March 23, 2023

By Friedrich Gomez

I was both shocked and saddened when I first heard the news reports.

Just a few weeks ago, on 23 January 2023, both Disneyland in Anaheim, California and Disney World Resorts in Orlando, Florida did the seemingly unspeakable.

Both of the world’s most exciting and trendsetting amusement theme parks suddenly, and unexpectedly,

permanently shuttered one of their most beloved and most popular ‘adventure attractions’ of all-time, called Splash Mountain.

Splash Mountain first opened at Disneyland on 17 July 1989.

Less than three years later, a second Splash Mountain opened at Disney World on 2 October 1992.

It was soul-crushing for me and my

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friends as we witnessed the subsequent news ‘streaming’ live across the global internet in ‘real time.’

Then the heart-wrenching TV broadcasts slowly began pouring in to a disbelieving, stunned America.

This was just weeks ago, and I vividly recall sitting with my friends, and my initial reaction was to resurrect the sentiment: “Say it ain’t so, Joe.

WORLD NEWS REPORT DIS-

NEY’S “SPLASH MOUNTAIN” ADVENTURE RIDE CALLED RACIST. The news had travelled, via Reuters, to all news wire services and outlets around the world and back again.

U. S. News & World Report issued the following breaking news: “Disneyland and Disney World closed Splash Mountain after allegations of racism. Not everyone is happy.”

Splash

from page 1

Not everyone is happy?

That’s putting it mildly, so say many journalists.

Sorta like comparing the Great Chicago Fire to burnt toast, lampooned other news observers at the understatement of the year “not everyone’s happy.”

Allegations of racism is no small matter to Americans, Black or White, et al.

In the wake of Disney permanently closing down their current versions of Splash Mountain on both the left and right coasts because of racist allegations, ignited a tsunami backlash from Americans polled -almost all of whom are now asking the same question in different ways:

“How did we ever get to this place – as a nation of people – to where we are, right now, in America?”

Before we examine the “Disney Splash Mountain Debacle” in the wake of racist allegations, and how the mainstream media – shamefully – was not forthright in presenting (both sides) of the controversy, let us first emphasize that this is not just a Black vs White controversy.

Racism is now of growing concern, and this concern is equally

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shared by all racial demographics in America in the common pursuit of equality and the earnest attainment of objective and non-partisan justice.

Blacks, Whites, and other ethnic and racial types are now asking: Is the “race card game” here in America being overplayed?

Mega-popular Black comedian Steve Harvey, who is host of television’s two hugely popular and widely-viewed game shows “Family Feud” and “Celebrity Family Feud” is sick and tired of the “race card game” when it is overplayed and – even worse -- when it loses its integrity and supplants truth with expedient lies.

Herewith, is a shocking and revealing interview with Black comedian Steve Harvey explaining in his own words how Corporate America (including Disney or TV networks) are so frightened of being labeled as racist that they bow to hegemony.

And Steve Harvey audaciously confesses that he also has been forced to “play the race game” via hegemony from his own television network, since they sign his lucrative paychecks.

Steve Harvey sadly explains the racist phobia and how Corporate America thinks bottom line in greenbacks: Are we losing viewers, customers, advertising dollars, sponsors?

biggest feet in da third grade. Is dat becuss I’m Norvegian?”

“No,” said Sven, “It’s because you’re NINETEEN.” ***

This gal I used to date wasn’t the sharpest knife in the drawer. ***

We were sitting at on outside patio, sipping on some tea when a truck rolled by carrying loads of sod.

“That’s what I’m gonna do when I win the lottery,” she said.

Translation: You (have) to learn the rules of playing the “race card game” or you’ll be eaten alive – or so you’re made to believe.

Harvey once made a commentary that was later considered offencive.

But at the time, it was of zero concern or interest to his TV network or their affiliates, as they saw nothing wrong in his remark.

Nothing.

Then, this frightening thing happened.

As Harvey explains in his own words in the following interview with Jerry Seinfeld:

Steve Harvey: “I was doing this fictitious character I had, an olde Black Church lady by the name of Sister O’Dell. Well, that was it.”

Jerry Seinfeld: “Oh, c’mon!”

Steve Harvey: “That was it. And boy they (people who were offended) went on Twitter, and Instagram . . .”

Jerry Seineld: “They (the TV network) MADE you apologise?”

Steve Harvey: “I apologised. I had to.”

Jerry Seinfeld: “Why?! Why did you have to apologise? Why didn’t you just say it was a joke?”

remember it.” ***

NEW GENERATION

Daughter: “ Daddy, I am coming home to get married. Take out your cheque book.

Steve Harvey: “I had to. ‘Cause I got two talk shows.”

SPLASH MOUNTAIN RACIST ALLEGATION IN CALIFORNIA & FLORIDA & THE (OSTENSIBLE) “RACE CARD GAME.” Both Splash Mountain at Disneyland in Anaheim, California and at Disney World in Orlando, Florida permanently shuttered their megastar water log attractions – all due to racist allegations.

The two top thrill attractions which culminate with water logs full of people, literally, tumble headfirst down a vertical 90-foot waterfall -- have been permanently shuttered and will be totally refurbished, reinvented, and resurfaced as an entirely new water ride called “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” with Disney releasing new “concept art” teasing the Princess and the Frog boat ride, slated for opening sometime in late 2024.

But why, exactly, was Splash Mountain considered racist?

And why did Disney Corporation kiss one of the industry’s most lucrative and popular money-making attraction of all-time goodbye . . . and then waste gazillions upon gazillions of unnecessary dollars more on replacing it?

Disney has the best financial

Splash continued on page 3

men would be the ones who ride horses sidesaddle.

Teach a child to be polite and courteous in the home, and when he grows up, he’ll never be able to merge his car onto the freeway.

Of course, you can’t be from Minnesota and not know a few Lena and Ole stories . . . or variations of them. But, in this day and age, it is hazardous to use any jokes about ethnic groups. Many politicians and other public figures have gotten into trouble by using ethnic jokes. It is much safer to tell a story using a lost civilization like the Hittites. You’ve read about the Hittites in the Bible. They no longer exist. So, with your permission, I would like to tell you a story about two Hittites named Ole and Sven.

Ole’s neighbor Sven had a boy, Sven Junior, who came home one day and asked, “Papa, I have da

“What’ that?” I asked.

“Gonna send my lawn out to get mowed.”

***

A guy brought his wife a glass of water and two aspirins.

She looked surprised and said, ‘I don’t have a headache!!”

He said, Aha!” ***

The pen is mightier than the sword. And considerably easier to write with. ***

The biggest lie I tell myself is . . .”I don’t need to write that down. I’ll

I’m in love with a boy who is far away from me. I am in Australia and he lives in the UK. We met on a dating website, became friends on Facebook, had long chats on Whatsapp, he proposed to me on Skype and now we’ve had two months of relationship through Viber. Dad, I need your blessings good wishes and a big wedding.”

Father: “Wow! Really! Then get married on Twitter, have fun on Tango, buy your kids on Amazon, and pay through Paypal. And if you get fed up with your husband. . . sell him on Ebay!” ***

The Harvard School of Medicine did a study of why Jewish women like Chinese food so much.

The study revealed that this is due to the fact that Won Ton spelled backward is Not Now.

If the world were a logical place,

Is it just me, or do buffalo wings taste like chicken?

The footsteps a boy follows are most likely those his father thought he had covered up.

Money can’t buy friends but if you have money you can rent them.

Did you know that dolphins are so smart that within a couple weeks of captivitiy they can train humans to stand on the edge of the pool and throw them fish?

If it got dark any earlier we wouldn’t have to get up at all.

I find I can rise and shine . . . but not at the same time.

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proof criticism. Especially with the Disney Corporation (ostensibly) confessing guilt by agreeing to dismantle the Splash Mountain attractions.

wizards in its employ – so what gives?

Enter stage left: “The Race Card Game” which Steve Harvey (and others) have spoken of with some trepidation.

Like Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass” – where all things are reversed and never are what they seem: up is down, and right is left, and forward is backward . . . so also is the Race Card Game of which Harvey spoke – in the Race Card Game even if you’re right, you’re wrong and vice versa.

BUT FIRST THINGS FIRST: WHY EXACTLY WAS “SPLASH MOUNTAIN” RACIST IN ITS THEMES? The theme, the songs, and the characters in Splash Mountain are all based around “Uncle Remus” (a fictional Black man) in the popular books written by Irish-American author, journalist, and newspaperman, Joel Chandler Harris (1848-1908).

The series of nearly 29 books found wide popularity when they were printed, beginning in 1880 and then morphed into “The Complete Tales of Uncle Remus” then onward into the early 1900s.

Walt Disney later made the movie version based on exploits from the Uncle Remus books and his film was titled “Song of the South,” which was released to great popularity and financial global success on 12 November 1946. It was a mix of both animation and live action actors.

The song “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Da” won the 1948 Academy Award for Best Original song. In Disney’s movie adaptation of Joel Chandler Harris’ central character, Uncle Remus, sings the globally popular Oscar-winning song.

Since its initial release, the film has attracted negative controversy, with critics characterising its portrayal of African-Americans and plantation life as morally acceptable behaviour.

Criticism also targeted Disney for blatantly characterising slaves as happy in his “Song of the South” film (with Uncle Remus singing Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Da, etc.).

Thus, critics say the movie wrongfully portrays slaves as happy to be slaves, and contented with being mistreated, physically abused, and happy as exploited human bondage.

Prima facie, this all seems bullet-

This exclusive report to The Paper will disclose researched information that, largely, was missing in the mainstream visual and print coverage regarding both sides of this controversy.

