on their kids. “Today’s parents are the best-educated generation ever,” he says. “So why do our kids see us adults primarily discussing kids’ schedules and activities?”

He encourages parents to talk about their own passions and interests; about politics, business, world events. “Because everything is so child-centered today, we’re depriving children of adults,” Rosenfeld says. “If kids never see adults being adults, how will they deal with important matters in their own world?”

Perhaps this criticism does not all belong to Mr. Rogers. The rise of the “Me Generation” had other adherents. Some authorities trace the “Trophy-For-Just-Showing-Up Policy” as starting with AYSOAmerican Youth Soccer Organization. It was then picked up by Pop Warner Football and Little League Baseball in an effort to compete for participants in their sport.

Lack of Self-Esteem An Issue

Fred Rogers felt quite strongly that one of the issues his young viewers faced was they felt less than – that lack of self-esteem was a serious problem with many. “This feeling in turn, causes the child to strike out, to seek love and acceptance by committing actions where they get negative attention rather that positive approval. If one feels unworthy of love, one will do unworthy

the hot pavement. If it is too hot for you to walk barefooted, then don’t make your dogs do it either.

• Consider adding a child’s wading pool for your dog. Many dogs will keep cool by “taking a dip.”

Be alert to the signs of heat stress, which, in dogs, includes panting and excessive drooling. If your pet has become overheated you must take the following steps immediately:

• Move your pet into the shade and apply cool, not cold, water all over its body to gradually lower its body temperature.

• Apply ice packs or cold towels only to your pet’s head, neck and chest.

• Let your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes.

• Take your pet directly to a veterinarian; it could save your pet’s life.

The law permits you to remove an animal from a vehicle if you believe the animal’s safety is in immediate danger due to heat; cold; lack of adequate ventilation, food

things. Many feel they, like Daniel Striped Tiger that they are a mistake, since their parents never seem to have time for them, or seldom if ever, put their arms around them or express their love for them.”

Rogers felt that in some ways, the child had to become his or her own parent. Thus, the affirmation that, “You always make each day a special day. You know how: By just your being you/ yourself. There’s only one person in the whole world like you, and that’s you. And people can like you just/exactly the way you are.”

Rogers also felt it was important to make a clear distinction between the realistic world of his television neighborhood, and the fantasy world of Make-Believe. He often discussed what was going to happen in Make-Believe before the fantasy segment was shown.

“Let’s pretend that Prince Tuesday has been having scary dreams . . .” Rogers would often act out the bits of Make-Believe with models on the table top before going to the live-action puppets. The miniature motorized trolley, known on the show as “Trolley” with fast-paced piano music, was the only element that appeared regularly in both the realistic world and Make-Believe: it was used to transport viewers from one world to another. The idea of the trolley was pure Mr. Rogers. As a youngster he rode the trolley in Pittsburgh often, and loved it.

Rogers continued on page 12

or water; or other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disability or death.

If you are faced with this situation, we recommend that you call our emergency line 619-236-2341 or call 911 for more detailed information.

A complete list and map of County Cool Zone sites, their hours and locations are located online at: https://www.sandiegocounty. gov/content/dam/sdc/hhsa/programs/ais/documents/Cool%20 Zones%20Sites%20Website%20 Update.pdf.

The site includes a map feature where people can type in their address to find locations near them. People can also call 2-1-1 to find a location, or, if they cannot get to a Cool Zone, ask for help with free transportation. People can also call 2-1-1 to find a location, and— if they cannot get to a Cool Zone site—ask for help with free transportation.

Mister

California’s New Budget

Last week, the Legislature passed the Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 -2025. The Governor will have until June 30 to sign the budget, which goes into effect July 1st. Over the coming weeks/months, a series of trailer bills to fund specific programs must be passed, and since the Governor has line-item veto powers, additional programs may still be cut.

The state’s constitution mandates a balanced budget. This budget eliminates the $45 billion deficit for FY 2024-2025, along with the projected $30 billion deficit forecast for 2025-2026. Obviously, cuts are necessary.

Despite these necessary cuts, funding for some important programs will be protected. The budget includes annual $300 million allocations for public health, includes funding for a variety of foster care programs, and adds $8.3 million for opioid overdose-death prevention programs.

Unfortunately, in a time of rising crime, our prison capacity will be cut, training for correctional officers is being reduced, a drug addiction program that has been effective in reducing recidivism will be impacted, and programs that

fight internet crimes against children, retail theft and others will also be cut.

School funding is being reduced by over $16 billion, and $250 million will be diverted from a preschool program for kids with disabilities to help fund electric school busses. Badly needed school facility upgrades will take a $1.5 billion hit. Programs to recruit more health care providers for low-income Californians are being delayed.

The budget does nothing to address increasing gas taxes, and assumes an automatic increase on July 1st. $400 million from the highway fund (which is generated by our highest-in-the-nation gas taxes) will be diverted to pay for bike paths and crosswalks.

We must do a much better job of prioritizing, especially when state finances are mired in so much red ink. This budget misses the mark.

Assemblymember Marie Waldron, R- Valley Center, represents the 75th Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes the cities of Poway, Santee, portions of the City of San Diego, and most of rural eastern and northern San Diego County.

5th District Supervisor Jim Desmond

State of North County

Last week, we held our State of the North County event, and it was great to see so many people who make our region unique. For those who couldn’t attend, I’d like to share the key points from my address, which outlined our shared vision for a prosperous and thriving North County. This vision isn’t just an aspiration; it’s a collective mission that requires each of us to contribute our unique talents. Together, we are a powerful force for positive change.

Our potential is evident in every corner of North County. From residents and volunteers to business leaders, educators, medical professionals, tribal leaders, students, and elected officials, you are the heartbeat of our community.

Here are some highlights from the address:

Agriculture: San Diego County agriculture provides over 16,000 jobs, with an annual economic impact of nearly $3 billion.

Tourism and Hospitality: Our tourism sector is up 15%, featuring top-rated hotels, surfing and sports competitions, and exceptional restaurants.

Education: We boast excellent

school districts, Cal State University San Marcos, Mira Costa College, Palomar College, and numerous private and trade schools.

Infrastructure: We’re increasing our road allocation by $4.5 million to maintain 2,000 miles of roadways. We recently broke ground on the 7-acre Village View Park in Fallbrook and acquired 900 acres in Valley Center, known as Rancho Lilac, for extensive horse and hiking trails.

Despite our strengths, we face critical issues that require our attention:

Homelessness and Behavioral Health: Addressing homelessness demands a collective effort with clear standards for North County. Our programs must include sober living, mandatory drug testing, and counseling.

Border Security: We must secure our border. Since September, San Diego County has experienced over 151,000 street releases. This isn’t just a local safety issue; it’s a national concern. San Diego leads the nation in border encounters.

Jim Desmond continued on page 13

Christopher Elliott

Problem Solved by

Has Amazon lost my return package? And where’s my $756?

What happened to Roberto Cusato’s leg compression system after he gave it to UPS? Amazon doesn’t have it -- and is still holding the $756 he paid for the product.

Q: I purchased a leg compression system on Amazon that ended up not being what I was expecting. I returned the item almost a month ago via UPS. Amazon has not received the item yet. An Amazon representative told me I needed to wait two more weeks and would not promise me a refund.

I am at a loss. This was an expensive item -- it cost $756 -- and I have a receipt from UPS attesting to the return with the item weight and tracking number. How can I get my money back? Should I file a chargeback with my credit card?

~ Roberto Cusato, Fort Worth, TX

A: Amazon should have received

your return package and processed a refund by now.

