November 21, 2024

The Butchering of Our Elders

The Price of Love?

by L. “Pete” Peterson

He had a distinguished career as a police officer, including three years in the major fraud unit, but all he has to show after sending his online lover $156,000, is 600 emails that bring tears of selfrecrimination when he realizes how foolish he was. But, he’s still alive, and has money in his back account, unlike hundreds, if not thousands, of Californians who have been victimized by the long con referred to as ‘pig butchering.’ This insidious scam features networks of scammers who spend

weeks, sometimes months, posing as prospective romantic partners to fatten their targets with promises of love before cutting their throats financially. Unlike the “Nigerian prince,” and his unsophisticated emails, or the myriad get rich scams that cast thousands of lines into myriad social media platforms in the hopes of getting one bite, pig butchering is a targeted, patient and effective scam that leaves financial devastation, ruined lives and often, suicide in its wake.

In our police officer’s case it

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started with a damsel in distress email that appeared one morning in his feed. The damsel’s distress?

“As a wise investor and automobile expert, which car, the Ferrari LaFerrari, or the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, would be the best investment for me? I’ve done quite well in the crypto market, and need wise counsel.”

Our friend says today, “It was a compliment to be asked my opinion, on something as personal and expensive as a $450,000 plus automobile purchase. When I replied I was neither a wise investor or an

automotive expert, her response was perfect for my state of mind. ‘Don’t sell yourself short. I bet you have many qualities that go unnoticed.’”

Thus an online romance was launched. For the next three months the retired policeman and what he thought was a naïve and beautiful young Philopena lady, exchanged pictures and shared intimate stories and secrets, confiding sexual fantasies and revealing their deepest desires. “She was so sensitive and understanding,” he says today. “She asked how I

Elders from page 1

coped when Harriet, my wife of 26 years, died. I cried sharing I missed Harriet very much every day. Her replay was a comfort. ‘I can never replace her, but I can make life easier.’”

All along our friend thought Stacie was who she said she was –an unsophisticated investor who hit it big in the crypto market and was eager to share her good fortune. “I just sent,” she named a well-known children’s hospital, “twenty-five thousand. They do good work.”

When Stacie didn’t email him for two weeks, our policeman friend says, “I about went nuts, but I didn’t want to seem desperate, so I forced myself not to contact her.” Stacie played the sex card when she recontacted him. “I’m sending you something you’ll enjoy playing with.” It was a picture of a women’s bare breasts. “I’m really a nice girl, but when I think of you, I can’t wait until we’re together. What fun we’ll have. I’ll be so proud to be your woman.”

Our cop friend was flattered. “It was the first time a pretty girl had ever sent me something so personal, and seemed so enthusiastic to be my friend. I hadn’t been with a woman since Harriet’s passing. With her health problems, our sex hadn’t been that great, either. Plus, Stacie hadn’t asked me for

Give Us This Day

Our Daily Chuckle

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

English translations can be tricky...

Beijing Hotel Brochure - Translated as only they can.

A friend went to Beijing recently and was given this brochure by the hotel. It is precious.

She is keeping it and reading it whenever she feels depressed.

Getting There :

Our representative will make you wait at the airport. The bus to the

a thing. When I said she should buy the car that gave her the most pleasure, her immediate answer was, ‘That’s so sweet of you. I bought the Lamborghini. We’ll have fun tooling the Hollywood Hills in it.”

After recontacting the police officer, Stacie hinted at money for the first time. “I got my crypto account statement today. Another $350,000 gain. My love, have you ever wanted to be rich? To do what you want, when you want, without money considerations? We could ski Aspen, snorkel in Hawaii, dance in Paris. Stay in the Hamptons as long as we want. You could play with my (she used a more esoteric word for breasts) all night and I’d love every minute of it.”

In her next email, Stacie was subtle, but suggestive. “Hey, Lover. Why don’t you take 10,000 America dollars from your JP Morgan savings and invest in crypto? We’ll put it with my $1,000,000 investment so you’ll have a higher return. I like sure thing returns, don’t you? Just saying.”

“Yes, I was surprised she knew my bank’s name, but within hours she sent her crypto account history, so that wiped away that Red Flag. The printout showed that an original investment of $7,000 had grown to almost $10,000,000. ‘Not bragging. Just lucky,’ she said. I was under her spell. I sent her $10,000 the next day.

hotel runs along the lake shore. Soon you will feel pleasure in passing water. You will know that you are getting near the hotel, because you will go round the bend. The manager will await you in the entrance hall. He always tries to have intercourse with all new guests.

The Hotel :

This is a family hotel, so children are very welcome. We of course are always pleased to accept adultery. Highly skilled nurses are available in the evenings to put down your children. Guests are invited to conjugate in the bar and expose themselves to others. But please note that ladies are not allowed to have babies in the bar. We organize social games, so no guest is ever left alone to play with them self.

The Restaurant :

Our menus have been carefully chosen to be ordinary and unexciting. At dinner, our quartet will circulate from table to table, and fiddle with you.

Your Room :

Every room has excellent facilities

Her almost immediate response thanked me for my trust in her, adding, ‘Don’t be an eager beaver now and check on your investment every day, My Big (a word for a man’s genitalia) Man, it takes at least two weeks or so to set up your account. You’re on your way to a life of leisure, the two of us traveling the world with plenty of time for sex, sex, sex.’” For good measure, Stacy included a picture she said was her abdomen, legs and another point of interest.

Two weeks later the cop who knew every trick fraudsters use to bilk the unsuspecting, received an email showing his $10,000 investment was now worth $79,203.71. What a relief!

At Stacie’s invitation he send her another $20,000; two weeks later he was delighted to see his investment had grown to an amazing $600,340,76! “You’ve done so well because I put it with mine. (Again.) We’re partners in life now, loving each other, traveling the world together, entertaining friends and family, we have to look out for each other,” Stacy emailed. She suggested he enjoy some of his gains. “You’d probably like to flash some cash in front of your friends, while thinking about the fun we’ll have together.”

One problem. Those dratted income taxes. “After all Uncle Sam has to be paid.” Our policeman friend says, “. . .that more than

for your private parts. In winter, every room is on heat. Each room has a balcony offering views of outstanding obscenity! .. You will not be disturbed by traffic noise, since the road between the hotel and the lake is used only by pederasts.

Bed :

Your bed has been made in accordance with local tradition. If you have any other ideas please ring for the chambermaid. Please take advantage of her. She will be very pleased to squash your shirts, blouses and underwear. If asked, she will also squeeze your trousers.

Above All :

When you leave us at the end of your holiday, you will have no hope. You will struggle to forget it.

••••

My child will not eat fish. What can I replace it with?

A cat. Cats love fish.

the provocative pictures sealed the deal for me. She wanted to send me money. I called a CPA friend and asked the tax burden on a withdrawal of $400,000. His figures and Stacie’s, were only a few thousand dollars different. I sent her $125,000 for taxes, and my next investment. The bank officer cheerfully authorized my withdrawal, but cautioned ‘it’s always wise to consult with financial professionals on potentially volatile investments.’”

Stacie emailed her thanks for his continued trust, and suggested he “make an investment that will dramatically change our lives together, forever. You have $300,000 just lying in the bank, and you’re getting $400,000 in matter of hours. This is a slam dunk, no risk investment, that will secure your financial freedom forever. Three million bucks buys a lot of free time you and I can use making love and enjoying life. With these profits we’ll be set for our life together.” As they emailed, he received notification from the cryptocurrency’s Principal Underwriter that his requested $400,000 would arrive in three days.

Stacie emailed minutes later. “My love, aren’t you glad you trusted me? Enjoy your return, but understand that has nothing to do with the transaction you

Elders continued on page 3

The more I get to know people the more I understand why Noah only let animals on the boat.

As I was driving home today worrying about all the crap going on in the world and at how my life was falling apart, I saw a yard sign that said:

NEED HELP? CALL JESUS 1-800-005-3787

Out of curiosity and desperation, I did.

A Mexican showed up with a lawn mower.

••••

The trouble with quotes on the Internet is that it’s hard to determine if they are genuine.

Abraham Lincoln

continued on page 4

Chuckles

Elders from page 2

should make that will secure your future, let you enjoy life, and have the income you deserve. To secure that investment, I need your $300,000 ASAP. Just think, you’ll never have to worry about money again. The other good news is the airline tickets for my trip to see you arrived today, Darling. We’ll spend Christmas together. By then you’ll have 3 mil to do with as you wish. Will you buy me some lingerie to wear as we make love? And maybe some perfume? I need the three hundred thousand no later than 5 o’clock my time today, okay Sweetie? We don’t want to miss out on a big payday.”