MAINSTREAM MEDIA WAS NEGLIGENT IN FAIRLY PRESENTING BOTH SIDES, SO SAY MANY INSIDERS & JOURNALISTS. Various protest groups, such as the NAACP, members of Black Lives Matter, and others, have been vigilant in monitoring racist allegations, and well they should.

In the controversy over Splash Mountain, there have been various protests from various segments that have vehemently vilified and accused Disney’s Splash Mountain for its racist themes and characters, all allegedly presenting a distorted and wrongful vision of slavery.

The “National Association for the Advancement of Colored People” (NAACP) slammed the moviethemed Splash Mountain as blatantly offensive, insensitive, and shamefully racist.

Although the NAACP admires and complimented the technical wizardry and its blend of animation and live action, the organisation nonetheless said in a released statement:

“The NAACP regrets, however, that in an effort neither to offend audiences in the North or South, the production helps to perpetuate a dangerously glorified picture of slavery. The film unfortunately gives the impression of an idyllic master-slave relationship, which is a dangerous distortion of the facts.”

Regarding these claims from the NAACP and others regarding Disney’s wrongful and “dangerous distortion of facts” regarding slavery and plantation life as presented by Disney’s “Song of the South” movie and the Song of the South theme in Splash Mountain – many journalists expressed alarm and dismay that the mainstream media was, largely, negligent in presenting (both) sides of these allegations, viz. that of Disney Corporation.

Many Black, as well as White, academicians, point out in defending the” Song of the South” film, that it is the NAACP who are, in fact, guilty of misrepresentation and

The Hidden Valley Vista City Council of Beta Sigma Phi International held its’ Queens Court Luncheon, “Crowns of Friendship.” on February 18, 2023, at Meadowbrook Village Christian Retirement Center, Escondido, CA.

Council Chapters announced and crowned their queens. They are as follows from top row to bottom row left to right: Marilyn Kelso from Epsilon Nu Master, Leona Stringfield from Gamma Rho Master, Jackie Pierce from Xi Chi Chi, Betty Sibilla from Preceptor Omicron Tau, Sheila Barnett from Laureate Alpha Kappa. Congratulations!

Hellhole Canyon

Out-Of-This-World Stargazing

Friday, March 24th 7:30pm to 11:30pm

Join rangers and local astronomers for an evening of stargazing in Valley Center. View stars, planets and constellations on telescopes while learning about the preserve and local wildlife. Come with questions and dress warmly for this special after-hours event.

Hellhole Canyon County Preserve is located at 19324 Santee Lane in Valley Center

If weather conditions are unfavorable on March 24th, the event will take place Saturday the 25.

Visit sdparks.org for more information or call 760-742-1631. ***

Get Loud with Miss Valley Center Pageant

March 25th at 5 pm

Maxine Theater, Valley Center

The 2023 Miss Valley Center & Jr.

Miss Scholarship Pageant is being held March 25th at the Maxine Theater, 31322 Cole Grade Road in Valley Center.

Doors to the lobby open at 5pm and the show starts at 6pm.

Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased from one of the contestants or by calling Debra at 760415-5640.

***

Support the Future of Public Access Media in Oceanside

The 16th Annual KOCT Luncheon Fundraiser

Thursday, April 20, 2023 12:00 pm - 01:30 pm Texas Roadhouse 2735 Vista Way Oceanside, CA 92054

KOCT Television depends on your generosity to keep producing quality local content for North County.

Fatal Traffic Collison

On March 15, 2023, at 7:23 pm, the City of Carlsbad Police Department responded to the intersection of Palomar Airport Road at the S/B I-5 on-ramp regarding a female lying in the roadway.

Upon arrival, officers found an adult female with serious injuries in the roadway. Officers and the Carlsbad Fire Department performed life-saving measures, but the female was pronounced deceased at the scene. The identity of the deceased female is being withheld at this time, pending the notification of her next of kin.

The collision is being investigated as a hit-and-run and is still under investigation. The Carlsbad Police Department is asking anyone with information about this incident to contact Traffic Accident Investigator Corporal Matt Bowen.

For more information: Accident Investigator, Corporal Matt Bowen, 442-339-2282 or matt.bowen@ carlsbadca.gov.

Shooting in Vista

A man is under arrest after shooting at his neighbors following an argument.

It happened on Thursday, March 16 just after 12:30 am in the 300 block of Pomelo Drive in Vista. Deputies with the Vista Sheriff’s Station were responding to a call about a shooting at an apartment complex. During an argument, a resident shot into the apartment

of their neighbor through a sliding glass door.

Deputies found the suspect, Jose Zeferino (DOB 02/09/1996), in a nearby apartment complex. The investigation determined at least one round was fired into the apartment which was occupied by three people, including a child, at the time of the incident. No one was injured by the gunshot.

Deputies recovered two ghost guns during a search. Ghost guns are homemade firearms that are untraceable by design. They lack serial numbers and other identifying markings.

Zeferino was arrested and booked at the Vista Detention Facility on numerous charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, shooting into an inhabited dwelling, child cruelty, burglary and various other weapons and drug related charges.

The investigation is ongoing.

***

New Default Energy Provider for San Marcos

On April 1, 2023, residents and businesses of San Marcos will have a new default energy provider: Clean Energy Alliance (CEA). CEA, a locally controlled not-forprofit entity, offers clean energy options at competitive rates to power your home or business. Along with San Marcos, CEA will become the default energy provider in Escondido in April 2023, followed by Oceanside and Vista in April 2024. Founding members, Carlsbad, Del Mar and Solana Beach, are eager

He injured his hand in a log-splitter and now has to type his email to me with only one paw. That type of injury has to hurt! Big time!

John and I “grew up” together in Escondido Little League. We would manage and coach Little League teams and got to know each other well and became great pals.

Man About Town

Ouch! Just heard from long time pal, John Wilson, who retired from the Escondido Police Department as Lieutenant and then moved to the Modesto area.

Turns out he has property with over 4000 almond or pecan trees (I keep forgetting which - all I know is we don’t pronounce the name correctly and John has to constantly correct us). He has been taking down about 50 trees at the rate of 10 per day . . . and that with a bad hand.

It was John Wilson, in fact, who first invited me to the Hidden Valley Kiwanis Club of Escondido. Our guest speaker that day was Sam Knott, father of Cara Knott, the girl who was murdered on Hiway 15 by a California Highway Patrol officer.

It was the best, most dynamic, dramatic, memorable speech I had ever heard. I remember thinking at the time, “if this is the type of program Kiwanis puts on, I want to be part of it.” I joined the club. That was over 36 years ago . . . and I have John Wilson to thank me for inviting me.

Sam Knott has passed on now but his memory as the best public

to welcome each new member community.

CEA follows the community choice energy model allowing local governments to purchase energy directly from power suppliers to meet their community’s electricity needs, offering an alternative to investor-owned utilities. SDG&E will continue to handle power transmission and distribution to homes and businesses, as well as customer billing.

Your Power Supply Options

CEA is proud to offer 3 power supply products, including Green Impact, which boasts 100% renewable energy. The City of San Marcos City Council has selected Clean Impact Plus as the default product for all customers, which offers 75% carbon-free energy content. Customers will have the option to opt up to Green Impact 100% renewable or down to Clean Impact 50% renewable, or they may also choose to opt-out and remain with SDG&E.

CEA’s Personal Impact option is for NEM customers who generate their own solar, wind, or other renewable power and want to offset their energy costs by selling their excess energy to CEA. Customers who are already enrolled in SDG&E’s Net Energy Metering Program will automatically become enrolled in CEA’s Personal Impact program upon enrolling with CEA. While Personal Impact customers generate their own energy, there may be times when customers may need to use energy from the grid, meaning customers also have the option to opt-up to 100% renewable energy by opting up to Green Impact.

speaker I’ve ever heard lingers on. However, I heard another public speaker who is a close second.

Opal Singleton is a dynamic gal who heads up Million Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping kids from being exploited and groomed into the world of human trafficking.

Opal is a certified trainer for police agencies throughout the state of California. She has trained many Chiefs of Police in what to look for and how to help overcome the exploitation of our kids by predators.

She spoke at the Escondido Kiwanis Club. She had us all on the edge of our seats as she described the horrors young people go through and how they are deceived and groomed to become the prey of predators (there are an estimated one million predators within the continental US).

Letters to the Editor

An OF Speaks Out

Went to Chili’s in Escondido yesterday for our 66th anniversary. Talking with a young server, as he had to wait for another couple to order as one of them was on the “phone.” My wife told him that the only phone I have is a flip phone and it stays in the car for emergency use only. He just looked at me and then realized that I was 85 years old. I told him that I once was a computer tech that made the flight computer that guided the spacecraft that mapped the moon surface.

Jim Hackenberger

In your Man About Town column in The Paper (March 2 issue) you spoke about the importance of making preparations before we die. In your advice you cited examples of how you have planned your own funeral and how your readers should do the same. You gave other examples of how your partner Evelyn Madison currently plans to have a traditional burial. And how your eldest son Scott currently plans to have a burial at sea ceremony. This is where many of us readers were confused. We were under the impression that your eldest son Scot had already passed away, back in 2021. Please clarify.

Editor’s note - You are very observant and also correct. Scott did pass away on March 10, 2021. This was a reprint from late 2020. On another topic, you may be happy to learn that your excellent writer Friedrich Gomez has a popular online fan base in the Los Angeles area! I mention this because a past Letter to the Editor noted that a Los Angeles radio station had given airtime to some of his cover stories such as “Hollywood Movie Stars Who Were WWII Spies” and also “California Road Rage.” According to the many callers who called the radio station to chat and comment, Friedrich Gomez has a massive online fan base up there! You’re probably already aware of this so forgive

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“dangerous distortion of historical facts.”

