August 24, 2023

SERVING Escondido

San Marcos Vista Carlsbad

Oceanside Valley Center

Paper T H E FREE

By Friedrich Gomez

WARNING TO THE READER: The following investigative report may prove disturbing, therefore, reader discretion is advised.

It is not your normal panhandling scam as exclusively reported in a cover story which appeared in The Paper (12-9-21 issue) and was titled: ‘Homeless’ Panhandlers Driving Off in Luxury Cars!

That was bad enough.

Today, concerned authorities, city officials, police, and TV newscasters across the nation have been reporting what CBS-8.com has described as:

“Scammers have hit a new all-time low.”

And one Florida veteran and seasoned newscaster, Matt Austin, of News 6 WKMG television stated:

“I’ve been 18 years in this news business and few things shock me or disgust

The Paper • 760.747.7119

online: www.TheCommunityPaper.com

email: thepaper@cox.net

me more than the arrest of a woman (Elena Farouge) who is facing several charges including child neglect and a scheme to defraud the public (via fake funeral solicitation).”

For some San Diego County motorists, it has become a common sight: grieving family members at intersections holding placards with photos of a deceased loved one and asking drivers for donations to help cover funeral costs.

Such heart-wrenching scenarios

have seen millions of Americans digging deep into their pockets and purses to do “the right thing.”

Unfortunately, law enforcement across the United States has repeatedly cautioned the general public that such scenarios are often scams.

And yet, it still remains a most disturbing trend described by various news outlets as the most despicable exploitation of human kindness, such as this one commentary:

Scam

from page 1

“It’s a group that panhandles for ‘donations’ for funerals of kids/ family members that are likely fabricated.

“What was a common scam around the world has now proliferated within all 50 U. S. states today.”

Such scams often show ‘fake’ photos of family members such as young adults or even small children and infants who, allegedly, died tragically.

SUCH FUNERAL SCAMS OFTEN RAISE UP TO $1400 IN A SINGLE DAY!

Such fraudulent endeavours is no small-time criminal activity.

Instead, such insidious bilking of the innocent populace under false pretenses has proven to be a ‘huge bonanza’ for the criminal element: often times netting as much as $1400 cash in a single day.

WHAT WAS A COMMON OCCURRENCE AROUND THE WORLD IS NOW PROLIFERATING ACROSS THE ENTIRE UNITED STATES.

This highly lucrative scam has long been common around the world in various foreign countries. However, in relatively recent years

Give Us This Day our Daily Chuckle

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

Irish Puddle fishing

The rain was pouring down. And there standing in front of a big pud-dle outside the pub, was an old Irishman, drenched, holding a stick, with a piece of string dangling in the water.

A passer-by stopped and asked, “What are you doing?”

“Fishing” replied the old man.

Feeling sorry for the old man, the gent says, “Come in out of the rain and have a drink with me.”

In the warmth of the pub, as they

it has come to roost within all 50 U. S. states – and is proliferating at a most alarming rate.

From New York to Florida and all the way west from Washington state down to California and all points in-between, Americans dig deep into their own personal finances to help out fellow American who are, ostensibly, grieving.

More often than not: they were scammed!

It bears repeating here, that CBS-8 news has described this unspeakable crime-wave as follows:

“Scammers have hit a new alltime low in fleecing an unsuspecting public by parading fraudulent posters asking motorists to donate money to cover funeral expenses for a lost loved one.”

Authorities warn that such scams are not an uncommon sight among motorists in various pockets of their county-wide regions.

According to many police agencies, such disturbing scams successfully bilk the U. S. populace out of millions of dollars, collectively, every day around the 50 US states. With real-life families struggling with real-life funeral expenses, what percentage do many experts say are possible scams?

“WITH FUNERAL BILLBOARDS ASKING FOR DONA-

sip their whiskies, the gentleman cannot resist asking, “So how many have you caught today?”

“You’re the eighth” says the old man.

***

A husband and wife who work for the circus go to an adoption agency.

Social workers there raise doubts about the living conditions in a cir-cus, but the couple produces photos of their 50-foot luxury motor home, which is clean and wellmaintained and equipped with a beautiful nurs-ery.

The social workers also raise concerns about the education a child would receive while in the couple’s care. “We’ve arranged for a full-time tutor who will teach the child all the usual subjects along with French, Mandarin and computer skills.”

Then the social workers express concern about a child being raised in a circus environment. “Our nanny is a certified expert in pediatric care, welfare and diet.”

TIONS: PERHAPS 9 OUT OF 10 ARE SCAMS!”

With the growing nationwide problem with such scams, statistical research data shows a shocking revelation.

In Scam Alert on 16 News Now, South Bend, Indiana Police Chief, Scott Ruszkowski, stated on a special news broadcast his findings:

“Maybe 9 out of 10 times it’s a scam playing on your heartstrings. And I know that decent human beings feel bad and maybe even feel guilty, and if they have it (money), why not give it? I totally get it. Been there, done that. There’s not a person in this area that hasn’t at least thought about that (donating), but if you’re going to give money away, give where you know it’s going to be used – and not abused.”

Just weeks ago, on 27 June 2023 the Indiana Police Chief, Scott Ruszkowski, reported that the fraudulent phenomena is growing around the United States as a very lucrative and insidious method of obtaining large cash donations by family and friends who are often fleecing countless Americans on a daily basis.

In this disturbing scenario, the scammers, who were exposed by police, were walking through traffic at intersections showing motorists large signs with FUNERAL written on the top along with a photo of a young teenager who allegedly died a tragic death.

The social workers are finally satisfied and ask, “What age child are you hoping to adopt?”

“It doesn’t really matter as long as the kid fits in the cannon.”

***

A little boy was waiting for his mother to come out of the grocery store.

As he waited, he was approached by a man who asked, “Son, can you tell me where the Post Office is?”

The little boy replied, “Sure! Just go straight down this street a coupla blocks and turn to your right.”

The man thanked the boy kindly and said, “I’m the new pastor in town. I’d like for you to come to church on Sunday. I’ll show you how to get to Heaven.”

The little boy replied with a chuckle. “You’re kidding me, right? You don’t even know the way to the Post Office!” ***

A frog goes into the bank, walks up

The fraudulent placard, complete with photo and large block lettering said:

“FUNERAL. PAUL, 18-YEARSOLD DIED IN A CAR ACCIDENT. PLEASE HELP! GOD BLESS.”

According to authorities, funeral fundraising signs like this on the side of the road are likely to be scams.

In this case, South Bend, Indiana police say there have been no teenagers named Paul who died in any car crash in recent months.

Authorities point out that, should someone need to raise money for a funeral, there are safer ways to do that.

“With the advent of GoFundMe, if there are (legitimate) funeral expenses, there are many other ways to go about getting the monetary donations necessary. Standing in a busy intersection is not the best prescribed way to do that. It is very dangerous, especially if solicitors step off the median curbs during heavy traffic.”

IN SO. CALIFORNIA SUCH SCAMS ARE NOTHING NEW & ARE TAKING ROOT & PROLIFERATING!

Scam

continued on page 3

to the teller, Miss Paddywack.

He explains to her that he needs a loan. She asks if he has any collateral.

He shows her a really nice knick knack. She explains that she will have to consult her boss to approve the loan.

She goes back to her boss and explains the situation and shows him the really nice knick knack. Her boss says “That’s a really nice knick knack Miss Paddywack, give the frog a loan.” ***

A snail goes into the Nissan dealership and wants to buy a Z car, except he wants the Z replaced with an S.

The salesman explains to him that it would have to be a special order and will take several weeks, so the snail says ok.

Several weeks later the salesman calls the snail and says the car is in,

Scam from page 2

Shocking to many readers is the fact that such “funeral fundraising scams” are nothing new to California – particularly in Southern California.

How long has this been happening?

As far back as 2 September 2010, an ABC-7 news broadcast stunned television viewers.

It all happened when a Carolyne Mathis, a 19-year-olde resident of Riverside, California, was arrested by police for using a fraudulent poster asking for funeral donations for a “Michael James Mathis,” whom she said passed away at only 4 months of age. The infant photo was particularly heart-wrenching for motorists to have to see.

Police investigators exposed her claims as fraudulent

According to San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Spokeswoman, Jodi Miller:

“Her story was a complete scam. She did not have a child. She did not have a deceased child. And she was subsequently arrested for panhandling.”

The photo of a 4-month-olde baby was apparently taken from a gallery of Google images.

It appeared that there was a man who created the elaborate scam and even used a number of different women in several different cities in the southern California region.

According to San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Spokesperson, Jodi Miller:

“Apparently what happens is he drops off up to, quite possibly, five different females with these posters stating that they have deceased children and that they need help with the funeral arrangements and they’re requesting donations. Well, unfortunately, people see this and people feel bad for her, and it’s my understanding that they’re making (hundreds of dollars a day) with this fake scam.”

While some panhandlers may be seriously desperate in real-life scenarios, this scam illustrates that not everyone can be trusted.

The sheriff’s department is reminding the public that panhandling is a misdemeanor crime.