Or should it? I checked Amazon’s refund policy, and it turns out the company gives itself a lot of time to process your return.

“A refund will be provided after we process your return item at our facilities,” it says. “It can take up to 30 days for us to receive and process your return. In certain circumstances, refund time frames may be longer.”

Longer than 30 days? Like when?

Well, you returned your package on Dec. 13, at the height of the holiday shopping season. UPS was probably overwhelmed for the next two weeks, as was Amazon. If there’s any time of the year when things slow down, it’s probably around the holidays.

But you are correct to be con-

cerned about Amazon receiving your package. We’ve had several recent cases in which Amazon didn’t receive a returned package. (I published the latest one just a few days after your delayed return landed in my inbox.) Basically, here’s the problem: Amazon sometimes loses packages. When it does, it requires that you file a claim with UPS, which is complicated and frustrating. We’ve even had cases where Amazon takes possession of the return package (via its Whole Foods subsidiary) and then loses it. So, yes, you’re right to be worried.

I publish the names, numbers and email addresses of the Amazon executives on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org. I also have a free guide to Amazon returns that you might find helpful. None of these stories will make your return go faster, but they may help you understand what’s happening behind the scenes.

Since you were right up against your 30 days, I thought it might be worth checking in with Amazon. So I contacted the company on your behalf.

Amazon says there was a “required” waiting period to ensure the return was properly received but that it initiated a refund on the same day I contacted it. What an amazing coincidence! I checked back with you and you say that although the Amazon site says your refund is pending, you got your refund.

Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy (https://elliottadvocacy.org), a nonprofit organization that helps consumers solve their problems. Email him at chris@elliott.org or get help by contacting him at https://elliottadvocacy.org/help/

© 2024 Christopher Elliott.

By Tom Morrow

During my long 56-plus year career as a writer I’ve led a charmed life coupled with the good fortune of meeting, interacting and working with a great deal of contemporary notables and so-called celebrities. I admit to being a fan of public figures. I didn’t collect autographs, rather I engaged in conducting interviews … often times the subject I was talking with didn’t realize what I was doing because I have always had good memory whenever I couldn’t take notes. My secret to a good memory: having an interest in the person and a genuine interest in what they had to say.

Here are three of my more memorable encounters.

My first national celebrity story was

Historically Speaking

Some Close Encounters during a Long Career

in the spring of 1970. I was a member of the Associated Press out of the Phoenix Bureau, assigned to interview film actors Jason Robards, Jr, and David Warner who were filming “The Ballad of Cable Hogue” near Apache Junction at the foot of the fabled Superstition Mountains.

Robards was polite but insisted he didn’t do interviews. However he didn’t mind if I followed him around the old western-style set. He spent more than an hour talking about the movie industry in general. He preferred the stage rather than movies. I told him I had just seen him costarring with James Garner in “Hour of the Gun” complimenting him on his portrayal of “Doc Holiday’ to Garner’s “Wyatt Earp.” The 1968 production was yet another telling of the infamous Earp-Clanton shootout of historic Tombstone, Arizona. In a matter-of-fact fashion, he drolly replied, “I never saw it.”

I had a good story anchored by the fact one of America’s best actors wasn’t all that interested in watching himself on the big screen. The AP ran my story on the national wire that afternoon.

As cordial as Robards was, my in-

troduction to noted British thespian David Warner a few minutes later was just the opposite. Warner was impatient and, at times, down right rude. He wasted no time in telling me how much he “hated” America and could find no redeeming qualities about the United States, then he proceeded to tell me he was in Arizona because at that time finding work in England was nearly impossible. My AP story about Warner hating “Uncle Sugar” received good play across the AP national wire and for months I received AP clippings from across the nation.

In the years that followed David Warner became a familiar face on the international big screen. he

Travel Troubleshooter

by Christopher Elliott

became a popular character actor, usually playing the villain.

Jump ahead 15 years … the 1933 depression-era movie musical, “42nd Street,” was resurrected in 1980, as a Broadway stage play. It was historic in that the idea of Tony-award-winning play came from a movie, whereas before that 1980 Broadway stage production it was just the opposite … movies

Historically Speaking continued on page 12

Banned after an Airbnb sofa incident. But did I deserve it?

Q: I stayed at an Airbnb in the United States recently. While I was there, I spilled food on the sofa. I talked to the host and he said he would file a claim through Airbnb’s insurance.

I heard back from Airbnb and it said that after a review of the available information on my Airbnb account and reservation, it had determined that my account should be removed from the Airbnb platform. The reason? “You haven’t followed our ground rules for guests,” it said.

I have 10 years of positive reviews. I am also an Airbnb host, so this affects my ability to earn money.

Can you help me get Airbnb to reverse its ban?

~ River Roberts, Lisbon, Portugal

A: Banning you for an accidental spill on a host’s sofa seems like an overreaction.

So what’s going on? I reviewed the correspondence between you and Airbnb, and it looks like your communications with the host were cordial. You’d spilled food on a sofa and it needed to be professionally

cleaned. It looks like your host had never filed a claim with Airbnb before your mishap and didn’t fully understand how seriously a claim would be taken by the platform.

I didn’t know, either. But filing a claim against your insurance (part of the company’s AirCover for Hosts program) apparently is taken quite seriously. One of the possible outcomes, as you now know, is that you can get removed from the platform.

Did you violate Airbnb’s ground rules for guests? Technically, yes.

Airbnb requires you to keep a rental clean, litter-free and undamaged. “Guests should not leave the listing in a state that requires excessive or deep cleaning (moldy dishes, soiled carpets, stains from pets, etc.),” it says.

But you did follow Airbnb’s guidance when it comes to damage. Airbnb requires that if there’s damage to the home, you inform the host as soon as possible and work to find “a reasonable solution.” Based on the correspondence between you and the host, it looks like you were

agreeable to paying for the damage.

So what happened? I suspect Airbnb used some kind of artificial intelligence to review the complaint and decide how to handle it. Because a person would have never banned you from the platform. The correspondence between you and the host shows that you were cooperative.

An appeal to one of the executives at Airbnb might have made a difference. I publish their names and numbers on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org. But this case would take more than an appeal to get resolved.

You reached out to the host and had a conversation with him, host to host. You explained that after your host filed a claim, Airbnb had banned you and disabled your hosting account, so you are completely off the platform. The host was surprised and agreed with you that banning you was an overreaction. He decided to write to Airbnb on your behalf, asking for you to be reinstated.

I contacted Airbnb separately. I was

genuinely worried that the same thing could happen to me if I had an accidental spill on a sofa while staying at an Airbnb.

The company reviewed your request and sent you some good news: “After careful review of all documentation and related communication provided by both parties, we’ve decided not to charge you for the damage that occurred during your stay. I have also reactivated your Airbnb account, you should have access to it immediately,” a representative wrote. (This time, it definitely came from a real person.)

I hope if the tables are ever turned and someone spills something on a sofa in your Airbnb rental, that you will remember this incident and try to work it out without getting AirCover involved. Otherwise, I will have another case on my hands.

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.

David Warner

Jason Robards, Jr.

American tourists are being profiled. Don’t be one of them.

If it feels like you have a target on your back when you’re traveling, you might be right. Tourists are being profiled like never before.

Sometimes, it’s harmless. For example, I recently walked into a cafe in Rio de Janeiro. Before I could say “bom dia,” a server handed me two menus -- in English.

How did she know? No matter how hard I try, I look like an American, and when I walk into a restaurant, I smile like an American. So, of course, I get the English menu.