As many journalists submit: an earlier chapter of the NAACP justifiably (defended) the “Song of the South” film by presenting irrefutable and objective timeline of facts, as this chapter of the NAACP is directly quoted as such:

“The movement to ban the movie Song of the South as glorifying life during slavery is a mistaken premise, since the film’s setting is clearly shown to take place (after) the Civil War and (after) AfricanAmericans were freed and is during the Reconstruction era, a period after the American Civil War and the abolition of slavery.”

Many journalist were justified in asking “Why then, did the major mainstream print and visual media -- largely, fail to produce this crucial and over-turning evidence and factual reporting which completely clears Disney, and Splash Mountain, and the Complete Tales of Uncle Remus books as being racists in “glorifying slavery and presenting slaves as happy to be slaves.”

Some members of the print media lament that such deletion of crucial facts – either by design or otherwise – jeopardises and betrays public trust in them and news reporting in general.

UNCLE REMUS AUTHOR WAS CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS WHO SPENT PERSONAL TIME WITH SLAVES & CHRONICLED THEIR ORAL HISTORY. Although the author of the “Complete Tales of Uncle Remus,” Joel Chandler Harris (1848-1908), was a White son of Irish immigrant lineage, he felt a close bond and kinship and emotional connection toward plantation slaves and spent countless hours in their company, days and months on end, recording their cultural values, insights, and cogent reflections of life and their allegorical ‘beast’ or animal folktales which taught enlightened virtues and morals for their children.

On 20 July 1879, Harris published “The Story of Mr. Rabbit and Mr. Fox as told by “Uncle Remus” in The Atlanta Constitution. It was the first of 34 plantation fables that would be compiled in Uncle Remus: His Songs and His Sayings (1880). The stories, mostly collected directly from the African-American oral storytelling tradition, were revolutionary in their use of dialect, animal personages, and serialised landscapes.

He was dedicated to promoting Black rights and was a compassionate Black activist during and after

the Civil War (1861-1865) and as editor, newspaperman, journalist, and author, he went on record as supporting a vision of a better South for emancipated and freed slaves. As recorded: “He stressed regional and racial reconciliation after the Reconstruction era.”

Although Harris lived both in the antebellum South and post Civil War era, he chose to make the period (time setting) of his Uncle Remus books to be (after) the Civil War.

As any fiction writer can choose to write their plots set in any period of history (from ancient times to far in the future), the egalitarian author chose the post Civil War era as the time period and backdrop for all his Uncle Remus and Uncle Remus characters, such as his fictional Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Fox, Br’er Bear, et al.

During slavery, Joel Chandler Harris cared deeply for the AfricanAmericans who were enslaved, often abused, and physically made to suffer on plantations in cruel and agonising conditions of life, against their will.

THE AUTHOR RECORDED THE WISDOM, PHILOSOPHY, KNOWLEDGE OF SLAVES & ORAL HISTORY FOR HISTORICAL PRESERVATION. What was shocking to the world at the time (and even now) is that the enslaved African-Americans were far, far more intelligent, insightful, and complex than their brutal, often uneducated plantation masters were even aware.

The plantation slaves, such as at the Turnwold Plantation (18621866) were often visited by journalist Joel Chandler Harris, where he recorded their unique oral history and traditions for posterity and preservation in many of the world’s anthropological museums.

If it were not for Harris, such unmined anthropological and historical treasures and cultural insights from enslaved African–Americans would be lost to the world.

Amasingly, the newspaperman’s recording of African culture, legend, knowledge, and allegorical oral history was so fascinating, so exciting, so colourful, and – yes, so humourous at times – that Harris’ newspaper, The Countryman, soon reached subscribers throughout the Confederacy during the Civil War!

Incredibly, thanks to Harris’ imaginative and fascinating encounters and fictional conversations with the humorous, witty, and clever Black central character that he called Uncle Remus, Harris’ newspaper where he was employed (The Countryman) grew and grew in popularity and soon became one of

the larger newspapers in the entire South!

All because of his African-American storytelling which so captivated people in ongoing newspaper chapters.

Harris would make up stories of Uncle Remus visiting the newspaper and sharing his wisdom and experiences in life. In these character sketches, Uncle Remus would visit the newspaper office to discuss the social and racial issues of the day.

Astonishing for the time frame, and despite the fact that the popular Uncle Remus character was a Black man in the Deep South, his exploits broke down perceptionbarriers and Uncle Remus gained new readers and became a popular diet for both readers in the North and South – a most remarkable feat and accomplishment for the time.

With the fictional Black Uncle Remus as a central character and story narrator, the newspaper where journalist Joel Chandler Harris worked (The Countryman), grew in readership popularity and soon an irresistible newspaper both the North and South with an extraordinary circulation of over 2,000 readers -- which was a most astonishing achievement for the time period!

With his visits and tenure at the aforementioned Turnwold Plantation where he spoke and learned from plantation slaves, recording their unique ‘beast tales,’ which encapsulated pearls of wisdom and sayings and philosophy within animal storytelling, Harris was astounded at the African culture.

Uncle Remus became a collection of animal stories, songs, and oral folklore collected from southern Black Americans.

Very much like the ancient Greek classics as with Aesop’s fables which had timeless and universal truths clothed in allegorical tales, such as Aesop’s The Frog & the Ox, The Fox & the Grape, The Lion & the Mouse, etc. – so also did Harris record the African-slaves’ rich oral “beast tales,” as with Harris’ Uncle Remus songs, anecdotes, sayings, and insightful humour -and unique African “beast tales” such as with the adventures of Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Fox and Br’er Bear, Mr. Bluebird, et al.

Such priceless historical AfricanAmerican truths were captured, preserved, and recorded for all time.

And through these African-American records, anthologies, and anthropological histories, the world suddenly took notice of this modest Irish man with the red hair who preferred to be in the company of

Black slaves.

Few people outside of the South had heard accents like those spoken in the tales, and the dialect that had never been legitimately and faithfully recorded in print.

To Northern and even international readers, the stories were called a “revelation of the unknown.”

Even the mighty Mark Twain, America’s premier author, took note of Joel Chandler Harris’ insightful work.

Twain noted in 1883: “In the matter of writing the (African-American) dialect, he is the only master the country has produced.”

Finally, these African slave histories and wisdoms went worldwide! If you can fathom that or not -- it is gospel, historical fact.

The stories introduced international readers to the American South.

England’s immortal novelist and poet, Rudyard Kipling, wrote in a letter to Harris that the tales of his Uncle Remus and Bre’er Rabbit characters and company:

“All ran like wild fire through an English Public school. We found ourselves quoting whole pages of Uncle Remus that had got mixed in with the fabric of the olde school life.”

Unbelievably, in time, the Uncle Remus tales would be translated into more than 40 different languages around this Blue Marble of ours.

The Black activist, James Weldon Johnson, who became known during the Harlem Renaissance for his poems, novels, anthologies, and spiritual songs of Black culture . . . finally had to vocally pay tribute to Joel Chandler Harris, author of Uncle Remus.

It was this same James Weldon Johnson who wrote the lyrics for “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” which later became known as the Negro National Anthem. This same James Weldon Johnson was mesmerized by the song of the south setting and Uncle Remus and how African-culture was uplifted for all the world to see.

Yes, it was this same James Weldon Johnson who would later be appointed under U. S. President Theodore Roosevelt as U. S. consul in Venezuela and Nicaragua.

In 1934, James Weldon Johnson, who fell head over heels in love and adoration with the “Complete

California Agriculture

California is the country’s leading agricultural state, followed by Iowa, Nebraska, Texas and Kansas. This year, March 21st was declared AG Day in the State Capitol to help recognize the vital contributions of agriculture to the state’s economy.

According to the Department of Agriculture, California has 69,000 farms. Those farms lead the nation in production of avocados, grapes, lemons, melons, peaches and strawberries, and only Florida produces more oranges. After Texas, we are the second-largest producer of livestock products

Much of that bounty lies right here in the 75th Assembly District, which I am proud to represent in Sacramento. According to the San Diego County Farm Bureau, our farm economy is the 19th largest out of more than 3,000 U.S. counties. We are number 1 in nursery crops and avocados, number 2 in guavas, pomegranates, limes and macadamias. We’re 5th in lemons, 9th in strawberries and 10th in egg laying hens. Our 5,000 farmers tend over 250,000 acres, and we have more small farms (under 10 acres) than any county in the nation. We also rank second in

farms with women as the principal operator.

According to the 2021 Crop Report, California’s worldwide farm exports are valued at $22.5 billion. Top state exports include dairy products, almonds, pistachios, wine and walnuts. In 2021, California farmers and ranchers received $51.1 billion for their output, a 3.6 percent increase over the previous year. California’s AG industry is a source of food for the nation and world -- it’s a vital part the state’s overall economy.

Since agriculture is so important to California, we must do all we can to keep it flourishing, including providing reliable and affordable sources of water. I am a member of the Bipartisan Rural Caucus, a group of legislators working to achieve consensus on issues facing California’s rural/agricultural areas. I will continue to do everything possible to support our irreplaceable agriculture industry.

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

A Word from San Marcos Mayor

Rebecca Jones

Rent a Park or Facility for your Next Celebration

Our beautiful parks and spacious facilities are the perfect spot to host your next event or celebration. With 12 parks and 5 facility options, you can select the space that is right for you! Hosting celebrations at our parks is one of my favorite ways to appreciate the beauty of our City.

Our park shelters can host up to 200 people, depending on the specific park location, and offers room to have an inflatable or pony/ petting zoo. Our staff encourages residents to submit their park reservation using the online services at least 8 days before the event or celebration, here is a step by step guide for online reservations.