It’s a good thing our policeman friend ran into a former fraud unit associate in the bank’s parking lot where he was going to take out a second mortgage on his house. “Didn’t I see you here yesterday,” his friend asked. “What’s going on?”

“A financial transaction. That’s what banks do.”

“Your face is flushed. You seem stressed. Everything all right?”

“Nothing for you to worry about.”

“Is it something for you to worry about? I’m a good listener.”

“That did it. Standing in a busy parking lot with cars whizzing by on the freeway behind us, I came clean on the whole scam. He didn’t criticize me, he just nodded. ‘Is that what you want to do with your money, he asked.’ I cried like a baby. It felt great to finally tell someone who cared what I knew deep down inside was a fraud.”

It was too late to for the police to prosecute Stacie, or even track her down, her site had been torn down, no records that could be rejuvenated. “That’s a real challenge,” says Erin West, a member of California’s cyber-crime taskforce, REACT. “Victims are often too embarrassed to report the crime as it’s happening. Secondly, unless the police have concrete information as the fraud takes place, what key words were used, it’s almost impossible to track the criminals due to how the internet works. It’s like we’re fighting ghosts.”

West testified before Congress in September. “Pig butchering scams take a heavy toll not only in money, but in emotional aspects as well.” He cites a Michigan adult daughter telling Congress that her father killed himself. “She found out why when she

looked through his digital life; he was immersed in a pig butchering scam and lost his family’s fortune - some $870,000.” West says, “Another daughter testified her father committed suicide after losing $4,000,000 in a pig butchering scam where ‘the prize’ was a luxury resort forced into bankruptcy because the previous owner was arrears on few thousand dollar tax bill. There were certain expenses that had to be paid before the property was turned over to him, you understand, in this case, five million good faith money. The man mortgaged his ranch, sent his money and never heard from them again until the sheriff showed up with an eviction notice, kicking him out of a property that had been in his family for years. He shot himself in the woodshed at the ranch.”

The first pig butchering cases were reported in China in 2020 where it’s named ‘sha zhu pan,’ or ‘dead pig game,’ (someone more fluent in Mandarin than Yours Truly, might have a more accurate translation) as loneliness from the Covid-19 pandemic soared. CNN reported an 82-year-old man committed suicide after he met his life’s love on Facebook. He sent her a total of $670,000, and was in the process of selling an office building to generate another $350,000, when his lover made a mistake.

“She sent me a picture of her breasts early on. They were of a white woman, and not that big,” he wrote in his suicide note. “The new picture showed a lady of color. I knew then I’d been had.

You’ll find my body next to your Mom’s grave at the cemetery. I gave away most of our estate for nothing. Please forgive me.” He shot himself under his chin and bled to death.

The scam often starts with a “mistaken” email from an attractive female if the mark is male; if the intended victim is female, the email is from a handsome “wealthy” man - of an age corresponding to the victim - who asks advice on a simple question. Rebecca, a retired nurse, responded to, “In taking over-the-counter medicine is it important to observe use-by dates? If I ingest something after the expiration date will I be poisoned?”

Rebecca replied that use by dates where guidelines, not cast in concrete toss-the-medicine-away dates. “How did you get so knowledgeable in medicine? Are you a doctor?” came Raul’s almost instant reply. Rebecca quickly explained she was a retired nurse,

Oodles!

Looking for things to do? Places to go?

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

Email it to: Lisa.ThePaper@gmail.com

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

• Submit your press release by the previous Friday.

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

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

The good LifE at miraCosta College Oceanside Campus

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 5300 (park in Lot 5A, next to the new gymnasium) and by the Internet Application ZOOM.

Nov 22 1:00 Seventies Adventure in Iran Mike Martucci, Author, LIFE Member

Nov 22 2:30 To Be Announced

Nov 29 NO SESSIONSTHANKSGIVING

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

Holiday Choral Concert

“& ‘Twas The Week Before Christmas - barbershop style” December 1 • 3pm

Get in the spirit of the season with the Music Men Chorus on Sunday December 1 at 3 pm at San Marcos Lutheran Church, 3419 Grand Avenue, San Marcos. In this parody of the classic Clement Moore poem, join the Music Men as they rehearse for their upcoming Holiday Concert... and discover an unexpected visitor.

This family-friendly event features both popular and classic holiday songs, all arranged in the distinctive Barbershop style, with “ringing” chords. In addition to the full chorus, the show will feature special guest chorus, The Pacific Belles, and audience singa-longs.

A donation of $10 per adult would be appreciated.

Music Men, under the direction of David Garstang, enjoy sharing their love of Barbershop-style, close-harmony a cappella song with audiences. More information about the Music Men can be found at musicmenchorus.org. The chorus is always looking for new singers and welcomes visitors to its rehearsals.

***

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

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

***

music men Chorus Looking for Guys Who Love To Sing a Cappella

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

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

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

The Music Men rehearse most Tuesday evenings from 7:009:30 p.m. at San Marcos Lutheran Church, 3419 Grand Avenue, San Marcos 92078, in Luther Hall.

Contact Joe Pascucci at (760) 845-3593 or joevalp@cox.net. Or check our website, musicmenchorus.org. Elders continued on page 5

Celebrating their 70th season, the

Chuckles from page 2

God went to the Jews and said, “I have Commandments for you that will make your lives better.’

‘Commandments?’ They said, ‘How much are they?’

‘They’re free.’

‘We’ll take 10.’ ***

Real Estate in Louisiana

Rebuilding New Orleans after Katrina often caused residents to be challenged to prove home titles back hundreds of years. That is because of community history stretching back over two centuries during which houses were passed along through generations of family, sometimes making it quite difficult to establish a paper trail of ownership.

A New Orleans lawyer sought a

Man About Town

The San Diego Humane Society has a new, interesting program that caught my attention.

It’s called “Dog Day Out Program” and it works like this:

You take an adoptable dog for a few hours . . . take it for a walk, hiking, a beach walk, or just relaxing in your home. This activity gives the dog(s) a much-needed break from the kennel and exposes them to life

FHA rebuilding loan for a client. He was told the loan would be granted upon submission of satisfactory proof of ownership of the parcel of property as it was being offered as collateral. It took the lawyer 3 months, but he was able to prove title to the property dating back to 1803. After sending the information to the FHA, he received the following reply.

(Actual reply from FHA):

“Upon review of your letter adjoining your client’s loan application, we note that the request is supported by an Abstract of Title. While we compliment the able manner in which you have prepared and presented the application, we must point out that you have only cleared title to the proposed collateral property back to 1803. Before final approval can be accorded, it will be necessary to clear the title back to its origin.”

And here is the great letter the lawyer responded with:

(Actual response):

“Your letter regarding title in Case No.189156 has been received. I note that you wish to have proof of title extended further than the 206 years already covered in the present application. I was unaware that any educated person in this country, particularly those working with real property, would not know that Louisiana was purchased by the United States from France in 1803, the year of origin of title identified in our application. For the edification of uninformed FHA bureaucrats, the title to the land prior to

outside the kennel, allows them to burn off excess energy, meet potential adopters, and gives you a chance to check out the personality of the dog. You may decide to adopt the dog . . but there is no commitment on your part to do so.

The program started in April and Humane Society officials are delighted with the results. They report a great demand for the service so they expanded it from their San Diego Campus to North County campuses as well. Dogs are exposed to some normalcy away from their habitats and are exposed to more potential adopters as well while out and about.

Last Saturday we visited the Escondido campus, which we do from time to time. We just go in and try to visit each dog and talk to them . . . giving them some additional company over and above their regular keepers . . and, hopefully, to calm them down and let them know someone cares about them.

I dearly love dogs and would love

U.S. ownership was obtained from France, which had acquired it by Right of Conquest from Spain. The land came into the possession of Spain by Right of Discovery made in the year 1492 by a sea captain named Christopher Columbus, who had been granted the privilege of seeking a new route to India by the Spanish monarch, Queen Isabella. The good Queen Isabella, being a pious woman and almost as careful about titles as the FHA, took the precaution of securing the blessing of the Pope before she sold her jewels to finance Columbus’ expedition. Now the Pope, as I’m sure you may know, is the emissary of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and God, it is commonly accepted, created this world. Therefore, I believe it is safe to presume that God also made that part of the world called Louisiana. God, therefore, would be the owner of origin and His origins date back to before the beginning of time, the world as we know it, and the FHA. I hope you find God’s original claim to be satisfactory.

