My 23, 2024

by lyle e davis

1,160. What does that number represent?

That’s the number of police patches on display at the Escondido Police Department . . .all encased in attractive frames and arranged in a long, long hallway with patches from all corners of the world.

This is a fascinating project started by retired Escondido Chief of Police, Mike Stein.

Recently, we met with both Chief

Stein and current Chief of Police, Ed Varso.

In addition to the patches we had a wonderful recollection of mutual memories over the years of police officers who made up the department, most of whom are now retired. We also learned of Chief Stein’s remarkable career and history.

It all started back in the spring of 1982 when Chief Stein, then a Lieutenant, attended the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia for a 10 week training course. While on camps at this Marine Corps base, Lieutenant

Stein noticed a large number of police patches from a number of different jurisdictions. He came to learn that this was a long standing tradition . . . that students attending the FBI Academy would drop off and/ or trade police patches. Impressed, Stein contacted then Chief of Police Jim Connole, told him of the tradition and suggested the Escondido Police Department might want to start a similar tradition. Chief Connole immediately sent Stein a number of patches to trade with colleagues in his training session.

The tradition grew like Topsy. There

were 249 students in each FBI Academy class . . . and they were held every four months ... so within the first year a total of 1000 FBI trainees were exchanging patches along with tales of adventures within their department.

From that humble beginning, the Escondido Police Department has now amassed a collection of 1160 patches . . . and counting.

Indeed, somewhere within this vast collection is a patch from Scotland Yard that I helped add to the collection. About 25 years ago one of

Patches from page 1

my wife’s relatives, a then-retired Inspector for Scotland Yard, visited us and we took him to meet his counterparts at the Escondido Police Department. Sure enough, they exchanged patches.

The FBI Academy was started by J. Edgar Hoover back in 1935. Even today, in addition to the trainees at the academy, inquiries are made. Member officers will send a patch and request an Escondido patch goes out in return mail to the sender.

Whenever officers go on vacation it is a typical to visit the local police department(s) and effect a trade of patches.

While recalling memories of many former Chiefs of Police (I go back to when Les Lund was Chief) and other officers that made up the Escondido Police Department I learned a great deal about retired Chief Stein that I had not known.

Turns out Chief Stein was born in Billings, Montana back in 1942 . . . and his biological father was in

Give Us This Day Our Daily Chuckle

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

Scientists cannot explain why four mini muffins aren’t as satisfying as one full size muffin.

Ole vas vorking at da fish plant up nort in Dulut vhen he accidentally cut off all ten of his finkers. He vent to da emergency room in the Clinik and vhen he got dar da Norsky doctor looked at Ole and said, “Okie dokie, let’s have da finkers and I’ll see vhat I can do.”

Ole said, “I haven’t got da finkers.”

“Vhat do you mean, you hafen’t got da finkers?” he said. “Lordyit’s 2017 and Ive’s got microsurgery and all kinds of incredible surgery techniques. I could hafe

World War II, was a crew member on a PBY (Flying Boat), had endured a crash landing but was then captured by the Japanese and died as a POW. Not until 1980 were his biological father’s remains found and returned and given a proper burial (see grave marker). So Chief Mike Stein, born Michael Paul Mannon, has been part of a Gold Star family for all these years. Several years after his father’s passing in a POW camp, his mother remarried and Mike became Mike Stein, taking his stepfather’s surname.

Chief Stein moved to Escondido in 1958, is a graduate of Escondido High, graduating in 1961. While serving in the Navy Navy Corpsman he was onboard a ship for year a half then was assigned for Corpsman Training at the Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, then was assigned to the Marines at Camp Pendleton, serving in the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, an infantry unit. The Marines normally assign 2-3 corpsmen to provide medical service for a unit comprised of approximately 50 Marines.

The Stein family had moved to Escondido in 1958.

put dem back on and made you like new! Vhy didn’t you brink da finkers?”

Ole says “How da heck vas I suppose to pick dem up?”

Harry Edsel Smith of Albany , New York :

Born 1903--Died 1942. Looked up the elevator shaft to see if the car was on the way down. It was.

In a Thurmont, Maryland, cemetery:

Here lies an Atheist, all dressed up and no place to go.

On the grave of Ezekial Aikle in East Dalhousie Cemetery, Nova Scotia : Here lies Ezekial Aikle, Age 102. Only The Good Die Young..

In a London, England cemetery: Here lies Ann Mann, Who lived an old maid but died an old Mann. Dec. 8, 1767

In a Ribbesford, England, cemetery:

Anna Wallace The children of Israel wanted bread, And the Lord sent them manna. Clark Wallace wanted a wife, And the Devil sent him Anna.

In a Ruidoso, New Mexico, cemetery:

Chief Stein became a sworn police officer with the Escondido Police Department in 1965. Stein had a brilliant career with the Escondido Police Department, eventually being named its Chief of Police and served from 1994 to 1997. He had served as Acting Chief for seven months prior to that, while then Chief Vince Jimno took a Leave of Absence to run for County Sheriff. When Jimno failed to prevail in the primary election he returned as Chief for the Escondido Police Department. During that interim period, Stein received great training and experience that would serve him well when he was named Chief after Jimno retired.

Plaque with Leiutenants who have attended FBI training.

Chief Stein is particularly proud of all the Lieutenants from the Escondido Police Department that have attended the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia. This plaque is on display in the vestibule of the Escondido Police Department. Unfortunately, all of the patches are not generally available to view by the public. They are framed and mounted along the hallways deep within the building.

In a Uniontown, Pennsylvania, cemetery: Here lies the body of Jonathan Blake. Stepped on the gas instead of the brake.

In a Silver City , Nevada, cemetery: Here lays The Kid. We planted him raw. He was quick on the trigger But slow on the draw.

John Penny’s epitaph in the Wimborne, England, cemetery: Reader, if cash thou art in want of any, Dig 6 feet deep and thou wilt find a Penny.

Anna Hopewell’s grave in Enosburg Falls, Vermont : Here lies the body of our Anna, Done to death by a banana. It wasn’t the fruit that laid her low, But the skin of the thing that made her go.

On a grave from the 1880s in Nantucket, Massachusetts : Under the sod and under the trees, Lies the body of Jonathan Pease. He is not here, there’s only the pod. Pease shelled out and went to God.

In a cemetery in England: Remember man, as you walk by, As you are now, so once was I As I am now, so shall you be..

Remember this and follow me.

To which someone replied by writing on the tombstone: To follow you I’ll not consent. Until I know which way you went.

Olympic Trivia: Many top sweepers in curling have gone on to great careers as janitors.

Shampoo Warning

Do not use shampoo in the shower. Shampoo runs down your body as you shower. If you read the label on most shampoos, it says: “For extra body and volume.” Obviously, the shampoo is to blame for us getting, er, fullerbodied. Instead, use dishwashing fluid. That label says ‘Dissolves fat that is hard to remove.’

Is it just me, or does anyone else find it amazing that during the mad cow epidemic our government could track a single cow, born in Canada years ago, right to the stall where she slept in the state of Washington? And, they tracked her calves to their stalls. But they are unable to locate 11 million illegal aliens wandering around our country. Maybe we should give each of them a cow.

Chief Ed Varso

by Sean Dietrich

The following is a true story. It happened in rural Georgia. Last week. The names shall remain anonymous, to protect the guilty.

A little boy walked into the little church, unannounced.

It was a weekday. A country church. Clapboards. Tin roof. Way out in the sticks. The kind of church that—until a few years ago—only had window-unit A/C.

The boy greeted the church secretary. He asked if he could meet with the minister. The secretary was taken aback. It’s not every day a little boy walks into the church office alone.

She asked where the boy’s parents were.

“My mom’s waiting in the car,” he said. “I really need to see the preacher.”

When the young man entered the preacher’s office, the minister was at his desk, working on his sermon.

The preacher is old. He’s been preaching since the Vietnam War was only a rumor. He has seen a lot of things in his day. Including the death of a spouse. And the death of his child. But he’s never seen anything like this boy.

“What can I help you with, son?” said the old pulpiteer.

“I need your help, preacher.”