But sometimes, the profiling is deadly. If you’re pegged as a tourist in Colombia, you could get drugged, robbed and even killed. The State Department has issued a warning that numerous U.S. citizens have fallen victim to dating scams that can end with them getting seriously hurt -- or worse.

“U.S. citizens should definitely use caution while traveling and try their best not to stick out or be profiled as American while abroad,” says John Gobbels, chief operating officer of Medjet, an air medical transport program for travelers.

No one keeps statistics on the number of foreign tourists profiled or killed abroad. But based on the number of new State Department warnings and some of the stories I’ve been hearing from international travelers, the problem has never been worse.

Although most profiling is just irritating -- a hard sell of souvenirs or tip-baiting, for example -- some of it can be hazardous to your health. But there are things you can do to avoid being targeted. I’ll tell you how in a minute.

Most Profiling is not Dangerous It’s Just Annoying

Reality check: Most tourist profiling is harmless and should come as no surprise to the average traveler.

Ellie Blake was on a tour of Japan with her college alumni association when she began to feel the pressure to buy things.

“For example, our tour guide took us to a museum shop,” she says. “It was a very long stop compared to other sites

we visited.”

Along the way, the people they met would ask them, “What did you buy?,” almost as if they were egging them on to purchase more souvenirs.

Blake believes the tour guides added these shopping breaks because they pegged their group as affluent Americans. It’s something I’ve seen recently in Japan, too. I was on a coastal cruise last summer, and our land tours always seemed to end at a business that sold pricey art.

The solution: Resist the temptation. Better yet, choose a tour where they put the attractions -- not the shopping -- first. (If you’re on a guided tour, always ask about the shopping opportunities. If there are too many, you may want to select another tour.)

Sometimes, the Profiling is Scary

You can’t always walk away. Consider what happened to Ariel Figg recently when she booked a lastminute tour in the Dominican Republic.

One day, the guides detoured to a village, where they took Figg to a gift store filled with trinkets and pressured her to buy local artwork. She refused.

At the end, she offered the guides a generous tip. “They counted the money in front of us, scoffed at our faces, and told us that, as Americans, we should pay more because we can afford it,” she says.

Figg says she should have known better. After all, she’s a travel coach, and before taking a last-minute tour, she would have told her clients to research the tour operator carefully.

I had a similarly awkward moment in Santiago, Chile, recently. After having lunch at a small vegetarian restaurant, I stood up to pay. The server brought over a mobile

point-of-sale system. She asked me to enter a tip amount in front of her and then tap my card to pay. There was no apparent option for “no tip.”

Figg is right -- avoiding this more forceful kind of profiling is easy if you do your homework. I learned my lesson about restaurant tipping in Chile and ordered takeout after that. And Figg will never take a lastminute tour again without doing her homework.

Profiling Can Also Turn Deadly

“Americans have been targeted overseas by criminals and sometimes by dishonest businesses, simply for being Americans,” explains Michael O’Rourke, CEO of Advanced Operational Concepts, a security consulting firm.

Why? He says thanks to Hollywood, people in many foreign countries perceive that all Americans are rich. The perception has some validity when compared to income levels and the standard of living in developing nations.

Fortunately, the profiling rarely leads to death. But experts like O’Rourke warn that in some parts of the world, people are desperate enough to use force against a visitor. And especially at a time when Americans are going to far-flung places, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings.

I’ve never been attacked because of my nationality, but I’ve been followed. I remember being in an ancient village in a remote part of Turkey a few years ago. I turned a corner and was face-to-face with a group of young men hanging out and smoking. They looked at me and said, “American! HI!” and then started to follow me.

I wasn’t sure what they wanted and didn’t want to find out, so I turned around and walked back toward the town square -- and safety.

But maybe I should have stayed. “Profiling is not always negative,” says Thomas Swick, author of the memoir “Falling into Place: A Story of Love, Poland, and the Making of a Travel Writer.”

Swick remembers visiting Vietnam in the early 1990s. Students would approach him and ask if he was American.

“When I told them I was, they politely asked if they could practice their English. Then we’d go off to a café for an hour of conversation, which was as beneficial to me as a travel writer as it was to them,” he recalls.

He makes a valid point. Being recognized as an American when you’re abroad can make your next trip more interesting -- as long as you’re being recognized for the right reasons.

Tips to Avoid Profiling

If you’re traveling abroad, here are a few strategies to avoid being profiled as an American.

Dress Down

Avoid wearing USA T-shirts and American sports jerseys. And since this is an election year, I have to say it: No MAGA caps or shirts, please. You could be putting yourself in danger. Wear muted colors and avoid sweatshirts with hoodies, and you will at least keep them guessing.

Mind Your Manners

Kitty Werner, a former airline reservation agent who has lived overseas, says nothing gives away your nationality faster than your etiquette -- or lack of etiquette. That’s true in Europe, but in places like the Middle East or Japan, your casual attire screams “American!” “You can tell an American tourist immediately by their manners,” she says.

Shut Up

“Many tourists are too loud,” says Harding Bush, associate director of security for Global Rescue. “Be mindful of your volume and avoid drawing attention to yourself.” Your noise level is a dead giveaway and may also mark you as an American tourist.

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 reach him here or email him at chris@elliott.org.

Illustration by Dustin Elliott

Man About Town from page 4

counties “the sticker shock is even worse — $6.80 in Alpine, $6.29 in Mono and $5.85 in Humboldt, for example.”

La also acknowledges that the state’s decision to switch to a more expensive fuel blend, one which allegedly reduces ozone emissions, and the dramatic decline of oil refineries in the state due to increased costs have all contributed to pain at the pump. “It’s two to three times more expensive to run a refinery in California than anywhere else in the world. It comes to a point where it becomes uneconomic,” said Western States Petroleum Association President and CEO Catherine Reheis-Boyd.

The common thread between all of these components is bad policy and a State Legislature that is largely controlled by the environmental lobby—emboldened to harm its own energy sector and pass costs off to consumers in exchange for backing and capital.

As such, it’s unsurprising that the increased gas tax has drawn sharp criticism from constituents. Some critics argue that the hostility against fossil fuels is part of a larger tactic to push more drivers toward electric vehicles and ul-

timately phase out gas-powered cars—an explicit priority of Governor Gavin Newsom’s agenda. While Californians prepare for the impact the tax increase will have on their wallets, Newsom is preparing to travel to the Vatican to speak at a climate summit later this month.

One wonders what type of fuel will be used in the jet that will take him there.

The Day Tripper . . .

Time was when a ride on a train meant a constant sound of ‘clickety-clack, clickety, clack . . “

No more.

Today, when you board an Amtrak you hear, at most, a quiet whisper of ‘whoosh.’ And the train moves out smartly, on time, and offers air conditioned comfort.

Not so long ago we decided to take a break from the daily humdrum of life . . . and from the pressures of answering phones, (many of which are those accursed ‘robo-calls’of making phone calls, of making sales calls, of writing, of planning, of dealing with a half dozen issues. It was just time to getaway for a bit.

So we called Amtrak and booked a

round trip from Oceanside to San Juan Capistrano.

Absolutely LOVED the experience - particularly the Amtrak train ride up and back.

Amtrak gets high marks for being a delight to work with. Their automated reservation system works like a charm. We had occasion to talk to a real live human being and she was so helpful I’ve decided I want to adopt her.

We made the reservations and received the boarding passes via email.

We boarded Amtrak in Oceanside at 10:40 am.

Piece of cake. Parking (free) adjacent to the depot. Train was on time, whisper quiet upon arrival and upon departure.