Now, may we have our damn reconstruction loan?”

The loan was immediately approved.

What do we learn from Hippopatamuses?

That it’s impossible to lose weight by eating grass, salads, and walking.

continued on page 12

to adopt one but as most of you know, SWMBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed), otherwise known as Mary, my child bride of 64 years, has a problem with dementia and I am her primary caregiver. I simply would not have the time to take proper care of a dog . . . even though we’ve adopted three dogs in the past, when Mary’s health was not an issue. Adopting a dog is a commitment. They need to become a member of your family. Folks who adopt a dog and then leave it tied up outside should not be adopting a dog.

I had some concerns that after the dog enjoyed its time with you if it might be traumaizing when it was brought back to the kennel. The staff at the Escondido campus assured me this was not a problem as dogs are often taken out for an hour or two for walks during the week either by staff or volunteers and they are, in effect, returning to the home that they know and are comfortable with.

Congratulations to whomever

Letters to the Editor

Lyle,

Friedrichs great lead article. It certainly touched our hearts remembering the times we were too busy to think about contacting my widowed mother or Nome’s widower father during holidays. It was a great and timely subject and I’m sure it will touch readers in ways that cause them to be more mindful of the parents who devoted so much of their lives to raising them. Excellent job but I just hate it when Friedrich makes me cry.

Paul and Nome Vanmiddlesworth

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

came up with this clever idea to find homes, either foster or adoptive, for these wondereful animals.

I’m hoping other shelters will adopt a similar program.

***

Calling all Snowbirds:

Many of us living in California once lived in the snow belt. We’ve experienced, and remember, blizzards, blowing snow, snow drifts, black ice, slush, and cold, cold weather. Nightmare stories are told about farmers getting lost in heavy, blowing snow, blizzard conditions, and dying . . . and then we learned they were only 20’ or less from their front door . . . they could not see safety because of the heavy snow.

And then there’s the cold.

Oh, do I remember the cold. One cold experience I’d rather forget

Man About Town continued on page

Chuckles

Elders from page 3

probably expecting an end to contact. Raul replied that he was medically trained in Spain, waiting for red tape to be cleared so he could practice full time as a doctor, naming a prestigious New England hospital.

The next day Raul messaged because of the ‘outstanding returns’ he was getting from his crypto investments he had zero money concerns while waiting for his credentials to cleared by the hospital. He also recommended they use WhatsApp for future conversations, “since it’s more secure.” Rebecca had no reason to not honor this request. Their communications became more personal, immediately, according to their emails. Raul shared he’d survived an unhappy childhood as an orphan, and naturally, had the highest IQ in his med school class. Rebecca also came from a broken family; the first in her family to graduate college. She was writing a memoir she was certain to turn the medical establishment on its heels.

Wouldn’t you know it, Raul had a friend who had a friend who was an editor for a large publishing house. He’d put the friend in touch with her. Until her book made her wealthy, shouldn’t she enjoy life a little? Why not put the money she’d worked so hard for to work for her future? Why not invest in the same crypto firm that had

Man About Town from page 4

came at the then named University of Omaha, know today as Nebraska Univeresity at Omaha.

I was, I believe, in 8th grade and they had a field trip where we got to go to a University of Omaha football game. We got great seats in the stands and the game was competitive. No snow. But it was cold. Was it ever cold!

I don’t remember ever being in such cold weather, before or since. My face, my fingers, my toes, my whole body was ice cold. Seeking warmth I went inside the stadium. No relief. No heat. It was like moving from one part of the freezer to another. Try the men’s restroom. No warmth there either.

Somehow, I managed to survive the whole game and was relieved to get back on the bus, which had a heater . . . not a very good one . . but it gave off some heat. I can’t remember when I enjoyed a football game less.

And so it is that I truly enjoy my

been so good to Raul? She agreed and sent him $5,000. Two weeks later, according to the fund’s CPA firm, she had a $22,000 profit.

Hey, that would pay her bills, even let her hire an editor for her book.

All the while, Raul sent Rebbeca long range photos of himself on the beach - snorkeling, swimming, horseback riding. When he learned Rebecca liked dogs, he sent pictures of his prize winning cocker spaniel. “He’ll love you as much as I do.” Another email was to Rebecca’s liking as well. “I must warn you. I’m falling for you in a big way. I think your eyes, the mirror of one’s soul, are absolutely hypnotic. Stop now before you steal my heart.”

Rebecca’s only marriage had lasted 5 years; she’d been divorced for fifteen, with no long-term relationships, thus Raul’s romantic attentions were welcomed – her emails show, “I like it when you tell me all the ways we’ll make love,” and “My dreams are of you whispering love words in my ear,” Raul responded he had night time fantasies of her and their life together.

More good news. He’d managed to talk the book editor down from a fee of $25,000 to $15,000 to review her book if she’d send the money immediately. Rebecca sent it that night. She was rewarded with a glowing report within the week - the publishing house

California sunshine and 61 degree (as if this writing) weather . . . and while I sometimes miss the people from the midwest I most definitely do not miss the weather.

Stay warm, friends. Enjoy California!

lyle e davis

Last week’s Man About Town column incorrectly printed the wrong phone number for RoofMaxx. The correct number is 760-638-1063.

editor assured her his firm would print 40,000 copies at a ‘never to be repeated fee of $20,000 as a personal favor to you, since you’ll soon be a best-selling author. Congratulations.

Raul continued to tell her how beautiful she was and comment on her loving nature and sincere attitude. If only she had money to travel and buy luxury items, their relationship would be perfect. He knew she’d understand that he couldn’t write a blurb for her book that was critical of the health care industry, since he’d soon be employed in that industry. “It wouldn’t look good.”

However, he’d used his influence with the Chief Administrator of the crypto firm, “ if you respond within 48 hours, he’ll bend the rules and let an outsider invest a minimum of $50,000 in his firm.”

“The returns will be substantial, My Darling,” Raul assured her. “You’ll soon be rich beyond your wildest dreams.” To raise the money, records show Rebecca borrowed $10,000 from her brother, took $30,000 from her retirement account, and signed a second mortgage of $50,000 on her house. She sent the entire $90,000.00 to Raul.

Guess what?

She never heard from him again. Desperate, Rebecca send email after email asking what she’d done to make him angry and

promising to send more money, just tell her how much. Her communications bounced back. Not believing what was evident, she submitted her book manuscript to several legitimate publishers.

All rejected it. A friend with moderate publishing success suggested to Rebecca the book needed to be rewritten before submitting it again. Rebecca called the prestigious hospital where Raul said he’d be on the staff once his credentials were approved. They could give her no information since she didn’t know his last name. They did say it was rare indeed for them to hire any doctor whose credentials hadn’t been cleared before a first interview. Rebecca’s brother found Rebecca’s partially nude body on the merry-go-round at the local park. She’d overdosed on fentanyl.

How can you protect yourself or others from this deadly game of wits? Remember the old adage, If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

To arm you more, the term pig butchering courtesy of the Long Beach Press-Telegram, describes an online fraud whereby scammers gain a victim’s trust over time, ‘fattening’ them up with promises of love and romanceincluding sexual fantasies - enticing them to invest in cryptocurrency, then slaughtering them

Elders continued on page 13

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)

As you know, we had an election on November 5th, and due to term limits, I will be leaving office. Carl DeMaio will be your new Assemblyman, and when he officially takes the oath on December 2nd, my 12 years in the Assembly will come to an end.

Going forward, a lot remains to be done. Since most of our state’s legislators come from the big metropolitan areas – Los Angeles and the Bay Area – making sure they pay attention to the rest of California is a must.

We need to enhance public safety by reducing drug abuse and taking criminals off the street. We also must treat mental illness which contributes to homelessness and crime.

The ongoing wildfire threat locally and throughout the state needs to be addressed with better wildland management and more resources for firefighters. We need to lower the cost of living, and that includes rolling back gas tax increases and energy costs. Less costly and more reliable sources of water are essential for our vast agriculture industry. We need more water storage and conveyance infrastructure, desalination and recycling.

it’s been an Honor To serve You Travel Troubleshooter

Warning!

I have long advocated for improved access to healthcare, including mental treatment and growing the provider workforce. Mental health Diversion Courts are just one example. The courts are designed to get mentally ill persons who commit crimes into treatment rather than incarceration, restoring their lives and helping reduce recidivism. But more needs to be done.

