March 28, 2024

Bullying . . . Deadly!

By Friedrich Gomez

In Your School?

Parents and teachers across the nation are making their voices known in protesting a national crisis.

School and cyberbullying is now at the highest levels ever recorded in America, leaving in its wake countless children who will silently suffer from lingering issues of emotional trauma, future mental health issues, and higher risks for eventual death by suicide.

A new survey by the Boys & Girls Club of America shows bullying is

on the rise across the United States. According to the organisation’s 2023 “Youth Right Now” survey: 40 percent of students report that they were verbally or physically bullied on school property.

“THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF BULLYING WE’VE EVER SEEN!”

Televised newscasts, such as Eyewitness News (CBS-12) in Florida reported that bullying across the entire United States is “The highest we’ve ever seen!”

Making matters worse is that this

The Paper • 760.747.7119

online: www.TheCommunityPaper.com

email: thepaper@cox.net

mental cruelty has become a “silent” and emotional epidemic which carries an increased risk of suicide.

The newscast added, “Of the 40 percent who were bullied, 55 percent of the children never told an adult about it.”

IN ADDITION TO “IN-SCHOOL” BULLYING, THERE IS ALSO “CYBERBULLYING.”

While in-school bullying statistics are at an all-time high across the nation, cyberbullying presents a horrific new calculus to an already-

nightmarish scenario: e.g, while a record level of 40 percent of U.S. students reported being severely bullied – a staggering 82 percent of school students were electronically bullied via their computer, aka cyberbullying!

TODAY’S BULLYING HAS PROVED FAR MORE DANGEROUS & DEADLY THAN IN PAST GENERATIONS.

The rise of today’s shocking and intense level of vitriolic hatred in bullying is a galaxy away from school bullying of previous generations.

Bullying from page 1

Statistically, today’s school and cyberbullying have proven to be far more dangerous and deadly than in previous generations.

Dr. Ljubica Ciric, child psychologist and Vice President of Child and Family Mental Health Services for Community Partners of South Florida, states: “The change and level of hatred in bullying today could simply be a sign of the shift in societal values.”

In other words, school children in previous generations were vastly more innocent and respectful compared to today’s generation. The school bullies of yesteryear wouldn’t be able to hold a candle to the ruthless bullies today.

As uncomfortable as it may be for some to read, children in bygone eras were vastly different in respect to their teachers, principals, and even bullying.

In the 1950s, the most common problems school teachers and students faced were:

1. Kids chewing gum in class.

2. Kids not placing scrap paper in the trash.

3. Too much noise in the halls.

Today, according to the Pew Research & The American Psychological Association:

Give Us This Day Our Daily Chuckle

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

is ‘Butt dust’?

Read on and you’ll discover the joy in it! These have to be original and genuine. No adult is this creative!

STEVEN (age 3) Hugged and kissed his Mom good night. ‘I love you so much that when you die I’m going to bury you outside my bedroom window.’

BRITTANY (age 4) Had an ear ache and wanted a pain killer. She tried in vain to take the lid off the bottle. Seeing her frustration, her Mom explained it was a child-proof cap and she’d have to open it for her. Eyes wide with wonder, the little girl asked: ‘How does it know it’s me?’

1. Today, many students harbour a secret fear of a mass shooter in the back of their minds.

2. Today, student disrespect, aggression, and violence toward school teachers and principals are at unprecedented levels never before seen in America.

3. Today, vicious school and cyberbullying is causing a ‘ripple-effect,’ sowing silent seeds of student anxiety, higher risk of future clinical depression, mental health issues, and even death by suicide.

PAST GENERATIONS IN AMERICA WERE (RELATIVELY) MORE POLITE, TIMID & RESPECTFUL.

It is sometimes uncomfortable for people to confront today’s reality, and what Dr. Ciric has previously called: “A sign of the shift of societal values in America.”

In King’s English: Previous generations of school children in America were (relatively) far more polite, timid, and respectful.

Dr. Ciric elaborates: “Today, people act differently than we did historically, whether we want to call it more assertive or more aggressive. People today communicate much more aggressively. In the past, we were (comparatively) more timid and more respectful in so many ways. Therefore, our communication was different.”

SUSAN (age 4) was drinking juice when she got the hiccups. ‘Please don’t give me this juice again,’ she said, ‘It makes my teeth cough..’

DJ (age 4) Stepped onto the bathroom scale and asked: ‘How much do I cost?’

CLINTON (age 5) was in his bedroom looking worried when his Mom asked what was troubling him, he replied, ‘I don’t know what’ll happen with this bed when I get married. How will my wife fit in it?’

MARC (age 4) was engrossed in a young couple that were hugging and kissing in a restaurant. Without taking his eyes off them, he asked his dad: ‘Why is he whispering in her mouth?’

TAMMY(age 4) was with her mother when they met an elderly, rather wrinkled woman her Mom knew. Tammy looked at her for a while and then asked, ‘Why doesn’t her skin fit her face?’

JAMES (age4) was listening to a Bible story. His dad read: ‘The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city but his wife looked back and was turned to salt.’ Concerned, James asked: ‘What happened to the flea?’

As such, today our bullying is much more toxic, aggressively more vulgar, shockingly and sexually obscene, and emotional debilitating – often leaving severe mental scars for the victim(s) which may never completely go away, but often fester and negatively manifest later in our adult years.

DATELINE: LAKELAND, FLORIDA.

12-year-olde Rebecca Ann Sedwick was a student, a 7th - grader at Crystal Lake Middle School in Lakeland, Florida. She was an innocent victim of both in-person and cyberbullying for one-and-ahalf years of her childhood life.

Two girls, ages 12 and 14 bullied and taunted her and encouraged others to physically assault and fight with Rebecca. They sent her electronic messages on her computer (cyberbullying) encouraging her to commit suicide because she was told that the world would be a better place without her.

Little Rebecca’s mother, Tricia Sedwick, said that her daughter would, “come home in tears every single day.”

On 9 September 2013, little 12year-olde Rebecca Ann Sedwick committed suicide by jumping from a high concrete silo tower to her grisly death below.

Just imagine, in her last seconds of

And finally the answer to the question:

This particular Sunday sermon....’Dear Lord,’ the minister began, with arms extended toward heaven and a rapturous look on his upturned face. ‘Without you, we are but dust...’

He would have continued but at that moment my very obedient daughter who was listening leaned over to me and asked quite audibly in her shrill little four year old girl voice, ‘Mom, what is butt dust?’

RESURRECTION?

While the priest was presenting a children’s sermon, he asked the children if they knew what the Resurrection was.

Now, asking questions during children’s sermons is crucial, but at the same time, asking children questions in front of a congregation can also be very dangerous.

In response to the question, a little boy raised his hand. The priest called on him and the boy said, “I know that if you have a resurrection that lasts more than four hours you are supposed to call the doctor.”

life, as terrifying as that jump from the high silo tower must have been in her little girl’s mind – her life was far more horrific and painful than the final terrifying embrace of death.

Sadly, for little innocent 12-yearolde Rebecca Sedwick . . . she preferred death over life.

She is now forever gone. And her parents will be forever traumatised and emotionally-scarred that they will never again see her once-happy and joyful little face.

Young, severely bullied children are particularly vulnerable to suicide because of their early formative years as a child, which lacks maturity and resilience which adults grow into.

Peer pressure is unusually powerful and they, innately, only wish to ‘fit in’ and be accepted by their peer group.

Bullying can cause irreparable damage to their young developing ego and psyche, causing confusion and systemic feelings of being unworthy and a failure in life.

And although they may fear death, life can be more fearful, painful, and – seemingly – suicide may appear to be the only way to stop

Bullying continued on page 3

It took ten minutes for the congregation to settle down enough for the service to continue.

••••• THE IRISH PROSTITUTE

An Irish daughter had not been home for over 5 years.

Upon her return, her father cursed her heavily. ‘Where have ye been all this time, child? Why did ye not write to us, not even a line? Why didn’t ye call? Can ye not understand what ye put yer old Mother thru?’

The girl, crying, replied, ‘Sniff, sniff... Dad.... I became a prostitute.’

‘Ye what!? Get outta here, ye shameless harlot! Sinner! You’re a disgrace to this Catholic family.’

‘OK, Dad... As ye wish. I just came back to give Mum this luxurious fur coat, title deed to a ten bedroom mansion plus a $5 million savings certificate. For me little brother, this gold Rolex. And for ye, Daddy, the sparkling new Mercedes Limited Edition convertible that’s parked outside, plus a membership to the country club... (takes a breath)..... And an invitation for ye all to spend New Year’s

Chuckles continued on page 9

What Is Butt Dust?

What, you ask,

Bullying from page 2

the deep, unrelenting, and tortuous pain they are experiencing in their innocent, childhood mind.

In their confused, young state of mind, they may be bullied into believing that they are, indeed, a ‘mistake in life’ – and that self-destruction (suicide) is the answer. Adults often do not fully comprehend the depth of their pain, or their orbit of social values that are crucially important to them.

In their childhood world, the (ostensible) rejection by the world around them may lead them to believe that they are, indeed, a burden in life and that they are unfit to live.