Since there was fraud involved, Mathis could be charged with conspiracy to commit a crime, which is a felony.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CA. FAKE BABY, FAKE FUNERAL SCAMS!

On 8 April 2022, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department arrested 5 San Bernardino residents in what authorities are now sayings is a “common scam” in which people wrongfully claim that they are raising money for a child’s medical expenses or funeral arrangements.

The arrests happened at about 5 p.m. at the intersection of Yucaipa Boulevard and Yucaipa Valley Circle.

A deputy saw them holding signs requesting donations for a child’s funeral as well as plastic water jugs to hold all the cash donations.

Many motorists stopped to hand them money, in some cases, large amounts.

One of the solicitors lied to the deputy about the child being killed in a traffic collision in San Bernardino, the official sheriff’s report said.

“At the end of the investigation, it was determined it was a scam and the suspects were collecting money for their own personal benefit. The suspects had collected over $950 in donations,” according to the startling investigation.

DATELINE: RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA.

In another similar case, Riverside police seized $400 cash from people who were soliciting money for a girl named “Baby Jacob” who allegedly was suffering from “akute leukemy” (sic) – according to the signs, which multiple people were parading at various intersections.

In this scenario, county sheriff deputies discovered that “Baby Jacob” did not even exist and proceeded to roundup and arrest several people on panhandling and conspiracy charges.

Arrested on suspicion of panhandling and conspiracy in the city of Riverside were San Bernardino residents Larry Padilla, 21, Francisco Saldana, 21 and Adrian Martinez, 22, Tero Weston, 28, of Loma Linda, and Sergio Vidaca, 32, of Rialto.

SO SERIOUS ARE THESE FUNDRAISING FUNERAL SCAMS THAT THE FBI IS NOW OFFICIALLY & ACTIVELY INVOLVED.

These incidents are now so common that the FBI is officially warning everyone to be on the lookout for all manner of possible scams,

Scam

continued on page 5

Oodles!

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.

***

City of Vista Food Truck Fridays

Food Truck Fridays is a new special event being held each Friday night through September, in downtown Vista at the corner of Citrus & Broadway. The event features six food trucks and live music from 5:30 pm-8:30 pm.

***

SDG&E Wildfire Safety Fair & Fire Safety Expo

August 26, 2023

9:00am to 1:00pm

Bates Nut Farm 15954 Woods Valley Road Valley Center

Join SDG&E for their 5th Annual Wildfire Safety Fair. Prepare and protect your family and property. Learn about stocking an emergency kit, developing an emergency plan, designing or modifying the space around your home to resist wildfire and more.

• Admission is free

• Preparedness backpacks and other great give-a-ways provided on a first come, first served basis.

• Spin the prize wheel for giveaways, including weather stations, gift cards, preparedness items and much more.

• Lunch and snacks including gourmet hot dogs, cold drinks, popsicles and kettle corn, from 9:30am to 1:00pm while supplies last.

Valley Center’s Fire Safety Expo will be held alongside SDG&E’s Wildfire Safety Fair this year!

Come meet the Valley Center firefighters! The Fire Safety Expo will feature safety demonstrations and

emergency information from a variety of local firefighters, highway patrol, medical professionals and more. Check out the vintage fire engines, fire trucks, and learn how you and your family can be better prepared for emergencies and to learn more about your local emergency responders.

***

Library Learning Center

Open House

August 26 • 10am - 2pm

Library Learning Center

3368 Eureka Pl, Carlsbad

The Library Learning Center is celebrating 15 years of service to the Carlsbad community with an open house on Saturday, August 26. Join us for live music, food and family-friendly activities.

The Library Learning Center is a full-service library and houses the city’s Bilingual Services and Literacy Services divisions, which include specialized browsing collections and programs. The facility opened its doors in 2003 and provides services like bilingual story times, English as a Second Language classes and tutoring.

• Food provided from local restaurant Lola’s starting at 11am.

• Live music by LuMaya starting at noon

• Bilingual story time from 11 – 11:30am in the first floor Storytime Room

• Reading to therapy dogs with Love on a Leash from 10am –1:30pm

• Genealogy demonstration continuous throughout the event

• Tours of the library continuous throughout the event

• A viewing of the documentary “Voices and Faces”

Anyone from the community is welcome.

More information

https://library.carlsbadca.gov/ ***

Escondido Senior Travel Meetings

Escondido Senior Travel Service’s holds a monthly meeting at 1pm in the Park Avenue Community

New San Diego Humane Society Chief of Humane Law Enforcement Sworn In

San Diego Humane Society officially has a new Chief of Humane Law Enforcement. Jace Huggins was sworn in today before Judge Eugenia Eyherabide at San Diego Superior Court.

In his role as Vice President and Chief of Humane Law Enforcement, Huggins will oversee one of the largest teams of Humane Law Enforcement Officers in California, which includes 56 sworn officers and 18 dispatchers, along with investigations and case management, emergency response, officer training and collaborations with local courts and law enforcement.

Huggins has 22 years of experience in animal welfare and veterinary hospital management, including a decade working in humane law enforcement. Prior to joining San Diego Humane Society, he served as Chief Animal Control Officer for the City of Sacramento at Front Street Animal Shelter. Huggins has overseen programs in shelters and in the field, including Sacramento’s Homeless Outreach and Assistance Program; a free monthly vaccine and microchip clinic, and the “Promoting Animal Welfare and Safety” program. He is also a nationally elected Board member of the National Animal Care and Control Association.

“Jace has built a reputation for creating innovative programs that keep pets with their families,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, President and CEO of San Diego Humane Society. “His proven record of providing owners with non-judgmental and low-barrier access to resources, while promoting animal welfare and safety in the community, aligns perfectly with the values and mission of our organization.”

“It’s an honor to join San Diego Humane Society — an organiza-

class that provides movements set to a variety of music in a comfortable atmosphere of friendship and fun.

Lynn is offering a free Zumba for Boomers class at 9 am on Saturday, Sept. 2nd at the East Valley Community Center.

For more info, contact Lynn Morgan at 760-201-6715

Man About Town

Lynn Morgan gets around . . . and stays in great shape doing it!

Lynn is celebrating her 13th anniversary of teaching Zumba classes . . . for Baby Boomers and Active Seniors. Based in Escondido for these past 13 years, she actually got started teaching dance fitness classes in 1982 when she introduced Jazzercise to Vancouver, BC.

Her classes, now offered both live and virtual, seated and standing, can be enjoyed by all fitness levels.

Both the City of Escondido’s Recreation Dept and Oasis San Diego offer Lynn’s classes.

Zumba Fitness is a dance exercise

and her

tion known in the industry as a national leader in animal welfare,” said Huggins. “I witnessed a lot of positive changes with our community outreach in Sacramento and am looking forward to working with this new team of Humane Officers to help people and pets in San Diego.”

About San Diego Humane Society

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

Letters to the Editor

Thank you for publishing the news of Pastor Huls recovery progress. The delightful conversational style of your visit involved the reader in a friendly manner.

The inclusion of Pastor Huls photo was a nice addition to the congenial format.

Carol Van Houten

We love your letters!

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. Please no hand written letters.

Laura Strickler will be happy to sit down with you, help analyze your needs and show how a Reverse Mortgage may be the answer.

Call her: Laura Strickler, 760.518.9839.

I remember a time not so long ago when I sent SWMBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed) off for a trip home to bonnie Scotland. This was back in the day before her dementia kicked in. I sent her home for a five week holiday.

••••

No doubt you have wondered from time to time, “how can The Paper’s advertisers help me?”

Well, Laura Strickler, who specializes in Reverse Mortgages has an interesting success story to tell:

It’s been quite a few years since I first

met Judy. She had a hole in her roof, and living in Hesperia, she was extremely hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Judy was waiting for the city to help her with a program, but for two years in a row, she was unable to receive the assistance she needed. After explaining the reverse mortgage program, Judy wanted to try for the city assistance program first. I helped Judy try to work with the city for those two years and finally, she realized that a reverse mortgage would provide her all she needed to repair her home and provide a line of credit for living expenses and any emergencies. After getting the reverse mortgage, Judy was so relieved, happy and financially secure. She was also happy to have her home repaired and to be comfortable in her home again. Her son was also grateful that his mother was happy and secure again.

Decided to give her a proper send off and visit a nice hotel located right at the Airport. We chose the Airport Marriott. As we drove up they had a doorman dressed in one of those white pith helmets such as they wear in Jamaica. “Walkom to de Marriott Hotel, my fren,” he said.

“Why, thank you. . .uh, er. .(looking at his name tag). .”Pepe”.

“You welcome. I thin you very mush like de hotel. Ees wan berry, berry nice hotel.”

$239 per night. “Well, okay,” I thought, “for one night I guess we’ll

Lynn Morgan

beloved pal, Doc Martin

Jace Huggins will oversee one of the largest teams of Humane Officers in California

Laura Strickler

Scam

from page 3

many of which are currently listed on the FBI website.

If you’re wondering about the real-life baby photos used in such scams, to reiterate, such photos are commonly taken from Google images on the internet.

Law enforcement experts say using infant or baby photos carry a more powerful emotional reaction from the public and such scams easily make hundreds of dollars in a single day.