Window seats with views of the ocean going up and coming back. It seemed like about a minute and we were already at San Clemente! Another minute and we were in San Juan Capistrano. In fact, we had been visiting with a young lady who had to remind us . . ”you’d better get moving. This is your stop.” She was right. We were there already! 11:15am! 35 minutes! No traffic jams, no delays, friendly passengers with which to visit, lovely views.

I had almost booked business class but then thought . . . “wait a minute. Business class? For a 35 minute ride? That doesn’t make sense. We’ll go coach.”

I enjoyed the trip so much I’d like to do it again, only this time maybe to Santa Barbara (where we used to live) or to San Luis Obispo. On a longer trip I’ll book business class, put on my ‘uppity clothes’ (which means long pants (maybe) instead of my traditional tennis or walking shorts). Bloody Mary’s, Wine, Beer, sandwiches, all the comforts of the good life. And, of course, the beautiful scenery en route up and back.

Let me urge anyone who lives in the San Diego County area to seriously consider a day trip to San Juan Capistrano. Relaxing, lots of lovely, small, quaint shops, restaurants, a variety of entertainments all close in. And lots of nice, friendly people to chat with, some of whom were tourists, many of whom were locals. All of whom were helpful.

Upon arrival we walked across the tracks into the Los Rios District, the oldest neighborhood in America. The “Old Town” of the city. Colorful, original district homes and businesses with original adobe

Man About Town continued on page 12

The Pastor Says . . .

What if?

A friend and I were discussing the end of the age, i.e., when the world’s history will end. Many end-time preachers predict the rapture, the time when all Christians will be taken out of this world to be caught up in the air with Jesus Christ. Some have even gone so far as to say this event will take place before their death. A popular book series promoted about ten years ago titled “Left Behind” had people anticipating the rapture very soon, even within the author’s lifetime. So far, as far as I know, it hasn’t happened.

What if it doesn’t happen soon? Indeed, what if another 2,000 years pass since it was foretold, not by date but by event, even in Jesus’ teaching? So what if there is this delay, or what if those predicting it are wrong?

I have often thought about WHAT IF. What if I die before I fulfill my bucket list of everything I would like to do yet? What if I get cancer or a multitude of other sicknesses, such as dementia? More seriously, What if my spouse dies unexpectedly? Am I prepared?

Socially, we live with a lot of what-ifs. What if Joe Biden gets elected to another four-year term or dies within that time? What if Donald Trump magically makes it to the White House? What if there is a nuclear war or a major conflict in the Middle East affecting the entire world? What if the stock market crashes and we lose most, if not all, of our investments? As you can see, what if the changes we face overwhelm us, and we can’t cope?

Religiously, too, we ask if there is no God or if our life and belief in God as we have been led to believe is no longer acceptable. The Jews in 697BC lost their faith in the God of Israel and turned to just about anything that they thought would support them, a belief in idols of stone, metal, and wood; all became objects of worship. They worshiped the sun, moon, and stars and practiced divination and child immolation. Did they ever think such would happen? What if we lost our faith in God? Would we substitute anything to believe in something? Such a danger faces us today. We should ask what IF and have some reasonable answer.

Pastor Huls

Call 1-760-746-6611 for more information.

Helena is Rancho Coastal Humane Society’s pet of the week. She’s a 2-1/2-year-old, 8-pound, female, Domestic Short Hair cat with a Brown Tabby coat.

Helena was taken to a local shelter with her two kittens. After that the little family was transferred to Rancho Coastal Humane Society through Friends of County Animal Shelters (FOCAS.) Now Helena is ready for a (human) family of her own.

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

Visit Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas or log on to www.SDpets.org.

Open 11 to 4, Thursday through Monday, and by appointment Wednesday.

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

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

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

El Cajon 373 N. Marshall Ave.

Escondido 3500 Burnet Drive

Oceanside 572 Airport Road

San Diego 5480 Gaines Street

Pet of the Week

Meet Davie! This 7-week-old puppy is brimming with an excitement for life that is simply irresistible! Puppies are energetic, confident and ready to explore the world around them — and Davie is no exception. He will benefit from a dedicated and caring family who can help him grow into the well-adjusted, sociable dog he’s meant to be. Playtime, snuggles and fond memories are certain in this lil guy’s future! If you’re ready to embark on a lifetime of love and adventure, adopt Davie (909100) at San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido Campus at 3500 Burnet Dr. And June 14-16, adoption fees are 50% off for all dogs and puppies, like Davie! 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=909100

Pastor Huls

The Computer Factory

845 W. San Marcos Blvd. 760-744-4315 thecomputerfactory.net

Today we continue our exploration of the differences between the under 30 year old DNs (digital Natives) and the over 30 year old DIs (Digital Immigrants).

Mobile access to the IW (intelligent Web) took off in 2007 when smart phone technology became available. By 2010 mobile connectivity became the dominant Internet access mode. The 125 million DNs that today comprise roughly 38% of America’s population spent their formative years with 7/24 smart phone access to the IW. It is difficult to comprehend what the long term impact of this technology will be on future human generations.

By

2024, 20 to 30 year old DNs

Met a nice couple a few weeks ago. As often happens after 25 years of taking pets on television in San Diego, the conversation began with, “Hey! You’re the dog guy.”

Yep. I’m the dog guy. We all pulled out our phones and started showing each other pictures of our dogs, when suddenly the wife said, “I forgot to tell him we’ll be back!”

The husband calmly replied, “It’s okay. I told him. He knows.”

They looked at me like, “Is this guy going to think we’re weird?”

Not weird at all! Whenever I leave

numbered 37million or 13% of America’s adult population. As the oldest of the DNs, they represent the first adult beneficiaries of the IW’s rapidly evolving technology. Early results that showed small but measurable declines in their physical, cognitive and social skills thought to be attributable to their spending nearly half their waking hours connected to the IW during their critical formative years. Mobile access to the IW had been around fewer than two decades and the IW and its access devices are constantly evolving and improving. It is far too early to predict the effect the IW will have on future generations of humans. For the first time ever we have 7/24 instant access to virtually the entirety of human knowledge and an evolving artificial intelligence that exceeds our own. The DNs, our children and grandchildren, appear to be the first generation of humans to have seamlessly incorporated the intelligence, knowledge and memory of the IW as an adjunct to their own internal resources. Increasing reliance on the ubiquitous assets of the IW for everyday living seems to have led to mild “use it or lose it” deterioration in the DN’s internal cognitive assets.

Only time will tell what profound long term effect the DN’s combination of internal cognizance with machine based memory, intelligence and access devices will have on future generations. The IW’s ef-

fect on we DIs is more certain. What do Tasmanian Devils, Passenger Pigeons and Digital Immigrants have in common? The answer is “extinction”. DIs will probably be the last humans on planet Earth to rely primarily on internal cognitive resources. We will soon join the Devils and Pigeons in extinction sometime near the end of this century thus ending three million years of humanity’s primary reliance on internal mental resources. Our demise will usher in the new era of hybrid human cognition. The DN’s combination of natural intelligence and machine intelligence is a giant leap - in some direction.

Today we DIs comprise over 70% of the adult population. We will continue to run the World for a

couple more decades before turning it over to the DNs. Most of us appreciate and enjoy the incredible benefits the IW has brought into our lives. Unlike the DNs we have not incorporated the IW as an integral part of our cognitive process. Our world view and perceptions were well established before the existence of the IW so we regard it as a marvelous external resource, but it is not a part of us.

Next week in part three of this series we’ll discuss the “undiscovered Internet”. Many of we DIs miss out on IW features that could save us time, money and provide endless hour of entertainment and education simply because we don’t know they exist. Let’s see if we can find you a few.

the house and my dog doesn’t go along, I tell her I’m leaving now, but I’ll be back. I tell her if it will be light or dark. And I give her a job.