And monitoring the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) program rollout, which seeks to seamlessly coordinate Medi-Cal with other social services for millions, is still a work in progress.

Serving this district has been the greatest privilege of my career, and I am deeply grateful for your trust and support. I will always cherish the connections we’ve built and the progress we’ve made together. It has been an honor to serve you. God bless.

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 California gas Prices set

to rise again

California’s leaders seem determined to make life even more challenging and costly for families across our state. Recently, I shared how Assembly Bill X2-1, sponsored by Governor Gavin Newsom, passed the State Senate and gave the California Air Resources Board (CARB) the authority to mandate restrictions on gasoline distribution.

This was alarming enough, but just days after the election, CARB has wasted no time in pushing policies that will only raise costs even higher.

On Friday, CARB approved updates to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS):

According to the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy, these updates could push California’s already highest-in-the-nation gas prices up by as much as $0.65 per gallon in the near term, $0.85 by 2030, and nearly $1.50 by 2035.

This is not just another statistic – it’s a real financial hit that will crush families acrossCalifornia, especially those who are already struggling with our sky-high cost

by Christopher Elliott

of living.

For lower- and middle-income families, this isn’t just a matter of inconvenience; it could make daily life unaffordable, forcing people to make difficult choices or even drive them out of the state.

I have called California home for over 35 years, raised my family here, and, like so many others, built a life I love. But watching these costs push families away is heartbreaking. Instead of policies that make staying in California an uphill battle, we deserve leadership that protects affordability and economic balance for everyone.

In case you ever wonder why gas is so much less expensive in other states (I know I do), this is a prime example. I will keep fighting and urge you to reach out to your state representatives to let them know how you feel.

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

These 10 travel insurance myths could ruin your next trip.

If you’re about to book a trip, you need to know about a few dangerous travel insurance myths.

Why are they dangerous? Because they could cost you a lot of money, not to mention ruin your next vacation. And there are more myths out there than ever, thanks to our frenetic travel schedules. Over the next five years, analysts at Industry Research expect travel insurance sales to grow at a rate of 6.5 percent annually.

“It’s essential to carefully assess your travel insurance needs,” says Robert Gallagher, president of the US Travel Insurance Association. “Understand the specific coverage details and consider how they align with your travel concerns and destinations. Properly chosen travel insurance can save you from significant financial and emotional stress, ensuring that you can focus on enjoying your journey.”

The myths range from the seeming-

ly obvious -- that insurance covers anything that happens to you when you travel -- to the obscure (your credit card coverage is as good as a policy). But believe any of them and you could find yourself in serious trouble.

First, though, let’s define our terms. Most travel insurance isn’t insurance.

“Technically speaking, it’s travel protection,” says Clay Coomer, global head of marketing at battleface. “The policy you’re buying also includes non-insurance assistance services.” Those can include concierge services or translation services.

He makes an important point. Travel insurance is a complex product with many variations, and that’s probably why there are so many myths. Here are the worst of the myths -- and here’s the truth.

myth 1: Travel insurance only

covers you if you cancel your trip

Not true, says Beth Godlin, president of Aon Affinity Travel Practice. “While you may think that once you board your plane, nothing can go wrong, that’s just not the case,” she says. “There are still risks to your trip and your investment even once you’ve embarked on your vacation.” For example, some travel protection plans protect you when you lose your luggage, experience a flight delay because of a weather mishap or come down with an unexpected illness that forces you to return early.

myth 2: Travel insurance covers all medical events that happen to you when you’re traveling

This is a big one, because people don’t always play it safe when they travel. “Travelers are seeking more adventure in more remote destinations,” says Dan Richards, CEO of the Global Rescue Companies. Activities like rock climbing, scuba

diving and backcountry skiing are excluded from many travel insurance policies. Bottom line: You’re not covered for everything. But you can often buy additional coverage at an extra cost.

myth 3: Once you decline the option to buy insurance on an airline’s or hotel’s website, you can no longer purchase it

In fact, you can purchase travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage right up until your departure date. “Even for those travelers not considering trip cancellation, a last-minute travel insurance plan can still provide trip interruption coverage, emergency medical, travel delay, baggage loss, and emergency medical evacuation coverage during the trip,” says Stan Sandberg, co-founder TravelInsurance.com.

By Tom Morrow

With the election of Donald Trump as the upcoming 47th U.S. president, it’s Historically important because he is only the second U.S. chief executive, joining Grover Cleveland, to be president of the United States two different times.

Cleveland first served March 4, 1885, to March 4, 1889, and then after losing re-election he ran and served again from March 4, 1893, to March 4, 1897.

The first Democrat elected after the Civil War, Cleveland is one of only two U.S. presidents to leave office after one term and later be elected return for a second term, and the only U.S. president to have served two non-consecutive terms; Donald Trump is set to become the second on January 20, 2025 following his win in the recent 2024 election. Cleveland’s presidencies were the nation’s 22nd and 24th. Cleveland defeated James G. Blaine of Maine in 1884, Then in 1888, lost a reelection bid to Benjamin Harrison of Indiana, In 1892, Cleveland ran again and defeated President Har-

Myths from page 6

myth 4: Your credit card offers enough insurance coverage for your trip

Nope, says Neville Mehra, cofounder of the nomad insurance site Genki. “That’s a common myth,” he says. “If you dig into the details of your credit card coverage, you’ll see that there are often significant restrictions and exclusions, especially related to the health insurance portion.” For example, there are typically limits on medical costs as well as on the length of the trip or the time that one can stay in a given country. Also, credit cards may exclude certain medical conditions and some high-risk activities.

myth 5: It’s better to buy travel insurance the day before you leave

“That’s a popular myth,” says Daniel Durazo, director of external

What Donald Trump and Grover Cleveland Have in Common

rison in 1892. He was succeeded by Republican William McKinley, who won in 1896.

Cleveland won the 1884 election with the support of a reform-minded group of Republicans known as Mugwumps, and he expanded the number of government positions that were protected by the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act. He also vetoed several bills designed to provide pensions and other benefits to various regions and individuals. In response to anti-competitive practices by railroads, Cleveland signed the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887, which established the first independent federal agency. During his first term, he unsuccessfully sought the repeal of the Bland–Allison Act and a lowering of the tariff. The Samoan crisis was the major foreign policy event of Cleveland’s first term, and that crisis ended with a tripartite protectorate in the Samoan Islands.

As his second term began, disaster hit the nation when the “Panic of 1893,” produced a severe national economic depression. Cleveland presided over the repeal of the Sherman Silver Purchase Act, striking a

communications at Allianz Partners USA. “Actually, the opposite is true. If you buy travel insurance when you book your trip, you will get the maximum period of coverage, and may qualify for coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. If you wait until the day before you leave, you may not get that important coverage.”

The myth of timing is one of the most widespread, says Chris Carnicelli, CEO of Generali Global Assistance. “While you can buy a plan the day before departure, it’s critical to purchase early to maximize your benefits,” he adds. “That’s especially true for weather-related incidents or pre-existing medical conditions. Waiting until a storm is forecast -- or worse, named -- will limit your coverage options.” So while it’s possible to purchase a policy, you’ll get more from it if you buy at the time of your booking.

Myth 6: A more expensive travel insurance policy is better

blow against the Free Silver movement, and also lowered tariff rates by allowing the Wilson–Gorman Tariff Act to become law. Cleveland also ordered federal soldiers to crush the Pullman railroad car strike.

In foreign policy, Cleveland resisted the annexation of the Hawaiian Islands and any American intervention in Cuba. He also sought to uphold the Monroe Doctrine and forced Great Britain to agree to arbitrate a border dispute with Venezuela and British Honduras.

“That’s a common misconception,” says Jenna Hummer, a spokeswoman for Squaremouth. “A higher premium doesn’t necessarily mean better coverage.” Why not? Insurance providers tailor plans and prices toward their target customer. So, in some situations, policies with identical coverage differ widely on price. As long as a policy meets your criteria, and the provider has positive reviews, you can shop for the lowest price.

myth 7: Travel insurance covers anything bad that can happen on my trip

This is one of the most common travel insurance myths. Travelers fail to read the fine print and believe they’re covered for anything that happens when they travel. “In reality, travel insurance is just a title given to coverage of perils listed in the policy,” says John Cook, president of QuoteWright.com. One common question is about elderly family members who aren’t traveling and who are in fragile

In the mid-term elections of 1894, Cleveland’s Democratic Party suffered a massive defeat that opened the way for the agrarian and silverite supporters to seize control of the Democratic Party.