If you’re looking to host your next event or celebration indoors, submit a reservation now for one of our facilities at least 60 days in advance. Our facilities can host up to

District Supervisor Jim Desmond

Alleviating Rising Energy Costs

Electricity prices are out of control in California, most notably in San Diego County. A few weeks ago, I discussed the many reasons behind the dramatic increase in our bills, but the fact remains that California’s utility rates are consistently 30% higher than the national average. All of this comes as San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is set to increase their rates yet again. This isn’t right, and something needs to be done.

Last week, I wrote a letter to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) urging them to minimize San Diego Gas and Electric’s rate increase. I am also calling on the State of California to implement measures to alleviate rising energy costs, providing relief to the ratepayers of San Diego.

For many San Diegans, the recent 24.6% jump in gas rates and 7.8% increase in electricity rates is more than they can afford ... in an already expensive California.

In order to make change, I need your help. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will hold several public forums to provide an opportunity for customers of San Diego Gas & Electric to of-

fer perspective and input about the company’s rate requests.

On March 23, at 2:30pm SDG&E will hold a meeting at the Sherman Heights Community Center, Multipurpose Room, 2nd Floor 2258 Island Ave., San Diego, CA 92102.

The public forum will begin with a brief overview of SDG&E’s requests, then public comments will be heard. At least one representative from the utility company will be available to customers during the public forum for individual service, including billing issues.

If you can’t make the forums, then I encourage you to take action by leaving a public comment. Here is a link to SDG&E’s General Rate Case: https://apps.cpuc.ca.gov/p/ a2205016.

I will do all I can to help lower the costs of electricity bills in San Diego, but CPUC needs to hear from you too. Together we can make a change and make San Diego more affordable.

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

Problem Solved

by Christopher Elliott

Home Depot Can’t Install My Garage Shelving Can I get a refund?

It’s been four months since Brigitte Yvon bought her garage shelving along with installation from Home Depot. But no one has installed it yet. Can she get a refund?

Q: I purchased garage shelving from Home Depot last spring. The shelving, including parts and labor, cost about $10,000.

I was able to schedule an installation for about five months later. I reached out to my contact at Home Depot to confirm the installation date. My contact verified in writing that the installation would happen on August 31 between 9 and 11 a.m. But the installer did not show up.

and told them I had to go to work, that I was canceling the order, and wanted a refund. I had taken five hours off of work waiting for this installer at this point. A manager eventually wrote me and told me that I could either have the raw materials and be refunded for the labor -- and it would not be covered by a warranty -- or I could schedule for a third time.

280 people, depending on the chosen facility. Residents can make a facility reservation online here.

For more details, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 760-744-9000.

I asked Home Depot what happened, and a representative said the installer “could not make it.” After some back-and-forth, we agreed on another installation date, September 12, at 9:30 a.m. The installer called at 9:47 and said he would be another 45 minutes. At 10 a.m., I called Home Depot

I refused to schedule and asked for a refund. The manager gave me the runaround, and I insisted on a refund and asked to speak to their manager. I have contacted Home Depot escalation and heard nothing. It’s been weeks, and I have heard nothing from the manager or Home Depot and I do not have the shelving installed. I also have not received a refund.

~ Brigitte Yvon, Encinitas, Calif.

Problem Solved

5th

By Tom Morrow

One of the important financial entrepreneurs of the 19th century who was key to building America was John Pierpont Morgan. The New York financier not only orchestrated the federal government’s vast financial system, he created several huge corporations that became the center of the U.S. manufacturing world. In lieu of today’s current financial climate in Washington, D.C., reviewing a bit of national banking history seems to be in order.

John Pierpont Morgan Sr., born April 17, 1837, was a banker who dominated corporate finance and industrial consolidation in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Historically Speaking

The Banker Who Saved America

When the nation’s banking system was in a shaky, chaotic condition, Morgan played a key role in America’s financial reorganization as well as the formation of such wellknown giants as General Electric, U.S. Steel, International Harvester and communications conglomerates like American Telephone &Telegraph (AT&T).

During the early part of the 20th century at the height of Morgan’s career, he and his partners had financial investments in many large corporations and had significant influence over the nation’s high finance as well as U.S. presidents and members of Congress. He directed the banking coalitions that stopped the national financial “Panic of 1907;” was the leading financier of the so-called “Progressive Era,” and his dedication to efficiency and modernization helped transform much of today’s American business. Yet, he was dubbed a “robber baron” because he profited in the collapse of earlier businesses such as Westinghouse.

Morgan learned at an early age how to make money. At 26, during the American Civil War, in an incident known as the “Hall Carbine Affair,” Morgan financed the purchase of 5,000 rifles from a U.S. Army arsenal at $3.50 each, which he then re-sold to an Army field general for $22 each.

Morgan’s process of taking over troubled businesses to reorganize them became known as “Morganizations.” He reorganized businesses in order to return them to profitability. Morgan’s reputation as a banker and financier also helped bring interest from investors to the many businesses he had taken over. At the depths of the “Panic of 1893,” by 1895 the Federal Treasury was nearly out of gold. Morgan had put forward a plan for the federal government to buy gold from his European banks. Morgan came up with a plan to use an old Civil War law allowing him to sell 3.5 million ounces of gold directly to the U.S. Treasury restoring the nation’s financial surplus in in exchange for a 30-year bond issue.

The episode saved the U.S., and to

Travel Troubleshooter

by Christopher Elliott

maintain the status quo in business, Morgan, steel magnet Andrew Carnegie, and railroad mogul John D. Rockefeller, along with some Wall Street bankers donated heavily to Republican candidate William McKinley, who was elected in 1896 and reelected again in 1900.

By 1900, Morgan’s financial firm was one of the most powerful banking houses in the world, focused especially on reorganizations and consolidations. After financing the creation of the Federal Steel Company, Morgan merged it in 1901 with the Carnegie Steel Company and several other steel and iron businesses to form the giant United States Steel Corporation.

Banker

continued on page 14

Lyft charged me $150 for mud stains in a car. But I didn’t do it!

Debbie Kim is shocked to find a $150 charge from Lyft on her credit card. What did she do -and is there a way to undo it?

Q: I was on a 10-minute Lyft ride to my friend’s apartment in Toronto today. Shortly after I arrived, I received a notification from Lyft that it was charging me $150 for damage to the car.

Lyft sent me pictures of the back seat of a Honda Accord with mud stains on the floor. I do not recognize the photos, and I’m not even sure if it was the same car I was in.

The photos don’t have any metadata, so I don’t know when they were taken. I told Lyft they could not use these photos as proof without any metadata.

The care was clean when I left it. I shut the door properly and

took everything I brought with me. I did not leave any mud stains in the car.

I appealed this to Lyft, but it closed my case and has insisted that I pay $150 for damage. Can you help me?

~ Debbie Kim, Toronto

A: I’m sorry Lyft charged you for damage to one of its cars. When a ridesharing company bills you for damage, it should send ample documentation, including photos with metadata, to substantiate its claim. Lyft didn’t do that.

In fact, your case is different from other Lyft cases. When I reviewed the photos and pressed you for details on the ride, you admitted that you didn’t even recognize the back seat of your ride. In other words, someone

was trying to charge you $150 for damage to a different vehicle.

Lyft could not make a compelling case that you had tracked mud through your vehicle. (And even if it had, the mud stains wouldn’t have cost $150 to clean.) This just seemed like an arbitrary charge for unsubstantiated damages.

My advice? Take “before” and “after” photos of the back seat of your Lyft ride. Make sure your phone or camera can record metadata -- specifically time and location -- so that you can show Lyft the images if it asks.

You could have also appealed to one of Lyft’s executives. I list their contact information on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org. I contacted Lyft on

your behalf. A representative from Lyft’s escalation team reached out to you online.

“We cannot thank you enough for bringing these issues to our attention and completely understand your frustrations. Please know that we always strive to be fair to both riders and drivers involved in a damage claim,” he told you. “I have reviewed your inquiry and refunded the damage fee to your payment method used in the ride, which you should see in the next three to five business days.”

Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps consumers solve their problems. Email him at chris@ elliott.org or get help by contacting him on his site.

© 2023 Christopher Elliott.

John Pierpont Morgan, Sr.

Airline passengers brace for the big summer squeeze

The start of the summer travel season is only a few weeks away, but people in the know have already identified the most pressing problem: dangerously cramped airline seats.

Danielle Belyeu got a preview of the coming chaos on a recent flight from Paris to Atlanta.

“The passenger in front of me reclined,” remembers Belyeu. “He was literally in my lap.”

Belyeu’s only choice was to recline her seat to create a little more space, which triggered a domino effect in economy class. The person behind her had to ease her seat back to make up for the lost room. And the person behind her, too.

Belyeu knows a thing or two about personal space on flights. As a travel advisor, she’s watched coach-class seats go from reasonably comfortable to the point where you can hardly fit in them. And she thinks the worst is yet to come.

Cramped cabins are breeding grounds for midair conflicts. In just the last week, a passenger on a United Airlines flight attacked a flight attendant and tried to open a door, and two passengers on a Southwest Airlines flight got into an ugly brawl that turned into a viral video. So now what?

Here Comes The Summer Squeeze

How much worse can the seats get?

A lot worse.

“It’s price increases accompanied by a declining customer experience,” predicts Mario Matulich, president of Customer Management Practice.

Passengers got a small reprieve during the pandemic. Airlines, which had quietly eliminated legroom and personal space in economy class by the year, stopped moving their seats closer together because of the pandemic and social distancing concerns.