This started 30 years ago. The dog I had at that time was sad when I left without him. Heaven forbid if I left carrying a suitcase. Suitcases meant I was never coming back, and nobody would ever feed him again.

Dr. Steve Blake explained that my dog (Max the Psychic Wonder Dog) was concerned about being left alone and that, the more I reacted to leaving, the more upset he became. Here’s the advice he gave me.

• When you leave, don’t make a big deal of it.

• Let him know you’re leaving, but that you’ll be coming back.

• Dogs can’t tell time, but they know the difference between light and dark.

• Give him a job. Something to do while you’re gone.

Dr. Steve said to speak softly and stay calm. Be factual, then leave.

“Max. I’m going to work now, but I promise I’ll come home. It will be dark when I get here. While I’m gone, your job is to protect the house and find the four cookies that I hid. One for each paw.”

He reminded me to also stay calm

when I got home. When the initial excitement is over, calmly greet your dog.

It worked!

The next time I saw Dr. Steve, I asked if his advice had been for Max or for me.

He smiled and replied, “Yes.”

Mister Rogers from page 5

Fantasy/Reality Distinction

This fantasy/reality distinction put Rogers’ series in sharp contrast to other children’s shows, such as Sesame Street and Captain Kangaroo which freely mixed fantasy and reality. Trolley was a character in its own right, often stopping to ‘talk’ with other characters such as King Friday XIII, by moving back and forth and ringing a bell to respond to Friday. Trolley also truly showed the difference between the worlds during the week when the three younger puppet characters, Daniel Striped Tiger, Prince Tuesday, and Ana Platypus, prepared for going to school for the first time. Trolley became the school bus. When Trolley came into Mister Rogers’ house it was two pieces of yellow construction paper shaped and drawn like the profile of a school bus, but when in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, it looked like a real school bus, except with trolley wheels.

There were many characters in “Neighborhood.” Collette, Cornflake S. Pecially, Cousin Steven Owl were just a few. Guests on the series ranged from cellist Yo-Yo Ma to actor and body-builder Lou Ferrigno. Michael Keaton made his first television appearance as a volunteer in 1975. He played in a troupe called The Flying Zookeenies. They performed for King Friday’s birthday, and also operated the Trolley. Another unique feature was that thirteen in-series ‘operas’ were performed during the course of the show: “Potato Bugs and Cows”, “Monkey’s Uncle” and “All in the Laundry” were three of them.

Concern About TV Violence

During the show’s run, Mr. Rogers became concerned about what children were seeing on TV on three different occasions. The first was during the Vietnam war, when news shows aired dramatic scenes of the violence of war, and the tragedies it brought.

Rogers said, “It’s very dramatic when two people come together to work something out. It’s easy to take a gun and annihilate your opposition, but what is really exciting to me is to see people with differing views come together and finally respect each other.” This never happened on Nightly News. And this bombardment of violence had a deleterious effect on young people according to Fred. He said he saw an almost immediate increase in hostility and tension among his young guests.

Earlier, Rogers had discussed marriage and divorce with his viewers. He stated that marriage resulted when “Two people fall in love and

want to be together as much as possible.” He defined divorce as, “Two people are married. When they no longer love each other, they divorce.”

Rogers said, “Those were easy concepts to explain. But how do you explain war to young ones, or for that matter, how do you explain war to adults?” On his show he said, “War happens when two countries can no longer get along, so they take up arms and try to impose their will on the other one.”

He tried to counteract the scenes of violence and chaos shown on TV news shows and showcased dealing with anger in more positive ways. He explained the whole situation by saying, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.”

In 1984 when Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtles became so popular, Mr. Rogers grew concerned at the needless violence enacted on, and by children. He felt the shows had no enduring message and were produced primarily to exploit kids and make money for the show’s sponsors.

He’s quoted as saying, “We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It’s easy to say, ‘It’s not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.’ Then there are those who see he need and respond. I consider those people my heroes.”

The Answer Is Love

He was quite sure the solution to most problems was love. “We need to help people discover the true meaning of love. Love is generally confused with dependence. Those of us who have grown in true love know that we can love only in proportion to our capacity for independence, to see the need and respond.”

After the Twin Towers in New York were destroyed by terrorists on September 11, 2001, Rogers was distraught. He called his team together and planned a special program stressing patriotism, responsibility and gratitude. The theme? “There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.”

Rogers taped public service announcements aimed at adults wonder-

Rogers continued on page 13

About Town from page 9

buildings and a great history! We had a cup of coffee at the Hidden House Coffee House . . . then grabbed lunch at a historic, small, very rustic building which housed The Hummingbird House Cafe, owned by a Bulgarian family and which offers delicious food at very fair prices. We opted for the Sampler plate appetizer (about $12) and shared. Exotic, different food, with a variety of dipping sauces. We met Plamena and her husband, Svet - absolutely charming folks. We ate in a lovely shaded patio area, with a view of the passing tourists and of much of the historic Los Rios district. The Hummingbird House Cafe building is 140 years old! Solid construction with simple vertical clapboard exterior, shake shingle roof, and lots of weathered wood throughout the area - all giving a great patina, consistent with a historic district.

A good friend had recommended the Ramos House Cafe but we had eaten breakfast before we left and weren’t all that hungry; add in the fact the the Ramos House is a pricey joint and we decided to pass. I don’t mind paying good money for good food and service but I also don’t like to spend money needlessly on a pricey cafe when I’m not all that hungry. The Appetizer Sampler Plate at The Hummingbird House Cafe suited us just fine (and at $12 a plate our cost was, let me see now, divide by two . . . about $6 each. And were quite pleased.)

I had brought a windbreaker jacket as, being a coastal city, I knew it sometimes could be a bit on the cool side, even in the summer. I needn’t have worried. The weather was a balmy 75-80 degrees, blue skies - I did not need a jacket. I was quite comfortable in walking shorts, Birkenstock sandals, and a sport shirt.

After a most enjoyable browsing session (Mary, my ex-wife, surprised me in that she wasn’t anxious to shop all that much) we decided to head back home. Caught the southbound train, were in San Clemente within, it seemed, seconds . . . marveled at all the beachgoers and surfers (in the middle of the week! We went on a Wednesday. Good idea; weekends tend to be packed, both on the trains and at the ‘good spots.’)

Relaxing trip up; relaxing trip back to Oceanside . . . and that’s what we were looking for. Relaxation. A getaway from business concerns . . . to get out of the house, out of the office . .. and . . . away.

Mission accomplished. We’ll be going again!

Historically Speaking from page 7

had always been adapted from the stage, not the reverse.

The Warner Bros. film production starred famed tap dancer Ruby Keeler and singer Dick Powell. Keeler became a big star, but it was more for her dancing talent than acting. At the time Miss Keeler was married to singer-actor Al Jolson was the most popular entertainer in the nation.

When the revival touring company of “42nd Street” came to San Diego in the mid-eighties I wanted to share that classic experience with my teenaged daughter. On opening night as we sat in the Civic Theatre audience awaiting the curtain to go up, a rather elderly woman walked into our row, excusing herself as she slipped past me, taking the seat on my left. The old woman apologized as she struggled to sit down. I couldn’t help but notice she was wearing lace-up leather oxford shoes with holes cut open for her toes. It seemed odd, but just then the curtain went up and the show began.

The performance was great and was thoroughly enjoyed by an enthusiastic audience who demanded three curtain calls. When it seemed as if a fourth bow by the cast would be needed a man identifying himself as the director came out on the stage calling for quiet. He proceeded to recount a brief history of the 1933 movie version and then called for an introduction to one of the original stars. “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the show’s original star, Miss Ruby Keeler.”