California city officials and law enforcement agencies around the state are now warning the general public that panhandling is a misdemeanor crime.

And since there may be fraud, such perpetrators could be charged with conspiracy to commit a crime, which is a felony.

SO. CALIF. MAN & TWO TEENS ARRESTED OVER ALLEGED FUNERAL DONATION SCAM.

In another disturbing case, police arrested a 20-year-olde man and two teen-aged boys for an alleged funeral scam.

Richard Navarrete of Victorville in Southern California and two 14-year-olde teenagers were taken into custody after allegedly accepting large cash donations for the funeral of a young boy who they falsely claimed had died, authorities said.

Police confiscated large amounts of cash donations along with poster signs that read:

“FUNERAL DONATIONS.”

“ANYTHING IS A BLESSING!”

“R.I.P JOHNNY.”

In a released statement from the Victorville Police Department:

“Through our investigation, deputies discovered the boy on the poster was not deceased and was, in fact, the son of Navarrete’s friend.”

The suspects faced charges of theft by false pretenses.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY: ESCONDIDO & SAN MARCOS.

Unfortunately, such funeral scams are nothing new to San Diego County.

From San Diego’s inland regions from El Cajon, La Mesa, to National City and Chula Vista all the way up our Northern San Diego County coastline from Oceanside to Escondido, these funeral fundraising scams are without boundaries.

CBS San Diego has warned San Diego County residents about two Northern California women who have been spotted in San Diego County asking for donations to cover the cost of a fraudulent infant funeral.

Even a popular San Diego podcast has carried the alert, stating that two women, identified as Tiffany Lyon, 27, of Modesto, California, along with accomplice Chasity Doll, 20, of Riverside, California, have been spotted at intersections in San Marcos and Escondido.

The duo reportedly was seen holding up a sign with a photo of a baby and asking motorists for donations to cover funeral costs.

The heart-wrenching poster showed an infant who allegedly died and read:

“FUNERAL DONATIONS.

Jessica Michael Farrell.

January 10, 2011 – June 6, 2011.”

According to the San Diego County Sheriff’s department, the photo of the baby was actually taken from the internet.

San Diego County Sheriff’s spokesman, Sgt. Daniel Dees, stated:

“You see stuff all the time. People claiming to be collecting money for this or that, but, I’ve never seen one for a funeral. Let alone, a funeral for a baby.

“A quick search online revealed that the baby is ‘basically nonexistent,’” Dees added.

The women were arrested back in June for running the same scam in Modesto, California, in which officials said the two women collected $640 in donations before being busted.

The suspects were charged with taking money under false pretenses and conspiring to defraud the public.

In NBC-7 San Diego news report titled “Arrests Made in Baby Funeral Scam,” the two women allegedly ran scams in Southern California, including San Diego. In the past, the panhandling scam asking for funeral donations for a baby had netted upwards of $1400 a day!

KNX 1070’s Tom Reopelle commented on the sad saga of such bogus activities: “The heartbreaking appeal is nothing more than a scam straight off of the Internet.”

Scam

continued on page 12

I hope you have a good day. The entire day. Start to finish. Not the Best Day Ever. No, that’s too much excitement crammed into twentyfour hours. I’m talking about a plain-old, ordinary, run-of-the-mill good day.

I hope you wake up to smells you love. Like donuts, bacon, coffee, or halitosis from a kitty-litter-eating bloodhound.

I hope you have nothing pressing to do. No schedule. No appointments.

We do too much, you know. Long ago, our ancestors practiced the noble art of being worthless. A lot of folks won’t do that anymore. I’m doing my best to bring it back.

So today, I hope you’re as worthless as a waterproof dishrag.

I hope you remember your ancestors. Your grandparents, and their grandparents—even if you’ve never met them.

I hope you think about the simple things they passed down to us. A hamburger with pickles. Whittling. Hydrangeas. Will Rogers. Baseball games. Pajamas. Smacking ketchup bottles with the butt of your hand. Hank Williams music playing on kitchen radios.

Childhood porches. The smell of peach cobbler in the oven. The faded family photo album. The ancient Betty Crocker cookbook that once belonged to your mother.

I hope you close your eyes and recall the best pieces of childhood. The days when you played hard, and the best games only happened in backyards.

I hope your smartphone quits working—just for a few hours. I hope the absence of a digital screen takes you outdoors. I hope you hear the sounds of the earth all at once. I hope you see lots of trees.

I hope you sit for hours with noth-

ing but a cold drink and your best ideas.

I hope you meet someone who inspires you. A kid who’s had kidney cancer. A girl who got pregnant too young, who just finished nursing school. The single father who lost his wife to suicide, but is still raising his four kids.

A woman who lost her husband to an overdose. A child whose daddy is in prison. A hillbilly who put himself through the GED course. A homeless woman, selling pencils on the side of the highway.

An EMT who saves lives every afternoon before supper. A school custodian who brightens the days of children. A lonesome grandmother, who is grandmother to an entire neighborhood. Anyone who’s adopted a child.

I hope you look at these human beings and feel proud to be one. After all, they are the only ones worth being proud about. People like them. People like you.

Heroes aren’t on television. They aren’t celebrities who have designer clothes, lots of TikTok followers, and silicone thighs. Neither are they the sorts of fools who use teleprompters and urge for your support.

Heroes aren’t athletes, news anchors, televangelists, pop stars, or realityTV contestants with pink hair.

And heroes sure as hailfire aren’t the folks you see performing acts of charity for the benefit of Hollywood film crews.

5th District Supervisor Jim Desmond

California Leads Veteran and Family Muster

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), along with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), recently approved a demonstration project in California to provide pre-release services and improved access to care for persons being released from jails and prisons.

Nationally, 80% of individuals released from prison each year have a Substance Use Disorder (SUD).

In 2021, I introduced AB 1214 to provide Medicaid coverage, including coverage for drug addictions for incarcerated individuals immediately prior to their release which was included in the state’s health budget bill last year This coverage would ensure a continuum of care/intervention to ease the transition back into the community to reduce future substance abuse, mental illness, crimes and recidivism. Though the bill died in committee, the proposal was folded into the state budget, and has now been approved as a demonstration project by the federal government.

Under this first-in-the-nation initiative, behavioral healthcare will be available to persons as they leave incarceration. Overall, the program will improve communication between correctional systems, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP), managed care plans

and community providers. Since it’s a demonstration project, California will be required to provide a comprehensive evaluation proving the program’s effectiveness.

According to HHS Secretary Xavier Bacerra, “This is the first time in history Medicaid will be providing coverage to justice-involved individuals prior to release. It’s a step forward in closing gaps in services this underserved community experiences, and I encourage other states to follow California’s lead.”

We need to reestablish realistic penalties for serious crimes – and those efforts will continue. But many of the underlying causes of crime, such as drug abuse, addiction, and mental illness also must be addressed. This is a big step in that direction.

Public safety is the primary responsibility of government. By using all the tools we have available, we can reduce crime, restore lives, and make our communities safer.

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

What are San Marcos businesses up to?

is safer, better quality, sustainable and readily accessible to the public. Through the development and operation of top tier greenhouses, the business can produce fresh and safe greens to our community.

• Parabills Space Technologies –As a space solutions business, the team works to generate propulsion, small satellite and integration systems. Their work is out of this world through their substantial and affordable efforts.

I am excited to announce a special event to unite our veterans and military families in a supportive and inclusive environment. This event is organized in partnership with the San Diego Veteran’s Coalition and is designed to provide updated information on benefits, resources, and connections tailored to your needs.

• Date: Saturday, September 23rd

• Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm

• Location: Veteran’s Association of North County (VANC)

• Address: 1617 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92058

This gathering is a unique opportunity for veterans and their loved ones to check in, connect with fellow veterans, and gain access to crucial information about the benefits and resources available to them. We aim to provide a supportive environment where you can engage with representatives from various veteran service organizations, government agencies, and community partners. These representatives will be present to offer valuable insights and updates on the services and support at your disposal.

Highlights of the Event:

• Connect with fellow veterans from all branches of the Armed Forces.

• Engage with representatives from veteran service organizations and government agencies.

• Gain updated information on benefits and resources tailored to your needs.

• Establish connections with community partners who are here to support you.

One of the main features of this event is the opportunity to connect to a veteran sponsor. This sponsor will guide you as you navigate the transition into the civilian world. You’ll have a one-stop shop for all the information and support you need to succeed beyond the military.

We would be thrilled to have you join us for this event. You can RSVP be visiting https://www.supervisorjimdesmond.com/veteran.

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

Amazon Lost My Pixel Phone And Now It Won’t Refund Me

When Jack Price tries to return his Google Pixel 6 phone to Amazon through UPS, the phone gets lost. Will he ever get his $518 back?

Q: I recently returned my Google Pixel 6 phone to Amazon through UPS. The receipt says the package weighs almost two pounds. Amazon didn’t refund the phone during the standard window.

I called Amazon and it said the package went to the wrong Amazon facility. But UPS tracking said it went to the correct facility.