“What kind of help?”

“My dog, Macy, she just died.

And I want you to do the funeral.”

The old man looked at the boy. The child had clearly been crying. His eyes were pink and red. The old man’s heart went out to the boy.

“When did your dog die, son?”

“Last night. She was a good dog. She was my best friend.”

The preacher didn’t know what to say. So he didn’t.

“I got her from a shelter when I was a baby. And she was always so good to me. She stuck with me when my dad walked out on us. And she always ate whatever I ate, because even though I wasn’t supposed to, I fed her from the table every night.”

The preacher almost said something, but the boy continued.

“It’s all my fault, Preacher. I left the back gate open. And Macy got out.”

The boy began to cry.

“She ran out into the road, and a car must’ve hit her. Because when my mom was on her way home from work, she found Macy’s body on the road.”

The boy wept even harder.

The preacher could only nod. He could not speak. He hugged the child.

“I want you to do it good, Preach-

Oodles!

Looking for things to do? Places to go?

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

Email it to: Lisa.ThePaper@gmail.com

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

• Submit your press release by the previous Friday.

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

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

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

Escondido Library Events

Job Readiness Workshop Series

Learn how to build professional and attention-grabbing resumes from San Diego Workforce Partnership in this three-part series. Master interviewing skills to land your dream job.

Resume Reviews & Mock Interviews: Wednesday, May 29

• 4:00–6:00 p.m. Mathes Center Classroom

Register at https://library.escondido.org/register.aspx

½ Price Sale in the Friends Bookshop May 24 & 25

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

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

LIFE at MiraCosta College A Lifelong Learning Group

Meetings will be held in person at the Mira Costa College, 1831 Mission Ave., Oceanside Campus at 1:00 pm in the Board Room Trailer T200 by the Police Station and by the Internet Application ZOOM.

May 24: NO SESSION – COMMENCEMENT – MCC CAFETERIA CLOSED

May 31: 1:00 “Harvey Wiley and the Origins of National Food and Drug Controls in the U.S.” John Swann U.S. Food and Drug Administration

This presentation will discuss the sorry state of the U.S. food and drug marketplace in the 19th century, USDA Chief Chemist Harvey

Wiley and others efforts, and the early enforcement work under the 1906 Food and Drugs Act.

May 31: 2:30 MAAC’s Pathways of Service Victoria Vazquez, Associate Director of Engagement & Economic Mobility

Let’s get reacquainted with MAAC’s range of social programs as they maximize self-sufficiency with families and individuals through high-quality programs and advocacy in our North County communities To join a Zoom meeting, LIFE must have your email address in order for you to receive the invite link. Meetings will start at 12:45 pm (you can join 15 minutes earlier) and the speaker will start at 1:00 pm.

Email: life.miracosta@gmail.com

To Donate to the LIFE Scholarship Fund: Write a check to MiraCosta College Foundation; Mail it to: 1 Barnard Dr., MS 7; Oceanside, CA 92056. In the memo area put: LIFE Scholarship Fund. Or go to: https://foundation.miracosta.edu/ donatenow and you can donate online. There is a “drop down” box to indicate the donation will be credited to the LIFE Scholarship Fund.

* Speaker has books or CDs for sale.

Vista’s Moonlight Theater 2024 Concert Series

The Moonlight Concert Series is ecstatic to expand in 2024 with more tribute and headlining acts than ever before!

Concert Lineup

May 23: Mariachi Divas May 24: So Good! The Neil

Oodles continued on page 14

Local

County Seeking Community Input For Budget

Over the coming weeks, the County of San Diego will actively seek community input, deliberate, make adjustments, and ultimately adopt the 2024-2025 budget. This is one of the most important times of the year because it is crucial that we spend taxpayer dollars effectively while maintaining a healthy financial state through strong operating reserves. I firmly believe that this money belongs to the community, not the government, and it must be used wisely to improve the lives of all San Diegans.

I am thrilled to share some highlights from our proposed budget, which includes numerous initiatives designed to enhance our community’s safety, well-being, and overall quality of life in North County.

Here are some of the key investments we are making, along with why they are beneficial for our community:

Infrastructure Investments

Intergenerational Center in Valley Center ($1 million): This investment will fund the development of a community center that serves multiple generations, offering activities and services for both young and old. This center will foster community connections and provide a hub for social, educational, and recreational activities.

Road Maintenance ($4.5 million additional for a total of $65.5 million): This funding will help maintain 2,000 miles of roadways. Well-maintained roads are crucial for safe and efficient transportation, reducing vehicle damage and improving travel times.

Parks and Libraries ($33.5 million for parks, $569,000 for libraries): These funds will support the

Man About Town

operation of park facilities and libraries, enhancing recreational and educational opportunities. Improvements include photovoltaic panels on the Fallbrook Library roof, promoting sustainability and reducing energy costs.

Behavioral Health

Tri-City Psychiatric Health Facility (Over $9 million): This new 13,560-square-foot, 16-bed facility in Oceanside will increase access to psychiatric inpatient care, addressing the critical need for mental health services in our community.

Middle School Mental Health ($5 million annually): Funding for mental health treatment in 15 schools in District 5 will provide essential support to middle school students, helping to address mental health issues early and improving student well-being and academic performance.

Substance Use Recovery ($3.5 million increase): Increased funding for Recovery Residences housing will support adults receiving substance use treatment, providing stable housing and promoting successful recovery outcomes.

Homelessness

Regional Homeless Assistance ($15 million): This funding will continue supporting services in the unincorporated area, helping individuals and families transition out of homelessness and into stable housing.

Homeless Court Resource Fairs (Twice-monthly): These fairs provide access to legal resources for people experiencing homelessness, allowing them to resolve misdemeanors and minor offenses, which can be significant barriers to securing housing and employment.

Housing

Affordable Housing Developments (5 developments with 376 units, 8 more planned): These developments will provide muchneeded affordable housing, helping to alleviate the housing crisis and ensure that more community members have access to safe and affordable homes.

Multifamily Rental Housing ($2.4 million increase): This boost in funding will support the development of multifamily rental housing in the unincorporated area, increasing housing options for families and individuals.

Support Services

North County Family Justice Center (One Safe Place, serving 8,000 individuals): This center provides comprehensive services to victims of abuse, including legal assistance, counseling, and emergency shelter, helping them rebuild their lives.

Veterans Independence Services ($2.2 million increase): This program supports veterans in need of long-term assistance, helping them avoid institutionalization and live independently in the community.

Older Californians Nutrition Program (423,500 meals at 28 sites): This program ensures that older adults have access to nutritious meals, promoting their health and well-being.

Library Meals and Food Pantries (13 branches, including 4 in District 5): Providing meals and food pantries at library branches helps address food insecurity and supports community members in need.

Local News continued on page 6

Scrolling through some of my archived emails I came across information from 2021 . . . three years

ago. Chances are good these costs have increased since then. Here’s what it cost back then:

Now that spring has finally arrived and with summer not far behind, and with the pandemic slowly but surely winding down, more and more San Diego residents, as well as visitors to the San Diego area for a holiday, all suffering from “cabin fever,” are ready to celebrate and enjoy life as only San Diego can deliver it.

One major caution: Be prepared to bring along and spend, lots of money.

The cost of entertainment in San Diego is not low. In fact, it is rather high.

Here are some examples of what

you can expect to pay, per person, per day:

Sea World $95 per day

Safari Park $62 per day

San Diego Zoo $58 per day Child $48

Whale Watching $51.20 (in season - 3 hours trip)

SDO Bay Jet Boat Ride $32

SDO Bay Spped Boat $79

Sunset Sail $110

Midway Museum $26

Harbor Cruise $28

SDO Bay Pedal Boat $50.00 (per hour)

La Jolla SDO Beach Tour $891.00 5 hours - per group

San Diego Trolley $42.00 (Hop on, Hop Off)

The Escondido Police Department cited 33 drivers and motorcycle riders for a variety of violations. One motorist, a 70-year-old female resident of Escondido was arrested for misdemeanor evasion after leading officers on a short chase. During the operation on May 19 from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., motorists were issued citations for vehicle infractions including excessive speed, violations of signs and signals, and cell phone use – all of which put motorcyclists and other drivers at risk.