A gasp went through the audience. Everyone started looking around. Just then there was a slight tug on my arm. I looked over to see the old woman on my left struggling to rise with those swollen dancer’s feet. She had a broad grin on her lips. The house spotlight found her as she stood next to me, rendering a slight bow, but she saved the biggest smile for me. Miss Keeler was indeed, the fourth curtain call that evening.

Man

Mister

Ruby Keeler

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Mister Rogers from page 12

ing about how to discuss world news with their young children. These included his “look for the helpers” sentiments and other guidance.

His production company issued a statement, “We have discovered that when children bring up something frightening, it’s helpful right away to ask them what they know about it ... probably what children need to hear most from us adults is that they can talk with us about anything, and that we will do all we can to keep them safe in any scary time.”

Gentle But Tough

Guests on the show were often surprised to find that Rogers was as patient and gentle in real life as he was on television. He nevertheless was a perfectionist who did not allow ‘shoddy’ or excessive ad-libbing. He believed that kids were thoughtful people who deserved programming as good as that which adults enjoyed.

He appeared as a guest on other children shows often. On the animated cartoon series, Arthur, Rogers was an aardvark. Bill Nye, host of a sciencethemed program exchanged show appearances with him, as did Captain Kangaroo. On an episode of Sesame Street, Rogers explains to Big Bird that even if he loses a race such as the one to his friend “Snuffy,” there should be no hard feelings, if both

MIGHTY MOJO

did the best they could. Big Bird appeared on “Neighborhood” in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe on several occasions.

Near the end of his 35-year run, Rogers said, “In the external scheme of things, shining moments are as brief as the twinkling of an eye, yet such twinkling’s are what eternity is made of -- moments when we human beings can say ‘I love you,’ ‘I’m proud of you,’ ‘I forgive you,’ ‘I’m grateful for you.’ That’s what eternity is made of: invisible imperishable good stuff.”

Commencement Speaker

At a commencement address at Dartmouth College, Rogers gave this advice, “Discovering the truth about ourselves is a lifetime’s work, but it’s worth the effort.” He died in 2003, of stomach cancer, two years after “Mister Rogers Neighborhood” went off the air.

Christian right-wing demonstrators with their children, picketed his funeral because of his “acceptance of homosexuals” and “defiance of Biblical principles.” Rogers’ show proved that discovering and accepting ourselves as we are, warts and all, is the key to a solid selfesteem which in turn, results in the development of solid citizens.

It really is as simple as: “You always make each day a special day. You know how: By just your being you/yourself. There’s only one person in the whole world like you, and that’s you. And people can like you just/exactly the way you are.”

This crisis stems from the Federal government’s failings. By allowing migrants to bypass legal channels and jump ahead in line, we undermine the fairness and security of our immigration system. We need immigrants, but those trying to enter legally are being pushed to the back of the line. We must uphold our laws and ensure a fair and dignified immigration process.

Government and Regulation: Government should be an ally, providing the infrastructure necessary for people to achieve their full potential. However, excessive regulations are driving up housing costs and stifling growth. It’s time to reduce these regulatory burdens and pave the way for more affordable housing.

North County has incredible potential because of people like you. If we want North County to thrive, we must work together. I challenge you to be part of the solution. Let’s create an environment where our residents can thrive and build their futures here in California and San Diego County.

Thank you for your continued commitment to improving North County. Together, we can achieve great things.

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

The Paper Owned & Operated by a Veteran

lyle e davis US Army, Entertainment Director 1957-1959 Brooke Army Hospital Fort Sam Houston, Texas

“The state of Texas was never invaded while I was on duty at Fort Sam. You could look it up!” War Correspondent South Vietnam - 1967-68 Assimilated Grade/Rank Lt. Colonel, MACV (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam)

Jim Desmond from page 6

Oodles from page 3

3001 School Ln Lemon Grove Mondays and Fridays 10:30 am – 11:30 am

Starting Monday, June 17th

Pine Avenue Community Center and Park 3901 Harding St. Carlsbad Outdoor class

Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30 am – 9:30 am Starting Tuesday, June 18th.

To register, visit https://ca-carlsbad.civicrec.com/CA/carlsbad-ca/ catalog and enter code #20510. For questions or more information, email HealthierLiving.HHSA@ sdcounty.ca.gov or call (858) 4955500.

LIFE at MiraCosta College A Lifelong Learning Group

Meetings will be held in person at the MiraCosta College, Oceanside Campus, at 1:00 pm in Classroom 5313 in the Kinesiology Building next to the new gymnasium, and by the Internet Application ZOOM.

June 21 1:00 Earthquakes Tim Rockwell, Paleoseismologist So. Cal Earthquake Center

Dr. Rockwell will give us a look at earthquake activity and how it has, and may again, impact our area. Should we be nervous? Ask the expert.

June 21 2:30 Political Science Topic

Carl Luna Ph.D., Visiting Professor, University of San Diego Hear an overview of the November election, both local and national. Learn about the challenges democracy faces in the US and around the world.

June 28 1:00 The Doolittle Raid— America’s Daring First Strike Against Japan Rafe Arnott Retired Navy Captain, Midway Docent The Raid was executed by 80 Brave Americans led by Jimmy Doolittle. Sixteen Army Air Force B-25 bombers launched from the Aircraft Carrier USS Hornet and bombed Tokyo. This was the first time in history Japan was successfully attacked by an outside enemy force.

June 28 2:30 Spring Flowers Barbara Weiler, Master Flower Show Judge Barbara Weiler will educate us on the National Flower Shows structure and will do a live flower arrangement at the end of her talk.

To join a Zoom meeting, LIFE must have your email address in order for you to receive the invite link. Meetings will start at 12:45 pm (you can join 15 minutes earlier) and the speaker will start at 1:00 pm.

Email: life.miracosta@gmail.com

To Donate to the LIFE Scholarship Fund: Write a check to MiraCosta

College Foundation; Mail it to: One Barnard Dr., MS 7; Oceanside, CA 92056. In the memo area put: LIFE Scholarship Fund. OR use the QR code provided to fill out scholarship gift information. The donation will be credited to the LIFE Scholarship Fund. * Speaker has books or CDs for sale.

Escondido Library Events

Exploring the World of San Diego Real Estate Saturday, June 22 • 1:00-2:00 pm

Adults

Are you finding it challenging to navigate the real estate market? Does the prospect of buying a house seem bewildering and daunting? Join us for an educational session with San Diego Broker Farima Tabrizi, where she’ll empower you with essential knowledge about purchasing your first home.

Historic Look at the Escondido Public Library’s Neighborhood Thursday, June 27 • 6:00-7:00 pm

Adults

An informative look at the history and architectural designs of the Escondido Public Library’s neighborhood homes and buildings. The talk will include historical photographs of the historic homes and buildings of the west part of the Library’s neighborhood.

Walking Tour of the Library’s Historic Neighborhood Saturday, June 29 • 11:00 am12:30 pm

Adults • All Ages

Join us for a leisurely walking tour of Escondido Public Library’s neighborhood to learn about its homes and buildings’ history and architectural styles. The route will start from the Pioneer Room, head west on 3rd Avenue to Maple Street, and end at the Pioneer Room.

½ Price Sale • Friends Bookshop June 28 & 29

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

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

Music Men Chorus Seeking Guys who Love Singing

The Music Men Chorus is a North County men’s a cappella chorus that performs four-part, close harmony songs arranged in Barbershop style, known for its “ringing”chords. We are affiliated with the non-profit International Barbershop Harmony Society, which is dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of this style of singing.