The 1896 Democratic National Convention turned against Cleveland and nominated agrarian populist William Jennings Bryan of Nebraska, but in the general election of 1896, Bryan was defeated by Republican William McKinley.

Cleveland left office extremely unpopular, but his reputation was eventually rehabilitated in the 1930s by scholars. Recent historians and biographers have taken a more ambivalent view of Cleveland, but many note his role in re-asserting the power of the presidency.

In rankings of American presidents by historians and political scientists most history books in high schools and college give little notice to Grover Cleveland. He is generally ranked as being an “average” or “above-average” president.

During the next four years it’ll be interesting to see how successful President Trump will be and where he’ll end up on history’s ranking list years after most of us are gone.

health. Will the policy cover them if they die before the travel date? Cook says you can’t assume anything; always check the policy to see if an event will be covered by travel insurance.

myth 8: It’s better to buy insurance directly from the company you’re traveling with

That’s not necessarily true, says Maria Laduca, a travel agency owner. “When you buy insurance directly from a cruise line or tour operator, it’s important to know that you’re typically only reimbursed if you cancel for a covered reason, as defined in the policy. If you need to cancel for any reason that’s not covered, the insurance usually covers a percentage of your costs, with the rest often issued as a future travel credit rather than a cash refund,” she says. In other words, you don’t get your money

Grover Cleveland

Something is missing from your hotel -- and you should know about it before your next trip.

Hotels started cutting corners during the pandemic, and many never stopped. From sewing kits to toilet paper to good customer service, some things just went out the window.

Wait, toilet paper? Yep. I was staying at a chain hotel in Lucerne, Switzerland, a few weeks ago, and my room had no toilet paper. I found a nearby supply closet and restocked my room with this essential item.

“I’ve definitely seen a decline in amenities,” says Jenifer Breaux, a luxury travel advisor. “The coveted amenities that guests were accustomed to receiving have decreased -- or have become non-existent.”

Why are hotels running out of toilet paper?

Yeah, but toilet paper?

OK, I’m willing to give my hotel the benefit of the doubt. Sometimes, housekeepers forget. But I’ve also stayed in other accommodations, including vacation rentals, where there was just half a roll (and guests quickly switched to tissues before heading to the grocery store to restock).

Kathleen Panek, who runs a bed and breakfast in Shinnston, W.Va., says the minimum is two spare rolls “and

never less three-quarters roll mounted.” But she says part of the problem is that guests sometimes take an extra roll or two with them when they check out.

She recalls talking to a fellow innkeeper who told a remarkable story of a toilet paper thief.

“She was struggling down the stairs with a large suitcase to check out,” she says. “The suitcase slipped and rolled to the bottom of the stairs, flew open, revealing all the toilet paper that had been in the supply closet.”

Here are some other amenities missing from Your Hotel

What else is missing lately? Here are just a few examples:

Clock Radios

There’s a good reason for this amenity’s disappearance. People no longer rely on the devices to wake up, preferring the alarm on their phone or a wake-up call from the front desk. Also, the devices were a real hassle, say frequent hotel guests like Richard Wong, a retired government worker from Washington, D.C. “Guests forget to deactivate the alarms when they check out, waking their neighbors at 6 a.m.,” he says. But still, some clock radios also had charging outlets that were helpful, and at least that feature is missed.

Soap

All the extras that used to make a

hotel stay memorable have vanished, says veteran traveler Andy Abramson. “Mouthwash, sewing kits, individual soaps -- I can’t find them anymore,” says Abramson, who runs a communications firm in Las Vegas. “Even if you ask for them, they’re not available.” Again, these small amenities are the victims of cost-cutting, and they’re often presented as an improvement because they make the hotel more sustainable. Hoteliers at luxury resorts say guests often complain when they don’t get individual soaps, but it reduces waste, which, in fact, does make the hotel more sustainable. Just maybe not as luxurious-feeling.

Housekeeping

Hotels saw an opportunity to cut housekeeping services during the pandemic, and some took full advantage of it. Many haven’t brought

back daily housekeeping. You’ll only get a change of towels or your room cleaned on demand. “Missing services like housekeeping are probably due to continued cost-cutting measures,” explains travel coach Ariel Figg. Some properties claim that the changes make their hotels more “sustainable.” (Yeah -- financially sustainable.)

Here’s The biggest missing item from Your Hotel

Maybe the biggest missing item is invisible: adequate customer service.

Andrew Garnett, CEO of Special Needs Group, which organizes travel for people with disabilities, has tracked the decline of customer service closely. He says customer service has slipped in the hospitality industry and has yet to fully recover from the pandemic.

Hotels are quick to blame their customer service issues on staff shortages or supply chain issues, but there’s more to it. As the travel industry breaks record after record, it’s a seller’s market for hotel rooms. They don’t need to take care of you to be successful -- so they don’t.

“My advice is to book with a reputable company that cares about their customers’ experience,” says Gar-

Illustration by Aren Elliott

Missing from page 8

nett. “The good ones will do everything they can to take care of you.”

Yeah, but how?

What To Do If Something is missing fom Your Hotel

I’ve encountered so many removed items in my hotel room lately, I’ve almost lost count -- and I’m not even counting the toilet paper. I’m talking about missing soap, coffee makers, towels and even pillows.

Ask For A Replacement

The easiest way to get the item you’re missing is to ask for it. Even the worst hotels will respond to a request for a new towel or extra coffee. But you may have to ask twice.

Bring Your Own

If it’s something really important, don’t rely on the hotel for it. Bring it with you. I pack my own shampoo and soap, and I always bring my French press to make coffee. The only hotel coffee makers I trust are those pricey Nespresso ones, and you don’t find those too often.

Escalate Your Case

Sometimes, when a disappearing amenity doesn’t reappear, you have to take your case to the next level. Ask for the manager on duty or the hotel’s general manager. It may take

a while, but if the hotel can fix it for you, it will. And if that doesn’t work? Well, if you’re at a chain hotel, you can go up one level and contact a manager at the company’s headquarters. I list their names, numbers and email addresses on my consumer advocacy site.

Guests might be more understanding of these lapses in service in amenities if room rates were reasonable and the hotels were more contrite. But instead of apologizing, they often hit you with extra fees.

“Most offensive are the extra resort fees for services like using the pool or gym, whether or not you want them,” says Mitch Krayton, a travel advisor from Aurora, Colo.

You don’t have to be a hotel analyst to know where all of this is headed. Hotel rates will come back down as the pendulum swings in our favor. Then it’s payback time. Angry guests will extract cheap rates from the same hotels that are cutting their amenities. And the hotels will probably deserve it.

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

The Pastor says . . . Never Too old

Age is a big topic these days. Numerous articles and advertisements feature the problem of aging; I especially like the ads that suggest the use of creams, pills, and miracle solutions, each of which can either cover up or remove age spots, wrinkles, flabby skin, and other tell-tale signs of aging will solve our problems. Of course, the ultimate is a face-lift, or better yet, a complete overhaul of the entire body with plastic surgery. Who wouldn’t want to look younger when the older generation compares looks, vitality, and social acceptance? There is a willingness to try just about anything to restore youthful looks. And why not? We in America, and most everywhere in the world, are tempted to yield to those ads that purport rejuvenation from the older to the younger.

As we all know, it isn’t just our physical looks that many want adjustments. Physical fitness clubs seek to make us feel better. Muscle toning, bodily adjustments, and unique body discipline are available to create that younger look. There are also pills, creams, and secretly discovered herbs for both aging men and women, all promising to develop the sexual drive and pleasure of a robust teenager.

We are led to believe that it is never too late to turn back the hands of time and that it is possible to be forever young. Who hasn’t been intrigued by the fabled stories of the Fountain of Youth and Shangri-La? Finally, all these efforts and fantasies catch up with us, and age has its final say. ‘It is appointed unto man to die,’ says the Scripture.

Having said this, I want to offer a challenge of never getting too old to learn. I know the mind is not as sharp or quick as we age. It is more challenging to learn a new language or musical instrument. Many accept the old adage that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Assuming that is valid for humans, we remain an old dog. Is this necessary?