The Escondido Police Department will hold another motorcycle safety enforcement operation July 28th.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Escondido P.D. Cites Drivers & Motorcyclists We

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

Top Gun Combat fighter pilot experience $531.00 (starting price)

Sailing Tour of SDO waterways/ beaches $110

Indoor Skydiving $85

SDO Harbor Dinner Cruise $110

SDO Day Sail $99.00

Catamaran Day Cruise $600 (up to six guests, Private Sunset Sailing Tour $1042 (12 guests, about two hours) San Diego Padres, $104 (upper right field - more desirable seats, more money) Infield seat 197.00!)

Almost makes a guy want to buy a good book or two and read all about adventures. Much less expensive.

The Cost of Entertainment in San Diego

Man About Town from page 4

I hope you’ll all be able to stop by and visit us this Friday, May 24th, during “Cruisin’ Grand,” in downtown Escondido. We’ll have our table set up in the foyer of Escondido Coin and Loan, 241 E. Grand. You’ll see who makes up “The Paper.” Hope to see you there!

Things Your Mother Should Have Told You

1. Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store. If you leave them connected at the stem, they ripen faster.

2. Store your opened chunks of cheese in aluminum foil. It will stay fresh much longer and not mold!

3. Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter and better for eating. Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom are firmer and better for cooking.

4. Add a teaspoon of water when frying ground beef. It will help pull the grease away from the meat while cooking.

5. To really make scrambled eggs or omelets rich add a couple of spoonfuls of sour cream, cream

cheese, or heavy cream in and then beat them up.

6. For a cool brownie treat, make brownies as directed. Melt Andes mints in double broiler and pour over warm brownies. Let set for a wonderful minty frosting.

7. Add garlic immediately to a recipe if you want a light taste of garlic and at the end of the recipe if your want a stronger taste of garlic.

8. Leftover snickers bars from Halloween make a delicious dessert. Simply chop them up with the food chopper. Peel, core and slice a few apples. Place them in a baking dish and sprinkle the chopped candy bars over the apples. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes!!! Serve alone or with vanilla ice cream. Yummm!

9. Reheat Pizza

Heat up leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on top of the stove, set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza. I saw this on the cooking channel and it really works.

10. Easy Deviled Eggs

Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly, cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done easy clean up.

11. Expanding Frosting

When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar and calories per serving.

12. Reheating refrigerated bread

To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster.

13. Newspaper weeds away

Start putting in your plants, work the nutrients in your soil. Wet newspapers, put layers around the plants overlapping as you go. Cover with mulch and forget about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening plastic they will not get through wet newspapers.

14. Broken Glass

Use a wet cotton ball or Q-tip to pick up the small shards of glass you can’t see easily.

15. No More Mosquitoes

Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away.

16. Squirrel Away!

To keep squirrels from eating your plants, sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn’t hurt the plant and the squirrels won’t come near it.

17. Flexible vacuum

To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge add an empty paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings.

18. Reducing Static Cling

Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing panty hose. Place pin in seam of slacks and ... guess what! ... static is gone.

19. Measuring Cups

Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don’t dry cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out. (Or spray the measuring cup or spoon with Pam before using)

20. Foggy Windshield?

Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car When the windows fog, rub with the eraser! Works better than a cloth!

21. Re-opening envelopes

If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something inside, just place

Man About Town continued on page 12

Local News from page 4

Animal Services ($11.3 million): Funding includes a mobile veterinary clinic for underserved areas, ensuring all pets receive the care they need and supporting responsible pet ownership.

Helping Our Youth

SD Nights Program ($1.1 million): This initiative offers free in-person and virtual activities for youth during critical hours after school, providing safe and constructive environments that help reduce youth involvement in crime.

Public Safety

Fire Protection ($16 million increase): This funding will enhance fire, emergency, and ambulance services, including 7 County-owned fire stations in District 5, improving our community’s preparedness and response to emergencies.

Sheriff’s Patrol Stations ($86.9 million): Supporting community safety through 6 Sheriff’s patrol stations that serve various unincorporated communities and contracted services to cities like San Marcos and Vista.

Public Health & Protection

Public Health Lab ($92 million): Continued funding for the new state-of-the-art public health

lab, expected to open in 2025, will improve our ability to respond to public health threats and ensure community health.

Live Well on Wheels (New vehicles): These mobile units will directly bring health and wellness services to communities, increasing access to essential health services.

Water Quality Testing ($1.5 million): Funding for testing and reporting beach and bay water quality ensures that our recreational waters remain safe for public use.

These are just a few of the many items I’m focused on for our 202425 budget. These investments will significantly benefit our community by enhancing our infrastructure, supporting mental health and substance use recovery, addressing homelessness, increasing housing opportunities, and improving public safety and health.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if there are specific items or additional priorities you would like to see addressed in our budget. Your input is invaluable as we strive to meet the diverse needs of North County.

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

Problem

5th District Supervisor Jim Desmond

The State is Raising Our Electricity Bill

A few months back, I wrote about the State of California’s ill-conceived plan to charge electricity based on income. Thanks to our collective outcry, that proposal was rightfully defeated. However, our voices were not heard loud enough, as the state has now introduced a similar flawed scheme.

The California Public Utilities Commission has approved an additional $24 monthly charge on most electricity bills, amounting to a staggering $288 in new fees annually.

This imposition will hit workingclass families hardest, exacerbating the already challenging task of affording life in our state.

As Californians, we already bear one of the nation’s highest electricity price tags, and this new directive only means more of our hardearned money flowing into state coffers.

Here’s the breakdown: households with one or two individuals earning below $39,440 will see a $6 monthly increase; those earning between $39,440 and $62,150 will face a $12 monthly charge, while individuals making $62,150 or more will be saddled with a month-

Solved by Christopher Elliott

ly fee of $24.50.

It’s essential to note that these charges are irrespective of whether you have solar panels, making solar investments less economical. This approach also disincentivizes energy conservation, as consumers will now bear a fixed monthly cost on top of their usage.

Also, California electricity prices have risen 50% since 2017 and are now double the national average.

I’ve always advocated for a fair principle: the more you use, the more you pay. Electric companies already offer programs to aid those in need, but this new fee structure, tied to income and disincentivizing conservation, is not the solution.

It’s time to take action. I urge each of you to contact your state representatives and demand a reversal of this decision. Together, we can ensure that Californians are not burdened unfairly and that our electricity policies promote fairness and sustainability.

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

Why won’t Citi remove these fraudulent charges from my card?

Kathleen Sullivan has $4,000 in fraudulent charges on her Citi Costco Visa. Why won’t Citibank help her?

Q: I’ve had 20 fraudulent charges on my Citibank account, and I need your help getting them removed.

All of the charges happened six months ago and they were all for an online travel agency called Agoda. I immediately notified Citi as well as Agoda. Citi issued me a new card, but the fraudulent charges continued. It took four new cards before the charges stopped.

The charges were all for hotels in and around Singapore, usually for one or two nights. I saw a name on an invoice that I reported. Citi, of course, told me they would investigate. Agoda said the charges were legit, so Citi wants me to pay.

Because I had used Agoda in the past, Citi said they consider it a “billing discrepancy “ and not

fraud. An Agoda representative told me the company was not going to charge me and I should talk with Citi. But that was not true -- Agoda charged me and Citi allowed it. I thought if you called and got a person’s name and date of conversation, the information would

be recorded in my account. I have learned that is not the case. Can you help me?

~ Kathleen Sullivan, Redwood City, CA

A: You shouldn’t be responsible for any of these fraudulent charges

is a textbook case of bureaucracy and lack of accountability, costing an innocent customer $4,000.

But let’s break this down. First, when you saw a fraudulent charge on your card, you did the right thing by reporting it. One of Citi’s card benefits is that you will not be responsible for unauthorized charges. Citi defines those as charges neither you nor any authorized user made. You met both those criteria; these were made by an unknown person outside the country, according to your records.

So why did the charges continue?