UPS as the carrier for your return. Amazon would have given you a return label to use with UPS. So it wasn’t as if you were sending your phone back to Amazon by carrier pigeon. You were just following instructions.

The moment you dropped that package off at the UPS store, this was a matter between Amazon and UPS. You did what Amazon asked and had the receipt to prove it.

Each month is a learning opportunity for me and City Council when visiting our local businesses to understand how they brighten our local economy. So far this summer season, it has been a pleasure learning more about the following businesses:

• Go Green Agriculture – A business striving to provide food that

• My Brest Friend – From nursing pillows to breastfeeding accessories, the business provides higher quality and more useful tools for mothers to improve their childcare. With the goal of making the breastfeeding process comfortable for both the mother and the child, the business supports mothers across the world.

Take a look at the city website to learn more about other San Marcos businesses.

So the runaround began. Amazon told me to get in touch with UPS and UPS told me to contact Amazon. I tried to email Jeff Bezos, but that didn’t work. Amazon now says there’s nothing it can do. No one is stepping up to the plate to help refund my $518 purchase I returned -- and obviously, my receipt from UPS means nothing. Can you help me get the refund for my phone?

~ Jack Price, Christiana, Tenn.

A: Wait a second. Amazon selected

By the way, the Pixel 6 is a great phone (I have one), and I’m sorry yours didn’t work out. It takes some remarkable photos, which I’ve published in some of the top newspapers in the country.

Packages get lost occasionally, but you did the right thing to protect yourself. You kept the receipt, and you also noted the weight, which suggested UPS delivered the package with the phone in it. You might have also taken a picture of the

Problem

By Tom Morrow

When a great entryway to the West comes to mind most think of the Golden Gate Bridge which binds together San Francisco and Marin County -the state’s final coastal link.

The Golden Gate Bridge is more than a geographic linkage because it spans California’s rich history joining together some 800-plus miles of land, the longest stretch of coastline in the United States. The huge structure is nearly a mile-long (4,200 feet) suspension bridge connecting the one-mile-wide entrance to San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Until the 1930s, the bridge was an impossible dream across the narrow gateway strait.

The Golden Gate Bridge is an American icon - and for good reason. The longest suspension bridge in the world from the time it was built in 1937, until 1964, the bridge wowed architects and engineers around the world. It was deemed

Historically Speaking

The Golden Gate: California’s Final Link

the “impossible” bridge.

Advent of the Bridge brought land speculation, investment opportunities and employment all which blossomed in the San Francisco Bay area. It was when this boom began that the lack of connection between the San Francisco Peninsula and the southern end of Marin County cease to be a travel inconvenience. A bridge to span this gap and connect the two was sure to benefit both sides and help foster a prosperous future for San Francisco and Marin County alike.

San Francisco City Engineer Michael M. O’Shaughnessy was particularly intrigued and inspired by the idea of a bridge. He started to seek engineers who believed the gigantic task could be done. At the time, no bridge like it had ever been built anywhere in the world. Engineer Joseph Strauss stepped up and said he not only believed it could be done but that he would be the one to do it.

What many people do not know is the Golden Gate Bridge is so named because the body of water it passes over is called the Golden Gate Strait. The name for the strait actually dates back before the 1849, gold rush. They believe the name was actually conceived by the “pathfinder,” Col. John C. Fremont, who, in 1848, led a group of American settlers, miners

and soldiers to take over the territory from Mexico. When he stood on the south tip of Marin County and looked out over San Francisco Bay, he compared it to “the Golden Horn inlet of the Bosphorus in modern-day Istanbul (Turkey).”

Fremont made this comparison, writing in his journal, “…the rugged opening to the Pacific is a golden gate to trade with the Orient,” hence the name “Golden Gate Strait” was born.

The path of water in the Strait runs more than 300 feet deep with a thick layer of mud and silt covering the bottom. The Strait connects the Pacific Ocean which blends eastward into lakes, smaller bays, wildlife

Travel Troubleshooter

by Christopher Elliott

preservations and rivers all around that part of California. In addition to San Francisco, it gives access to the cities of Marin County and points north to the Silicon Valley, San Jose, Santa Clara, and myriad of other East and South Bay cities . High winds, fog and ocean spray pass through the area almost daily. But construction techniques and material innovations were hitting a new high as the turn of the 20th century came about. If the bridge was ever going to be possible, that was the time.

When Strauss took on the Golden

Historically Speaking continued on page 12

I might be on Alamo’s Do Not Rent list. Can you find out?

Noah Finkel thinks he might be on Alamo’s dreaded Do Not Rent list, but he can’t get a straight answer -or rent a car. How do you find out?

Q: I recently rented a car from Alamo. I could make a reservation online, but when I tried to pick up the car at the airport, a representative informed me that I could not rent from Alamo because I was on the Do Not Rent list.

Alamo said I had to resolve this through the corporate office of Enterprise, which owns Alamo. Unfortunately, I have had no success in resolving this issue there either.

Alamo says I owe $204 from a rental in 2018. I rented the vehicle while my car was being repaired, and there could have been a mix-up involving the insurance company’s payment. I called Enterprise and offered to pay the debt, but Enterprise could not locate the amount of the debt or the reason for it. In

fact, the agent with whom I spoke could not determine if I was on the Do Not Rent list.

I’m happy to pay whatever I owe. At this point, I’m willing to pay, even if this was a mistake. The brands Enterprise owns all are leading, trusted car rental car companies and are very competitive on price. I’d like to be able to rent from them again. Can you help me?

~ Noah Finkel, Glenview, Ill.

A: I’m sorry you got on Alamo’s Do Not Rent List. The company should have helped you get off the list quickly -- after all, you wanted to give them more business. But it looks like there was a breakdown in communication between Alamo and Enterprise.

The Do Not Rent list is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a list of customers who are no longer allowed to rent from a car rental company. The most common reason for get-

ting on the list is failing to pay for your car. Often, it’s a repair bill, but it can also be a rental bill. As you speculate, your insurance company might have agreed to pay for your 2018 rental and then reneged, leaving you responsible.

When something like that happens, a car rental company will try to contact the renter to work something out. It’s not clear why that didn’t happen.

Most car rental companies will tell you if you’re on a Do Not Rent list and will help you get off the list, if possible. When you can’t get a straight answer, you need to take your case to someone higher up, preferably in writing. I list the names, numbers and email addresses of the Enterprise customer service executives on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott. org. A brief, polite email to one of them might have helped you solve this mystery.

I contacted Enterprise on your behalf. “We have investigated this issue, and it has been resolved,” a representative responded to me. “Mr. Finkel should have no further issues.”

So what happened? An Enterprise representative explained to you that your insurance company paid Enterprise, but an employee mistakenly issued two invoices for the rental. Then Enterprise failed to zero out the second invoice, which resulted in an unpaid bill.

I checked with you, and you confirmed that you’re no longer on the Do Not Rent list.

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.

Workers on the Bridge

Traveling this fall?

Here’s One Thing You Absolutely Must Not Do

There’s one thing Jerry Slaff won’t do when he travels to Edinburgh and Dublin this fall: He promises not to complain.

“We’re hoping to avoid the big push of summer tourists by going in October,” says Slaff, a playwright from Rockville, Md.

But if he doesn’t -- if he gets stuck in a long line or has to fight the crowds at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery -- he’ll stay quiet. Slaff figures that travelers did plenty of griping this summer and people are tired of it. Also, complaining doesn’t change anything. So why bother?

That’s not the only thing smart travelers aren’t doing this fall. They’re avoiding some popular destinations, as well as shying away from ambitious itineraries and last-minute decisions about their trips. But there is one thing everyone must avoid this fall -- and I’ll tell you in a second.

What’s the outlook for fall travel?

Travel is still expensive and chaotic but this fall travelers will see a little relief from the summer. A new survey by travel insurance company Faye suggests 68% of American travelers plan to go somewhere during the upcoming fall and winter season, down 3% from last year. And half of them plan to leave the country, which is a continuation of a travel trend that started earlier this year.

One of the top travel concerns: high prices. Of those who said they were traveling, 61% said they were worried about inflated fares and rates. Here’s what they can expect:

Airfares are mixed for fall travelers. Domestic ticket prices are down 11% for the third quarter, to an average round-trip fare of $257, according to the airfare app Hopper. If you’re flying to Europe, they’re down only 2% ($813 round-trip), but if you’re headed to

Asia, ticket prices are up 4% from last fall ($1,417).

Hotel rates have slipped but remain higher than last fall. The average room rate is $183 this fall, up 11% compared to this time in 2022, but down from summer highs of over $200 per night, says Hopper.

Car rental rates are falling. Preliminary booking data shows a 15% decline in the average car rental rate compared with last fall, says Mark Mannell, CEO of CarRentalSavers. com. Rental rates will average $45 a day, according to Hopper. But the lines at the counter may stay. “Agencies are still understaffed, and we have seen some long lines at locations that serve a lot of International travelers,” warns Mannell.

Overall, that’s good news. And there’s more: Travelers like Slaff, who are headed to Europe, won’t have to worry about paying the $7 fee to be charged by the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). It’s been postponed to early 2024.