For years, I held a supposition about Biblical teachings. Recently, as I was teaching a class, one of the students, an older woman somewhat older than me, challenged me with the thought that I might rethink my position. After seriously considering my thoughts, I concluded that she was right and that I needed to rethink my position. Despite my senior age, I learned I was not too old to learn something new; it was possible to change my mind. I learned that it is never too late to change directions and accept new ideas, and I am not too old for that experience. Spiritually and religiously, this is true of our perception of God. As we discover the limitless aspects of the universe, there is an inexhaustible truth of God, and we are never too old to learn that. Such has been my experience.

Pastor Huls

Pet Parade

bottomless mimosas

Bottomless Mimosas is Rancho Coastal Humane Society’s pet of the week. She’s a 1-yearold, 5-pound, female, Domestic Long Hair cat with a Blue and White Tabby coat. Bottomless Mimosas was at a crowded shelter in Riverside County before she was transferred to Rancho Coastal Humane Society through Friends of County Animal Shelters (FOCAS.) She’s a shy girl who needs a patient family.

The $100 adoption fee for Bottomless Mimosas 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.

Watch for expanded daily hours and additional days beginning December first!

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 almond

Meet Almond, a sweet and smart dog who is looking to form a strong bond with a best friend. While he can be shy when initially meeting new people, Almond warms up with quality time spent together. He has a giant heart and enjoys the quiet moments spent with those he trusts. Almond’s sweetness and intelligence make him a joy to be around! This charming canine loves to go on scenic sniff walks and stop to enjoy the quiet moments. Adopting Almond means gaining a friend who will love you unconditionally and brighten your life with his sweet and smart nature. Almond (931495) is available for adoption at San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido Campus at 3500 Burnet Dr. If you have questions about the adoption process, you can visit sdhumane.org/adopt or call 619-299-7012. Online profile: https://www.sdhumane.org/adopt/ available-pets/animal-single.html?petId=931495

Pastor Huls

The Computer factory

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

The 2024 elections are over.

That 80% to 90% of Americans identify with the same political party as their parents should surprise no-one. If you were raised in Cincinnati you grow up a Reds fan. Residents of eastern Wisconsin love Green Bay’s Packers. Loyalty to your home town, high school and college is simply assumed. These preferences are rarely based on a careful evaluation of competing alternatives. Many of the biases we decry as “isms” like racism, sexism and jingoism have the same roots as our attachment to our home town, sports team, church, gender, political party or

There’s a list that predicts how long it takes a dog to adjust to its new home. They call it “The 3-3-3 Rule.”

~ During the first 3 days your new dog may be overwhelmed and just want to hide or be alone.

~ At 3 weeks your dog should be exploring the house and responding to you.

~ By 3 months your new dog should be adjusted to their home and routine.

I’ve never had a dog who fit this list.

When I got Howie, I gave him his new name right away. Within

race. We tend to prefer what we are most familiar with. “You go with what you know”.

As Americans, we express our political bias as Republicans or Democrats. For the majority of us it is a lifelong commitment we locked on during our early years through exposure to our parents and other significant influencers. Like many of our other biases it stands above reason, it is part of who we are. It isn’t that we vote Democrat or Republican, it is that we are Democrats or Republicans. When one or the other party prevails in an election it isn’t because Americans “switched sides”. It’s because one party “stayed home” and the other “turned out”.

This was the case of the 2024 elections. Rank and file Democrats were simply not “turned on” by the leadership or the agenda of their party. Republicans on the other hand were concerned about the weaponization of federal agencies and the direction of our nation. Republican concern and Democrat apathy led the Republican sweep of the legislative and executive branches of our nation’s government.

Political parties can sometimes temporarily “lose their way” and that appears to have happened to the Democrat party. Once the party of the working class, it had become

the party of lifetime politicians, academics and elitists who feel obsessed with the idea of establishing a ruling class structure that would guide and control our lives. They no longer saw their role as that of helping us to live the lives we choose. Their passion was to show us the way they believe we should live and to make certain that we did not stray from their path.

The 2024 elections mark the beginning of the pendulums swing back to returning control of the Democrat party to the hands of the kind of ordinary American men and women who founded it nearly

two hundred years ago, our friends and neighbors. Today we hear desperate cries of anguish from the failing radical leadership urging us to confront or turn our backs to those who don’t support their elitist agenda. Political party affiliation will again return to its traditional place in America as a private matter that has little to do with our love for and fellowship with our fellow citizens.

Most Americans over forty can remember growing up in a world where political party affiliation was not a consideration among friends, relatives and acquaintances. For most of us, it’s still that way.

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1000 Square Feet Devoted to Sixty Years of “Stuff” Like Stuffed Animals, Books, CDs, Chinaware Sets, DVDs, Gobblets, Glassware, Backpacks, Totebags, Speakers, Umbrellas, Collectables, Geegaws, Jimcracks Gadgets and lots more!

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John Van Zante’s Critter Corner

24 hours he had explored the whole house. The next day he responded to “Howie.” A trainer told me that wasn’t possible. I said, “Howie. Come here” and he did. That was three days after I adopted him.

Jake made himself at home practically overnight. By the second day he knew every inch of the house, his bed, and his yard. Thirty days later he pretty much understood that his name was Jake, but not 100%.

Last November we adopted a dog whose name was Posy. She explored the whole house and yard within two hours after we got home.

We didn’t like the name, and she

didn’t respond to it, so we decided to change it before any of us got used to it. We tried hundreds of names from lists on the internet. She didn’t respond to any of them.

After a few days, we noticed that our 40-pound blonde dog looked like a large Cashew when she

curled up in her dog bed. We started calling her Cashew. A couple weeks later, she had it figured out. Her name was Cashew. We were her people. And that was her house.

Most days, she goes to Kamp Kanine Daycare for Dogs. When I go to pick her up in the afternoon, they send a walkie talkie message to the play yard. “Cashew’s dad is here.”

She hears her name and runs to the gate. She knows it’s time to go home, even though she can’t see me and it’s not my voice on the walkie talkie.

The “3-3-3 Rule” has never fit my dogs. Maybe it’s value is letting new dog owners know that trust takes time, and it’s not the same for every dog.

Chuckles from page 4

••••

OMG, this is a tragic story.

This is a very sad but true story of the depression that can haunt a man. My friend Michael was so sick and tired of the world; of Covid-19, of the Chinese aggression, of Global Warming, BLM and the rest of the stories that our media deem important to broadcast. He drove his car into his garage and then sealed every doorway and window as best he could. He got back into his car and wound down all the windows, selected his favorite radio station and started the car.

Two days later, a worried neighbor peered through his garage window and saw him in the car.

She notified the police and called for an ambulance. They broke in and pulled Michael from the car. A little sip of water and surprisingly he was in perfect condition, but his Tesla had a dead battery.

••••

So ABC News has suggested parents put something important in the back seat of their car so they don’t forget their children.

Something important in the back seat.

Something important.

For some reason, the tuna fish Mary buys for me is tuna fish but the tuna fish she buys for our cats is Classic Paté.

••••

I was once on a TV game show and decided to risk it all and went for the rocker.

••••

It’s November so you know what that means . . . Merry Christmas!

••••

To sharpen ourselves up intellectually, I offer a quick primer in Latin:

CONTEMPORARY LATIN PHRASES “Domino vobiscum.”

(The pizza guy is here.)

“Sharpei diem.”

(Seize the wrinkled dog.)

“Nucleo predicus dispella conducticus.”

(Remove foil before microwaving.)

“Bodicus mutilatimus, unemploymi ad infinitum.”

(Better take the nose ring out before the job interview.)

••••

About to pull the steaks off the grill. It’s my neighbor’s grill but he went inside, doubt he’ll see me.

Problem solved

by Christopher Elliott

Finland has just closed its border. No one is allowed to cross the Finnish line.

•••

A new way to avoid any .08 alcohol issues while driving:

• I Went out with some friends last night and tied one on. Knowing that I was wasted, I did something that I have never done before. I took a bus home. I arrived home safe and warm, which seemed really surprising as I have never driven a bus before.

•••

I have come to realize that money investors have a remarkable facility for predicting the past.

•••

Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?

sears can’t repair my kenmore trash compactor. Can you get my money back?

Kenneth Stueben wants Sears to repair his Kenmore trash compactor. He’s already paid $436 for the parts and labor, but now Sears can’t do the job -- and it won’t refund his money. Is that allowed?

Q: My Kenmore trash compactor stopped working late last year because the on-off switch malfunctioned. A Sears technician came to my home and said he needed to order a replacement switch.

The total charge for the diagnosis, the part and the labor to install it came to $436. The technician asked me to sign a form to pay that before he left. But the repair never happened because Sears eventually told me they couldn’t get the part. I tried several times to discuss this by chat, phone and email, but no one ever answered the telephone or responded to my messages.