That’s a mystery. Citi may have updated all the merchants with which you were doing business, including Agoda. When you signed up for your Agoda account, you might

Illustration by Aren Elliott

By Tom Morrow

We often hear the phrase “that was back in the ‘golden age’ (of whatever you want to discuss – television, movies, lifestyle, politics, cars). Probably the most commonly discussed “golden age’ has to do with communication – and, that can take in a wide variety of subjects … magazines, newspapers, television, and radio.

Remember Collier’s, Saturday Evening Post, Life, or Look? No? Then you hadn’t made your arrival here on earth until after the 1950s. Among many others, these were popular weekly magazines that were the ‘People” magazines of their day. News magazines such as Time and U.S. News & World Report were in they heyday by midcentury. Life, for example, began publishing in 1937, but ended it’s weekly press run in 1971. It was among the top weekly picture publications.

One could say the late 1800s to

Historically Speaking

The ‘Golden Age’ Depends Upon Your Age

the first half of the 20th century was the golden age of newspapers. Every major city in America had at least two newspapers. New York City had seven. Interestingly enough, today overseas cities such as London, Paris, Melbourne, Sydney, and Berlin each have more than four. Most of those cities sell their newspaper via street vendors. Door-to-door delivery seems to be an American thing. Today, Chicago has three down from four, and New York City is down to three from seven until the seventies. San Diego’s three has dwindled to just one daily for the entire county.

We’d have to include a golden age of automobiles during the twenties through the sixties. Some of the most inventive vehicles were born and sold. The Stanley Steamer (yes, it was powered by steam and went very fast). And there was the luxurious hand-built Duesenberg, which was a ‘real doozie.” There were a number of electric-powered cars. Those left from the “Greatest Generation” will remember the Graham, and the Cord. Those of us who have been around since the thirties, forties and fifties remember Packard, DeSoto, Willys, Kaiser, Frasier, Crosley, and, for a very short time, the Tucker? One of the best-built, but ugliest probably was Ford’s Edsel. It just didn’t attract enough drivers. The

grill might have had something to do with it.

Radio’s golden age began in the late twenties and lasted little more than two decades (1930s through the 1940s). Many of future TV star performers, sit-com and drama formats were developed during this period. But anyone born after 1950 would probably not have experienced the comedy, drama, quiz shows and much more wonderful programming given birth during that period. Many of us rushed home from school to listen in on our radios to “The Lone Ranger,” “Sky King,” “Sergeant Preston of the Yukon,” and “Straight Arrow.”

Travel Troubleshooter

by Christopher Elliott

Mysteries and dramas such as “The Shadow,” and “Nick Carter, Private Eye,” “Johnny Dollar” “Gangbusters” “Intersanctum,” and “Lux Radio Theater.” Nighttime radio broadcasting had millions of listeners turning in to comedies such as “Fibber McGee & Molly,” “The Life of Riley,” “Bob Hope, “Jack Benny, “George Burns & Gracie Allen,” “The Great Gildersleeve” -- all made us laugh.

In 1939 a 24-year-old Orson Wells had half the nation scared the Mar-

Historically Speaking continued on page 12

Iberia told me to file a credit card chargeback. Now I don’t have a ticket!

When Joel Revill’s ticket purchase on Iberia doesn’t go through, a representative advises him to dispute the purchase on his credit card. But now he doesn’t have a valid ticket. What should he do?

Q: I purchased a ticket from Boston to Madrid on Iberia Airlines through its website, but I didn’t receive a confirmation. When I called Iberia, an agent told me he couldn’t see the purchase and advised me to dispute the charge with my credit card company, which I did a week later.

On the same day, I received an email from Iberia with a confirmation. I called my bank that day and withdrew the dispute. A bank representative told me to just ignore any written communication and that it would automatically close the dispute. I followed this advice and assumed that my ticket would be valid. It wasn’t.

When I tried to check in for my

flight, the system showed my ticket as “suspended.” An Iberia representative told me to dispute the charge again and buy a new ticket. I followed this advice.

Iberia did, in fact, receive the $776 from my bank (Capital One), but it nonetheless suspended my ticket. I would like to get a refund. Can you help me?

~

Joel Revill, Providence, R.I.

A: You should have had a ticket on your flight from Boston to Madrid. The problem is obvious: An Iberia representative told you to dispute the charge -- and later “undispute” it -- without making the necessary notations on Iberia’s side. As a result, you ended up with a voided ticket.

You shouldn’t have disputed this charge in the first place. True, credit card chargebacks under the Fair Credit Billing Act, cover products and services purchased but not received. But you hadn’t given Ibe-

ria time to resolve this on its side. It turns out Iberia processed your transaction eventually, which led to this mess. My advice: File a credit card dispute after a few days -- not a few hours. (I have more on filing a credit card dispute in my free guide to credit card disputes on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org.)

If someone says you should file a dispute, and you decide to take their advice, then try to get them to put it in writing -- or, at least, to make a notation in their system. It looks like Iberia had no clue what you were doing because it hadn’t made any notation in your flight record.

Also, simply refusing to answer the questions is not enough to close your dispute. Yes, it will ultimately close the case and resolve in the merchant’s favor, but for a problem like this, you need more. I would have explained the situation fully and asked for something in writing that confirmed your dispute had been withdrawn.

I list the names, numbers and email addresses of the Iberia customer service managers on my consumer advocacy site. A brief, polite appeal to one of them might have helped.

Was there a better way? Maybe. A qualified travel advisor might have ensured you had a real ticket on Iberia. Sure, you would pay a little extra for the ticket, but the travel agent would also ensure everything goes smoothly with your flight. (Here’s my guide to finding a travel advisor.)

I contacted Iberia on your behalf. The airline issued a refund for your original ticket, as you requested.

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.

© 2024 Christopher Elliott.

Radio commentator Edward R. Murrow.

Radio stars Sgt. Preston & ‘King’.

Join Laura Strickler For Reverse Mortgage Lunch ‘n Learn

Laura Strickler

If you’ve been wondering how to handle the soaring cost of existing in retirement, please join me for a luncheon seminar at Charlies Family Restaurant on Thursday, May 30 th from 11-1. I will be covering all aspects of the reverse mortgage program, from the government insured HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage) to the private jumbo mortgages. There are several new reverse mortgage options

in this area that you may not have been aware of before now.

We will discuss all of the requirements to qualify for a reverse mortgage, including occupancy, counseling and the documentation that is required for processing your loan. Please bring your questions and concerns and I will address them. Also, we can schedule a private meeting toreview your personal options.

All of the myths surrounding reverse mortgages will be addressed. We will talk about the many ways this loan program has been utilized. It truly can be designed to fit your needs, it’s up to you how you personalize the way you receive your equity. That being said, with the exception of the new Reverse Mortgage Second program, the reverse mortgage can be the only mortgage on the property.

Seminars provide an open forum to discuss the pros and cons and even

call attention to some aspects you may not have considered. I have 26 seats available and you can also enjoy one of Charlie’s great lunches on me!

Please call to reserve your spot early! 760-518-9839.

Laurastrickler1@gmail.com www.laurastrickler.com

As Rewards Credit Cards Face Regulation, What are

the Alternatives

Ronald Duben is ready to give up his credit card. He thinks there’s something better out there -- and there almost certainly is.

Duben has been dutifully shelling out $120 a year for his co-branded airline rewards card, which promises he’ll get “free” flights if he spends enough money. It was a good deal at first. Once he collected about 60,000 points, he could cash in his rewards for a flight to Asia.

But when Duben tried to redeem his loyalty points for an economy class ticket to Japan recently, he

was stunned that his airline more than tripled the miles he had to pay. Then it asked him for another $375 in taxes and fees on top of the 200,000 points.

So much for “free.”

“I feel like I’m deeply involved in a rip-off,” says Duben, a retired chef from San Rafael, Calif., “and I want to get out.”

It turns out there is a way out.

Rewards

continued on page 13

Illustration by Dustin Elliott

Pastor Huls

The Pastor Says . . .