So it’s a much better time to travel than this hyper-busy summer, as I explain in my free guide to fall

Reverse Mortgages

Vacation in Popular Tourist Attractions

I know, I know. You put off your summer vacations because you wanted to see the Coliseum in Rome or climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower. But you might want to wait a little bit longer, says Nathan Heinrich host of the I’m Moving To Italy! Podcast. “Areas that usually only fill to capacity during the summer months are expected to be overbooked this fall as well,” he says. He’s telling his listeners to head for less crowded places like Piemonte or the Prosecco Hills of northern Italy.

Here’s the one thing you absolutely must not do when you travel this fall.

travel. But what should you not do when you travel this autumn?

Visit a Summer Destination

Some travelers try to outsmart the seasonal crowds by booking a traditional summer destination, like a beach, during the fall. Bad idea. “A lot of people go to places like the Greek Islands and Amalfi Coast in October, when the prices reduce significantly,” says George Morgan-Grenville, CEO of Red Savannah, a tour operator. “But what they often don’t realize is that the tourist infrastructure is being dismantled for the winter. Many or all of the restaurants can be shut, beach clubs have closed, and the towns and villages are going on vacation themselves.”

Wait to Book

Travelers assume that because it’s the off-season, they’ll be able to wait until the last minute to book. But with demand still high, this is not the fall to try that, say experts like Duncan Greenfield-Turk, chief travel designer Global Travel Moments. “Don’t procrastinate,” he says. “Availability may be limited during this vibrant travel season.” That’s particularly true of some of the more popular tourist destinations in France, Greece, Italy and Portugal.

Schedule a Tight Connection

Think all of our summer air travel troubles are over? Not so, says Bob Bacheler, the managing director of Flying Angels, a medical transport company. Airlines are not out of the woods, and with the holiday travel season approaching, it’s better to play it safe. Bacheler points out that on average, a quarter of flights experience a delay. So there’s a reasonably good chance you’ll get delayed if you’re flying. “Any connection with less than one hour is asking for trouble,” he says.

Most importantly, don’t overlook your paperwork. Yeah, it sounds boring, but believe me, it is anything but that when you have a paperwork problem.

Just last week, my sons and I were almost were denied entry into Vietnam. My son had filled out his visa incorrectly -- he said his port of entry was Ho Ch Minh City instead of Da Nang -- and they nearly turned us away at the border.

Truth is, no one wants to think about paperwork until they have to. And by then it’s often too late. Whether it’s COVID test requirements on a cruise or your passport renewal, paperwork has never been more important. The State Department currently takes 10 to 13 weeks to process a new passport. That means if you don’t have a valid passport now, your fall trip just became a winter trip.

“Avoid waiting until the last minute to renew your passport,” says David Alwadish, CEO of ItsEasy Passport & Visa Services. Also, bear in mind that for many popular fall destinations, you need at least six months of validity on your passport in order to get into the country.

So check your paperwork, and then recheck it. Otherwise, you could end up like me: waiting nervously in a line at customs in Da Nang, and hoping that the customs agent is feeling generous.

Fortunately, she was.

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.

Illustration by Christopher Elliott

Oodles from page 3

Center, 210 Park Avenue. The next meeting is September 11, 2023. No meeting in August. Upcoming trips are Knox Berry Farm, September 28 and Laughlin, October 30, November 1, 2023 and December 7, Christmas with Sinatra.

The Travel Office is located at the Park Avenue Community Center, Escondido, and is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10 A.M. to 12 P.M. Phone number 760 2941851. Call for details.

Vista Junior Deputy Program

The Vista Sheriff Department’s Junior Deputy Academy is a 12week character-building program for youth between 10 and 16 years. The Academy is free and taught by Vista Sheriff deputies in collaboration with the City of Vista. The Academy is offered for free but is limited to youth who live in Vista. Participants and parents must attend a mandatory orientation at the Linda Rhoades Community Center.

The program introduces youth to the Sheriff’s Department and their

Oodles continued on page 14

The Funeral That Never Was

by lyle e davis

Saturday morning and I’m getting all dressed up.

I’m going to a funeral for a very special lady in my life.

Found a pair of dark blue trousers that look nice. I normally wear tennis sorts and Birkenstock Sandals, which would not be appropriate for a funeral. Light blue, Oxford weave, short sleeve shirt that blends nicely with my blue trousers . . . and a pair of blue shoes that also match my clothes. The Birkenstocks will wait till I return. Brush my hair, check myself out in the mirror. I look presentable.

Off I go to Immanuel Faith Church for the funeral. A huge campus!

I arrive, park in the handicapped parking space and then learn I have a very long walk to the chapel. I have to stop twice to catch my breath and rest up. I see a woman volunteer outside the chapel.

“Is this where the Funeral and Memorial Service is being held?”

“Yes, it is. Let me lead you to the entrance.”

As we approach the entrance she says, “the service started 45 minutes ago but you should be able to catch some of it.”

“45 minutes ago? I thought it started at 11am.”

“Oh . . . what service are you attending?”

“Marcia Huls.”

“Oh dear. That was yesterday, Friday, August 18th.”

I don’t normally like to attend funerals. I have no intention of attending my own.

But this was someone special, and out of respect for her, and her husband, my dear friend, retired Pastor Richard Huls, and the entire Huls family, I wanted to show that respect by attending the funeral. And then I go and miss it by one full day.

I’m very disappointed in myself. I blame it on old age and senility. I had the program and invitation, I just misread it.

I note that the each of the five children gave eulogies about their mom. I would have loved to hear and see them.

Sadly, I headed back home, berating myself for missing such an important event.

To Marcia and the entire Huls family . . . my deepest apologies. Rest in peace, dear Marcia. You are much loved . . . by your husband, by your family, and by the community . . .and by me.

Marcia Huls

Humane Society Offers Resources for Pet Families

Pets provide us with companionship and joy, and it’s our job to provide them with care and nourishment in return. We’re here to support pet families who need a little extra help keeping their beloved companions well fed and by their sides. The Community Pet Pantry offers free pet food and supplies as available at all of the San Diego Humane Society’s campuses from 10 am - 6 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. This resource is available without an appointment and doesn’t require any proof of financial need.

With over 1,700,000 pet meals distributed directly to families last year, we’re ensuring owners don’t have to choose between giving their pets essential nutrition and facing the decision to give them up. To make this support accessible for even more families in our communities, we partner with human-supporting pantries throughout San Diego County and have monthly neighborhood distribution locations in Sherman Heights and Spring Valley. Visit sdhumane.org to find local distribution dates and locations, as well as additional resources to keep your pets’ bellies and hearts full.

Resources for Pet Families

Pet-Inclusive Housing Support

Renters can face many challenges while looking for affordable, petfriendly housing in San Diego. To help pet families navigate this process, the Humane Society’s website has information and resources

you need to know about finding pet-inclusive housing, rights to assistance animals in housing, temporary pet guardianship, living outside or in a vehicle with a pet and eviction information. Plus, find our top tips for moving with pets and other frequently-requested housing topics.

Community Veterinary Program

Cost and other barriers can make it difficult for pet families in under-resourced communities to access essential veterinary services. The Community Veterinary Program helps give owned pets the medical care they need. Pet owners can access services including low-cost preventative and basic sick care, pharmacy

Pet Parade Toga Tiger

Toga Tiger is pet of the week at your Rancho Coastal Humane Society. He’s a 5-month-old, 49-pound, male, Hound mix.

He was transferred to Rancho Coastal Humane Society from a crowded shelter in the Imperial Valley through FOCAS, Friends of County Animal Shelters. This is a big puppy who gets bigger every day. He needs an active family that will continue his positive reinforcement training.

The $245 adoption fee for Toga Tiger includes medical exam, neuter, up to date vaccinations, registered microchip, and a one-year license if his new home is in the jurisdiction of San Diego Humane Society. For more information visit Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas or log on to www.SDpets.org.

services and basic grooming like nail trims and ear cleanings at the San Diego Campus clinic or mobile clinic locations throughout our community.

Affordable Vaccines and Microchips

You can easily help your pet stay healthy by keeping them up-todate on essential vaccinations, such as rabies. The Humane Society offers convenient, low-cost vaccinations at all of their campuses. Their vaccine clinics also offer microchips for just $25, providing protection for the entirety of your pet’s life and helping them get back home if they ever become lost. New appointments open each week for our campuses in El Cajon, Escondi-

do, Oceanside and San Diego.

Spay and Neuter Support

Spaying/neutering your pet supports their overall health and behavior, reduces the urge to stray from home and prevents unwanted litters and animal overpopulation. To support this need, the Humane Society offers a limited number of spay/neuter vouchers for dogs, cats and rabbits that can be redeemed at local participating veterinary clinics. There is no eligibility requirement to receive a voucher and you can apply directly on the Humane Society’s website.

To learn more about these services and more visit sdhumane.org and click on the Services tab.