A burden to their own mommy and daddy -- as their tormentors persistently tell them.

It is obscenely wrong.

As psychiatrists warn: “Suicide is (wrongfully) a permanent answer to a temporary problem.” These precious, irreplaceable childhood lives are worth salvaging from the dustbin of life.

WITHOUT INTERVENTION, VICTIMS OF BULLYING FACE DEPRESSION, LOW SELF-ESTEEM & MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES.

Even if such victims of in-school and cyberbullying survive, they have a higher rate of clinical depression, low self-esteem, making poor decisions in life, and possible lifelong mental illness issues.

Also, the spectre of possible suicide may haunt them in the shadows and still remain a viable danger when life becomes too challenging in their adult years.

“BULLYCIDE”A NEW & DEADLY TERM ADDED INTO TODAY’S VOCABULARY & DICTIONARIES.

The new term “bullycide” is a hybrid of bullying and suicide to explain when someone takes their life as a result of being bullied.

In today’s modern technological world of computers, bullycide is now rampant, ubiquitous, and knows neither boundaries of distance, gender, age, nor reason.

And today’s bullies do not just attack normal, innocent children, but, they ruthlessly target kids who they perceive to be weak or “different” or “geeks” or “nerds” or simply “shy” or “socially awkward.”

Anyone can become a target for bullying.

Bullying also compounds the life of children who are already struggling as “slow learners in class,” or who have “attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder” (ADHD), or autism, or have “special needs” such as with the erstwhile and now toxic terms: physically and mentally handicapped.

Such children are easy targets for taunting, ridicule, and being ostracised from everyone else.

According to the Mind Institute Studies, a staggering 3.2-million school-aged children are victims of bullying each year.

Sometimes, merely being culturally different or having an unusual accent, can be a senseless cause for in-person and cyberbullying.

DATELINE: MASSACHUSETTS.

She was born Phoebe Nora Mary Prince, in Bedfordshire, England of Irish ancestry. Her parents later relocated from England to Ireland. Looking at her photo, she was exceptionally beautiful.

Only 5 months after moving here from Ireland to the United States and enrolling at South Hadley High School in Massachusetts, she became the victim of both school bullying and cyberbullying.

Phoebe would be bullied and persistently taunted and harassed at school, in the library, and in the school auditorium. One of her bullies followed her home from school in a friend’s car, and then threw an empty ‘energy drink’ can at her, and yelled an insult.

It was after this final incident that Phoebe died by suicide by hanging herself in the stairwell leading to the second floor of the family apartment.

Her body was discovered by her 12year-olde sister, who remains traumatised to this day and often wakes up in the middle of the night in a state of stark terror at seeing her beloved sister’s body -- hanging dead and lifeless at such a young age.

To show how callous, unremorseful, and relentless bullies can be today, after her death, many crude comments about her were posted on her Facebook Memorial page, all of which were removed.

Her parents chose to have her buried in Ireland.

It bears repeating, this all happened just 5 months after Phoebe moved to the United States from Ireland.

Phoebe Nora Mary Prince was only 15-years-olde when she took her own life.

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

239 S Kalmia St, Escondido

Artify Your Life

March 28 • 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Turrentine Room • Adults

Local artist Lisa McCague of Beautiful Day Calligraphy will teach new artistic skills using a brush and paint to customize a household object to take home. Registration is required. To register, visit https:// library.escondido.org/register.aspx

½ Price Sale in the Friends Bookshop

March 29th & 30th

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

Nowruz:

Persian New Year Celebration March 30 • 3 to 4pm

Turrentine Room • All Ages

The Persian Culture Center partners with the Escondido Public Library to celebrate Persian New Year. Learn about Nowruz and Persian culture with traditional Persian live music by Niloufar Shiri, dance performances from the Iranian School of San Diego dance academy, crafts, and Persian refreshments.

***

LIFE at MiraCosta College

1831 Mission Ave., Oceanside In The Board Room Trailer T200

A Lifelong Learning Group

Meetings will be held in person at the Mira Costa College Oceanside Campus at 1:00 pm in the Board Room Trailer T200 by the Police

Station and by the Internet Application ZOOM.

March 29: 1:00 Content Creation in a Changing World Steven Breen, Cartoonist Currently at Inewsource Steve Breen will discuss the changing world of journalism, his new home at Inewsource and what the future looks like for cartooning and visual storytelling.

March 29: 2:30 Heart of the Zoo: All About Chuck Kathi Diamant, Director of Publishing San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and Georgeanne Irvine, Author Kathi Diamant will talk about her awardwinning book “Heart of the Zoo: How San Diego Zoo Director, Chuck Bieler Earned His Stripes”. Accompanying Kathi will be Chuck Bieler and Georgeanne Irvine who will share an entertaining PowerPoint about Chuck’s history with the zoo.

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.

Oodles continued on page 14

National Dog Bite Prevention Week is Right Around the Corner

National Dog Bite Prevention Week is April 7th through 13th and it’s important to remember that any dog can bite, but learning to read body language, respecting behavior that communicates a boundary and being mindful of the difference between people and pets can help to keep both you and your animals safe.

Love them and let them go.

Did you know most pets don’t enjoy being hugged? Look for body language like lip licking, looking away, yawning, sneezing or seeing the whites of their eyes - all these signs suggest they are not enjoying our show of affection. We know this is tough to hear, but most bites to the face occur during a hug, so it’s safest to avoid them altogether.

Can’t hurry love.

Let your pet take the lead by sitting somewhere approachable and waiting for them to come to you. This allows them to show us how close they are comfortable getting in that moment. Some pets will choose to get up close and personal, including snuggling in a lap or leaning into you - this is the pet version of a hug!

Man About Town

Dreams

Gather ‘round, my children, Unca Lyle is about to give a lesson on dreams:

Some of my best ideas come to me at 3, 4, 5 am. Often as a result of dreams. I take the elements that make up the dream and turn them into a story, into an idea to be marketed, or, perhaps, an ad campaign.

“But I never remember my dreams!” you say?

Posh! Pshaw! and Tsk, Tsk.

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

If you’re offering an interaction like a pet or a belly rub, watch for those body language signals and let your pet close the gap. Again, this lets them communicate boundaries and express comfort levels, which can vary by interaction, person, experience, etc. We never want to assume and always want to ask consent - even with pets we know and live with. Remember, you should never force your pet to interact with anyone if they aren’t feeling it.

Mind the gap.

Humans, including children, are much bigger than pets. Even if your dog weighs more than your child, the weight of a child or a person’s head on top of your pet is still too much for them to bear. Many bites to children are a result of the pet becoming uncomfortable with the weight of the child on top of them. Even if your pet has tolerated this behavior in the past, this could change at any time and without warning. Always supervise children and pets and teach children from a young age to respect a pet’s space.

It’s easy.

When you are in a deep sleep and having a dream . . . and then awaken (often because of Mother Nature calling, suggesting a trip to the restroom is in order) . . . you need to immediately remember that dream. The elements of the dream. Where were you in the dream? Who was with you? What was the story line?

Then go ahead and answer mother nature’s call. But retain the elements of the dream.

Return to bed, close thine eyes, and recall, in your mind, the dream and all the elements. Relax. Soon, you will be back asleep and, more often than not, you can put yourself right back into your dream and continue it, if you so desire. (If it’s a scary dream, to hell with it. Dream something new).

Mary has told me she doesn’t remember her dreams. She doesn’t think she dreams. Nonsense. We all dream. It is our subconscious roaming freely within our brain, not burdened down with the many things we think of during the day when our brain is working feverishly to understand politicians and smart phones.

Letters to the Editor

Lyle, thanks for running the Valley View Casino ads in The Paper! After logging onto their website, my wife and I are definitely planning on going there along with several other couples.

Spring is here and summer is around the bend so we’re all going to add Valley View to our spring/ summer fun agenda! An acquaintance said “The Escondido TimesAdvocate” also is running Valley View ads but the vast majority of us who don’t live in Escondido are not aware. However, your publication (The Paper) is available in cities from Escondido all the way to the coast, so now the majority of North San Diego County residents don’t feel “left out.” From Vista, San Marcos, Valley Center, Oceanside, Carlsbad -- well, you get the picture -- we all say thanks

At night, all that drama is gone. The brain relaxes, Mr. Subconscious takes the stage and begins to construct a play. Or a movie. Or a circus.

Let Mr. Subconscious roam free and do whatever he wants to do. He will open up new worlds to you that you never dreamed existed. And many of them don’t. But some you can bring to life.

And all you have to do is immediately recall the dream you just dreamt. If it is a good dream and you want to keep it, go back to sleep and recall the elements. It will come back to you. If it’s really, really important. Take a few moments to write down some key elements in a dream . . . like an idea you can use in business . . . or a story you can write. Why? Because sometimes you’ll forget to remember the dream . . . and when it’s gone, then, and only then, is it near impossible to recall.

And thus, my children, ends todays lesson on how to explore the world of dreams.

Now go outside and play. And ack respeccable.

for letting us hear about the dazzling array of fun that awaits all of us at nearby Valley View!