Good People

We live in a world of bad people. The news tells us of murders, corrupt politicians, liars, thieves, scammers, war, crimes, deceivers, false news, and, of course, those who disagree with us. Where are the good people? At times, they seem hard to find, but they are there.

I share my own experience. Over the past year, someone unknown to me twice paid for my dinner. There was no note or indication of who did this marvelous deed There was the spirit of not knowing what the left hand knows and what the right hand does. A friend of mine recently shared an example of goodness toward him. Upon completion of grocery shopping, he went to his car, only to not find his keys. As he stood there in utter frustration, a clerk noticed his dilemma. She called an Uber for him, paid the cost with her credit card, and refused any repayment. She was a person of goodness.

Often, I have seen persons offering to help older people find their car in a parking lot, help with their groceries, and assist with crossing a street. We even read of persons, to their peril, intervening in a threatening and harmful act to a stranger. Intervening isn’t always safe, but it has been done even at the expense of losing one’s life. Some provide survival packages for those illegals who enter this country crossing the desert. Many take issue with this practice, as these acts of mercy show the goodness of people. Whether it is stopping to assist people with an auto breakdown or helping people experiencing homelessness with a meal or article of clothing, it is evidence that not all people are bad.

Organizations such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Inter-Faith, churches, and many civic clubs remind us that there are good people. It is a general rule that if someone does a good deed, the recipient will return the favor. Hopefully, our society will experience more of these good deeds.

Jesus, the Christ, saw this need in humanity, as does the entire scripture, with the teaching of “Love your neighbor as yourself.” The other equally convincing is, “Do unto others as you want to be done to you.” Most of us think enough of ourselves to want good things done for and to us. The same is true for all others. The more good people there are, the fewer bad people there will be.

Toejam Tuesday is Rancho Coastal Humane Society’s pet of the week. She’s a 2-year-old, 5-1/2pound, female, Domestic Short Hair cat with a Tortoiseshell coat.

Toejam Tuesday was taken to a shelter in Riverside County, then transferred to Rancho Coastal Humane Society through Friends of County Animal Shelters (FOCAS.) She’s calm and relaxed. She loves it when people pet her.

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

Visit Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas or log on to www.SDpets.org. Open 11 to 4, Thursday through Monday, and by appointment Wednesday.

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

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

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

El Cajon 373 N. Marshall Ave.

Escondido 3500 Burnet Drive

Oceanside 572 Airport Road

San Diego 5480 Gaines Street

Meet Cassandra! This beautiful pup packs a lot of fun and love into a small frame, and she’s ready to share it all with you! Cassandra is a bit of a wall flower, and she’s looking for just the right family to help her gain confidence and grow into the best version of herself. While she can be shy around new people, Cassandra’s caregivers have seen her true personality bloom with time and trust. If you can be patient as she adjusts to her new home, you’ll find yourself with a devoted and happy companion like no other! Sweet Cassandra (903754) 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=903754

Pastor Huls

The Computer Factory

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

“We got to Kansas City on a Friday

By Saturday we learned a thing or two

For up to then we didn’t have an idea Of what the modern world was comin’ to”

This verse is from the Broadway musical “Oklahama” that opened in 1943. It begins a local cowboy’s amazed and enthusiastic account to his fellow ranch country rustics, of his encounter with the “modern world” on a cattle drive to the railhead in Kansas City. To Nome and me, his attitude perfectly reflects the amazement that we digital immigrants (folks born before 1980)

“Kitten Season” is beginning at Rancho Coastal Humane Society and at our shelter and rescue partners across San Diego County.

We’re “feline” like we need to “mew-ve” these kittens into their new homes. If you’ve been thinking about getting a cat or kitten, lend a helping “paw” now!

I’ve almost run out of cliché’s, so let’s talk seriously about Kitten Season.

Dogs can have puppies during

“Everything’s up to date in Kansas City”

feel when they begin to fully comprehend the impact of the IW (intelligent Web) on our present lives and the future of our species.

The “Oklahoma cowboy” was blown away by the technologies the city folks take for granted like tall buildings, indoor toilets, hot running water and the burlesque show. That “cowboy” is us, today’s DIs (digital immigrants).

We’ve seen the birth and growth of the IW and stand in awe of its ever increasing knowledge power and intelligence. Today’s younger generation DNs (digital natives) accept the existence of the ever more powerful IW as simply a part of life. They readily adopt its assets and seamlessly incorporate its ever growing features into their daily lives.

Most of “The Paper’s” readers are over forty-five. Some are as digitally connected as any of the younger DNs.

Some vehemently reject the IW as an unnatural and evil presence. The vast majority of us view the IW as a landmark, beneficial and fast moving technology. We struggle to keep up and worry about falling behind and missing opportunities. If you don’t shop the IW before you make major purchases you are leaving money on the table. If you do a grocery shop and don’t take advantage of the savings available through both the retailers Website and the product manufactures Internet coupons, you are leaving money on the table.

Here’s a simple example of how it works, Nome and I stopped at Albertsons to get a few things last week, among them some eggs. Nome turned on the pre-loaded cell phone “Albertsons app”. We noticed that eggs were one of “todays deals” on the Albertsons phone app. we could pay $5.50 for a dozen eggs or pay $5.75 and get two dozen by using the E-coupon on the Albertson app. I picked up the eggs and Nome pushed the button on her phone.

When we arrived at the check-out Nome gave the cashier her cell phone number and the credit was applied to our purchase.

This is only one small example of how learning to use your IW connection devices can improve your life. The IW contains virtually every known published fact or opinion on any subject you can imagine. It offers competitive pricing options

Before

any time of year. Kitten Season, when cats typically have their litters, starts in the spring and runs through the fall. There’s no official start or end date and it varies from year to year.

One day we’re wondering when it will start. Three weeks later our Kittery is full, our foster volunteers all have kittens, and half of the animal care attendants are taking kittens home with them at night.

In a few weeks, we’re going to be up to our ears in kittens with more arriving almost daily.

We keep a tally so there’s space for each kitten when it arrives. The list changes day to day... sometimes hour to hour. Several kittens arrived a few days ago from the homes of our foster volunteers. When these kittens are adopted, we’ll have room at the shelter for more.

on nearly everything. Merchandisers increasingly use the IW to lure customers with “special offers.”

If you aren’t using your IW connection for smart shopping, you are missing money savings opportunities.

In past ages knowledge and wisdom were the exclusive property of “older generations.” It was expected that folks would pass on this knowledge and wisdom to the younger generations. Today the sum of humanities accumulated knowledge is available to anyone with a IW connections and “wisdom” is out of fashion. Age and experience are little regarded by DNs and even we DIs are beginning to see the advantages “keeping up”. In most of the Western World today, IW connectivity is an integral part living. If you are not connected you are simply living an alternative lifestyle that is rapidly diverging from the mainstream. ‘

you give up on your “old” PC, check out the cost of an upgrade.

Solid State Drive (SSD) - windows 10/11 - more memory (RAM) - Faster Internet - Bluetooth/Wifi, better/biger monnitor - external speakers - external CD/RW - wireless keyboard and mouse - etc.

I chuckle when someone comes in and says, “We want a kitten. Any of them will do.”

There’s no “one-cat-fits-all” solution. Each kitten has its own purrsonality. (Sorry. Couldn’t resist.) Tell the adoption counselor about yourself then ask them to match you with a kitten who fits your family, home, schedule, and lifestyle.

• If you’re considering adopting a cat or kitten... do it now!

• Contact a shelter or rescue to learn how you can become a foster care volunteer.

• Make a tax-deductible donation to help cover the cost of Kitten Season.

• Sponsor a cat or kitten until it gets adopted. This is also tax deductible.

“I could never foster. I would keep them all!”

That’s not true. We won’t let you. But if you do foster a kitten you can’t live without, and end up adopting it, what a blessing!

Here are four suggestions to help us all get through Kitten Season.

John Van Zante’s Critter Corner

The Funeral from page 3

er. I want you to give her the best funeral you ever gave before. I want you to preach and sing and do all you normally do for everyone else.”

The boy stood, then he reached into his little blue jeans and he removed a wad of cash. He placed it on the preacher’s desk. It sat there in a huge wadded mess.