Pet of the Week

Sassy, a beautiful cat with piercing yellow eyes, came to San Diego Humane Society when her owner sadly passed away. This nine-year-old lovebug has a bright, fun personality (as her name suggests) and the sweetest demeanor! Once she gets to know you, she’ll always be around to ask for pets and snuggles. She is most content when she has a warm, cozy spot for naps — and she truly values getting lots of beauty rest! She’ll make a loyal and loving companion to anyone who can give her the care and compassion she deserves. Sassy is available for adoption at San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido Campus at 3500 Burnet Dr. If you have questions about the adoption process, you can visit sdhumane.org/adopt or call 619-299-7012. Adoption fees are 50% off for all dogs, cats, puppies and kittens through August 31!

Online profile: https://www.sdhumane.org/adopt/available-pets/animal-single.html?petId=380530

The Computer Factory

There are more PCs (personal computers) in use today the ever before and over 200 million new PCs are sold each year. How can the “PC Age” be over? There is a simple answer. While we still call them PCs, they are no longer used as PCs (personal computers). Today’s home and business computers are “NWs” (network workstations) or LAN terminals. They are not “personal computers” because the Internet has replaced their “stand alone” computing functionality. Broadband Internet was introduced in 2001. That year 50% of American homes owned at least one PC (desktop or notebook). PCs were essentially devices that helped automate business and personal activities by providing local, stand-alone computing functional-

R.I.P. “PC Age”, Hello “Internet Age”!

ity. As broadband Internet gained popularity, local applications processing was replaced by Internet based applications processing dramatically reducing the need for “local” on-board processing power. By 2010 nearly 90% of Americans owned a PC with broadband Internet access. Powerful Internet servers were able to run applications faster and more efficiently than PCs so PCs essentially became input/output terminals on a network. Nearly all PCs built from 2010 forward have the power, speed and storage to handle Internet speeds. By 2010, broadband Internet had consolidated its grip ending the forty year “PC Age” as we entered “The Internet Age”.

Since broadband Internet’s debut in 2001, this ever evolving technology has wrought fundamental changes in our World, lives and cultures in a shorter time span than any other development in human history. It’s fun and perhaps a bit scary to speculate how evolving Internet technology will affect the future of human civilizations, but idle speculation “won’t feed the bulldog.” The practical matter of how “The Internet Age” affects today’s PC users is our focus.

At The Computer Factory we build, repair, upgrade and refurbish Windows based PCs (desktop, notebook, All-in-One and Micros). Other devices that also access the Internet are phones, tablets, games, smart TVs, digital assistants, watches and GPS to

John

name a few. The companies selling computers with the Microsoft Windows operating systems comprise 91% of worldwide PC sales. Apple, using the proprietary Mac OS, is the fourth largest PC brand with 9% of Worldwide PC sales. Here at The Computer Factory we are focused on Windows based PCs. If you need help with your Mac, give our Mac specialist buddy Brad Redding a call at 760716-0699.

Our job is keeping our small business and home users up-to-date with the hardware and knowledge that allows them to fully benefit from Internet technology. Those of us of middle age and beyond did not have the experience of growing up and being educated in

the “Internet Age”. The Internet was not a part of our lives until we became adults. We’ve had to learn the Internet the hard way. Some of us embrace it, some of us reject it, but most of us are somewhere in the middle. Used properly, the Internet can keep us connected with the people we care about, informed and-up-to-date with contemporary news and trends but, most importantly, the Internet provides a way for us to grow in knowledge and wisdom throughout our entire lives.

For the first time in human history there is a way to stay connected, contemporary and smart as we age. The informed use of the Internet is the key. Take our word for it, and we’re far too old to lie.

Refurbished “Enterprise” Grade PC VS New “Retail” PCs

Half the Price.

Twice the reliability.

Higher quality components.

Windows 10 or 11 Pro or Home.

Why pay twice as much and get half as much?

Over 60 notebook, desktop, All-in-One & Micros in stock

Van Zante’s Critter Corner

Why do Some Shelters Charge a Training Incentive For Puppies?

socialization and ‘puppy basics’ and receive a rebate of $50.00 on the adoption fee.”

Some people take the rebate. Others donate the $50 to the shelter to help other animals then claim the tax deduction.

“I went to adopt a puppy. Their website said the adoption fee was $200. But it was $250 with the training deposit! What’s up with that?”

Many animal shelters across the United States include a training incentive deposit for puppies. At Rancho Coastal Humane Society, the Training Incentive for puppies 6-months-old or younger is included in the adoption fee.

Our website explains, “Take your new puppy to an introductory training course focused on

When you adopt a puppy from a shelter, its training has already begun. This includes socialization with people and other dogs, basic manners, and how to walk on a leash. I chuckle when someone tells me that they “potty trained” their dog. I’ve never met a dog who knew how to use a potty. But you can teach a dog that some functions should be performed outdoors.

Recently a family surrendered their big, adolescent dog. It was

smart as could be, but it had no training, and it was poorly behaved. It had spent most of its life alone, in the backyard.

When they got it as a puppy, their kids promised to feed it and

train it and pick up poo. Did they? NO! They don’t pick up their dirty socks, much less poo.

The responsibility falls to Mom and Dad.

That’s one of the reasons for the Training Incentive deposit. It’s one way of driving home the point that you are getting a puppy, it has lots to learn, and it’s up to you to teach it.

You and your new puppy get to know each other. Training is as much for you as it is for the puppy. Even if you’ve had puppies before, you’ve probably forgotten a lot of what it’s like. And every puppy is different.

So, pay the Training Incentive and invest the time. It’s worth it.

Historically Speaking

from page 7

Gate Bridge project, he was sure he could complete the project for $25 - 30 million. His plan was to build a 4,000-foot-long bridge. The full budget for the bridge was $37 million. In 1932, the San Franciscobased Bank of America decided to fund the project to benefit the local economy. On Jan. 5, 1933 construction officially began.

The Golden Gate Bridge project was regarded as having the strictest safety measures of the time. It was the first project where hard hats were mandatory. Respirators and glare-free goggles were used to prevent inhalation of fumes or blindness from working at that great height over water. An on-site hospital treated workers and the work crew was even instructed to follow a special diet to help fight vertigo and dizziness during tower and road construction. As construction of the bridge advanced, a safety net was installed under the bridge to help catch any workers who might slip and fall. This proved to be a success as 19 men were saved by it. They often were referred to as members of the “Halfway to Hell Club.” But 11 men did however die on the job … one by falling and 10 in a tragic accident when they fell to the net along with a large piece of equipment. The weight of the machine pulled the net away from the bridge and the men and machine fell into the Strait.

There were three primary pro-

Scam from page 5

SAN DIEGO INTERNET REVEALS PUBLIC ANGER!

The buzz on the internet went viral like a prairie fire from an outraged public. Below is just a short sampling.

(1) AlanBeforeTime commented: “Saw these people in Escondido a couple days ago!”

(2) gwaceman commented: “They make the rounds in Escondido, too.”

NATIONAL CITY, EL CAJON, LA MESA, INFURIATED!

Regarding such scams, San Diego’s south inland counties reacted with outrage, often reporting such incidents to the authorities.

Such public feedback helps law enforcement and city officials to take appropriate action.

Often with limited resources, law

enforcement relies on public feedback and cooperation.

The internet – followed by telephone calls – often fills that bill.

Public assistance and internet users can be of vast importance in assisting law enforcement in curbing such criminal activity. Below is just a brief sampling:

(1) Internet user, r/Sandiego, called such scams out to the authorities, even giving locales:

“Shameful crooks taking advantage of people’s generosity for a fake funeral at El Cajon and College Blvd.”

(2) Internet user, The/piece_Israel, gave a helpful hint in making the public better aware of details when he posted:

“These guys came up to my car while I was at the red light and knocked on my windshield showing me their poster. Seemed a little too cheerful to be fundraising for a funeral.”

(3) One internet user was angry and

sarcastic at the same time, posting just how familiar and reoccurring these criminals are when he alerted both the public and authorities in his post:

“Watch Out, the funeral boyz are back at National City on 30th & Highland.”

His valuable posting was not only helpful for law enforcement, but, he even posted a photo of the perpetrators!

SUMMATION. For public safety, it is always best not to confront such suspicious individuals.

Always notify your city’s law enforcement, complete with details. As angry and emotional as you may become, these individuals may prove dangerous and unpredictable.

Never assume the role of a law enforcement official.

Always call and make a report.

This is the best, and safest, way to fight this crime.

SPECIAL THANKS. Special

cesses used for constructing the Bridge. The first was building the towers and concrete anchors, the second was raising the cables and the third was dropping the vertical cables, laying the steel road deck and building the Golden Gate Bridge highway.

Construction began at each end of the bridge. Giant concrete blocks were sunk into the ground to provide an anchor for the cables of the bridge. Each anchor weighs 60,000 tons. Crews dropped “bombs” into the water to break up the rock and slate on the ocean floor. Seagulls swooped down and ate the stunned fish. At that time, the two towers were the tallest bridge towers in the world.

The completed Golden Gate is a 1.7-mile-long suspension bridge with two 746-foot towers, It is painted an orangish-red color in order for ship traffic to easily see it during frequent foggy and rainy days. It took more than four years to build at a cost of $35 million. The roadway is supported by two giant cables comprised of more than 80,000 miles of wire, and 1,2 million rivets which hold the bridge together. The Bridge officially opened on May 27, 1937.