Terry Galloway, North San Diego County

***

Good Saturday (rainy) afternoon Lyle. I had breakfast this morning at Charlie’s, Corned beef hash, scrambled egg, hash browns & two cups of coffee with some sage honey that I brought with me. I hate those little honey packets that you have to tear open and then only for a miniscule amount. Any way I was reading your restaurant report where you said you like the Clam Chowder the best at Charlie’s.

I mentioned that to Charlie’s son in law Bill and he had not seen it or heard about it yet, I showed him and was he ever pleased, super folks there for sure.

I need to pick your brain some time when you have a free moment about V A Health care. I am rated with an 80% disability rating due to some things that happened to me in the early 60s while stationed for 42 months in Spain. The only thing I’ve had done was at the local office on Pennsylvania to receive my Shingles shots. I went one time to get established by having a physical done, it was

Letters continued on page 14

More on Clam Chowder . . . and Four Tunas . . .

Again, I was in the mood for sea food. I remembered the fish tacos at Four Tunas were rather tasty and very reasonably priced at $2.50 each (though I soon found out that price was only available on Tuesdays; normal price is $3.50. Still, not too bad). And I also remembered they served clam chowder, which I love, when it’s good, but had not yet sampled their offering.

Off we went, on a rainy Saturday, Mary and me . . . to revisit Four Tunas.

Tacos weree pretty good . . . clam chowder was outstanding. But way too skimpy of a serving.

They serve it in a scooped out bread bowl. Attractive way to serve it but way more bread than chowder.

At $13.95 a bowl I would like more clam chowder, less bread. Service is generally good, food is okay, but tends to be a bit pricey. At-

Bullying from page 3

News of her death in America caused an international outcry.

The U.S. state of Massachusetts created an anti-bullying task force and a new, stronger anti-bullying law to help protect other students from being bullied in the future.

But for the beautiful 15-year-olde Phoebe, the little Irish lass – who once trembled with girlish excitement over the prospects of coming to America . . . such laws are too late.

And she no longer has a future.

POSSIBLE SIGNS THAT A CHILD IS BEING BULLIED.

Look for changes in the child. However, be aware that not all children who are bullied exhibit warning signs.

Here are some signs that may point to a bullying problem.

1. Unexplained injuries.

2. Lost or destroyed clothing, books, electronics, or jewelry.

3. Frequent headaches or stomach aches (feeling sick or faking illness).

4. Changes in eating habits, like suddenly skipping meals or binge eating. Kids may come home from school hungry as they did not eat lunch because their lunch or lunch money was taken from them. Or they were simply too emotionally upset, from being bullied, to eat.

5. Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares.

6. Declining grades, loss of interest in schoolwork, or not

Man About Town

from page 4

tractive decor, nice and clean, but very noisy. The sound seems to bounce off the wall and makes it hard to hear what your table mate is saying.

Four Tunas gets consistently good reviews via computer online sources, Yelp, etc., but I don’t rate them as high as other restaurants that serve sea food. Their ratings fall for me, particularly after Mary, Friedrich and I visited Charlie’s in Escondido on Friday and we each had a bowl of clam chowder - full of clams, creamy, tasty . . . and only $4.75 a bowl!

When I’m in the mood for clam chowder I head for Charlie’s.

I probably will not return to Four Tunas. Mainly because I think they are too pricey for what they offer. And loud.

wanting to go to school.

7. Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations.

8. Feelings of helplessness or decreased self esteem.

9. Self-destructive behaviour such as running away from home, harming themselves, or talking about suicide.

SAN DIEGO RESIDENT BECOMES POWERFUL ADVOCATE AGAINST SCHOOL BULLYING.

San Diego County resident Stephen Tako’s path in life has been one of extreme contrasts: as tortuous as the biblical Job to the sum-

Not my cup of tea. Or chowder.

•••

Long Pants

You may not recognize me next time you see me.

I finally broke down and bought two pair of long pants. Khakis. Normally, my uniform of the day consists of tennis shorts, sport shirt, windbreaker, and Birkenstock sandals. There are times when you need to wear long pants.

I am now prepared for all contingencies . . . casual or dressy casual. You won’t, however, find me in a tuxedo. Last time I wore one of those was in a church. At a wedding. And I wound up being married!

Normally, I avoid churches. And weddings. And marriage.

me in 1 st grade. By third grade, I was afraid to go out for recess due to the bullying. It was a constant threat to any type of happy childhood. The bullying ended in 9th grade, due to me finally defending myself. But the damage was already done. And I suffered for many additional years with making poor choices in life and having a very low self-esteem.”

From the debris of his early childhood life, he somehow built a ‘kingdom’ – a kingdom where he could transform all of his horrible memories into a positive, lifenurturing venture that would help prevent childhood bullying for future generations here in the United States – and the world.

STEPHEN TAKO: “RISING STAR” IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CHILDHOOD BULLYING IN AMERICA & THE WORLD.

mit of attaining his true purpose in life.

As a young boy growing up in the small farming community of Valley City, Ohio, life was a living hell for him. In one interview, his words tug at the heartstrings:

“I’m one of the lucky ones that made it through those dark years . . . and survived to share my story.”

Tall and skinny for his age, the young Irish boy was unmercifully picked on by bullies. He recalls the torment as a wee lad.

“The relentless bullying started for

Though not a churchgoer or believer I occasionally spend a Sunday morning listening to my dear friend, retired Pastor Richard Huls, who still holds services at the Fair Winds Elder Care facility in Vista. I go just because I enjoy hearing Pastor Huls speak. And I wear long pants.

•••

Spring

What a relief that Spring has finally sprung!

This has been one of the coldest, most uncomfortable winters I’ve experienced in ages.

I grew up in the midwest so am familiar with cold, snowy winters . . . biting frosty weather that nips at your toes, your nose and ears. But the cold, wet weather we’ve had in North County this past winter was rough on this el-

Today, San Diegan, Stephen Tako, is an Anti-Bullying Advocate and Motivational Speaker. Stephen has many talented arrows in his quiver, and is – among many things -- an active member of the “Society of Children Book Writers & Illustrators” and has published a variety of books with themes on anti-bullying which are targeted for both adults and children.

HOLLYWOOD & FILM MAKING TO BENEFIT CHILDHOOD BULLYING.

Stephen Tako is also a member of the Screen Actor’s Guild (SAGAFTRA) and has produced, directed, and performed in a variety

Bullying continued on page 12

derly silver haired gent.

Midwestern houses are well insulated, keeping you cool in the summer, warm in the winter. Whoever built our home in Escondido skimped on insulation. It’s the coldest house I’ve ever lived in . . . and my utility bill is through the roof! In order to be warm while sleeping I have to don a parka, muk-luks and mittens . . . add 3 or 4 warm blankets and the hide of an old walrus and just maybe then I’ll be able to grab 40 winks or so.

‘Course, in about a month or two when ol’ Mr. Summer arrives I’ll be singing a different tune . . . complaining about it being way too hot for a normal human being to survive. And I’ll be sleeping on top of the blankets . . . with a fan on all night long.

That’s it for this week. See you at Charlie’s?

Steven Tako

Celebrating California Agriculture

California is the country’s leading agricultural state. In recognition of the importance of agriculture to our economy, ceremonies recognizing Ag Day were held at the State Capitol March 19th.

California has over 83,000 farms and ranches, 4 percent of the nation’s total. But we produce over one third of the country’s vegetables and almost three-quarters of the country’s fruits and nuts. San Diego County plays a big part. From cattle grazing on East County hillsides, to avocado and citrus groves in Pauma Valley and Fallbrook, much of that agriculture is located right here in the 75th Assembly District. According to the San Diego County Farm Bureau, San Diego’s farm economy is the 13th largest in California. We rank 1st in nursery crops, 5th in horticulture, 9th in strawberries and 10th in egg-laying hens. We also have the largest number of parttime farmers and the second largest number of farms run by women.

Agriculture has other benefits as well. These include Agritourism, a growing industry throughout the state (click here). San Diego County is home to 2 American Viticultural Areas, located in the San Pasqual Valley and Ramona. Wineries scattered across much of the county draw tourists and locals

alike, a major boost for our local economy.

As I learned while serving on the Escondido City Council, agriculture contributes to public safety. The city’s northern and eastern perimeter is ringed with well-irrigated citrus and avocado groves, which over the years have helped limit the spread of wildfires. And since locally grown food can be a healthy lifestyle choice, we’re fortunate to have farmer’s markets throughout the region (click here). Agriculture also benefits the environment, with millions of plants and trees that help clean the air.

We must do all we can to ensure that California agriculture flourishes. As your Assembly representative, I will do everything possible to support our irreplaceable agriculture industry.

For an electronic version of this article, please visit my website at: https://ad75.asmrc.org/

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 Hop into Spring with the City’s Bunny Breakfast and Spring Egg Scramble

Come take a photo with the Bunny after munching on a delicious pancake breakfast on Saturday, March 30 from 8-10 a.m., located at Williams Barn at Walnut Grove Park, 1950 Sycamore Dr. Tickets are $7 per person and limited, so be sure to purchase your ticket at www.san-marcos.net/register.