~ Kenneth Stueben, Santa Rosa, CA

After failing to get any response from Sears, I told Citibank about my problem and they helped me file a credit card dispute. I received a refund for the service call, but the $297 I paid for parts is still outstanding. Can you help me get my money back?

A: Sears should have fixed your trash compactor, as agreed. If it couldn’t, it should have given you a prompt refund for everything -the service call, the spare parts. Everything.

Why didn’t it? Once a company takes your money, it will go to great lengths to keep it, so there are probably safeguards in Sears’ pay-

ment systems to prevent it from just coughing up an immediate refund. Maybe the company was optimistic that it could still find the parts it needed for your trash compactor. But that’s probably a garbage theory.

You followed the right path to a resolution. First, you gave Sears a chance in writing to address this, and it didn’t. You followed, apply-

ing steady pressure to get a resolution, and again Sears failed to act. So you filed a credit card dispute.

You should have received a full refund for the technician visit and the parts, but it looks like you either disputed an incorrect amount or Citibank only processed the charge for your technician visit. You might have circled back with Citi in an appeal or asked a Sears manager for another review. It looks like Sears promised another review but never followed through. I publish the names, numbers and email addresses of the Sears and Citi executives on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org.

I contacted Sears on your behalf. A few days later, Sears contacted you and refunded the charges for the obsolete spare parts. Maybe it’s time for a new trash compactor.

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/

Illustration by Dustin Elliott

MIGHTY MOJO

Washer & Dryer Repair

Elders from page 5

financially, akin to how pigs are prepared for slaughter housing. (A slight variation of this scam is one where a captain of ship has recovered a pirate ship laden with gold and jewelry, and needs a small amount of money to bring this fortune to the surface – usually three to four months - but you know how red tape can slow things down.)

How can you protect yourself from scams such as these? The Long Beach Press-Telegram identifies the major elements of a fraud as:

1. A stranger on social media, or a dating app, or in a ‘wrong number’ text message, establishes an online relationship then asks to take the conversation to an encrypted messenger, such as Telegram or WhatsApp.

2. The romantic interest causally mentions a cryptocurrency investment he or she is enjoying great rewards from, often claiming to be an expert at investing in this medium, or he or she has a relative who is an expert in this area, or claims they’ve had great success with crypto investments.

3. Their investment firm’s platform is similar, but not an ex-

act match to a known cryptocurrency website.

4. The lover stresses their suggested investment is ‘low risk’ with guaranteed profits, or will reap massive returns. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

5. The romantic interest makes excuses why they can’t meet in person, or says they want to meet, but outside events interfere with the agreed on date, or a real time meeting will happen tomorrow.

6. If you’ve invested money, the platform may reflect these profits, but claims there are restrictions you must meet before any money is paid youtaxes or management fees, or ‘good faith’ deposits. If any of this happens, it’s a scam!

The best way to protect yourself?

The best way to protect yourself is not to answer the email to begin with. Trevor Carroll, senior counsel for California’s Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, however, says a key red flag to watch for is if someone pushes to have conversations be moved to a different, encrypted messenger. “The biggest thing,” he says, “is to be very wary of texts you receive from numbers you don’t recognize or from someone you’ve never met.” Carroll adds, “Never ever

give money to someone you’ve met on social media, or who texted or emailed you out of the blue.”

In September of 2024, a Santa Monica construction engineer filed a complaint with the FBI and Santa Monica police, claiming a woman named ‘Marilyn’ stole $470,000 from him by not investing his money as she’d promised. “She supposedly represented a cryptocurrency firm, but the records they sent me are not accurate and incomplete. I want her arrested.” Neither unit could help him recover his funds, nor could they arrest Marilyn, since they had no evidence she’d committed a crime. The website Dan gave law enforcement had disappeared the funds in question moved through dozens of accounts and shifted between different cryptocurrencies. The police were intrigued that Dan had kept all the emails sent to each other. They got a laugh out of one series of communications. Marilyn texted, “So you think I’m a front for a scam? I’m the one who’s out One. Hundred. Thirty. Thousand. Dollars. Whose scamming whom?”

“That’s a paper lost. Not real money. Your phony money.”

“Are you in or are you out? If you’re in, let’s see your money. If you’re out, I’ll pass your ass in you BMW as I tool by in my Bentley on the 405. Good luck, loser.”

Dan had waited almost three

weeks to report the crime, so there was little the police could do.

“Unless the victim reports the crime within 24 hours, the chances of getting any money back are almost nil,” said the FBI agent assigned the case. Another difficulty law enforcement faces is that pig butchering operations are run by organized crime syndicates and fueled by human trafficking.

In September, Erin West, the deputy district attorney from Santa Clara County told the national security subcommittee of the House of Representatives that revenue from criminal industries make up an estimated 40% of GDP in Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos, where the largest pig butchering compounds are located. “In Cambodia, this crime can be viewed as a state-run enterprise with compounds owned by senators, governors, cabinet members and government advisors and family members of the Cambodian prime minister. We’re seeing a global footprint on this fast spreading crime.”

Think about that the next time you get an email asking, “Do you get confused by the shift from daylight saving time to regular time. I know I do. It throws off my circadian rhythms.” This question led to a New York farmer losing $30,000 in a pig butchering scam, but that’s another story. Take care of yourself. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

san diego Humane society Expands Dog Day Out Program

San Diego Humane Society’s Dog Day Out Program is now available at all campuses, including El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside and San Diego. Community members can take adoptable dogs out for a few hours, providing them a much-needed break from the shelter.

By taking a dog out, you help them burn off energy, meet potential adopters and gather insights that will help them find a loving home faster. Participants can choose activities like hiking, beach walks or simply relaxing at home, all while gathering information about the dog’s personality.

“We’ve seen a great demand for the program at our San Diego Campus since we started in April and are so excited to be able to expand it,” said Emily Scheerer, Director of Operational Programs at San Diego Humane Society. “It’s a winwin, because the dogs get some normalcy away from their habitats and are exposed to more potential

Myths from page 7

back if you file a claim -- only a credit. To avoid this, Laduca recommends buying a third-party insurance policy. “These often offer more flexibility, and in most cases, if you cancel, you’ll receive a refund in the form of a check instead of being tied to future travel with the same brand,” she adds.

myth 9: You don’t need travel insurance for a domestic trip

This travel insurance myth is particularly dangerous because, in fact, travel insurance can reimburse you for prepaid nonrefundable expenses and can cover health care expenses as long as you’re more than 50 miles from home. “Travel insurance is not a waste of money, even when you’re traveling domestically,” says Misty Spittler, who runs the website Insurance Claim Academy. For example, on a recent domestic trip, Spittler’s insurance reimbursed her for basic necessities after her airline lost her luggage. “For any trip, domestic or international, it’s worth considering a basic travel insurance plan,” she adds.

myth 10: You can skip medical insurance

insurance typically doesn’t cover you after you’ve left the U.S. Even countries that have universal health care can’t guarantee that you’ll get free treatment.

Perhaps the biggest myth of all is that travel insurance is an unnecessary purchase. “Many people think travel insurance is too expensive,” says Joe Cronin, CEO of International Citizens Insurance.

“Travel insurance is much more affordable than most people realize,” he adds. In some cases, it can cost just $1 a day to insure your trip. That’s a small amount to pay for peace of mind.

As you prepare for your holiday trips, don’t forget to carefully assess your travel insurance needs. Evaluate different policies, understand the specific coverage details and consider how they align with your travel concerns and destinations. Properly chosen travel insurance can save you from significant financial and emotional stress, ensuring that you can focus on enjoying your journey. (Here’s my free guide to buying travel insurance.)

adopters while out and about.”

San Diego Humane Society provides everything you need for a successful outing, including a manual with important information, a backpack with supplies and a map with recommended locations to visit.