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of California’s, and America’s most scenic man-made marvels that thousands of tourists visit and go across each year, but more importantly, many hundreds of area commuters traverse this great structure north and southbound each and every day.

thanks to all my readership fans who stop me on a daily basis in public, often sharing their thoughts with me and story ideas they most wish to read about.

Your countless, positive, and encouraging feedback in “Letters to the Editors” and in person, truly means the world to me.

The Paper is (your paper) and your forum to give you a voice. Please keep your story ideas coming!

You are all greatly loved and valued.

God bless all of you, each and every one!

Golden Gate South Tower

Golden Gate Construction

Chuckles from page 2

so the snail goes to the dealership, pays for the car, gets in, and burns rubber all the way down the road.

The salesman then replies “Boy, look at the S Car Go!”

IOne day, a blonde went into an appliance store that was having a sale on TVs. She walked up to the counter and said to the clerk, “I would like to buy this TV.”

The clerk replied, “Sorry, I don’t sell to blondes.”

So, the blonde dyed her hair brown and returned the next day. Again, she went up to the counter and said, “I would like to buy this TV.”

Again, the clerk answered, “Sorry, I don’t sell to blondes.”

Puzzled, the blonde asked, “How did you know I was a blonde?”

The clerk replied, “Because that is a microwave.” •••••

Child at dinner table: “Are caterpillars good to eat?”

Parent: “No. Why would you ask a question like that?”

Child: “Well, there was one in your salad, but it’s gone now.”

An elderly Florida lady did her shopping and, upon returning to her car, found four males in the act of leaving with her vehicle.

She dropped her shopping bags and drew her handgun, proceeding to scream at the top of her lungs, “I have a gun, and I know how to use it! Get out of the car - NOW!”

The four men didn’t wait for a second threat.

They got out and ran like mad.

The lady, somewhat shaken, then proceeded to load her shopping bags into the back of the car and got into the driver’s seat.

She was so shaken that she could

HELP

not get her key into the ignition. She tried and tried, and then she realized why.

It was for the same reason she had wondered why there was a football, a Frisbee, and two 12-packs of beer in the front seat.

A few minutes later, she found her own car parked four or five spaces farther down.

She loaded her bags into her own car and drove to the police station to report her mistake.

The Sergeant to whom she told the story couldn’t stop laughing. He pointed to the other end of the counter, where four pale men were reporting a carjacking by a mad, elderly woman described as white, less than five feet tall, glasses, curly white hair, and carrying a large handgun.

No charges were filed.

Moral of the story?

If you’re going to have a senior moment ... make it memorable ***

Two boys were walking home from Sunday school after hearing a strong preaching on the devil.

One said to the other, ‘What do you think about all this Satan stuff?’

The other boy replied, ‘Well, you know how Santa Claus turned out. It’s probably just your Dad.’

An elderly woman died last month.

Having never married, she requested no male pallbearers. In her handwritten instructions for her memorial service, she wrote, ‘They wouldn’t take me out while I was alive, I don’t want them to take me out when I’m dead.’ ***

A police recruit was asked during the exam, ‘What would you do if you had to arrest your own mother?’ He answered, ‘Call for backup.’

Man About Town

from page 4

splurge a bit.” Even if the “Jamaicaan Door Man” sounded suspiciously Hispanic.

Parking wasn’t free. $18 in the parking lot or $18 valet parking. I chose valet parking. Ticked me off. I guess I’ll always just be a little old country boy but dammit, seems to me if you pay $239 per night, parking ought to be free.

Had our choice of three restaurants. Looked over the wine list. “Ah,” says I, to our waiter, “this White Zinfandel looks nice at $18 a bottle.”

“Aha!”, says our waiter, “we use that as industrial strength insecticide!”

“Of course,” says I, “how silly of me not to notice. I’ll have the $36 White Zinfandel”.

“Excellent choice,” says our waiter, as he holds out his hand for a dollar tip.

He brought the bottle back, poured a dribble or two in my cup, I swirled it about, smelled it, acted as though I knew precisely what I was doing, and drunk it down. “Great stuff!,” says I, “any more?

“But of course, my fren’”, and he poured SWMBO’s glass half full, then mine. I believe it is against the law to pour a wine glass full of wine. He began to leave but not before holding out his hand, into which I put a dollar tip.

In what seemed like merely a few seconds later he returned. “Are Madame and the Gentlemen ready to order?”

I ordered Fillet of Harrow in Strumpet Sauce, or something similar. I don’t remember what SWMBO ordered as I was too busy fishing in my pocket for a dollar tip to lay in our waiter’s hand as he was getting impatient.

Our waiter then advised us that he was not, unlike the other waiters on staff, Hispanic, but was Persian (which is known today as Iranian). He then proceeded to outline all of the current problems in Iran, Iraq,

the formation of Kurdistan, and that he was a refugee from Iran because he had been involved in politics, and on and on. Meanwhile, our plates were getting cold. I slipped him a two dollar tip and began to eat. As we left the restaurant and walked back to our room a young man asked me if I wanted a shoe shine.

“No,” says I, “as I am wearing Birkenstock sandals”.

“And lovely sandals they are, sir”, at which time I laid a dollar tip in his outstretched paw.

The next morning we took the hotel bus to the terminal, enjoying the free ride, giving the driver two dollars as a tip for loading 2.5 pieces of luggage.

I bade SWMBO farewell, gave her a hug, a wee farewell kiss, and gave her a dollar tip. I think by now it was force of habit.

I returned to hotel and checked out. Upon checking out I examined my bill. There were five phone calls I had made, collect, to my businesses. The hotel had charged me $0.75 “access charge” for each call. Steam began to come out of my ears. Nonetheless, being the suave and sophisticated world traveler that I am I signed for the bill, and laid a dollar tip in the outstretched paw of the cashier.

The valet brought me my car, naturally I put a dollar in his paw as he bade me “tu tiene muy bien dia” (Have a nice day).

I had a large bag of sunflower seeds that I had intended on eating while driving home to San Diego. They had been stolen. I was upset at having to pay $18 for valet parking and then being ripped off for a lousy bag of sunflower seeds. But, as there was no one to give a dollar tip to, I simply came home.

I thought I had shaken off the effects of life in the big city but then the mailman came. You guessed it. As he was leaving I laid a dollar tip in his hand. He looked at me kinda funny but I couldn’t help but notice that he didn’t give the dollar back.

The Mighty Mojo Page

Coins & Loans Printing Solar & Roofing

760-745-1697

Escondido Coin & Loan, Inc.

241 E. Grand Avenue

www.escondidocoin.com

Problem Solved

from page 6

phone in the box. That sometimes helps to establish you sent the phone back to the company.

Sending an email to Jeff Bezos is the right idea, but Bezos doesn’t run Amazon anymore. I publish the names, numbers and email addresses for Amazon customer service on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org. You could have politely escalated your case to one of these executives, which is included in what my readers have called the Elliott Method.

Someone at Amazon should have looked at your case and said, “Jack did everything right. Let’s send

him his refund.” Amazon could have found the phone on its own instead of making you wait.

I contacted Amazon on your behalf. Amazon contacted you and admitted that UPS had lost your phone. It issued a full refund.

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

© 2023 Christopher Elliott.

I Hope

from page 5

No. You are the hero. You, the single mother in a single-wide trailer with the single income. You, the school teacher in No-Name-Town, Georgia, who inspires at-risk kids to become poets and artists.

You, the professors building schools in Africa. You, the 69-yearold woman delivering pizza to the cancer ward every Tuesday night.

You, the man buying KFC for the homeless veteran in Baton Rouge, just because. You, the volunteer greeter at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham. You.

You are the real thing. I know it might be hard to believe, but it’s true whether you believe it or not. You make the world spin. You are the heartbeat of our earth.

The things you’ve gone through, the things you’re about to go through, the things you’re going through now; there’s meaning to them all. Your life means something. Today means something. This millisecond means something.

I don’t know you, but if you’re reading this right now, we’re here together. In this little moment within space and time, I’d like to give you a gift.

Sadly, I don’t have much to give. I’m not a particularly smart guy. And I don’t have a lick of credibility to go along with my hillbilly name. I have crooked teeth. A big nose. I have a list of life failures longer than a roll of Charmin. So this will have to do:

Have a good day, today. And if you can’t. Well, then help someone else have one.

Because that’s the same thing.

Oodles from page 9

role in the community; encourages healthy habits, including self-awareness, discipline, and courage; improves decision-making skills and conflict-resolution techniques. The program introduces youth to a broad array of public service careers.

Registration is now open for the Fall 2023 Junior Deputy Academy. Sessions are held on Thursdays from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm from August 31 through November 30 (no session on November 23). To register, complete the application packet and return it to the City Clerk’s Office (200 Civic Center Drive, 2nd floor) or email it to jknieff@cityofvista.com. For More Info Visit CityofVista.com/juniordeputy ***

Vista Leadership Academy

The Vista Leadership Academy is a free eight week program held twice a year. The group meets weekly on Wednesday evenings from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, except one daytime citywide bus tour. The academy gives residents an up close look at how the city functions. Enrollment is limited to 20 Vista residents or business owners aged 18 years or older on a first come, first-served basis.