The annual Spring Egg Scramble is here as well on Saturday, March 30 from 8-11:30 a.m. at Walnut Grove Park, 1950 Sycamore Dr. Children are welcome to join the community “scramble” where 20,000 prizefilled eggs will be scattered throughout the park. Stop by a little early to experience a free carnival with games, jumpees and other activities. Be sure to bring your own basket to collect prizes!

Below is the egg scramble schedule:

• 10:15 a.m. – zero to two years (parents allowed)

• 10:25 a.m. – three to four years

• 10:35 a.m. – five to six years

• 10:45 a.m. – seven to eight years

• 10:55 a.m. – nine to eleven years

• 11:05 a.m. – Accessible timeslot (caregivers encouraged)

For more information, visit the Parks and Recreation Guide at www. san-marcos.net.

5th District Supervisor Jim Desmond

Community Choice Aggregation: Facts and Choices

I recently held a meeting to discuss the transition from SDG&E to Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) in our region. This initiative, led by the Clean Energy Alliance, aims to provide cleaner and potentially more affordable energy options for our communities.

San Marcos and Escondido have adopted CCA and Vista and Oceanside are set to join on April 1.

Residents need to know that they have the option to opt out if they prefer to stay with SDG&E. This opt-out provision ensures that individuals can make decisions based on their preferences.

During the meeting, I provided detailed information about the benefits of CCA. These include the potential for lower energy rates and increased use of renewable energy sources. However, I also acknowledged concerns about the involvement of elected officials in energy procurement, a feature unique to the CCA model.

While I harbor reservations about

government involvement in such matters, I recognize the importance of providing residents with choices. Transparency is critical, which is why I’ve made the entire presentation available on my YouTube page under “Supervisor Jim Desmond.” Moving forward, it’s crucial for residents to engage with their local representatives and stay informed about the transition to CCA. This will ensure that they can make decisions that align with their values and preferences regarding energy sources and providers.

While there are valid concerns and considerations regarding CCA, providing residents with factual information and choices is important. By fostering transparency and encouraging engagement, we can navigate this transition in a way that best serves the interests of our communities.

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

AAA homeowner’s insurance problem: They never told me I had to fix the roof!

Jan Hustler just lost her AAA homeowner’s insurance because she didn’t repair her roof on time. But the company didn’t tell her about the requirement until it was too late. Can she get her insurance coverage back?

Q: I recently received a notification from AAA, my home insurance company, that it would not renew my coverage for this year. The reason? The AAA underwriting department said my roof had “exceeded its useful life” and needed to be replaced by September. AAA said I could reapply for a homeowner’s policy -- in December 2026

How could I have known that we needed a new roof by then? Why didn’t AAA notify me earlier so I could have complied by that date? Instead, I was denied before I could comply.

I feel like AAA is treating me unfairly. Why would AAA treat a loyal customer this way? Can you help get my insurance reinstated?

~ Jan Hustler, Santa Clara, Calif.

A: AAA shouldn’t have canceled your homeowner’s insurance without first giving you an opportunity to replace your roof. But it looks as if it never notified you about the required repairs.

Insurance companies can -- and sometimes do -- require customers to make certain repairs to their homes before they can insure them. Usually, that happens before -- or soon after -- you purchase your policy. If you have an older home, the insurance company will require an inspection. Based on that, the insurance company may require certain repairs within 30 to 60 days.

In your case, AAA required that you replace your roof before agreeing to insure your home in 2024. While that is legal, it’s customary for an insurance company to notify you of the requirement so that you

Problem Solved continued on page 12

By Tom Morrow

When you reach 85 years of life it’s okay to doze off in front of the TV or anyplace it’s safe … but not behind the wheel.

Do you remember when it took at least two to three minutes for the TV or radio set to warm up? We sat watching the television station’s test pattern before the day’s programming began. Or we watched the Air Force fly-bys as the “Star Spangled Banner” was played to end each day’s programming, usually around midnight.

In Middle-West America our dads usually left the keys to the family car in the ignition. Car doors were never locked, and even some family homes went unlocked. As hard as that might be to believe, smalltown folks in the 1950s trusted each

Historically Speaking

A Little Nostalgia After 85 Years of Life

other. That lasted until 1963, when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Nothing in America has ever been that trusting since.

Nobody owned a purebred dog; owners hardly ever picked up after their mutt’s leavings.

A quarter was a decent allowance for a small child … and, up until 1964, that coin was minted with real silver! We’d reach into a muddy gutter for a dropped coin, checking to see if it was a highlycollectable “1943” penny!

Your Mom wore nylons stockings that came in two pieces. At the service station your Dad got his car’s windshield cleaned, oil checked, while gas was being pumped at less than 30 cents a gallon … all for free every time you filled up. If you bought premium gasoline (also known as “Ethel”) you got your floorboards swept out with a small whisk broom. If your tires needed a check, you didn’t pay for any pumped air. And sometimes you got trading stamps … if Dad remembered to collect them for Mom.

At the grocery store a box of laun-

dry detergent included free dishes. For us kids a box of Cracker Jacks always had a prize, and a pack of bubble gum included a small comic strip.

In the 1940s and 50s it was considered a great privilege to be taken out for lunch or dinner at a cafe with

by Christopher Elliott

your parents, but it was hard on Dad’s wallet. In 1958, hamburgers were 15 cents each, tenderloin sandwiches were a quarter, and hot roast beef open-face sandwiches were between 50 to 75 cents each depend-

When Cheryl Mander’s Vrbo rental in Hawaii is uninhabitable, the rental platform agrees to cover her new accommodations. But then it backs out. What happened?

Q: My family and I recently rented a house through Vrbo for a vacation stay in Hawaii. When we entered the home, we were immediately hit with a strong smell of mold. Upon further inspection, we noted and took pictures of black mold located on the smoke detector, the pictures hanging on the walls, the shower stall, and the windowsills.

One of the members of my party is a 17-year-old who has severe asthma. She has been hospitalized in the past on several occasions for this and continues to be under the direct care of a respiratory specialist.

I immediately contacted the homeowner, who was very kind, and suggested that we get in touch with Vrbo for assistance. The homeowner offered to cancel the reservation if we did not feel comfortable staying there.

I contacted Vrbo, and a representa-

tive assured me that we were covered by its “Book With Confidence Guarantee.” Vrbo sent us an email authorizing us to spend $15,138 for a new place, which was double what we originally paid. The new place was $21,014. but we had no choice since there was extremely limited inventory available on Oahu for seven people at the last minute. A representative assured me Vrbo would cover the entire amount.

I just received a follow-up email from Vrbo this morning stating that “Upon research into this matter, it has been determined that the requested reimbursement is not available through the Book with Confidence program due to the temporary nature of the cleanliness issues reported.” Can you help me get Vrbo to cover the new rental, as promised?

~ Cheryl Mander, Surrey, British Columbia

A: I’m sorry to hear about your moldy rental. Vrbo has no business renting homes that have black mold in them, and it should find a

way to screen its rentals before allowing you to rent them. But that’s another issue -- and not one we’re likely to fix in this column.

You did the right thing by contacting first the owner and then Vrbo. And you really followed the Elliott Method by getting almost everything in writing, including Vrbo’s promise to cover you for up to $15,138 in additional lodging expenses. That’s a reasonable offer, given that it was a last-minute reservation in Hawaii. (In fact, I was in a similar situation in Oahu not so long ago, and Vrbo also covered my extra costs.)

Vrbo’s Book With Confidence Guarantee promises if the property was materially misrepresented in the listing, it will help you book a new reservation. The Vrbo agent with whom you spoke said it would apply to your situation, and I agree.

Unfortunately, you didn’t get the second promise -- to cover the additional $5,876 -- in writing. The agent told you that over the phone. So when you sent your expenses to

Vrbo and it saw a bill for $21,014, the system most likely rejected it.

Your case is a reminder to always get everything in writing, especially when it comes to promises to cover your extra costs. At a minimum, you could have asked the Vrbo representative to make a notation in your record that you were authorized to spend $21,014.

If Vrbo continued to reject your invoice, you could have reached out to one of the Vrbo executives I list on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org. In the end, it took an effort by both of us to get this resolved. You wrote to the executives, and I contacted Vrbo separately. The company apologized and agreed to refund you $15,138 plus cover two nights you had to spend in a hotel. You accepted its offer.

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.

Rock ‘n’ Rolls’ Bill Haley & the Comets

Air travel stinks.

Air travel smells worse than ever. Here’s how to fix it.

You don’t have to tell that to Danielle Belyeu, who recently was stuck next to a passenger with a strong body odor -- rotting cheese and onion -- on a flight from the Caribbean island of Curaçao to Miami.

“Thank goodness the flight was only a couple of hours,” says Belyeu, a travel advisor from Summerville, S.C.

Being a travel pro, she came prepared: A lightly scented spray bottle of hand sanitizer held the stench at bay during the flight.

There’s a war of scents going on at 36,000 feet, and it’s escalating in ways you can’t see (but will probably smell). Some passengers are treating personal hygiene as if it’s optional. Others are taking matters into their own hands by spraying unapproved scents. Airlines, meanwhile, are maintaining a double standard for smells.