But now, with a serious threat of government regulation looming, domestic airlines are under pressure to shrink their seats as much as possible.

Late last year, six U.S. senators urged the Federal Aviation Administration to stop airlines from shrinking their seats. There’s a reasonably good chance the FAA will act, according to experts like Matulich, although it’s unclear when or even what it will do.

But airlines aren’t taking any chances. They’re squishing more passengers on their planes before the imposition of any new rules.

What the Summer Squeeze Will Feel Like

So what will the summer seat squeeze feel like? Just ask Marian Styles who flew from San Francisco to Sydney last month. On her aircraft, a Boeing 777-300ER, the seats in economy class had been reconfigured from the original nine-seat-across layout to ten seats across.

Her 17-inch-wide seat made her feel like she was in a straightjacket, says Styles, a retired technical editor from Charlottesville, Va.

“The entire flight was miserable, and I was awake for all 15 hours of it,” she added.

Mike Heck, vice president of supplier solutions for Fox World Travel, predicts passengers who haven’t flown in a while will be shocked to see the reduction in seat pitch and width.

“With flights being fuller, there is a very good possibility that we will see an increase in tensions over decreased personal seat space,” he says.

That’s the polite way of describing the coming airline seat wars. The flashpoints include:

Reclining seats skirmishes. With only 28 to 31 inches of space between seats in economy class, passengers are doing whatever they can to create more space, including pushing, prodding, leaning and bullying.

Armrest territorial conflicts. Some airlines have narrowed their seats to fit more passengers on a plane. That means many travelers won’t be able to fit in their seats and will spill over to the armrest. Conflicts are impossible to avoid.

Overhead bin blowups. With space at a premium, there isn’t enough space for a carry-on bag. Passengers will go to war over their right to the overhead bin space.

A rare combination of record demand, full flights, smaller seats and the first summer without the everpresent threat of pandemic shutdown is fueling this conflict.

What to do About the Summer Airline Seat Squeeze

So what to do about this coming crisis? I mean, besides not fly?

To survive the summer squeeze, experts say you’ll have to adopt an unusual attitude. Since these could be the most cramped flying conditions in modern history -- and that is not hyperbole -- you’ll have to assume the worst will happen.

Etiquette expert Adeodata Czink, who usually is all about fairness and respect, says passengers should not even put their arms on the armrests.

“It’s tough, but you don’t want to have a really bad neighbor for eight hours,” she says.

Ditto for luggage.

“On an airplane, everything is shared space and nobody owns anything, including the overhead bin above your seat,” says Nick Leighton, host of the weekly etiquette podcast, Were You Raised By Wolves?

This advice is a departure from what etiquette experts were preaching before the pandemic. Back then, they advocated for common courtesy and fairness. Now, to keep the cabin from erupting in conflict, they’re advising their clients to back down and not to stake a claim on anything -not the armrest, the personal space, the overhead luggage storage.

Is That a Solution to the Summer Squeeze?

That’s a short-term fix for the summer squeeze. Sure, backing down and letting someone else claim the armrest, lean into your space and use the overhead bin space is one way to remove all conflict.

But it solves nothing over the long term.

We are still stuck in a pressurized aluminum tube, hurtling through the air at 500 miles per hour. And the airline industry has the audacity to say that passengers asked for these claustrophobia-inducing seats because we wanted low fares. What nonsense. No one asked for this.

Speaking of cheap fares, I asked Jeff Klee, CEO of CheapAir.com, what he thought would fix the summer squeeze.

“There is not much hope for economy class passengers without more government regulation,” he told me.

Maybe it’s that simple. The free market was supposed to lower fares and give us more choices. But the free market didn’t deliver. We have higher fares and fewer choices -and dangerous flying conditions. Maybe the only long-term fix to the summer squeeze is careful government regulation to ensure no one else gets hurt.

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

Illustration by Christopher Elliott

Chuckles from page 2

TAKING A WOMAN TO BED

What is the difference between girls/women aged 8, 18, 28, 38, 48, 58, 68, and 78?

At 8 you take her to bed and tell her a story

At 18 you tell her a story and take her to bed.

At 28 you don’t need to tell her a story to take her to bed.

At 38 she tells you a story and takes you to bed.

At 48 she tells you a story to avoid going to bed.

At 58 you stay in bed to avoid her story.

At 68 if you take her to bed, that’ll be a story.

At 78 What story? What bed? Who the hell are you? ***

According to the Office for National Statistics 190,374 People are having sex right now, 212,130 are kissing and one poor ole soul is reading Chuckles. ***

An Indian walks into a cafe with a shotgun in one hand and pulling a male buffalo with the other. He says to the waiter: “Want coffee.”

The waiter says, “Sure Chief. Coming right up.”

He gets the Indian a tall mug of coffee.....

The Indian drinks the coffee down in one gulp, turns and blasts the buffalo with the shotgun, causing parts of the animal to splatter everywhere and then just walks out.

The next morning the Indian returns.

He has his shotgun in one hand, pulling another male buffalo with the other.

He walks up to the counter and says to the waiter, Want coffee.

The waiter says,”Whoa, Tonto! We’re still cleaning up your mess from yesterday. What was all that about, anyway?”

The Indian smiles and proudly says,

“Training for position in United States Congress. Come in, drink coffee, shoot the bull, leave mess for others to clean up, Disappear for rest of day.”

DA Developing New Homeless Shelter Bed App

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced that her office is addressing the intersection of homelessness and crime by leading the effort to develop technology that can quickly locate suitable shelter beds for individuals experiencing homelessness, improving on the process that’s currently in place.

The proposed technology would mobilize a more efficient county response, providing access to comprehensive and centralized information about the capacity, quantity, and availability of shelter beds and services across the county. The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted today to clear the way for the DA’s Office to work with Tech Soup and its subsidiary, Caravan Studios, to move forward with the technology development phase of the application that would implement the community design vision already developed.

“We believe this investment in technology to support communication and coordination of homeless services will be the first-of-its kind in the nation, and will be grounded in transparency, equity and data,” said DA Stephan. “Previously it could take up to 10 days to connect someone with a homeless shelter bed and by the time service providers reach back out to someone on the street, they’re often gone. With this app that connection can happen in minutes.”

The DA’s Office currently supports a similar effort to address the needs of victims of crime needing shelter through the Safe Shelter Collaborative. Sheltering agencies that pro-

vide resources to survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual assault can use an app to find shelter beds quickly for those attempting to escape violence.

Leveraging the positive outcomes of the Safe Shelter Collaborative and expanding this model to include all homeless populations will allow the county to maintain real time and accurate data regarding shelter use and availability and help to inform policy decisions regarding future needs and investments to better address homelessness. The app will also allow service providers, healthcare providers such as emergency room personnel, outreach teams and law enforcement to filter requests for shelter beds, allowing a better shelter match for someone who may have a pet, a child, is LGBTQ+, is elderly, or has physical disabilities, for example.

“Homelessness is a regional issue requiring innovative and collaborative solutions. Thank you to District Attorney Summer Stephan for bringing forward this proposal, which would result in another tool in our arsenal, connecting people with the resources they need and providing informative data to help us assess the root cause of housing insecurity,” said San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher. “The County must continue to search for and create long-term solutions to prevent, and ultimately, help San Diegans end their homelessness.”

“Our county has taken a bold approach to address the homelessness crisis currently impacting our communities by implementing in-

Pet Parade Barlow

Barlow is pet of the week at your Rancho Coastal Humane Society. He’s a 7-year-old, 70pound, male, Boxer / Labrador Retriever mix.

Barlow was at a shelter in the Imperial Valley before being transferred to Rancho Coastal Humane Society in 2016 through Friends of County Animal Shelters (FOCAS.) He was adopted then returned after five years when his owner went into an extended care facility.

He needs to be the only dog in his home. He is currently in foster care with a volunteer.

The $75 adoption fee for Barlow includes medical exam, neuter, up to date vaccinations, registered microchip, and a oneyear license if his new home is

in the jurisdiction of San Diego Humane Society. For information about adoption or to become a Virtual Foster visit Rancho Coastal Humane Society at 389 Requeza Street in Encinitas, call 760-753-6413, or log on to www. SDpets.org.

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

novative and creative ways of providing shelter and support,” said Nora Vargas, Chairwoman, San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “Today, with equity and confidentiality as our top priorities, we are adding one more means of ensuring we connect residents experiencing homelessness to shelter and a bed faster than ever before.”

In November 2022, the DA brought together dozens of stakeholders from the homeless outreach and support space to solicit input on opportunities for technology to address issues and problems associated with access to shelter for people experiencing homelessness in San Diego County. The resulting recommendations produced a community design that will serve as the basis for development of the shelter bed finder app.

“I appreciate the community coming together and rolling up their sleeves. Ultimately, this is being designed and informed by the people who are working on the front lines of homeless outreach and support, leveraging their experience,” DA Stephan said. “At the moment, some agencies are literally coordinating the search for a shelter bed using sticky notes. It’s our hope that participation in the app will be robust, making it a game changer in our community.”

Development of the app is anticipated to take about six months, with expanded participation among various stakeholders occurring within a year.

The DA’s Office recently released new data about the intersection of

crime and the county’s population of persons experiencing homelessness. Multiple sources of credible data indicate that this vulnerable population is growing faster than the availability of housing and services. Two years of District Attorney data shows individuals who are experiencing homelessness become involved with the justice system as victims and offenders at higher rates than the rest of the population. The overdose rate for people experiencing homelessness is 118 times higher than the general population. We also know that being a victim of domestic violence, child abuse and human trafficking drives homelessness especially for women and children on our streets.