To book an appointment at any campus, visit sdhumane.org/dogdayout

About San Diego Humane Society

San Diego Humane Society’s scope of social responsibility goes beyond adopting animals. We offer programs that strengthen the human-animal bond, prevent cruelty and neglect, provide medical care, educate the community and serve as a safety net for all pet families. Serving San Diego County since 1880, San Diego Humane Society has campuses in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside, Ramona and San Diego. For more information, visit sdhumane.org

Some policies or credit cards offer slimmed-down medical coverage or none at all. But you should not depend on that type, says Jeremy Murchland, president of Seven Corners Travel Insurance. “We hear variations of this myth way too often,” he says. “People say they don’t need travel medical insurance because their destination has universal health care. Or ‘I don’t need travel medical insurance because I have good health insurance already.’ The truth is that, if you’re traveling overseas, you really do need travel medical insurance. Your domestic health

Remember, when it comes to travel insurance, ignorance isn’t bliss -- it’s just expensive. So before you jet off into the sunset, make sure you’re not carrying any of these costly myths in your mental baggage. After all, the only thing worse than a ruined vacation is a ruined vacation you could have prevented.

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

The public can take dogs on adventures and help them get adopted

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9020804

The name of the business: Gamael Roblero, located at 3903 Ocean View Blvd., San Diego, CA 92113. Registrant, Arlette Roblero, 3903 Ocean View Blvd., San Diego, CA 92113. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 10/10/2024

/s/ Arlette Roblero with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/16/2024

10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14/2024

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9019706

The name of the business: Archibald Plumbing, located at 817 Palo Alto Court, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, GHA Services Inc., PO Box 1956, San Marcos, CA 92079. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 11/17/1986

/s/ Carol L. Archibald, CFO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 9/30/2024

10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14/2024

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9020771

The name of the business: Annam Pho & Sandwiches LLC, located at 3809 Plaza Dr., #115, Oceanside, CA 92056. Registrant, Annam Pho & Sandwiches LLC, 3809 Plaza Dr., #115, Oceanside, CA 92056. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: 8/23/2019

/s/ Thao Nguyen, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/16/2024

10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14/2024

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9020344

The name of the business: Macabee Farms, located at 6806 Caminito Sueno, Carlsbad, CA 92009. Registrant, Jennifer Barger, 6806 Caminito Sueno, Carlsbad, CA 92009. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Jennifer Barger with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/8/2024 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14/2024

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9021059

The name of the business: Sunorganic Farm, located at 411 S. Las Posas Road, San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, David Wayne Carr, 411 S. Las Posas Road, San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 9/30/2001 /s/ David Wayne Carr with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/21/2024 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14/2024

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9021187

The name of the business: Angels Auto Glass & Tint, located at 751 W. San Marcos, San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, Milan George Ziro, 751 W. San Marcos, San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 10/22/2024 /s/ Milan G. Ziro with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/22/2024 10/31, 11/7, 11/14, 11/21/2024

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9019969

The name of the business: Depthav, located at 1231 San Julian Place, San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, Gregory Scott Kluthe, 1231 San Julian Place, San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A

/s/ Gregory Scott Kluthe with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/03/2024

10/31, 11/7, 11/14, 11/21/2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE for CHaNgE of NamE

24Cu018309N TO ALL INTERESTED PER-

SONS: Petitioner Jesse D. Gomez Rodriguez filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: Jesse D. Gomez Rodriguez, Jose D. Gomez Rodriguez, Jose De Jesus Gomez Rodriguez to Proposed name Jesse Gomez. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objections that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING:

Date: December 6, 2024, 8:30 am, in Dept. 25 No hearing will occur on above date. Please see attachment The address of the court is: 325 S. Melrose, Vista, CA. 92081. A copy of the Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Marcos News Reporter, dba, The Paper, 845 W. San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, Ca. 92078. Dated October 21, 2024 /s/ Brad A. Weinreb, Judge of the Superior Court 10/31, 11/7, 11/14, 11/21/2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE for CHaNgE of NamE 24Cu017314N TO ALL INTERESTED PER-

SONS: Petitioner Hilda Adelia Aparicio filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: Hilda Adelia Aparicio to Proposed name Hilda Edelia Aparicio. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objections that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING:

Date: December 6, 2024, 8:30 am, in Dept. 25 No hearing will occur on above date. Please see attachment The address of the court is: 325 S. Melrose, Vista, CA. 92081. A copy of the Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Marcos News Reporter, dba, The Paper, 845 W. San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, Ca. 92078. Dated October 16, 2024 /s/ Brad A. Weinreb, Judge of the Superior Court 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14/2024

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9021576

The name of the business: TLC 4 Schools, located at 3133 Salina Rd., Carlsbad, CA 92010. Registrant, Randie Allen Hersey, 3133 Salina Rd., Carlsbad, CA 92010. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business:

LEGALS

9/25/2013 /s/ Randie Allen Hersey with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/29/2024

11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 11/28/2024

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9021831

The name of the business: Chris’ Music Therapy, located at 852 San Pablo Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, Pillar Christopher Louis, 852 San Pablo Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 10/8/2024

/s/ Christopher Louis Pillar with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/31/2024

11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 11/28/2024

NoTiCE of PETiTioN To admiNisTEr EsTaTE OF James Edward Winston Case No. 24PE002155C SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO 1100 Union Street San Diego, CA. 92101

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate or both, of Mary A. Rohling deceased. A Petition for Probate has been filed by Jeffrey Johnson in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA. 92101 Central Courthouse. The Petition for probate requests that Jeffrey Johnson be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows:

Date: 12/5, 2024 Time: 1:30 pm Dept: 503

Address of court: Same as noted above.

If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. you may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request

for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Petitioner: Jeffrey Johnson 5612 Cometa Court NE Alburquerque, NM 87111 505-269-8626

DOP: 11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 11/28/2024

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9021969 The name of the business: The UPS Store 6268, located at 4225 Oceanside Blvd., Oceanside, CA 92056. Registrant, UPS Store 6268, 4245 Oceanside Blvd., Oceanside, CA 92056. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 11/4/2024 /s/ Varun Sharma, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/4/2024

11/14, 11/21, 11/28, 12/5/2024

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9019453

The name of the business: Agema Couriers, located at 27378 Red Ironbark Dr., Valley Center, CA 92082. Registrant, Agema Integrated Solutions LLC, 27378 Red Ironbark Dr., Valley Center, CA 92082. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: 8/5/2019 /s/ Michele Ann Labrecque, Managing Member with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 09/26/2024 11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 11/28/2024

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9021535

The name of the business: Property Pest Solutions, located at 1763 Manor Dr., Vista, CA 92084. Registrant, Property Pest Solutions, 1763 Manor Dr., Vista, CA 92084. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 10/28/2024

/s/ Javier Eduardo Flores, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/28/2024 11/14, 11/21, 11/28, 12/5/2024

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9021000

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

/s/ Saul Garduno with Jordan Z.

Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/18/2024 11/21, 11/28, 12/5, 12/12/2024

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9021356

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

/s/ Emmylou Soriano with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/23/2024 11/21, 11/28, 12/5, 12/12/2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE for CHaNgE of NamE 24Cu021664N

TO ALL INTERESTED PER-

SONS: Petitioner Heather Marie Miller filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: Heather Marie Miller to Proposed name Heather Marie Seaward. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objections that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING:

Date: January 10, 2025, 8:30 am, in Dept. N-25 No hearing will occur on above date. Please see attachment The address of the court is: 325 S. Melrose, Vista, CA. 92081. A copy of the Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Marcos News Reporter, dba, The Paper, 845 W. San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, Ca. 92078. Dated June 14November 12, 2024 /s/ Hon. Brad A. Weinreb, Judge of the Superior Court 11/21, 11/28, 12/5, 12/12/2024

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE sTaTEmENT 2024-9021988

The name of the business: Furry Friends Waste Removal, located at 1220 Granite Road, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, Oscar Gonzalez, 1220 Granite Road, San Marcos, CA 92069 Ayla Mendez Randall, 1220 Granite Road, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by a General Partnership. First day of business: N/A /s/ Oscar Gonzalez with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/4/2024 11/14, 11/21, 11/28, 12/5/2024

fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE

sTaTEmENT 2024-9022224

The name of the business: Aprios Custom Mfg, located at 1333 Keystone Way, Vista,. CA 92081. Registrant, DPI Holdings, Inc., 1333 Keystone Way, Vista, CA 92081. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 6/28/2024 /s/ Alex Danzberger, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/6/2024

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

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

Senior Care Directory, Lead Orchid, located at 15108 Lincoln Loop, San Diego, CA 92127. The Fictitious Business Name referred to above was filed in San Diego County on 2/6/2020 and assigned file no. 2020-903383.

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

/s/James Delapa III, Managing Member This statement was filed with the San Diego Recorder/County clerk on 10/7/2024. 11/21, 11/28, 12/5, 12/12/2024

first, i discovered america, then i discovered

The Paper

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

Your friend, Eric the Red