What are airline policies for smells?

It turns out airlines have rules about smells, but they’re problematic.

For example:

American Airlines’ contract of carriage, the legal agreement between you and the airline, says it can refuse to transport “persons who have an offensive odor such as from a draining wound.”

Delta Air Lines also reserves the right to refuse transportation “when the passenger’s conduct, attire, hygiene or odor creates an unreasonable risk of offense or annoyance to other passengers.”

United Airlines has a similar provision, refusing to carry “Passengers who have or cause a malodorous condition.”

At the same time, airlines have given themselves a broad license to release their scents on the plane.

A few years ago, United reportedly began using a proprietary fragrance called Landing (orange peel, bergamot, cypress) in its cabins. Delta Air Lines perfumed its planes with Calm (lavender and chamomile). During the pandemic, airlines sprayed the cabin interiors with chemical cleaners that left some passengers with a headache. And don’t even get me started on the lungfuls of jet fuel fumes that sometimes waft through the cabin before takeoff.

Like I said, it’s a war of scents up there.

Why airline passengers are holding their noses?

Reports of smelly aircraft have been in the news lately. There was that flatulent passenger on an American Airlines flight from Phoenix to Austin. One witness said it became so unbearable that the flight turned around and headed back to the gate to remove the malodorous traveler.

Last year, two Air Canada passengers were removed from a flight because they reportedly wouldn’t sit in vomit-covered seats. The airline later apologized.

Many of the smells come from the cargo hold. One frequent offender is durian fruit, with its distinctive odor of honey, sewage and rotting onion. It has forced several planes to make emergency landings. Many airlines ban durian fruit despite its popularity in Asia.

My worst odor experience happened many years ago when I flew from New York to Vienna on a Soviet-made aircraft operated by the Romanian flag carrier Tarom.

I was stuck in the back of the plane, and the moment the “no smoking” lights went out, it seemed like every passenger -- including the kids -- lit up at the same time. But that wasn’t the only problem. The bathrooms were directly behind me, and someone had poured a chemical that smelled like cherry and battery acid into the toilets, which started to overflow within an hour of departure. It was a long flight.

How to fight against the smells without breaking the rules.

So what should you do if you encounter a bad smell on a plane? Before you go spraying perfumes and air fresheners -- which your airline might not allow -- here are a few less invasive strategies.

Say something. Find someone who can help you. A flight attendant might be able to move you to a different seat or, if the flight hasn’t left yet, remove the offending smeller. “Politely tell the attendants right away,” says Jackson Groves, a frequent air traveler and adventure travel blogger. “Working together, I’m sure they can fix it or make it more bearable.”

Address the problem -- politely. If the problem is a person, you may be able to negotiate a truce. “One person’s dream scent is another person’s nightmare,” says etiquette expert Nick Leighton. If you see someone spraying cologne on the seat, you may want to remind them that it’s polite to remain odor-neutral.

Improvise. That’s what Uneaka Daniels, a reading specialist from Bermuda, does when she’s sitting next to a passenger with body odor issues. She carries a white scarf with diffusing beads that contain essential oils. Technically, she’s not spraying anything. She used that strategy on a recent flight to London. “The guy next to me did not smell pleasant, and it was a six-hour flight,” she remembers.

And don’t be part of the problem. If you think you might create a smell on the plane, refrain from any activity that might stink the cabin up. That includes eating a big Italian dinner with extra garlic, Polish sausage, and durian. Definitely, avoid durian.

“And please do not wear perfume when you know you will board an airplane,” adds manners expert Adeodata Czink. “It bothers the people seated around you, and they can’t leave the plane.”

But is there a way to defuse this smell-a-palooza? Maybe.

How to fix the air travel smells.

There’s a way to call a truce in the

odor war on planes, but it will require some leadership from the airline industry.

It starts with creating a commonsense standard for flights and holding everyone to them. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety offers some suggestions for creating a scent-free policy.

That means asking passengers to attend to their personal hygiene and refrain from using perfume and cologne before the flight. An airline might also issue a formal policy limiting scented products on the plane. Things like smelly aftershave, essential oils, lotions and soaps would be verboten.

Most importantly, airlines need to hold themselves to the same standard they set for passengers. In other words, no industrial cleaners in the bathroom and no signature scents called “calm,” “happy,” or “I want to sign up for your addictive loyalty program.”

Scents are a serious problem on planes. Strong body odors can literally make you vomit. Chemicals in scented products can create headaches, nausea, upper respiratory problems, and skin irritation.

It’s time for the scent war to end on the plane. Wait until you land to slather on the Chanel Bleu or douse yourself in lavender oil.

Your fellow passengers thank you in advance -- and so do I.

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 Aren Elliott

Chuckles

Eve on board my new yacht in the Riviera.’

from page 2 tablish the fact that, at the scene of the accident, this man told the police on the scene that he was fine. Now several weeks after the accident, he is trying to sue my client. I believe he is a fraud. Please tell him to simply answer the question.’

‘Now what was it ye said ye had become?’ says Dad.

Girl, crying again, ‘Sniff, sniff..... A prostitute, Daddy! Sniff, sniff.’

‘Oh! Saints Alive! Ye scared me half to death, girl! I thought ye said a Protestant. Come here and give yer old dad a hug!”

•••••

A Minnesota farmer named Ole had a car accident. He was hit by a truck owned by the Eversweet Company.

In court, the Eversweet Company’s hot-shot attorney questioned him thus: ‘Didn’t you say to the state trooper at the scene of the accident, ‘I’m fine?”

Ole responded: ‘vell, I’lla tell you vat happened dere. I’d yust loaded my fav’rit cow, Bessie, into da...’

‘I didn’t ask for any details’, the lawyer interrupted. ‘Just answer the question. Did you not say, at the scene of the accident, ‘I’m fine!’?’

Ole said, ‘vell, I’d yust got Bessie into da trailer and I vas drivin’ down da road....’

The lawyer interrupted again and said, ‘Your Honor, I am trying to es-

By this time, the Judge was fairly interested in Ole’s answer and said to the attorney: ‘I’d like to hear what he has to say about his favorite cow, Bessie’.

Ole said: ‘Tank you,’ and proceeded. ‘vell as I vas saying, I had yust loaded Bessie, my fav’rit cow, into de trailer and was drivin’ her down de road vin dis huge Eversweet truck and trailer came tundering tru a stop sign and hit my trailer right in da side by golly. I was trown into one ditch and Bessie was trown into da udder ditch. By yimminy yahosaphat I vas hurt, purty durn bad, and didn’t want to move. An even vurse dan dat,, I could hear old Bessie a moanin’ and a groanin’. I knew she vas in terrible pain yust by her groans. Shortly after da accident, a policeman on a motorbike turned up. He could hear Bessie a moanin’ and a groanin’ too, so he vent over to her. After he looked at her, and saw her condition, he took out his gun and shot her right between the eyes.

Den da policeman came across de road, gun still in hand, looked at me, and said, ‘How are you feelin’?’

‘Now wot da hek vud you say?’

Enjoy Flower Therapy The Pastor Says . . .

It is the spring season. What a wonderful time of the year. I do hear complaints, though. Some people don’t like the rain. I love it. It could rain much more. Being a gardener, one knows how much rain is essential to leach the soil and penetrate deeply for the needed moisture with garden plants. So I pray that it will rain more. Then there is the complaint that it is cold and uncomfortable. Yes, it is cooler in the early spring. We know, however, that the summers can be hot. Just wait. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, we can expect a hot summer in Southern California. My advice is to enjoy the cool days. They won’t last.

With the change in weather during the spring season, new growth and floral expectations emerge. By now, most serious Rosarians have pruned their roses. Now we wait for the new growth and the burst full of bloom with color and fragrance. Yes, there are thorns, but the rose’s beauty and fragrance far exceed a thorn’s prick. And yes, there is so much more to the floral color. Already, the roadways are entertaining us with brilliant colors. The deserts are blossoming with a superbloom.

With all of this, it is exciting to hear people express their anticipation for spring flowers, which free us from many of life’s demands and frustrations, often turning a dull day into a bright one. It is the therapy of the flowers that we can have if we first take the time to smell the roses and contemplate the beauty and uniqueness of the many flowers we have in our yards or surrounding areas.

If we do, we can join with Jesus, the Christ, who, in His walks in the country now known as Israel, often spoke of the flowers and used them to illustrate God’s kingdom and the truths we need to have a successful and happy life. In Luke 12:27, He said, “Consider how the wildflowers grow. They do not labor or spin.” Yet I tell you, not even Solomon, in all his splendor, was dressed like one of these. In Matthew 6:28, He says, “Why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow, etc.”

There are many other references to flowers in the Bible. The writers use flowers as examples for many of life’s needs and truths. All are reflective and therapeutic. In our age, we need this. Stop and reflect on the flowers.

Pastor Huls

Pet Parade

Tippy Tappies

Tippy Tappies is Rancho Coastal Humane Society’s pet of the week. She’s an 11-month-old, 7-pound, female, Domestic Short Hair cat with a Grey and White Tabby coat.