“Homelessness is a humanitarian and public safety crisis that many in our community are working on at every level. Addressing this crisis clearly requires multiple solutions and we believe this new app will be a game changer and support other ongoing positive efforts,” DA Stephan added. “We appreciate the support for this initiative from the Board of Supervisors, in particular Chair Nora Vargas and Past Chair Nathan Fletcher.”

In March 2022, the DA proposed a 3-prong approach to address the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness who intersect with law enforcement and the criminal justice system. This was a follow up to the DA’s 2019 Blueprint for Mental Health Reform: Addressing the Intersection of Mental Health, Homelessness and Criminal Justice in San Diego County. Development of this new app is the first ‘prong’ in the DA’s proposal.

Pet of the Week

Meet the ever-so-fluffy and adorable Ellie Train! This lovely husky is a big fan of long walks where she can stop to sniff every bush and bask in her time outdoors! She is also happy to be groomed and spoiled, and would love to be brushed and have her belly rubbed! She can be a bit possessive of toys, treats and food, and would do best as the only pet in a home. This happy gal is more than ready to bring all the love and smiles she has to offer to a new home!

Ellie Train 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 619299-7012.

Online profile: https://www.sdhumane.org/adopt/available-pets/animal-single.html?petId=851223

The O and the Y in the above terms stand for OLD and YOUNG. The F in each group can stand for FOLKS or FARTS depending on your point of view and sense of humor. Last week we divided Americans into two groups by age. The OFs, born before 1965 and the YFs, born after 1965. Recent events seem to be widening the perennial “generation gap” between these two groups.

Modern America has a youth oriented culture and OFs, as young adults, tended to regard we folks over fifty as physically defective and mentally diminished. We loved our aging kinfolk and respected our elders but we also remember nodding agreement with Berkeley activist Jack Weinberg’s trendy mantra from 1964 “Don’t trust anyone over thirty”. Fast forward to 2023 and little has changed in the way each group eyes

OFs vs. YFs. Part II of III

the other. In general the younger generations regard seniors somewhat impatiently as outdated and stubborn impediments to progress

The OFs smile tolerantly at youth’s passion and commitment, confident that life and experience will eventually bring them to their senses.

For most of human history the “generation’s gap” was created and sustained by the difference in knowledge and experience between older and younger generations. The young, absorbed experience and knowledge as they aged eventually merging into the older generations. In centuries past the knowledge required to live and work changed little in the span of a lifetime. In the past one hundred years human knowledge has increased at an unprecedented pace and that fact has dramatically altered the fundamental nature of the “generation gap”.

Food and knowledge are two basic human needs. Comparing food’s technological evolution with that of knowledge highlights the impact of the recent explosion of information technology. Primitive humans had a full time job gathering, prepping and storing the food required to sustain themselves and their offspring. As time passed, communal living allowed specialization and resulted in increased efficiency in food gathering and processing. Urban living further encouraged specialization and the development of barter and monetary systems. In 1850, 64% of Americans lived on farms and were involved in food production, by 1920 that number was 30% and today only 3% of Americans live on

working farms. Corporations handle food production, transportation and processing. Supermarkets began replacing neighborhood groceries in the mid 1900s. Today we have convenient, neighborhood supermarket access to foods from all over the World. The centuries long evolution of technology in the food industry freed human labor and intellect to concentrate on other issues.

Two thousand years ago a handful of ancient libraries held the sum of mans knowledge on hand-written scrolls, accessible to only a few scholars. In 1450 Guttenberg invented the printing press and over the next several hundred years, recorded human knowledge began to fill public and university libraries. By 1900 published human knowledge was doubling every 50 years (Buckminster Fuller Knowledge Doubling Curve). By 1950 doubling took only 25years and by 1982, published human knowledge doubled each year.

Computers and the Internet pro-

vided mankind the ability bypass the printing process and to record, disseminate and store human knowledge in digital format. That breakthrough facilitated a quantum leap in the pool of recorded human knowledge. The ability to springboard to new knowledge from the vast and growing base of existing knowledge resulted in estimates of “knowledge doubling” measured in days rather than years.

All of human knowledge is suddenly at anyone’s fingertips. Will that cause the education bureaucracy, America’s largest and most costly labor union, to shrivel and fade away? Will the fact each of us can only comprehend an ever shrinking fraction of the ever growing body of human knowledge change us? Will we be able to trust “experts” in each field of human knowledge to provide beneficial guidance or will they use their esoteric knowledge to enrich themselves at our expense? Tune in next week as we determine the fate of humankind!

Every morning I tell Jake, “I’m going to work, but I promise I’ll be back tonight. Your job is to protect the house and take naps.”

A couple weeks ago I dropped by the Emergency Room on the way home from work to find out why my leg hurt. Instead of giving me a pill and sending me home, I spent the next week in the hospital. Promise broken.

Fortunately, we have a plan. Jake stayed home, ate his meals at regu-

lar times, and got even more treats than usual. If Barbara couldn’t be with Jake because she needed to be with me, we have three backup plans. You need a plan.

When they released me, I walked in to greet a very happy Jake! Wagging tail! Dancing paws!

Then it clicked in his doggie brain that I had broken my promise. He walked into the next room and laid with his butt facing me. Jake had a right to be mad. I’ve kept that promise for 9-1/2 years. Until now.

One website says, “If your dog is mad at you, stop doing what is making it mad.” Thanks Einstein. I would have never thought of that. Congratulations on your degree.

Another said, “Get professional help!” After that it had informa-

tion to make an appointment. Payment in advance. No, thank you.

What should you do when your dog is mad at you?

• Figure out why. Jake was confused. Simple.

• “Get it” that he needs time to adjust.

• Don’t put your guilt on them. The AKC says, “Anger is a human emotion. Dogs live in the moment and don’t connect their behavior as payback for your absence.”

Barbara and I didn’t force Jake to be with us. We got back into our routine. Into Jake’s routine. When he was ready, he came to check on us.

At bedtime, he laid on the floor before deciding to come up and snuggle. He came back when he was ready.

Dogs are so forgiving. Sometimes, like us, they just need a little time.

What Should You do When Your Dog is Mad at You?

John Van Zante’s Critter Corner

Oodles from page 3

KOCT invites you and our entire Community to attend The 16th Annual KOCT Luncheon Fundraiser at Texas Roadhouse on Thursday, April 20th. Join us for a Fun Afternoon of Food, Drinks, Raffle Prizes, Silent Auction, Tours of our Mobile Truck Studio & More!

For $50 Per Person you will enjoy your Meal Choice of Steak, Chicken or Fish for our Seating Time of 12:00pm on April 20th, 2023. Tickets are Available at: https:// www.koct.org/Fundraiser or call us at (760)722-4433 for more details!

This Event is in support of the future of The Oceanside Channel, KOCT TV that gives our viewers Local News Coverage Relevant to our Community. Can’t make our Fundraiser this year? Find out more ways to Donate and Support The Voice of North County at KOCT.org/Donate ***

2nd Annual Green Transpo Expo

Saturday, April 22nd North County Mall

Get ready to join the Greater Escondido Chamber of Commerce as we present the 2nd annual Green Transpo Expo. This event will be taking place on Saturday, April 22nd, 2023 at the North County Mall, and is all about the evolution of the transportation industry.

Learn about everything from electric cars, bikes and school buses to EV trends, alternative fuels, and home solar & battery storage.

Our entire transportation system is rapidly changing, and this event will help you learn more and understand what it’s all about...and what is coming next!

https://greaterescondido.org/ green-transpo-expo/

***

Escondido Renaissance Faire

With A Pirate Flair

April 29, 30 & May 6, 7

10 am - 6 pm

Felicita County Park

742 Clarence Lane

Escondido, CA 92029

Olde Tyme Productions Inc. has operated the Escondido Renaissance Faire for more than 20 years.

Event activities include:

• Jousting Tournament

• Dual Stage with Live Entertainment

• Clothing, Weapon and Trinket Shoppes

• Turkey legs and delicious nourishments

• Beer, ale, mead and of course, rum • Costume attire is encouraged, not required

https://www.oldetymeproductions. com/escondidorenaissancefaire

***

Interfaith Community Services

Presents 2nd Annual Change

Your Mind

Saturday, May 6th

Oceanside Junior Seau

Pier Amphitheater

11 am to 4 pm.

The 2nd Annual Change Your Mind Mental Health Festival, a community-driven event dedicated to promoting mental health awareness, will take place on Saturday, May 6th at the Oceanside Junior Seau Pier Amphitheater from 11 am to 4 pm. The festival, organized by 501(c) nonprofit Interfaith Community Services, will feature a wide range of activities, including keynote speeches, workshops, live musical and dance performances from diverse cultures, food trucks, and vendor booths showcasing mental health resources. As well as services and wellness products ranging from the modern to the traditional.

Change Your Mind’s keynote speakers include Susan Writer, Ph.D., Divya Kakaiya, Ph.D., M.S., Josh Roberts, and other renowned mental health advocates and authors, who will share their personal stories and insights into overcoming mental health challenges. The event will also feature Spanish-Language presentations and workshops from experts such as Zulma DiGaudio, Ph.D., The presentations, workshops, and experiences will touch on a variety of topics, from mindfulness and meditation to trauma-informed care and suicide prevention.

This free event is open to the public with activities for people of all ages. Please bring your family and friends as you help change the conversation around mental health — one mind and one life at a time.

Tickets are free but pre-registration is requested. Get more information about Change Your Mind, including a sneak peek at some of the speaker’s bios, participating vendors, performances, and experiences available during the event and secure your spot today by visiting www.interfaithservices.org/ change/

About

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As North County’s largest social services agency, Interfaith Community Services (Interfaith) has been “helping people help themselves” since 1979, and provides a wide range of programs.