We are recruiting men, middle school age and older, who enjoy singing, who are curious about singing a cappella music, and who would enjoy the camaraderie of likeminded men working to achieve beautiful “ringing” chords. Previous musical experience is helpful, but is not a requirement. We can provide audio learning tracks to aid you in learning your part. And other members in your vocal part provide assistance as well.

We are looking for prospective singers for all vocal parts - Lead, Bass, Tenor, and Baritone.

We have open rehearsals on most Tuesday evenings from 7-9:30 pm at San Marcos Lutheran Church, 3419 Grand Avenue, in the Luther Hall.

For more information about singing with the Music Men, call Joe Pascucci at (760) 845-3593. Or visit our website, www.musicmenchorus.org.

Oceanside Independence Parade June 29 • 10am

On Saturday, June 29, the 28th Annual Oceanside Independence Parade will honor local leaders and community members. This years’ parade theme is “Celebrating Our Heritage,” highlighting our community’s cultural roots. Sponsors of the parade include the City of Oceanside, County of San Diego Community Enhancement Grant, and Genentech. The parade will start at 10 a.m. at the intersection of North Coast Highway and Wisconsin Avenue and travel north on Coast Highway to Civic Center Drive. More than 100 parade entries are expected to march, roll, walk and drive down historic Highway 101.

Oceanside Independence Parade participant applications are now open! Participants can sign up to walk their party or drive their float down Coast Highway. We are accepting businesses, community organizations, nonprofits, car/motorcycle clubs, elected officials, and more.

Three Hometown Heroes will be recognized during this year’s Oceanside Independence Parade. There will also be a ceremony awarding the floats embracing our theme most. This year will focus on cultural impacts within our Oceanside community. We are asking our community to nominate three community members that deserve to be named “Hometown Heroes.”

A local tradition since 1892, the Oceanside Independence Parade is made possible by the assistance of over 100 volunteers. To participate or volunteer in the parade, complete the parade or volunteer application at www.oceansideparade. com.

Chuckles from page 2

Jacob: “Medicine for memory problems, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s?”

Pharmacist: “Yes, a large variety. The works.”

Jacob: “Everything for heartburn and indigestion?”

Pharmacist: “We sure do.”

Jacob: “You sell wheelchairs and walkers and canes?”

Pharmacist: “All speeds and sizes.”

Jacob: “Adult diapers?”

Pharmacist: “Sure, how can I help you?”

Jacob: “We’d like to use this store as our Bridal Registry.”

Blonde Helping a Trucker

A blonde lady motorist was about two hours from San Diego when she was flagged down by a man whose truck had broken down.

The man walked up to the car and asked, “Are you going to San Diego?”

“Sure,” answered the blonde, “do you need a lift?”

“Not for me. I’ll be spending the next three hours fixing my truck. My problem is I’ve got two chimpanzees in the back that have to be taken to the San Diego Zoo. They’re a bit stressed already so I don’t want to keep them on the road all day. Could you possibly take them to the zoo for me? I’ll give you $100 for your trouble.”

“I’d be happy to,” said the blonde.

So the two chimpanzees were ushered into the back seat of the blonde’s car and carefully strapped into their seat belts, and off they went.

Five hours later, the truck driver was driving through the heart of San Diego when suddenly he was horrified! There was the blonde walking down the street, holding hands with the two chimps, much to the amusement of a big crowd.

With a screech of brakes he pulled off the road and ran over to the blonde.

“What are you doing here?” he demanded, “I gave you $100 to take these chimpanzees to the zoo!”

“Yes, I know you did,” said the blonde. “But we had money left over so now we’re going to Sea World.”

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9009626

The name of the business: North County Pro Cleaning, located at 583 Golf Glen Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant Saul Magadan Lara, 583 Golf Glen Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A

/s/ Saul Magadan Lara with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/6/2024

5/23, 5/30, 6/6, 6/13/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9009365

The name of the business: Anoint For Wellness, located at 960 Postal Way #2976, Vista, CA 92085. Registrant Donna L. Weber, 960 Postal Way #2976, Vista, CA 92085. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 3/11/2019

/s/ Donna L. Weber with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 5/1/2024

5/23, 5/30, 6/6, 6/13/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT 2024-9010516

The name of the business: EcoWater Systems of San Diego, located at 2241 La Mirada Drive, Vista, CA 92081. Registrant Yanchewski & Wardell Enterprises, Inc., 2241 La Mirada Drive, Vista, CA 92081. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 1/1/2024

/s/ Glenn P. Kiehl, Corporate Secretary with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/16/2024

5/23, 5/30, 6/6, 6/13/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT 2024-9010125

The name of the business: Coastal Care Home Health, located at 14619 Woodhue Ln., Poway, CA 92064. Registrant Sacks Investment Group, 14619 Woodhue Ln., Poway, CA 92064. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: N/A

/s/ Kenneth I. Sacks, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/10/2024

5/23, 5/30, 6/6, 6/13/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT 2024-9008463

The name of the business: Socal Auto Care, located at 711 S. Santa Fe, Vista, CA 92083. Registrant Socal Auto Care LLC, 711 S. Santa Fe, Vista, CA 92083. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: 4/18/2024

/s/ Jessie Olivas, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/18/2024

5/23, 5/30, 6/6, 6/13/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT 2024-9010583

The name of the business: Sprouts & Blooms, located at 1447 San Pablo Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant Stephanie Spiteri Edwards, 1447 San Pablo, San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 5/16/2024

/s/ Stephanie Spiteri Edwards with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/17/2024

5/23, 5/30, 6/6, 6/13/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT 2024-9010290

The name of the business: Westek Electronics, loated at 1390 Aspen Way, Vista, CA

92081. Registrant Tempo Communications, Inc., 1390 Aspen Way, Vista, CA 92081. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 4/30/2024

/s/ John Parlzek, Chief Financial Officer with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/14/2024

5/23, 5/30, 6/6, 6/13/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024--9009691

The name of the business: Vbrows Esthetics, located at 1116 Sycamore Ave. Ste B, Vista, CA 92081. Registrant Vanessa Padilla, 1116 Sycamore Ave. Ste B, Vista, CA 92081. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 6/15/2019

/s/ Vanessa Padilla with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 5/6/2024

5/30, 6/6, 6/13, 6/20/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9008554

The name of the business: Al’s Power Washing, located at 378 Mainsail Rd., Oceanside, CA 92054. Registrant Al’s Powerwashing LLC, 378 Mainsail Rd., Oceanside, CA 92054. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: N/A /s/ Allan Marquez Tamayo, Managing Member with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 4/19/2024

5/30, 6/6, 6/13, 6/20/2024

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME: 2024-9010887

J&S Cleaning Services, located at 31909 Del Cielo Este Unit 2, Bonsall, CA 92003. The Fictitious Business Name referred to above was filed in San Diego County on 4/26/2023 and assigned file no. 2023-9009240.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IS BEING ABANDONED BY: Juan Antonio Gonzalez & Sandra Gonzalez, 31909 Del Cielo Este Unit 2, Bonsall, CA 92003. This business is conducted by a Married Couple. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1000). /s/Juan Antonio Gonzalez

This statement was filed with the San Diego Recorder/County clerk on 5/22/2024. 5/30, 6/6, 6/13, 6/20/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9009039

The name of the business: Carlsbad Essence PhotographyWeddings & Events, located at 1489 Turquoise Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92011. Registrant Samapti Biswas Roy, 1489 Turquoise Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92011. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 4/23/2024 /s/ Samapti Biswas Roy with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/25/2024 5/23, 5/30, 6/6, 6/13/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9010001