“Will you do it, Preacher?”

The preacher was fighting back tears. “Yes, son. I will.”

The next morning, the preacher showed up at the little boy’s house. There were four other people in attendance. The boy’s single mother. His two siblings. And the boy’s best friend.

The preacher wore a necktie.

The old man stood before a newly dug hole in the ground. Nearby, there was a shovel still stuck in the dirt. The boy was wearing boots that were covered in fresh mud.

The dog was enshrouded in a Buzz Lightyear pillowcase.

The preacher read through the 23rd Psalm. And he delivered the same sermon he’s given for throngs of deceased persons throughout the years. Including his own wife. The preacher began to weep as he recited:

“The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away…”

The little boy stood beside the grave and he wept beside the preacher. They were honest tears. The tears of a child. And he held hands with the preacher to help get the old man through it.

When the service was over, they all had lemonade and sweet tea. And little crustless sandwiches, of course. No funeral is complete without little crustless sandwiches.

And the old man sat on the back porch alongside the young boy. And he kept looking at that hole in the ground.

“Preacher,” said the little boy. “Do you think my dog is in heaven?”

“No, son.” The preacher wiped his eyes with his sleeve.

“I don’t think,” said the old man. “I know.”

Man About Town from page 5

your sealed envelope in the freezer for an hour or two. Viola! It unseals easily.

22. Conditioner

Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It’s cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It’s also a great way to use up the conditioner you bought but didn’t like when you tried it in your hair.

23. Goodbye Fruit Flies

To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass, fill it 1/2’ with Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 drops of dish washing liquid; mix well. You will find those flies drawn to the cup and gone forever!

24. Get Rid of Ants

Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it ‘home,’ can’t digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, especially if it rains, but it works and you don’t have the worry about pets or small children being harmed! •••

I’m a great admirer of County Supervisor Jim Desmond. He is one elected official who, even when it’s not election time, is always out there in the county, working for his constituents. I see him as a future candidate for Governor. Here is a story from the San Diego Signal News.com that sums up just one area in which Supervisor Desmond is constantly working:

Desmond has been a staunch critic of state and federal immigration policies that he considers a broken and inhumane system.

San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond says as many as 900 migrants, mainly from China, get dropped off in the Southern California area on a daily basis, signaling concerns over the county’s future and noting the lack of federal assistance.

“We’re getting inundated by the federal government,” Desmond told Youtuber Nick Shirley in a video posted on the county official’s social media.

Desmond, one of two Republicans on the county’s Board of Supervisors, has been a staunch critic of state and federal immigration policies that he considers a broken and inhumane system. He recently visited the sections of the border in the Jacumba and San Ysidro area, where the supervisor says he encountered abandoned tents, food, and water at open-air migrant encampments.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection data representing events shows immigration officials have encountered foreign nationals approximately 8.1 million times under the

Biden Administration, although not all who were stopped were allowed to remain in the country.

A Fox News analysis in February 2024 found that under President Joe Biden, the number of immigrants who entered the U.S. in the last three years make up the population of 36 individual states. Compared to California, the report said the number was about 19% of California’s population of 39 million.

Desmond said on social media that more than 10,000 migrants have been street-released since the end of February, noting the number is in addition to over 110,000 since October 2023.

“This is simply unsustainable,” he wrote.

San Diego, a sanctuary city with a population of more than 1.4 million people near the U.S.-Mexico border, reportedly does not require authorities to initiate contact to check immigration status or report illegal aliens to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during minor traffic offenses or infractions.

The Federation of American Immigration Reform reported local law enforcement also refuses to detain illegal aliens “in a migrant camp setting for DHS/Border Patrol unless there is a probable cause to arrest for a crime not related to immigration violations.”

Desmond said in San Diego County, most of the immigrants dropped off appear to be men and women from all over the world, including China, Ecuador, and Pakistan.

“We’re hoping they leave as soon as possible is what we’re trying to do — what we would like for them to do,” he said. “The federal government is giving no assistance and just dropping them here at our street.”

“So we’re kind of at the whim of what’s really going to happen and we’re getting no help from the feds,” he added.

Desmond wants to put an end to San Diego’s sanctuary city status, calling the surge in illegal immigration a “glaring symptom” of the Biden Administration border policies, according to his website.

Editor’s Note: While the border is not within the territory Jim Desmond is responsible for, we all need to also pressure our federal representatives, Senator and Congressman, to, in turn, pressure Mexico to fix their damned sewage problem! Every time we have heavy weather our beaches are fouled with sewage from Mexico. Enough talking about it. Let’s get the problem addressed and fixed!

Historically Speaking from page 7

tians had landed in New Jersey when his Mercury Players presented on radio George Orwell’s ‘War of the Worlds”

Nowadays when the “Golden Age” of anything is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is television. While most of us older folk associated with the fifties, it really isn’t true. Years from now people will look back at today’s presenttime period as “The Golden Age of Television.” Think about it –television sets, programming, and reception has never been as good as they are now. No more “snowy” pictures … “fade-outs,” or “test patterns.” Television sets are bigger, better, and lower-priced than ever before – and, you can hang them on the wall.

Some will argue that radio is more dramatic producing programming than TV because our brains can conjured up pictures in our minds as we sat listening to “Mr. Keen” tracing lost persons, or “Sam Spade” getting in a fist-fight with a bad guy.

Today’s television programming is far-reaching. There’s very little that you can think of that isn’t available on a wide variety of “streaming” channels. Movie theaters have all but been wiped out because of today’s modern era of television. “On Demand” programming has new movies available while some are still in the theaters – if you can find one that hasn’t closed down. Theater’s are attempting a comeback, but the jury is still out as to whether they’ll make a profitable go of it. Cable TV offers 24-hour news with talking heads spewing all sorts of opinions.

In some ways, television, computers, cell phones, and video games are almost too good – they keep us on our butts and dangerously inactive. You could say we’re presently in the “Golden Age of Indulgence.”

CABINETS SERVICE DIRECTORY

Rewards from page 9

Making a

U-Turn on Rewards Credit Cards

Rewards credit cards -- and especially those high-fee, high-interest mileage-earning credit cards -- are not for everyone. You’re probably just as likely to pay an absurdly high interest rate and add to that $1 trillion in credit card debt as you are to get a “free” airline ticket.

The government is concerned about these cards, too. Earlier this month, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued a report on rewards cards that identified multiple problems with these payment systems. Consumers complained that rewards are often devalued or denied even after they meet program terms. And consumers who carry revolving balances often pay more in interest and fees than they get back on rewards.

The CFPB and the Department of Transportation also held a hearing on rewards credit cards, a likely precursor to regulating these programs.

So if this is the beginning of the end for rewards credit cards, then what’s next?

Here Are the Alternatives to Award Cards

Read a travel blog, Instagram account or newspaper travel section and you might think the only way to travel is with one of those high-

MIGHTY MOJO

fee travel cards. But there are other ways to pay:

A Debit Card: A debit card or bank card deducts money directly from your bank account. No need to worry about spending more than you have because it usually won’t let you overdraw. “Debit cards are a straightforward option,” says Shawn Plummer, a financial expert and frequent traveler. “They’re widely accepted and eliminate the risk of accumulating debt because they only allow you to spend what you have.”

Many debit cards even have travel benefits such as no currency conversion fees, but there are limits: Car rental companies and hotels may not accept a debit card.

A No-Annual-Fee, Low-InterestRate Credit Card: You shouldn’t pay an annual fee for your credit card. And if you do a little research, you can find a card with less than a 10 percent annual interest rate. Hint: Check with a credit union. Many of these cards also have all the travel benefits you need, including coverage for car rentals and medical evacuations – and no currency exchange fees.

By the way, if you do want to pay a membership fee, try joining one of the warehouse clubs like Sam’s or Costco. Peter Hoagland, a consultant from Warrenton, Va., swears by his Costco Visa. He says it’s a no-nonsense payment system with relatively reasonable fees.