Splash from page 5

Tales of Uncle Remus” who would be inspired and become professor of Creative Literature and Writing at Fisk University, a historically Black university.

And there, at Fisk University, newly-installed Professor James Weldon Johnson would keep the embers of Black history glowing as he carried the torch of knowledge by continuing to teach the wisdom and humour of Uncle Remus’ adventures in life for young students to learn their history.

“PLEASE DON’T DESECRATE MY BLACK HERITAGE BY TAKING DOWN “SPLASH MOUNTAIN” WAS THE PLEA OF YOUNG BLACK STUDENTS The Generation Z of Black, White, Asian, Latin, Hispanic, et al, in America are educated enough to know their history.

When Song of the South was attacked as having a racist theme based on Uncle Remus, they knew better. This Generation Z which counter-protested to keep Splash Mountain did their homework and were smart, discretionary, and fairminded.

They know their own history and the earlier pleas of their forefathers: “Please, don’t let our own people destroy ourselves through ignorance. Don’t destroy the legacy of the “Song of the South” and Splash Mountain which perpetuates our African-American oral histories and animal folktales and values passed on.”

Many in this Z-generation still recall what the preeminent James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938), African-American intellectual, Civil Rights Activist, and leader of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), said when he called Joel Chandler Harris’ “Complete Tales of Uncle Remus” as such:

“The greatest body of folklore America has produced.”

This NAACP contradicts the latter NAACP and even takes their counterpart to task with a warning against ignorance by repeating and chanting in repetition the following refrain:

“The movement to ban the movie Song of the South as glorifying life during slavery is a mistaken premise, since the film’s setting is clearly shown to take place (after) the Civil War and (after) AfricanAmericans were freed and is during the Reconstruction era, a period after the American Civil War and the abolition of slavery.”

This generation of younger, Gen-

eration Z comprise our brighter, more enlightened tomorrow, which is our last best hope.

This generation of youthful BlackAmericans don’t like to be “slowdanced” by unfounded truths or the smoke and mirrors of demagoguery (they even know what demagoguery means).

And they know their antecedents who wanted to destroy Song of the South due to total ignorance of facts. For example, they know their history such as when they (disagreed) in what Richard Dier of The Afro-American once said about their coveted Song of the South legacy as he violently described the film:

“As vicious a piece of propaganda for White Supremacy as Hollywood ever produced.”

More understanding and knowledgeable was Herman Hill, who was a young collegiate star and USC’s first Black basketball player and who later became a Civil Rights Activist and journalist, wrote in The Pittsburgh Courier that the film, Song of the South:

“Could prove of inestimable goodwill in the furthering of interracial relations,” and then he labeled any criticism of the film as: “Unadulterated hogwash, symptomatic of the unfortunate racial neurosis that seems to be gripping so many of our humorless brethren these days.”

THE FILM’S CAST STOOD BEHIND THEIR “SONG OF THE SOUTH” MOVIE WHEN IT WAS ATTACKED AS RACIST. It is all there, an indelible part of our history, if only one wishes to – at least –read of it. Perhaps, we might even be edified by those who stood before us. And made pleas for sanity and not self-destruction of some of African-America’s most poignant heritage and culture.

The film’s cast, resolutely, stood behind the movie.

Among the “Song of the South” cast was Hattie McDaniel, the “Gone With the Wind” star and the first Black entertainer to win an Academy Award.

In a 1947 interview, she told the American publication The Criterion the following:

“If I had for one moment considered any part of the picture (Song of the South) degrading or harmful to my people, I would not have appeared therein.”

BOOKKEEPING SERVICE

however, still exists overseas.

And now, just a few weeks ago this year, on 23 January 2023, even Splash Mountain at both California and Florida have finally fallen to the scythe of ignorance, displaced hate, and wrongful and vicious accusations of racism.

In his obituary, The New York Times Book Review echoed President Roosevelt’s sentiment, stating: “Uncle Remus cannot die. Joel Chandler Harris has departed this life at the age of 60 . . . but his best creation, Uncle Remus, with his fund of folklore, will live in literature.”

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Letters from page 4

Splash from page 12

Her Black co-star, James Basket, echoed her support of the film by saying:

“I believe that certain groups are doing my race more harm in seeking to create dissension than can ever possibly come out of the “Song of the South.”

SUMMATION. After more than 75 years in fending off unfounded racial attacks, time finally ran out for Uncle Remus, and the “Song of the South” movie, and even the once beloved Oscar-winning song “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” which has now been officially banned as racist.

And you are no longer allowed to hear it.

The coveted and much loved and treasured “Song of the South” movie is also officially banned by Disney. And you won’t be allowed to ever watch it on DVD. “Song of the South” has never received a home video release in the United States.

In 2001, Song of the South was withdrawn worldwide.

In 2019, Disney CEO Bob Iger wistfully said: “It wouldn’t be in the best interest of our shareholders to bring it back, even though there would be some financial gain.”

A VHS and LaserDisc release,

Ironically, and tragically, the final coup de grace was largely administered from the Black populace. Splash Mountain was the most powerful beacon and worldwide attraction which showcased and presented the rich legacy of African-American culture, values, and oral history and tradition with its rich theme of colourful characters which passengers met along the way in their water plume log ride adventure inside the Splash Mountain.

And now, you are no longer allowed to see, experience, and laugh along the way . . . with Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, and Brer Bear, or Uncle Remus.

According to the world news reports, Splash Mountain is being renovated and completely changed and will soon reopen sometime next year, possibly late 2024.

It will no longer be about Song of the South or Uncle Remus.

The author of the Uncle Remus stories, Joel Chandler Harris travelled to accept an invitation at the White House from President Theodore Roosevelt.

Two years earlier, Roosevelt had said these words:

“Presidents may come and presidents may go, but Uncle Remus stays put. Georgia has done a great many things for the Union, but she has never done more than when she gave Mr. Joel Chandler Harris to American literature.”

On 3 July 1908, Joel Chandler Harris died.

I can’t wait for Kimberly to show the Song of the South video again. In that video, Uncle Remus is always there, waiting for us.

It’s always good to know that he will always be there to make us laugh, sing, and just be happy.

The next time I see him on the large flat TV screen, I think I’ll whisper: “I love you, Uncle Remus.”

ADDENDUM. Late breaking news is that Disney has announced that it still plans on closing the Splash Mountain attraction in Anaheim, California but has decided not to announce any particular date for final closure. As reported, Disney World in Orlando, Florida has already closed down Splash Mountain on 23 January 2023. It should be emphasised that the Disney Corporation (still) remains committed to closing its Splash Mountain attraction as well, but has extended its closure date and will announced at a future time when, exactly, they will close the Anaheim, California.

me if this is old news for you. Keep up the great work. Terrance Galloway, North San Diego County. ***

Lyle, I felt the same as you when I tried Ihop a long time ago. Last sunday my daughter took me to Ihop in restaurant row, San Marcos, it was a very good experience and the food was great along with the service. you might want to give it a try.

Editor’s Note: Angelo makes a good point. The IHOP where I receved such poor service (though the food was good), was on East Valley Parkway in Escondido. Other IHOPS may offer better service.

A nice story about a trapped coyote. There is a patch of land opposite my balcony that has a lot of wild animals on the move which to me is awesome, especially the coyotes. my neighbors throw rocks at the coyotes, I throw food for them. I wish people would respect the animals since they were here before we invaded the land. I applaud the people who nursed the trapped coyote back to health.

God bless America! Angelo Caruso, San Marcos, Ca. ***

To submit a letter to the editor, please email thepaper@cox.net. Please limit your letter to a maximum of 300 words and include your full name, e-mail address, town, and a valid phone number where you can be reached. Letters will be published anonymously. Letters are subject to editing.

Friedrich Gomez

The Mighty Mojo Page

Problem Solved

from page 6

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

“The Panic of 1907” was a financial crisis that almost crippled the American economy. Major New York banks were on the verge of bankruptcy and there was no mechanism to rescue them, until Morgan stepped in to help resolve the crisis. Treasury Secretary George B. Cortelyou earmarked $35 million of federal money to deposit in New York banks. Morgan then met with the nation’s leading financiers in his New York mansion, where he forced them to devise a plan to meet the crisis. Morgan organized a team of bank and trust executives which re-directed money between banks, secured further international lines of credit, and bought up the plummeting stocks of healthy corporations.

In 1913, realizing that in a future national crisis there would unlikely to be another J.P. Morgan for a rescue, banking and political leaders devised a plan that resulted in the creation of today’s Federal Reserve System. But a similar crises occurred 100 years later. In 2008, the J.P. Morgan-Chase bank emerged as one of the world’s largest banks, but that particular financial catastrophe, which saw the downfall of Lehman Brothers investment group, proved that no bank is “too large to fail.”

On March 31, 1913, J.P. Morgan died in Rome, Italy at the age of 75. He left his fortune to his namesake, John Pierpont Morgan ,Jr. The Morgan senior was estimated to have left a fortune at “only” $80 million, which prompted fellow so-called “Robber Baron” John D. Rockefeller to say: “… and to think, he wasn’t even a rich man.”

The 19th century “robber barons” included Morgan, oil giant John D. Rockefeller, auto builder Henry Ford, steel magnet Andrew Carnegie, and railroad mogul Cornelius (the Commodore) Vanderbilt. Together, these men truly did financially and industrially build America with Morgan providing the necessary financial and organizational “glue” that held many of the nation’s key conglomerates together.

Today, as it was yesterday, there always seems to be light at the end of a very long financial-ladened tunnel.