The name of the business: Alma’s Joyful Living Home Care, located at 802 Orla Street, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant Aileen Joy Parel, 802 Orla Street, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 9/17/2021

LEGALS

/s/ Aileen Joy Parel with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 5/9/2024 6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/27/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT 2024-9012016

The name of the business: Mindmeld Interactive, Somatelligence, located at 1654 Adriana Ct., Vista, CA 92081. Registrant Sachiyo Takasawa Berg, 1654 Adriana Ct., Vista, CA 92081. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 10/1/2010

/s/ Sachiyo Takasawa Berg with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/7/2024

6/13, 6/20, 6/27, 7/4/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT 2024-9011640

The name of the business: Hanuman Temple San Diego, located at 9265 Activity Road #110, San Diego, CA 92126. Registrant Veda Geetha Foundation Org, 9265 Activity Road #110, San Diego, CA 92126. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 6/3/2024 /s/ Shrikantha Shasta, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/3/2024

6/13, 6/20, 6/27, 7/4/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9011907

The name of the business: EMP Handyman And Renovations, located at 500 Avenida Verde, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant EMP Construction Inc., 500 Avenida Verde, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: N/A /s/ Christopher M. Parks, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/6/2024

6/13, 6/20, 6/27, 7/4/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT 2024-9010677

The name of the business: Vintage Hearts Co., located at 25453 Rue Lausanne, Escondido, CA 92026. Registrant Shawna Lee Raher, 25453 Lee Raher, Escondido, CA 92026. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A

/s/ Shawna Lee Raher with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/20/2024

6/13, 6/20, 6/27, 7/4/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9011386

The name of the business: Residential Heat & Air, located at 4070 Arcadia Way, Oceanside,

CA 92056. Registrant Scott Goane, 4070 Arcadia Ave., Oceanside, CA 92056. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 5/27/2024

/s/ Scott Matthew Goane with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/29/2024

6/13, 6/20, 6/27, 7/4/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9011142

The name of the business: VJ Nail & Lash, located at 737 Shadowridge Dr., Vista, CA 92083. Registrant Duyen Huely, 737 Shadowridge Dr., Vista, CA 92083 & Henry Vinh To, 737 Shadowridge Dr., Vista, CA 92083. This business is operated by a Married Couple. First day of business: 5/24/2024 /s/ Henry Vinh To with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 5/24/2024

6/13, 6/20, 6/27, 7/4/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9011324

The name of the business: Poke Jaws, located at 3245 Business Park Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92081. Registrant TolucoMx Inc., 445 Garrison St., Apt 13, Oceanside, CA 92054. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: N/A /s/ Ruri Sato, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 5/29/2024

6/13, 6/20, 6/27, 7/4/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9011914

The name of the business: On The Nickel, located at 258 Mar Vista Dr., Vista, CA 92083. Registrant L. Jonathon William Goemann, 258 Mar Vista Dr., Vista, CA 92083. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Jon Goemann with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 6/6/2024

6/13, 6/20, 6/27, 7/4/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9010071

The name of the business: Positive Flow, located at 14757 Republican Way, Ramona, CA 92065. Registrant Dalina Blackwell, 14757 Republican Way, Ramona, CA 92065. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 4/1/2024

/s/ Dalina Blackwell with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/9/2024

6/20, 6/27, 7/4, 7/11/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9009567

The name of the business: Ramona Water, Ramona Water Delivery, ADU Homes, Boltheads, located at 2130 Main St., Ramona, CA 92065. Registrant Dan J. Jauregui, P.O. Box 2696, Ramona, CA 92065. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 1/1/2024

/s/ Dan A. Jauregui with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 5/3/2024

6/20, 6/27, 7/4, 7/11/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT 2024-9011085

The name of the business: Permit Time, located at 4954 Via Cinta, San Diego, CA 92122. Registrant Stav Deri, 4954 Via Cinta, San Diego, CA 92122 & Liore Deri, 4954 Via Cinta, San Diego, CA 92122. This business is operated by a Married Couple. First day of business: N/A /s/ Stav Deri with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 5/23/2024

6/20, 6/27, 7/4, 7/11/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9012389

The name of the business: Oriole Healthcare, located at 4640 Caneel Bay Ct., Oceanside, CA 92057. Registrant Oriole Nursing Inc., 4640 Caneel Bay Ct., Oceanside, CA 92057. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 6/1/2024 /s/ Nicholas Tibberts, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/12/2024 6/20, 6/27, 7/4, 7/11/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9012474

The name of the business: Ice Cold Mist, California Chocolate Fountains, Outdoor Innovations, ICM Outdoor Innovations, located at 13741 Danielson Street, Ste D, Poway, CA 92064. Registrant Kenneth James Rose, 13741 Danielson Street, Ste D, Poway, CA 92064. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 3/16/2015A /s/ Kenneth James Rose with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/13/2024 6/20, 6/27, 7/4, 7/11/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9012315

The name of the business: Covenant Constructors, located at 214 Woodland Dr., Vista, CA 92083. Registrant Adolfo Lopez IV, 214 Woodland Dr., Vista, CA 92083 & Saundra Lopez, 214 Woodland Dr., Vista, CA 92083. This business is operated by a Married Couple. First

day of business: 1/1/2005

/s/ Adolfo Lopez IV with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 6/11/2024

6/20, 6/27, 7/4, 7/11/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT 2024-9012245

The name of the business: My Job & More, located at 4376 Pacific Way #6, Oceanside, CA 92052. Registrant Jesus A. Cardenas Camacho, 4376 Pacific Way #6, Oceanside, CA 92052. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 6/11/2024 /s/ Jesus A Cardenas Camacho with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/11/2024 6/20, 6/27, 7/4, 7/11/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9011419

The name of the business: Tandoori Corner, located at 158 Roymar Rd., Oceanside, CA 92058. Registrant Mahinder Pal Sharmo, 2216 S. El Camino Real #119, Oceanside, CA 92054 & Sumah Sharma, 2216 S. El Camino Real #119, Oceanside, CA 92054. This business is operated by a Married Couple. First day of business: N/A /s/ Mahinder Pal Sharma with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/30/2024

6/20, 6/27, 7/4, 7/11/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9012552

The name of the business: V&M Auto Registration, located at 3784 Mission Ave., #154, Oceanside, CA 92058. Registrant Myrna Guadalupe Aramboro de Gutierrez, 3784 Mission Ave., Suite #154, Oceanside, CA 92058. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 6/14/2024 /s/ Myrna G. Aramboro de Gutierrez with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/14/2024 6/20, 6/27, 7/4, 7/11/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9012176

The name of the business: North County Orthodontic Laboratory, located at 405 Shadow Lane, Vista, CA 92084. Reigstrant, Maria del Carmen Bucio, 405 Shadow Lane, Vista, CA 92084. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 5/11/99 /s/ Maria del Carmen Bucio with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/10/2024 6/20, 6/27, 7/4, 7/11/2024

Ever since I can remember I’ve had the burning desire to discover new places, new adventures. Because of this, I set out to discover a new country . . . and I was successful. I even ventured inland a great many miles where I discovered a place I called Minnesota. “This,” I thought, “would be a great place for Scandinavians.” So I headed back to Norway to recruit settlers. While I was gone, some clown named Columbus claimed he discovered America. Life ain’t fair. Except life also give us The Paper. I read it whenever and wherever I go exploring and only buy from those who advertise in The Paper. It’s a Viking thing. Your friend, Eric the Red First, I discovered America, then I discovered

The Paper