Money Transfer Services: A service like Revolut or Wise will allow you to transfer money to a company or individual, completely

bypassing the credit card network. These companies are on the bleeding edge of digital banking. I visited Wise’s headquarters while I was in London recently and really loved its plan to remove “all the friction” between you and your money. That means eliminating a lot of the high fees you’ve been paying for years.

Andy Abramson, a communications consultant from Las Vegas, uses both and likes the speed of transfer and the favorable exchange rates when moving dollars to another currency.

The Future of Payment Systems for Travelers

Are rewards credit cards obsolete? Have they become bloated and inefficient, with their high swipe fees and exorbitant interest rates and empty promises of free tickets? Some industry watchers believe the answer is yes.

As an intermediate step, many travelers are switching to a debit card or a digital payment system. That allows them to lower their interest rates and make smarter decisions about their purchases instead of mindlessly spending money to accumulate points or giving all of their loyalty to one airline.

Financial experts see a better future just ahead. It’s a place where digital peer-to-peer payment systems are used to transfer money at virtually no cost to you. In that future, cards are as antiquated as traveler’s checks. All transactions happen on a phone with a tap and a biometric “OK.” And loyalty programs have evolved

into something more sophisticated than today’s bait-and-switch cards that just make you spend more.

After this month’s joint hearings with the CFPB and DOT, one thing is certain: Rewards credit cards will be regulated by the government soon. Even if regulators don’t act, Congress could. A new bill called the Credit Card Competition Act could bring much-needed competition to credit cards. Notably, it would force networks to compete over fees and potentially reduce swipe fees for merchants. That might bring some sanity back to credit card rewards programs, which would benefit consumers.

It’s about time. Rewards credit cards make promises they can’t keep, bait you into spending more than you should, and ultimately reward only the airlines and credit card companies that issue trillions of often worthless points. The sooner you find an alternative, the better.

That’s what Duben, the retired chef who wanted to go to Japan, did. He clicked on the United Airlines website and booked a regular ticket. He’ll use his miles for another ticket and then close his rewards credit card for good.

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

Oodles from page 3

Diamond Experience starring Robert Neary

May 25: The Sounds of the 60’s Tour: The Drifters, The Platters & The Coasters

June 27: ABBA-Mania: The Best of ABBA

June 28: Chicago Nights starring Jason Scheff

June 29: The Midtown Men: Stars from the Original Broadway Cast of Jersey Boys

August 1: José Feliciano & Tito Puente Jr.

August 2: Yesterday & Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience

August 3: 90’s House Party: Kid ’n Play, Tone Loc, Rob Base, Young MC

October 3: Dream Like Taylor: A Live Band Journey through the Enchanted Eras of Taylor Swift

October 4: When Disco was King: Featuring Former Members of the Village People

October 5: Dead Man’s Party: Oingo Boingo/Danny Elfman Tribute

Ticket Prices

Ticket costs vary depending on event type and seat selection.

Orchestra

Reserved

Fringe

Reserved Lawn

Gen Lawn

$45-$95

$35-$68

$35-$68

$35-$68

$25-$58

Discount Packages

Interested in attending multiple shows? Get the best value by purchasing a concert package and receive a discount! Discounts will automatically be applied when ordering online.

3-5 Concerts = 10% discount

6-10 Concerts = 15% discount

11+ Concerts = 20% discount

Questions? Call our box office: 760.724.2110. Customer Service hours are noon to 5 pm weekdays.

Purchase tickets online at https:// my.moonlightstage.com/events

Oceanside Independence Parade

June 29 • 10am

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

roll, walk and drive down historic Highway 101.

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

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

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

https://www.mainstreetoceanside. com/independence- parade

***

Weekday Wellness & Fun for Seniors 11am - Noon McClellan Senior Center

Calling all seniors! Looking for a way to add some excitement to your weekdays? Look no further! From 11 am until noon, join us at the McClellan Senior Center for a variety of engaging activities designed just for you!

• Unleash your creativity in our lively art class on Mondays.

• Test your luck and socialize with friends in a thrilling game of bingo on Tuesdays.

• Enjoy some friendly competition with games and cards on Wednesdays.

• Keep your mind sharp with trivia and brain games on Thursdays.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect, have fun, and make new memories with fellow seniors. Mark your calendars and join us for a fulfilling and enjoyable time at McClellan Senior Center! For more information, call 760.643.5288.

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

Shred, E-Waste, & Mulch Event June 8

The City of Vista’s Public Works Department and EDCO are sponsoring a free event on Saturday, June 8, from 9 am to noon at the Vista Civic Center lower parking lot, 200 Civic Center Drive.

Shredding

Limit of 2 bankers’ boxes (10” x 12” x 15”) per household.

E-Waste Collection

Acceptable items include computers, monitors, laptops, computer components, printers, scanners, fax machines, radios, and cell phones.

Free Mulch

• Available for Vista residents while supplies last!

• Self-serve, self-loading, and selfhaul service.

• Bring your own cans/bags, gloves, and shovel.

• Limit of 3 cans/bags per vehicle.

• If using an open truck or trailer, please bring a tarp to cover the material.

Goodwill Donations

Goodwill will be on-site to accept donated reusable items.

Visit edcodisposal.com under News & Events for a list of items Goodwill will not accept.

Problem Solved from page 6

have authorized your credit card to share that information with the company. (I asked Citi about your case, but it didn’t say what went wrong.)

The only thing that would have stopped the charges is if you’d closed your account. But, of course, you couldn’t have known that.

Someone may have hacked into your account -- again, it’s difficult to say how someone obtained your account credentials and made fraudulent bookings. What is certain is that your bank should have stepped up to fix this problem ASAP.

I list the names, numbers and email addresses of the key executives at Citigroup, Costco and Agoda on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org. A brief, polite appeal to one of them should have helped them see that they were overlooking something.

And what was that “something”? Well, even though you had an Agoda account, it didn’t mean you made those transactions. Citi’s guarantee is unambiguous. It should have promptly reversed the charges and not held you responsible for any future fraudulent charges.

What I find remarkable is that these reservations were made under a different name for a hotel in a country you were not even in at the time. Plus, you reported the transaction as fraudulent. This should have been an open-and-shut case. Could you have handled this differently? Well, you could have potentially gotten Costco involved. And I think you might have appealed your credit card dispute. I have more advice in my complete guide to credit card disputes.

Cardiff Farmers Market

Every Saturday • 10am - 2pm

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

Chess at Park Avenue Community Center Wednesdays from noon to 3pm Home of Escondido Senior Center 210 Park Avenue, Escondido

Chess players of all skill levels are welcome every Wednesday in the shuffleboard building from Noon to 3 pm. Large boards and pieces provided. Follow the signs or ask at the front desk for directions.

***

Looking For Things to do? Places to go?

Check out Oodles every week for listings of civic and service club meetings, and more!

I contacted Citibank on your behalf. It also didn’t respond to my initial inquiry. But I asked again. And then you contacted me with some good news.

“I got a letter from Citi today saying they have credited my account on the fraudulent charges,” you said. “After almost six months of trying to get Citi to acknowledge the fraud, I was feeling very hopeless. I am so grateful!”

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

© 2024 Christopher Elliott.