The Fall 2023 session will run from September 6 to October 25. Graduation ceremony on November 14. Participants will:

• Learn how decisions are made, how city funds are allocated and how departments operate.

• Meet your elected officials, city manager, and department directors.

• Tour city facilities, the Vista Business Park, and the downtown area.

• Discuss important issues i.e. planning and growth, traffic, infrastructure, city finances, and more.

For more information or to be added to the interest list, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 760.639.6125.

For application, visit https://www. cityofvista.com/home/showpublis heddocument/28266/6382726430 24292656

Submit completed application to kvaldez@cityofvista.com.

Sean Dietrich

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2023-9015099

The name of the business: Vacation

In Paradise Transportation, located at 3145 Tiger Run Ct., #107, Carlsbad, CA 92010. Registrant Information: Vacation Vehicle Rentals LLC, 3145 Tiger Run Ct, #107, Carlsbad, CA 92010. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: N/A

/s/ Kameron Panahi, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 7/19/2023

8/3, 8/10, 8/17, 8/24/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2023-9015308

The name of the business: DFS Orange County, located at 2022 Oceanview Road, Unit A, Oceanside, CA 92056. Registrant Information: Direct Fulfillment Solutions LLC, 2022 Oceanview Road, Unit A, Oceanside, CA 92056. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business:

6/1/2023

/s/ Jeffrey W. Wichert, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 7/21/2023

8/3, 8/10, 8/17, 8/24/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9014991

The name of the business: DBA the Cali Food Truck, located at 520 Linda Vista, Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant Information: Gabriela Salazar, 452 Valery Dr., Vista, CA 92084 This business is operated by an individual. First day of business: N/A

/s/ Gabriela Salazar with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 7/18/2023

8/3, 8/10, 8/17, 8/24/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2023-9014683

The name of the business: BEAMS, Biological, Environmental, Archeological Monitoring Systems, located at 762 E. Mission Rd., Fallbrook, CA 92028. Registrant Information: Covetous Inc., 27475 Ynez Rd., #392, Temecula, CA 92591. This business is operated by a corporation. First day of business:

N/A

/s/ Joseph B. Volk, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 7/13/2023

8/3, 8/10, 8/17, 8/24/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2023-9015236

The name of the business: Shebeest, located at 340 Rancheros Dr, Suite 172, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant Information: Leemarc Industries LLC, 340 Rancheros Dr., Suite 172, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by a limited liability company. First day of business: 11/18/2011

/s/ Scot M. Robinson, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 7/21/2023 8/10, 8/17, 8/24, 8/31/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9015237

The name of the business: Susan Lanci Designs, located at 340 Rancheros Dr., Suite 172, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant Information: Leemarc Industries LLC, 340 Rancheros Dr., Suite 172, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by a limited liability company. First day of business: 10/17/2016

/s/ Scot M. Robinson, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 7/21/2023

8/10, 8/17, 8/24, 8/31/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9014398

The name of the business: Raching Milestones, located at 5195 Via Mindanao, Oceanside, CA 92057. Registrant Information: Avila Medical, Inc., 5195 Via Mindanao, Oceanside, CA 92057. This business is operated by a corporation. First day of business: 7/10/2023

/s/ Rachel Avila, Vice President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 7/10/2023

8/10, 8/17, 8/24, 8/31/2023

NAME STATEMENT 2023-9015271

The name of the business: Eurodecor, Inc., located at 2807 Luciernaga St., Carlsbad, CA 92009. Eurodecor, 2807 Luciernaga St., Carlsbad, CA 92009. This business is operated by a corporation. First day of business:

2/9/2018

/s/ Milivoi Zezeli, CEO with Jordan

Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 7/21/2023

8/10, 8/17, 8/24, 8/31/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9015236

The name of the business: Shebeest, located at 340 Rancheros Dr, Suite

172, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant Information: Leemarc Industries LLC, 340 Rancheros Dr., Suite 172, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by a limited liability company. First day of business: 11/18/2011

/s/ Scot M. Robinson, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 7/21/2023

8/10, 8/17, 8/24, 8/31/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9015665

The name of the business: Mockingbird Reporting, located at 575 Lands End Way, Oceanside, CA 92058. Registrant Information: Ashley Taylor-McCay Ruhl, 575 Lands End Way, Oceanside, CA 92058. This business is operated by an individual. First day of business:

N/A

/s/ Ashley Taylor-McCay Ruhl with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 7/27/2023

8/10, 8/17, 8/24, 8/31/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9015985

The name of the business: Akram’s

Auto Detail, located at 751 W. Bel Esprit Cir., San Marcos, CA 92069.

Registrant Information: Karam

Ilaian, 751 W. Bel Esprit Cir., San Marcos, CA 92069 This business is operated by an individual. First day of business: 1/7/2023

/s/ Akram Ilaian with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 8/1/2023

8/10, 8/17, 8/24, 8/31/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9015936

The name of the business: Cocktails & Cliterature, located at 3849 Rancho Summit Dr., Encinitas, CA 92024. Registrant Information: Constance Grays Jones, 3849 Rancho Summit Dr., Encinitas, CA 92024 This business is operated by an individual. First day of business:

3/1/2023

/s/ Constance Grays Jones with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 7/31/2023

8/10, 8/17, 8/24, 8/31/2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME 37-2023-00033529-CU-PT-NC

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:

Petitioner Angela Marie Brown/Kevin Thomas Raymond filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names

as follows: Present name: Bryan Andrew Anderson to Proposed name Bryan Andrew Raymond. 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: 10/6/2023, 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 county: San Marcos News Reporter, dba, The Paper, 845 W. San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, Ca. 92078. August 8, 2023

/s/ Brad A. Weinreb, Judge of the Superior Court 8/17, 8/24, 8/31, 9/7/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2023-9016266

The name of the business: Tap’s Jump House & Party Rentals, Spugi’s Jump House & Party Rentals, located at 4158 Marvin Street, Oceanside, CA 92056. Registrant Information: Andrew Tapuloa, 4158 Marvin Street, Oceanside, CA 92056. This business is operated by an individual. First day of business: N/A

/s/ Andrew Tapulos with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 8/4/2023

8/17, 8/24, 8/31, 9/7/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9015824

The name of the business: Clean Ninja, located at 765 E. Bobier Dr., Vista, CA 92084. Registrant Information: Clean Ninja, LLC, 765 E. Bobier Dr., Vista, CA 92084. This business is operated by a limited liability company. First day of business: N/A

/s/ Alberto Zeferino, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 7/28/2023

8/17, 8/24, 8/31, 9/7/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9015850

The name of the business: Esme’s Caregiving, located at 1501 E.

Grand Ave., Apt. 1312, Escondido, CA 92027. Registrant Information: Esmeralda Santiago Reyes, 1501 E. Grand Ave., Apt. 1312, Escondido, CA 92027. This business is operated by an individual. First day of business: 7/20/2023

/s/ Esmeralda Santiago Reyes with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 7/28/2023

8/17, 8/24, 8/31, 9/7/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9015312

The name of the business: Rock Solid Construction & Design, located at 1285 Alta Vista Dr., Vista, CA 92084. Registrant Information: Kyle E. Medley, 1285 Alta Vista Dr., Vista, CA 92084. This business is operated by an individual. First day of business: 4/27/2015

/s/ Kyle E. Medley with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 7/21/2023

8/17, 8/24, 8/31, 9/7/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9017133

The name of the business: Saving Grace Senior Solutions, located at 316 Crownview Ct., San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant Information: Saving Grace Senior Solutions, LLC, 316 Crownview Ct., San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: N/A

/s/ Marianne Stloka, COO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 8/17/2023

8/24, 8/31, 9/7, 9/14/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9016501

The name of the business: Ras Guy Productions, located at 3926 Shenandoah Dr., Oceanside, CA 92056. Registrant Information: Carlton Guy Clare Jr., 3926 Shenandoah Dr., Oceanside, CA 92056. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business:

12/2/2013

/s/ Carlton Guy Clare Jr. with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 8/8/2023

8/24, 8/31, 9/7, 9/14/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9016949

The name of the business: Shell Dransart, located at 2151 Island Shore Way, San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant Information: Wildflower

Studio LLC, 2151 Island Shore Way, San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: 8/16/2013

/s/ Michelle Dransart with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 8/16/2023

8/24, 8/31, 9/7, 9/14/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2023-9016892

The name of the business: Maddie Moon Designs, located at 2583 Majella Road, Vista, CA 92084. Registrant Information: Madelline Margaret Binnie Clark MS. 2583 Majella Road, Vista, CA 92084. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business:

2/1/2002

/s/ Madelline Margaret Binnie Clark MS with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 8/15/2023

Only the Bold, the Best and the Brightest read The Paper First, I discovered America. Then, I discovered The Paper!

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

Your friend, Eric the Red