A: If Home Depot can’t install your garage shelves as promised, you deserve to get all your money back. Nothing upsets customers more than a contractor who makes them wait -- with the possible exception of a shoddy job. I receive regular complaints from consumers who were left waiting by technicians and installers. They miss hours of work, and the service providers often act as if they don’t care (if they show up at all).

I reviewed the correspondence between you and Home Depot. The contractor claimed the first delay was because of a “miscommunication,” and the second one was because of bad weather.

Under your agreement with Home Depot, you had three days to cancel your installation and receive a full refund.

But there must be an exception for failure to perform a timely installation. It looks like you waited more than five months for an appointment and then misconnected with a service provider on two occasions before finally calling it a day. And a Home Depot representative told you that you could get your money back for the labor only -but then the company put you on hold again.

I publish the names, numbers and email addresses of the Home Depot executives on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org. A brief, polite email to one of them may have helped you sort this out quickly.

I contacted Home Depot on your behalf. It agreed to refund your materials and labor but insisted that you sign a nondisclosure agreement and release that prevented you from talking about this case or pursuing legal action against Home Depot. You signed the agreement -- but only after telling me about this resolution.

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

© 2023 Christopher Elliott.

FICTITIOUS

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9004241

The name of the business: Raptors Baseball, located at 1120 Mulberry Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069 Registrant Information: Philip Wilson, 1120 Mulberry Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by an individual. First day of business: 2/24/2023

/s/ Philip Wilson Filed with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 2/24/2023

3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 3/30/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9003593

The name of the business: Twin Oaks Animal Hospital, located at 314 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd., #118, San Marcos, CA 92078 Registrant Information: Twin Oaks Animal Hospital, 1134 Via Vera Cruz, San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by a corporation.

First day of business: 8/23/2013

/s/ Ashley Weinberg Filed with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 2/15/2023

3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 3/30/2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME 37-2023-00008822-CU-PT-NC

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:

Petitioner Jennifer Zalud filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: Makayla Melendrina Lomas to Proposed name Makayla Melendrina Bala and Nicolas Lomas III to Nicolas Bala. 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: 4/18/2023, 8:30 am, in Dept. 25

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

BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9005092

The name of the business: Quality Time

Billed, Q.T.B., located at 1439 La Habra Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant Information: Kevin Woodard, 1439 La Habra Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078 This business is operated by an individual.

First day of business: 1/1/2023

/s/ Kevin Woodard Filed with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/6/2023

3/23, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9005952

The name of the business: AG3 Construction Inc., located at 1234 Nolan Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91911. Registrant Information: AG3 Construction, 1234 Nolan Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91911. This business is operated by a corporation. First day of business: N/A

/s/ Albert Gurrola III, President Filed with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 3/16/2023

3/23, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9005559

The name of the business: Ricardo Guerra Trucking, located at 211 Guajome St., Vista, CA 92083. Registrant Information: Ricardo Guerra, 211 Guajome St., Vista, CA 92083. This business is operated by an individual.

First day of business: 3/10/2023

a corporation. First day of business: 3/10/2023

/s/ Maryanne Trinidad, CEO Filed with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 3/10/2023

3/23, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9005130

The name of the business: Kindness Janitorial Services, located at 5915 Rio Valle Dr., Bonsall, CA 92003. Registrant Information: Carmen Rocio Perez-Caycho, 5915 Rio Valle Dr., Bonsall, CA 92003 and Alejandro Ricardo Perez, 5915 Rio Valle Dr., Bonsall, CA 92003. This business is operated by a married couple. First day of business: N/A /s/ carmen Rocio Perez-Caycho Filed with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 3/7/2023

3/23, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13/2023

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF Anthony Santell

Case No. 37-2021-00030570 PR-PW-CTL SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO 1100 Union Street San Diego, CA. 92101 Central Courthouse

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate or both, a notice of petition to administer estate of ANTHONY SANTELL aka ANTHONY SANTONOCITO has been filed by Jennifer A. Reardon, SBN: 317686 in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA. 92101 Central Courthouse. The Petition to Administer Estate requests that Jennifer A. Reardon SBN: 317686 be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

A petition for Probate has been filed by (name of petitioner): Nick Santell and Nina Santell in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego. 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 tey 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: April, 11, 2023

Time: 11:00 am

Dept: 504

ance 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.

Attorney for petitioner: Jennifer A. Reardon SBN 317686 Reardon Law, PC 3110 Camino del Rio S, Suite 314 San Diego, CA 92108 619-930-9420 DOP: 1/26, 2/2, 2/9/, 2/16/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9003271

The name of the business: GR Racing Outlet, located at 1669 Live Oak Road, #29, Vista, CA 92081. Registrant Information: Gloria L. Robles, 1669 Live Oak Road, #29, Vista, CA 92081 This business is operated by an individual. First day of business: N/A

/s/ Gloria Robles Filed with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 2/10/2023

3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 3/30/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9004615

The name of the business: Moonstone Cleaning Services, located at 930 N. Fig St., #A, Escondido, CA 92026.

Registrant Information: Jessica Navarro, 930 N. Fig St., #A, Escondido, CA 92026 This business is operated by an individual. First day of business: N/A

/s/ Jessica Navarro Filed with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/1/2023

3/23, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9005092

The name of the business: Quality Time Billed, Q.T.B., located at 1439 La Habra Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant Information: Kevin Woodard, 1439 La Habra Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078 This business is operated by an individual.

First day of business: 1/1/2023

/s/ Kevin Woodard Filed with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/6/2023

3/23, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9005952

The name of the business: AG3 Construction Inc., located at 1234 Nolan Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91911. Registrant Information: AG3 Construction, 1234 Nolan

Registrant Information: Ricardo Guerra, 211 Guajome St., Vista, CA 92083. This business is operated by an individual. First day of business: 3/10/2023

/s/ Ricardo Guerra, President Filed with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 3/10/2023 3/23, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9005569

The name of the business: Unity for Change, located at 1884 Matin Circle, #151, San Marcos, CA 92069.

Registrant Information: the Foundation for Juvenile Health Incorporated, 1884 Matin Circle #151, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by a corporation. First day of business: 3/10/2023

/s/ Maryanne Trinidad, CEO Filed with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 3/10/2023

3/23, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9005130

The name of the business: Kindness Janitorial Services, located at 5915 Rio Valle Dr., Bonsall, CA 92003. Registrant Information: Carmen Rocio Perez-Caycho, 5915 Rio Valle Dr., Bonsall, CA 92003 and Alejandro Ricardo Perez, 5915 Rio Valle Dr., Bonsall, CA 92003. This business is operated by a married couple. First day of business: N/A

/s/ Carmen Rocio Perez-Caycho Filed with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 3/7/2023 3/23, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2023-9004243

The name of the business: Cynthia Joyner Homes, located at 7020 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad, CA 92011. Registrant Information: Cynthia Joyner, 7081 Corintia Street, Carlsbad, CA 92009. This business is operated by an individual. First day of business: 12/7/2022

/s/ Cynthia Joyner Filed with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 2/24/2023 3/23, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13/2023

Marcos, CA 92078 Registrant

Ceko Restaurants, Inc., 1020 W. San Marcos Blvd., 118, San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by a corporation. First day of business: N/A

Nicholas Ceko, President Filed with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 2/10/2023

Man Abuut Town

from page 4

She told of one story, and showed photos, of one case where a young teenager crawled out of her bedroom window around 1am. Fortunately, her father heard the noise and recognized that she had left the home via her window. He didn’t even put on clothes but dashed out in his pajamas, got in the car and headed down the street. Sure enough, he saw his daughter getting into the car of a total stranger. He sped down the street, blocked the other car, got out, pulled the driver out of the car and with one punch knocked him cold.

This stranger had contacted is daughter via social media, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and cell

/s/ Ricardo Guerra, President Filed with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 3/10/2023

3/23, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2023-9005569

The name of the business: Unity for Change, located at 1884 Matin Circle, #151, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant Information: the Foundation for Juvenile Health Incorporated, 1884 Matin Circle #151, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by

phone. He said he was 18 - he was actually 28 or 29 - developed a relationship with her, and, ultimately, persuaded her to meet him. At 1am.

The good news is, this father rescued his daughter. The bad news is, events like this happen every day - and thousands of young teenagers are abducted from home, coerced into prostitution (one as young as 12 years old) or as involuntary servants in the fields, in homes, or elsewher - and they are coerced with drugs, alcohol, repeatedly raped, or beaten into submission. Not what I’d want for my daughter or granddaughter.

And it’s not just girls who are exploited. Another story was told where a beautiful girl (with photos to prove it) made contact with a young teenage boy, established a

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 issu-

rapport vie Facebook and emailwhich soon led to intimate discussion. Then the woman asked the young boy to send her a photo of himself, nude. After all, she said, she had already sent a photo of herself in the nude.

The boy complied. And he was hooked!

Turns out the “beautiful woman” was not a woman at all but a 35 year old guy. He now began to demand more photos of the teenage boy. He would also demand the boy meet him where, most likely, he was required to submit to homosexual acts - maybe even photographed in the process. All of this was pure and simple blackmail. If the boy did not comply then the “beautiful woman” would email his nude photos to family, friends, business associates - and the fear

if being exposed would cause the teenage boy to comply with the demands.

I’m trying to book Opal Singleton to speak at our Hidden Valley Kiwanis Club for sometime in Feb

ruary.

If you are a member of a civic or service club, or a corporation or government agency, and are looking for a powerful, dynamic speaker - get in touch with Opal Singleton and try to book her.

You and your family, friends and colleagues will thank me for the referal. This gal is absolutely great and gives a dynamite presentation!

You can contact her via: info@millionkids.org or, opal@millionkids.org