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE

RONALD GERARD NEILSON

Case No. 24PE000608C

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, of Ronald Gerard Neilson, aka, Ronald G. Neilson, aka Ronald Neilson. A petition for probate has been filed by Karissa Neilson in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA. 92101. Central Courthouse,Probate Division. The Petition for Probate requests that Karissa Neilson be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: 05/23/24 Time: 1:30 pm Dept: 503 Address of court: Same as noted above. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general per- sonal 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 Kyle T. Overs 600 W. Broadway, Suite 1500 San Diego, CA. 92101 619.810.4300

DOP: 4/25, 5/02 & 5/09/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9009056

The name of the business: A Cut Above Barber And Beauty Lounge, located at 918 Mission Ave., Ste 115, Oceanside, CA 92054. Registrant Kristy Rogers, 29538 Major League, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 4/25/2024

/s/ Kristy Rogers with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 4/26/2024

5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9008803

The name of the business: Power Wash MD, located at 4325 Ls Portalada Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92010. Registrant Mark Dumais, 4325 La Portalada Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92010. This business is operated by an In-

dividual. First day of business: 1/2/2023

/s/ Mark Dumais with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 4/23/2024

5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT 2024-9008495

The name of the business: Mommy & Me Nails, located at 1582 W. San Marcos Blvd., Suite 104, San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant Tham Thi Ford, 1329 N. Las Flores Dr., San Marcos, CA 92069, Nicholas Robert Ford, 1329 N. Las Flores Dr., San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by a Married Couple. First day of business: 4/18/2024 /s/ nicholas Robert Ford with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/18/2024 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9008636

The name of the business: Target Auto Repair, located at 3006 Barnett Ave., San Diego, CA 92110. Registrant VLLV Inc., 3006 Barnett Ave., San Diego, CA 92110. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: N/A /s/ Bassam Behnam, Vice President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/22/2024 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23/2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME 37-2024-00017062-CU-PTNC TO ALL INTERESTED PER-

SONS: Petitioner Kimberly Rochelle Smith filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: Kimberly Rochelle Smith to Proposed name Kimberly Rochelle Smith aka Kimberly Rochelle Levens French. 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: 5/24/2024, 8:30am, in Dept. N-25

The address of the court is: 325 S. Melrose, Vista, CA. 92081. No hearing will occur on above date: see attachment. A copy of the Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Marcos News Reporter, dba, The Paper, 845 W. San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, Ca. 92078. Dated April 11, 2024 /s/ Brad A. Weinreb, Judge of the Superior Court 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23/2024

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF John E. Azevedo Case No. 24PE000672C

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO

1100 Union Street San Diego, CA. 92101

To all heirs, beneficiaries, cred-

LEGALS

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

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

Date: May 22, 2024

Time: 1:30 pm

Dept: 502

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 four months from the date of first issuance of letters as provided in Probate Code section 9100. the time for filing claims will not expire before four months from the hearing date noticed above. 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: Brian M. Wagner 11 Embarcadero West, Suite 140 Oakland, CA 94607 510-272-0200 DOP: 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9009274

The name of the business: Auto Pro SD, located at 2865 Scott St., #101, Vista, CA 92081. Registrant The Auto Detailing Company, 2865 Scott St., #101, Vista, CA 92081. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 3/21/2021 /s/ Israel Alzalde, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/30/2024 5/9, 5/16, 5/23, 5/30//2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT 2024-9009531

The name of the business: OSL

Travel, located at 1368 Corte Lira, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant Sheila Marie Ligayon, 1368 Corte Lira, San Marcos, CA 92069, Owen Doroteo Ligayon, 1368 Corte Lira, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by a Married Couple. First day of business: N/A

/s/ Sheila Marie Ligayon with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/3/2024 5/9, 5/16, 5/23, 5/30/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9004742

The name of the business: American Wholesale Co, located at 1401 21st St. Ste R, Sacramento, CA 95811. Registrant DRGP Productions LLC, 1401 21st St. Ste R, Sacramento, CA 95811. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: 3/4/2024

/s/ Daniel Green Pollock, Managing Member with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 3/4/2024

4/4, 4/11, 4/18, 4/25/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9009100

The name of the business: Todd Travis Design Group, Travis Design Group, located at 1930 W. San Marcos Blvd., #153, San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant Travis Ultravisions Inc., 1930 W. San Marcos Blvd., #153, San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: N/A /s/ Todd Travis, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/26/2024 5/16, 5/23, 5/30, 6/6/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9008536

The name of the business: J&C Cleaning Service, located at 1260 Borden #17, Escondido, CA 92026. Registrant Victoria Vergara, 1260 Borden Rd. #17, Escondido, CA 92026. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Victoria Vergara with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 4/18/2024 5/16, 5/23, 5/30, 6/6/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9009440

The name of the business: Suspension Plus, located at 322 El Camino Real Suite E, Bonsall, CA 92024. Registrant Investment LLC, PO Box 500783, San Diego, CA 92150. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: N/A /s/ Efren G. Abrego, General Partner with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/2/2024 5/16, 5/23, 5/30, 6/6/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9008692

The name of the business: Valle Verde Social Club, Valle Verde Residents Activity Club, located at 1286 Discovery St., San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant Frank Hampton Johnson, 1286 Discovery St., Spc 29, San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 1/1/2024 /s/ Frank Hampton Johnson with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/22/2024 5/16, 5/23, 5/30, 6/6/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9009111

The name of the business: Destination Yoga, located at 3428 Cameo Dr., #54, Oceanside, CA 92056. Registrant Diana Stein, 3428 Cameo Dr., #54, Oceanside, CA 92056, Erich Stein, 3428 Cameo Dr., #54, Oceanside, CA 92056. This business is operated by a Joint Venture. First day of business: 4/26/2024

/s/ Diana Stein with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 4/26/2024

5/16, 5/23, 5/30, 6/6/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9009928

The name of the business: Kindness Janitorial Services LLC, located at 5915 Rio Valle Dr., Bonsall, CA 92003. Registrant Kindness janitorial Services LLC, 5915 Rio Valle Dr., Bonsall, CA 92003. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: 5/8/2024

/s/ Alejandro R. Perez, Manager with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/8/2024 5/16, 5/23, 5/30, 6/6/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9009976

The name of the business: Morgan’s World, located at 305 Tamarack Ave., Carlsbad, CA 92008. Registrant Morgans World LLC, 305 Tamarack Ave., Carlsbad, CA 92008. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: N/A /s/ Morgan Gardiner, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/8/2024

5/16, 5/23, 5/30, 6/6/2024

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME: 2024-9009057

In The Cut Barber & Beauty Lounge, located at 918 Mission Ave., Ste 115, Oceanside, CA 92054. The Fictitious Business Name referred to above was filed in San Diego County on 4/11/2023 and assigned file no. 2023-9007985. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IS BEING ABANDONED BY: Kristy Rogers, 29538 Major League, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530, Tatyanna Lackritz, Heath Ct., Carlsbad, CA 92011. This business is conducted by a general partnership. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1000). /s/Kristy Rogers, General Partner This statement was filed with the San Diego Recorder/County clerk on 4/26/2024. 5/16, 5/23, 5/30, 6/6/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT 2024-9009626

The name of the business: North County Pro Cleaning, located at 583 Golf Glen Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant Saul Magadan Lara, 583 Golf Glen Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Saul Magadan Lara with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/6/2024

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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT 2024-9009365

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

/s/ Donna L. Weber with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 5/1/2024 5/23, 5/30, 6/6, 6/13/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9010516

The name of the business: EcoWater Systems of San Diego, located at 2241 La Mirada Drive, Vista, CA 92081. Registrant Yanchewski & Wardell Enterprises, Inc., 2241 La Mirada Drive, Vista, CA 92081. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 1/1/2024 /s/ Glenn P. Kiehl, Corporate Secretary with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/16/2024 5/23, 5/30, 6/6, 6/13/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9010125

The name of the business: Coastal Care Home Health, located at 14619 Woodhue Ln., Poway, CA 92064. Registrant Sacks Investment Group, 14619 Woodhue Ln., Poway, CA 92064. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: N/A /s/ Kenneth I. Sacks, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/10/2024 5/23, 5/30, 6/6, 6/13/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9008463

The name of the business: Socal Auto Care, located at 711 S. Santa Fe, Vista, CA 92083. Registrant Socal Auto Care LLC, 711 S. Santa Fe, Vista, CA 92083. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: 4/18/2024 /s/ Jessie Olivas, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/18/2024

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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9010583

The name of the business: Sprouts & Blooms, located at 1447 San Pablo Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant Stephanie Spiteri Edwards, 1447 San Pablo, San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 5/16/2024 /s/ Stephanie Spiteri Edwards with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/17/2024

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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9010290

The name of the business: Westek Electronics, loated at 1390 Aspen Way, Vista, CA 92081. Registrant Tempo Communications, Inc., 1390 Aspen Way, Vista, CA 92081. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 4/30/2024

/s/ John Parlzek, Chief Financial Oficer with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/14/2024 5/23, 5/30, 6/6, 6/13/2024