Tippy Tappies was surrendered to a shelter in Riverside County, then transferred to Rancho Coastal Humane Society through Friends of County Animal Shelters (FOCAS.) She needs a quiet home where she can feel safe and comfortable.

The $100 adoption fee for Tippy Tappies 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, Friday through Monday, and by appointment Wednesday and Thursday.

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

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

No appointment is needed for this service. Hours are

Tuesday-Sunday from 10am to 6pm.

El Cajon

373 N. Marshall Ave.

Escondido

3500 Burnet Drive

Oceanside

572 Airport Road

San Diego

5480 Gaines Street

Pet of the Week

Big Jim

Meet Big Jim, a distinguished rooster who is looking for a new coop to call home! He’s a loyal companion, who is also surprisingly mellow. This distinguished rooster is known for his intelligence and bravery — he has a knack for flock protection and would love nothing more than to serve as a guardian for your feathered family. He’s not just a rooster, he’s a friend, protector and cherished companion. His loyalty, bravery and mellow nature make him the perfect addition to any home. Adopt Big Jim (898158) today at San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido Campus at 3500 Burnet Dr. If you have questions about the adoption process, you can visit sdhumane.org/ adopt or call 619-299-7012.

Online profile: https://www.sdhumane.org/adopt/available-pets/ animal-single.html?petId=898158

Pastor Huls

The Computer Factory

845 W. San Marcos Blvd.

760-744-4315

thecomputerfactory.net

Making your way in the world today

Takes everything you’ve got

Taking a break from all your worries

Sure would help a lot

Wouldn’t you like to get away? Where everybody knows your name

And they’re always glad you came

You want to be where you can see Our troubles are all the same You want to be where everybody knows your name.

You might recognize the words above as part of the theme from the 1982-1993 TV sitcom

One of my news reporter buddies asked, “Are you going to send out the stupid news release about Easter bunnies and baby chicks again this year?”

Me. “Yep.”

Him. “Good. We need to be reminded.”

Here it is. My stupid, annual reminder NOT to get Easter bunnies or chicks, unless you’re making a lifetime commitment.

The baby bunnies and fluffy

“Cheers”. The song expresses the common human appreciation for familiarity and friendship. We humans are most comfortable in familiar environments with people we know. For “Cheers” patrons like Norm and Cliffy, Cheers was a safe, predictable environment where friendship and acceptance were assumed.

Our early attachments are formed within our neighborhoods and schools. As we grow our social and physical environment and personal relationships expand to include work, clubs, hobbies, sports and many other activities and associations. Through the years we move, change jobs, developer new interest, lose contact with old friends and find new ones. As young adults, everything we see and do is new and exciting. We drink deeply from the cup of life relishing each new experience always learning and growing. Life is dynamic and the World doesn’t stand still. Since Nome and I came to North County the population of the five town mega-city (Oceanside, Carlsbad, Vista, San Marcos, Escondido) along highway 78 has nearly tripled. From 220,000 in 1980 the population has grown to nearly 640,000 in 2024. San Marcos grew from a sleepy town of 17,000, known mostly for trailer parks and chicken ranches, to become the bustling secondary education hub of North County with nearly 100,000 residents.

Musings

As we grow older and move through middle age toward our retirement years we start to settle down and become more “sot in our ways”. We’ve “been there, done that and got the T-shirt”. Our preferences, biases and prejudices have been established through life and experience. Whether its food, drink, movies, politics, sports, church or ice cream flavors, we’re pretty sure about what we like and what we don’t.

The owner of The Paper, Lyle Davis, is known to hang out at “Charlies” in Escondido. Nome and I also tend to favor the locally owned establishments with a long history of local service. Sisters Nancy and

Rita have been serving great Italian food and conversation for over forty years at Sorrento’s. San Marcos version of “Cheers” is the bar at The Mining Company where ten bucks will get you an order of Cod Tacos and a beer during “Happy Hour”. Churchill’s, The Fish House, Pegah’s and Mama Kat’s are more locally owned eateries that have stood the test of time.

Becoming a regular at any locally owned business doesn’t take much effort. Whether it’s your favorite bar, restaurant, auto mechanic, plumber, electrician or computer shop, having “a friend in the business” that you can trust is a great feeling.

Before 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.

John Van Zante’s Critter Corner

The Easter Bunny Doesn’t Lay Eggs and Chickens Don’t Like to Snuggle

chicks that some people still insist on buying for Easter are cute, at first. But rabbits live 8 to 12 years (if they’re lucky) and chicks become roosters and hens. Baby bunnies and chicks are usually bad Easter gifts.

Every year, a few weeks after Easter, Rancho Coastal Humane Society and shelters nationwide get calls about stray, domestic rabbits. Some of them chewed out of their pens. In many cases the families set them loose thinking that the rabbits will be fine. These are not wild rabbits. Most of them don’t survive if you turn them loose.

It’s hard to believe there are still people who give their kids baby chicks on Easter. A couple weeks later your chick that is half fluff

and half feathers isn’t very attractive. Then it becomes a pecking, pooping machine about to become an adult hen or rooster. If you don’t want an adult chicken living in your house or yard,

don’t get a baby chick.

There are lots of options for families who don’t want bunnies or chicks. For example, you can get any kind of stuffed animal you want. There are no breed restrictions, and they don’t grow. They’re a lot more fun to snuggle. You never have to feed them or clean up poo. No Vet bills. And unlike chickens that live 8 to 10 years or rabbits that live 8 to 12 years, stuffed animals have unlimited life expectancy.

If you still think a rabbit might be the right pet for your family, visit an animal shelter or a rabbit rescue group. Let us help you make an informed decision. Having a rabbit can be lots of fun. But, as with any pet, the fun is temporary if you don’t understand the long-term responsibility.

Bullying from page 5

of films (as well as public service announcements), all on childhood and teen bullying, discrimination, neglect, and suicide.

“MOTIVATED TO ACT” ORGANISATION.

In one of his countless media interviews, Stephen proudly speaks of one of his proudest achievements: “In 2022, my fiancé and I co-founded ‘Motivated to Act.’”

Motivated to Act is close to his heartstrings, as an enthused Stephen reminds us all of the dark uphill fight we now face against bullying . . . which is on a sinister rise across our beloved landscape full of innocent children:

“We are now in a crisis of bullying, and the best way to handle this problem is by introducing a new curriculum to children during their formative years. Just like learning a new language, young children can absorb the critical lessons of inclusion, empathy, fair play, bullying awareness, and more, with the Confident Life Program.”

This was no ordinary endeavour -the Confident Life Program is cutting-edge in its pioneering concepts. It would galvanise the worldwide research experts on the global stage regarding (efficacious) concepts by which to better combat childhood bullying in the realms of understanding, prevention, and healing.

Through this programme, Stephen’s organisation provides services to schools and other youth organisations through the use of lesson plans, music, and storytelling.

TURNING TERRIBLE EXPERIENCES INTO BETTER TOOLS TO COMBAT BULLYING.

Ironically, Stephen Tako drew on his own hellish bullying to help make a better, more enlightened world.

For example, he mentions how (in general) many anti-bullying programmes started too late and only

after the damage was done – and that was EXACTLY what happened to him, when he needlessly suffered as a small child. As Stephen explains in his own words:

“While there are many great programs now in place, that didn’t exist for me. The fact is that most of them are designed to help students during the typical worst years of 6th grade and higher. At this age, we are now in Damage Control for our children and we missed the mark of reaching them during their formative years (before the damage is done).”

Stephen Tako proudly “Walked the Talked” and was fiercely determined to make a difference by designing his anti-bully programme for a younger age where children are most vulnerable for irreparable harm. Stephen further stresses his determined course of action, as such:

“And I’m determined to make a difference for children who are still suffering from the damages of bullying. This is why we have developed an award-winning school curriculum for students in (K thru 3rd grades). More researchers are now agreeing that we must find a way to incorporate preventative anti-bullying training that is ageappropriate for children during their formative years.”

WINNER OF SEVEN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS FOR HIS CREATIVE BOOKS & FILMS ON BULLYING!

Three of Stephen Tako’s highly entertaining and educational books on preventing bullying, teaching children self-esteem, and knowing warning signs, and learning innate kindness, etc. all of these stories were published for children 4 thru 7 years olde . . . and all of these popular books have been adapted into short films.

And if that were not enough, these incredibly insightful and cuttingedge short films earned a stagger-

Problem Solved from page 6

can meet it. According to your records, you didn’t get any notification.

You scrambled to replace the roof and then showed AAA the invoice along with photos, according the records you shared with me. But that wasn’t enough. AAA was firm that you were out for the next two years but could reapply for insurance in 2026.

Adding to the complexity of your case is that you’re in California. Insurance premiums have gone through the roof since the wildfires a few years ago, and it’s highly unlikely you’ll find a comparable policy. What’s more, under California law, your insurance company can drop you without giving you a reason. So AAA could have simply decided not to renew your policy, and that would have been that.

Could you have avoided this?

Maybe. If you had known AAA was going to attach conditions to your homeowner’s insurance renewal, you might have been more proactive about finding out what they were. But it looks like AAA didn’t mention any new requirements to you.

The next step would be contacting an executive at AAA about your situation. I publish the names, numbers and email addresses of the AAA customer service higherups on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org.

You reached out to my advocacy team for help. I contacted AAA on your behalf and asked it to take another look at your file. It did, and decided to renew your homeowner’s insurance policy.

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.

Historically Speaking from page 7

ing upon accompanying vegetable and mashed potatoes and gravy. To drink? Coffee was a nickel and a bottle of pop in Iowa was six cents … if you didn’t keep the glass bottle … that was two cents extra.

To put 1950s finances into perspective, my weekly allowance up until I graduated from high school (in 1958) was two dollars and a tank of gas for my car. Going to the drivein movies with a date was special … your girlfriend sometimes rode through the admission gate in the car trunk, which meant you could afford two (2) bags of popcorn and an extra candy bar.

In the Midwest you always knew the changes of seasons: Spring had fresh air and the croaking of frogs; Summer was hot and sticky; Fall brought the turning of leaves and that special smell they made as Dad raked and burned them; Winter came along with the first frost. You knew the ground would be frozen soon after.

Most of us kids were in fear for our lives, but it wasn’t because of drive-by shootings, drugs, or gangs, it was for fear of getting polio or the Russians dropping “the bomb.” Our parents and grandparents were a much bigger threat, but we survived because their love was greater than the threat of being crippled by polio or consumed by atomic bombs. The bomb was really no problem because we kids knew how to dive under our school desk and cover our heads to stay safe.

Consumables from the drug store came without safety caps and hermetic seals because no one had yet tried to poison a perfect stranger. Female products were discreetly placed on the store shelf in plain brown wrapping paper.

Home milk delivery was in glass bottles with cardboard stoppers, newsreels were shown in theaters before the movie, telephone numbers in the city had a word prefix. Or some of us country folks remember when we had just three or four numbers with no word prefix and nearly everyone was on a party line. My folks’ home number was 3-3-9. My Dad’s business number was 1-1-3. If you didn’t know the number, you just told the operator who or what you wanted and she’d connect you … often listening in to make sure you weren’t passing any government secrets. U.S. postage “Zip” codes, and telephone area codes were futuristic until the late 1950s.

And with all our progress, don’t you just wish, just once, you could slip back in time and savor life’s slower pace and share it with the children of today … with no personal phone to text a chum sitting 10 feet away? Bullying continued on page 13

from page 12

ing seven (7) International Film Festival Awards – with many more Nominations!

THAT LITTLE IRISH BOY IN FARAWAY MEDINA COUNTY, OHIO, HAS FINALLY FOUND HIS PURPOSE IN LIFE.

That small, vulnerable, confused and tormented little Irish lad in Valley City, Medina County, Ohio – has finally made it to the mountaintop and has achieved his true purpose in life.

“Helping children overcome bullying issues has a personal meaning to me as I suffered much bullying when I was young. It wasn’t until I was 21 that I decided to stop playing the victim role and to make an effort to forgive everyone and move forward with my life as an adult. I come across many adults who still hold on to anger and resentment for the bullying, neglect or even abuse from their childhoods and I hope I can inspire them with my work to finally heal. For children, I hope that my books and films will help them during their formative years to instill compassion and empathy so that less bullying and less school violence occurs.”

Stephen Tako has created an awardwinning series of multi-cultural books and films based on the character “Junga the Dancing Yeti”®. This fictional character experiences bullying and discrimination mostly because of his appearance.

Children ages 4-8 learn important life-lessons that are critical for their age group regarding empathy, inclusion, overcoming age-appropriate adversity and other related issues with such books as “Junga the Dancing Yeti.”

His third book in this series also includes fair play (sportsmanship) as part of the lessons children learn. The film adaptation features five former NFL players.

RECENT ANTI-BULLY PROGRAMME FOR SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT.

It wasn’t that long ago that Stephen Tako was very excited that one of his pilot programmes started at one of the Cooperative Charter Schools in the San Diego Unified School District! The anti-bullying programme for K thru 3rd grade students is a 9-week programme designed to reduce and prevent bullying for students and to help them thrive through their adolescent years.

Already winning the prestigious

Family Seal of Approval Award for “Innovation in Curriculum by the Child Safety Network®, this programme is applauded by teachers and child psychologists nationwide.

It has been noted that the characters in this storytelling-style curriculum are very lovable and relatable. But one of the best features of this programme, according to school representatives, is how detailed and simple the programme is for teachers to administer to their K thru 3rd grade students.

Interested schools should contact Motivated To Act CEO, Stephen Tako at Stephen@MotivatedToAct.org for more details.

For all he’s been through, it hasn’t been easy. But, Stephen Tako remains an Irishman with a twinkle in his eye and an unconquered sense of humour.

In real life, he has won various dancing competitions over the years, including the best male ballroom and best male dancer on roller skates.

He retains a dual citizenship (USA and Ireland).

Of himself, Stephen simply says: “My height is 6’ 6” and I love to dance.”

I’m so happy that Mr. Stephen Tako has made San Diego his home. He has truly inspired me and even brought tears to my eyes while researching and writing this front cover story.

Thank you Mr. Stephen Tako for helping to make this a better world to live in.

ALSO, SPECIAL THANKS TO MY ONLINE READER FANS. I feel blessed in life to have online reader fans who have contacted me from such distant cities and even countries, such as Los Angeles, Denver, New York, London, Italy, and of course, Germany. I wish to thank all of you for just being a valued and loyal ‘readership family’ to The Paper, and to my editor/ publisher Lyle e. Davis. And thank you for your kind comments on my cover stories. I cherish and love you all, each and every one.

Bullying

Oodles

from page 3

Escondido Woman’s Club Meeting

April 1 • 10:30am

The Escondido Woman’s Club April meeting will be on Monday, April 1st, at their Clubhouse, 751 No. Rose Street (corner of Mission Ave.), Escondido. Guests are welcome. The business meeting starts at 10:30am. The program will be presented by Manny Rodriguez who will give us an update of programs and activities of Interfaith Community Services.

Information will be given about the upcoming “Vintage Fashion Show” to be held on Saturday, May 11, at 1pm at the Clubhouse where there will be food, drinks, raffles, prizes, and lots of fun! For more information and tickets about the Fashion Show, call 619.861.0395. Proceeds will benefit Escondido High School students, through the Woman’s Club Scholarship Foundation.

If you are planning to attend the club meeting, reservations are required by Thursday, March 28th, if you plan to stay for lunch. Guests and potential new members please call the Clubhouse at 760.743.9178 and leave your name and phone number. Someone will return your call. Cost of lunch is $20.00/person. We look forward to having you at our meeting!

Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting

April 2 • 10am to noon

Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting for all North County Inland Communities Parkinson’s Support Group. Free monthly meetings for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners are held from 10 am until Noon at San Rafael Church, 17252 Bernardo Center Drive, Rancho Bernardo, in the Parish Hall. Our featured speaker for Tuesday, April 2nd is Marty Acevedo who will be presenting “Nutrition and Parkinson’s is All About Balance”. Separate breakout sessions for People with Parkinson’s and care partners will follow the presentation to discuss successes and challenges.

Come learn, share, meet, and enjoy the free refreshments with other involved Parkinson’s persons. Please call (760) 749-8234 or (760) 5181963 if you have any questions.

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. ***

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! Check out the full lineup and purchase your tickets today.

Concert Lineup

April 4: Hotel California: The Original Eagles Tribute

April 5: 24K Magic: Bruno Mars Tribute

April 6: Pop 2000 Tour: Chris Kirkpatrick of N’Sync, OTown, BBMak, LFO, Ryan Cabrera

May 23: Mariachi Divas

May 24: So Good! The Neil 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 $45-$95

Reserved $35-$68

Fringe $35-$68

Reserved Lawn $35-$68

Gen Lawn $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 ***

Cardiff Farmers Market

Every Saturday • 10am - 2pm

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

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. ***

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. ***

Free Tax Filing Help

Our IRS sponsored program offers free tax-filing help low income seniors. We’re looking for compassionate and friendly folks to join our team of volunteers preparing taxes for the upcoming season at the Escondido Sr Center. You’ll receive training and continued support in a welcoming environment. You will not only learn new skills, but also get a great feeling from helping someone else. We also need computer tutors and receptionists to help our local seniors. Call 760 480-0611 if you are interested.

Letters from page 4

an absolute disgrace in my eyes and i never went back. I walked away hoping all vets are not getting treated similarly.

Stay dry, Dennis Galt

Comment from lyle: Hi, Dennis. Thanks for the kind words.

The Escondido VA Clinic is minimally staffed. Competent people but limited in the services they offer. I get my lab work done there and am quite pleased. My primary care physician is based there and I went for over a year before I ever met him. That is simply wrong. To me, a primary physician should know everything about you, your marital status, how many kids you have, how many dogs you own, what your physical condition is . . . none of which I got when I finally met my primary physician.

Further, physicians at the Escondido clinic don’t seem to stay there long. You just get to know him or her and they transfer somewhere else. This has happened to me on three occasions and I don’t like it.

I much prefer the VA Hospital in La Jolla. Absolute top notch physicians and staff! They have a close working relationship with UCSD and, as you know, UCSD doesn’t allow dummies to enter their medical training program . . . only the best! Further, they have a number of residents who are serving Fellowships. Fellowships are also only offered to the best of the best.

Tney treat me like royalty and I can’t say enough about them. You have to get a referral from your Primary Care physian but that should be relatively easy.

Don’t give up on the VA! You just need to go to the right location and see the right people!

Best, lyle

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, email 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.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9004493

The name of the business: Official Fiesta Imports, Officialfiesta.com, Little Mexico Shop, Sidrey, Official Fiesta Wholesale, Of Boutique, Shop Memo Thrift, located at 815 W. San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant Isidro Reyes, 2801 B St., PMB 204, San Diego, CA 92102. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 2/29/2024

/s/ Isidro Reyes with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 2/29/2024

3/7, 3/14, 3/21, 3/28/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9004027

The name of the business: Romeos Car Wash, located at 352 N. Santa Fe Ave., Vista, CA 92083. Registrant Toma and Saco Vista Inc., 825 N. Imperial Ave., El Centro, CA 92243. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 2/14/2024

/s/ Michael Toma, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 2/22/2024

3/7, 3/14, 3/21, 3/28/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9004001

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9005176

The name of the business: Eana Designs, located at 738 Valley Crest Drive, Vista, CA 92084. Registrant Javier Zavala, 738 Valley Crest Drive, Vista, CA 92084. This business is operated by a Married Couple. First day of business: 9/1/2023

/s/ Javier Zavala with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/7/2024

3/14, 3/21, 3/28, 4/4/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9005145

The name of the business: On-TheGo Garage, located at 714 Holzapple Lane, Apt 242, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant Justin Marino, 714 Holzapple Lane, apt 242, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 3/6/2024

/s/ Justin Marino with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/5/2024

3/14, 3/21, 3/28, 4/4/2024

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME:

2024-9004939

Harmony And Horses, located at 931 Vale View Drive, Vista, CA 92081. The Fictitious Business Name referred to above was filed in San Diego County on 9/18/2023 and assigned file no. 2023-9019089. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IS BEING ABANDONED BY: Nicole Meyer Stabler BCBA, 931 Vale View Drive, Vista, CA 92081. This business is conducted by a Limited Liability Company. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1000).

/s/Nicole Meyer, CEO This statement was filed with the San Diego Recorder/County clerk on 3/6/2024.

3/14, 3/21, 3/28, 4/4/2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME 37-2024-00010402-CU-PT-NC

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioners Quynhnhi Dodderidge and Jacob Dodderidge filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as fol-

lows: Present name: Last name: Phan Dodderidge First Name: Bodhi Middle Name: Jackson to Proposed name: Last name: Dodderidge First name: Bodhi Jackson Middle name: Phan. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objections that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING:

Date: 4/26/2024, 8:30 am, in Dept. 25

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE

FOR CHANGE OF NAME

37-2024-00010437-CU-PT-NC

TO ALL INTERESTED PER-

SONS: Petitioner Marina Ivanovna Hrytskevich filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: Marina Ivanovna Hrytskevich to Proposed name Marina Kozyryev.

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

NOTICE OF HEARING:

Date: 4/19/2024, 8:30 am, in Dept.

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 March 6, 2024

/s/ Brad A. Weinreb, Judge of the Superior Court 3/14, 3/21, 3/28, 4/4/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9003680

The name of the business: Krazzy Sweet Treats, located at 3806 Fairmont Avenue, San Diego, CA 92105. Registrant Terria Latrice Freeman, 1527 E. Main St., El Cajon, CA 92021. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 2/16/2024 /s/ Terria Latrice Freeman with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 2/16/2024 3/14, 3/21, 3/28, 4/4/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9005814

The name of the business: The Gold district, located at 1253 Activity Dr., Ste. A, Vista, CA 92081. Registrant Kurmac Inc, 1253 Activity Dr., Ste. A, Vista, CA 92081. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: N/A

/s/ Laura Cortez, Secretary with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/14/2024

3/21, 3/28, 4/4, 4/11/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9005589

The name of the business: Beauty Embrace, located at 1350 Rimrock Dr., Escondido, CA 92027. Registrant Araceli Gonzalez, PO Box 3551, Escondido, CA 92033. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 3/1/2024

/s/ Araceli Gonzalez with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/12/2024

3/21, 3/28, 4/4, 4/11/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2024-9005466

916 Osborne St., Vista, CA 92084. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 3/4/2020 /s/ Marisela Parra Cazares with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/12/2024 3/21, 3/28, 4/4, 4/11/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9005859

The name of the business: LifeAssistCare.com. located at 13120 Portofino Drive, Del Mar, CA 92014. Registrant Sherry J. Hendrickson, 13120 Portofino Dr., Del Mar, CA 92014. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 3/14/2024 /s/ Sherry J. Hendrickson with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/14/2024 3/21, 3/28, 4/4, 4/11/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9006085

The name of the business: Proz Auto Parts, Super Proz Cleaning, located at 1078 E. J St., Chula Vista, CA 91910. Registrant German Alvarez, 1078 E. J St., Chula Vista, CA 91910. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ German Alvarez with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/18/2024 3/28, 4/4, 4/11, 4/18/2024

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF ROBERT KEGLEY SCHNORLEITZ Case No. 37-2027-600304 PR-LA-CTL

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate or both, of ROBERT KEGLEY SCHNORLEITZ. A Petition for Probate has been filed by GUADALUPE HERRERA in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, 1100 Union St., San Diego, Ca., 92101, Central Probate Division. Petitioner requests that Guadalupe Herrera be appointed as executor with full authority granted to administer under the Independent Administration of Estates Act and bond not be required for the reasons stated in item 3(a).

Decedent died on 8/22/23 at Solaris Senior Living (Hospice) at 14536 Garden Rd., Poway, Ca. 92064.

Street address, city and county of decedent’s residence at time of death: Palomar East Estates

650 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd. #31

San Marcos, Ca. 92078

Date of hearing: April 18, 2024 at 1:30pm, Department 503, Judge Olga Alvarez, presiding

Decedent has no spouse, was divorced or never married, only one daughter, who is, and has been, estranged for years.

Decedent was not survived by a step child or foster child or children who would have been adopted by decedent but for a legal barrier.

Decedent had no acknowledged predeceased spouse.

Net value of real property: $6000

Will waives bond.

Proposed executor is named as executor in the will and consents to act.

Proposed representative is a resident of California

Name and relationship to dece-

dent:

Guadalupe Herrera, age 36, 932 N. Fig St, Unit C Family friend/caregiver Escondido, Ca. 92026

Guadalupe Ventura, age 64 932 N. Fig St., Unit C Family/friend/Employee of Joy International Escondido, CA. 92026

Kimberly Lucarelli, 68 718 Sycamore Ave., Sp. 124 Family friend/independent contractor Vista, Ca. 92083

Date: 11-2/23

I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.

Date: 11/2/23

Guadalupe Herrera /s/ Guadalupe Herrera 2/22, 2/29, 3/7, 3/14/2024

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF ROBERT KEGLEY SCHNORLEITZ

Case No. 37-2027-600304 PR-LA-CTL

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate or both, of ROBERT KEGLEY SCHNORLEITZ. A Petition for Probate has been filed by GUADALUPE HERRERA in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, 1100 Union St., San Diego, Ca., 92101, Central Probate Division. Petitioner requests that Guadalupe Herrera be appointed as executor with full authority granted to administer under the Independent Administration of Estates Act and bond not be required for the reasons stated in item 3(a).

Decedent died on 8/22/23 at Solaris Senior Living (Hospice) at 14536 Garden Rd., Poway, Ca. 92064.

Street address, city and county of

decedent’s residence at time of death:

Palomar East Estates

650 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd. #31 San Marcos, Ca. 92078

3/21, 3/28, 4/4, 4/11/2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

37-2024-00012153-CU-PT-NC

TO ALL INTERESTED PER-

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

NOTICE OF HEARING: Date:

4/26/2024, 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. Dated March 15, 2024

No hearing will occur on above date: see attachment.

/s/ Brad A. Weinreb, Judge of the Superior Court 3/28, 4/4, 4/11, 4/18/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9005550

The name of the business: Urgency Electronic Components, located at 1045 Armorlite Dr. #236, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant James Dennis Spielmaker, 1045 Armorlite Dr. #236, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ James Dennis Spielmaker with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/11/2024

3/28, 4/4, 4/11, 4/18/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT 2024-9006362

The name of the business: Strategic Commercial Real Estate Services, located at 9520

3/14, 3/21, 3/28, 4/4/2024

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 March 6, 2024 /s/ Brad A. Weinreb, Judge of the Superior Court 3/14, 3/21, 3/28, 4/4/2024

The name of the business: Golden State Graphics, located at 2304 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 920008. Registrant zuza LLC, 2304 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92008. This business