March 30, 2023

by lyle e davis

A major tourist attraction is coming to Escondido.

A group of investors has come together to provide the massive funding needed to pull the deal together. Investors include Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, and actors, Tom Cruise, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Leonard DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Samuel L. Jackson, Denzel Washington, Mark Cuban, George Soros, Doug Leverenz,

Paul McCartney and Ringo Star.

Local investors include, Arie De Jong, Paul and Nome Van Middlesworth, owners of The Computer Factory, San Marcos, Charlie Mitich, owner of Charlies Restaurant, Escondido, Bill and Suzie Meleka, the management team at Charlie’s, and lyle e davis, editor/publisher of The Paper. The projects?

1. Moving Graceland to Escondido.

The Paper • 760.747.7119

www.TheCommunityPaper.com

email: thepaper@cox.net

The price tag was high. $700 million for Graceland. Appraised value was between $400 and $600 million but your investors wanted the Graceland property here in Escondido so they offered a premium price to move Graceland from Memphis to Escondido.

The offer was accepted and the move is expected to be completed by April 1st, 2024.

The original cost to Elvis Presley was only $102,500

Jack Soden acquired Graceland from Lisa Presley who received $53 million in cash; $25 million in debt assumption; and $22 million in preferred stock of his new company, Sillerman’s, as well as 500,000 shares in common stock of Sillerman’s new company. She will still own 15% of Elvis Presley Enterprises, which Sillerman is buying. EPE (Elvis Presley Enterprises)

2. Establish a 285 acre Spaghetti Tree Orchard.

Graceland

from page 1

The deal includes the purchase of 300 acre of land within Escondido, 15 acres of which is reserved for the Graceland exhibit. The remaing 285 acres will be planted to mature Spaghetti Trees. This property will be known as the First Italian-American Spaghetti Tree Orchard.

Escondido Mayor Dane White told The Paper, in an exclusive interview, that he has called a Special Session of the Escondido City Council for this Saturday, April 1st, at 10am, with only two item on the agenda. Approval of the Graceland Developer’s Proposal and approval of the “Italian-American Spaghetti Orchards” project.

“I fully expect unanimous approval of both issues,” said White. “So immediately after the Council Meeting the Celebration will begin in front of City Hall and extend into Grape Day Park.”

City Manager Sean McGlynn was all smiles as he totaled up the likely sales tax revenue Escondido would receive in light of these two major attractions.

Graceland generates $10 million a year in revenue from ticket sales but given the much larger market that Southern California offers, projections are for double that amount, at a minimum.

Escondido receives 1% of the

Give Us This Day our Daily Chuckle

7.75% local sales tax. Most recent analyses show well over $29 million in sales tax revenue to the city.

The Graceland exhibit is expected to add another $20 million. This would add another $200,000 to the city treasury.

Meanwhile the 300 acre spaghetti orchard is projected to generate about $1325 per acre of net revenue or $1325 x 285 acres (15 of the 300 acres is reserved for the graceland exhibit.) = $377,625.

The two developments alone would increase the city’s local tax revenue by $577,625. These figures don’t even reflect the increased revenue derived from vastly increased tourist traffic and resulting sales to downtown area businesses, nor

want to have Sex?’

‘No,’ she answered. I then said, ‘Is that your final answer?’

She didn’t even look at me this time, simply saying, ‘Yes..’

So I said, “Then I’d like to phone a friend.”

And that’s when the fight started...

••••

increased sales at local service stations and hotels/restaurants.

Spaghetti Trees yield more than 20,000 pounds per acre in a wellmanaged orchard, Assuming a planting density of 100 trees per acre, and a yield of 16500 lbs., this implies a yield of about 165 pounds (3 bushels) per tree. This represents a return of 34.9 percent on the total cost of producing and marketing Spaghetti Trees.

Following the Mayor’s announcement, the celebration begins Entertainment includes Bob and his Amazing Dancing and Wrestling Chimpanzees.

Free Food

Free plates of spaghetti awaits everyone in the audience. Serving

table at her high school reunion, and she kept staring at a drunken man swigging his drink as he sat alone at a nearby table.

I asked her, “Do you know him?”

“Yes, she sighed, “He’s my old boyfriend.... I understand he took to drinking right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear he hasn’t been sober since.”

tables will be under the Escondido City Hall Cupola. It’s an all you can eat offer so come hungry! All you have to do is come to the spaghetti serving table and shout, “Elvis Lives!” and you;ll be served,

Elephant Rides

Free Elephant rides beginning at 1pm till 4pm. Three elephants will be featured, each with its own howdah for safer and more comfortable riding, (the lead elephant will have a howdah labeled “Howda Do!)

Gorilla Petting

Patrons will also be offered the chance to pet two real Silver Back Gorillas, and to feed them with cups of tapioca pudding available at $2 each (Silver Back Gorillas LOVE tapioca pudding!) The more tapioca pudding you buy the longer you get to pet the gorillas!

Local juggling sensation, Paul Van Middlesworth, will perform his amazing unicycle act while juggling two full size computers (which he will gladly sell after his act.)

At about 5pm The Golden Knights, the Army Parachute Team, will parachute into the Escondido City Hall’s Center Court, to close the day’s celebration.

Hope to see you there.

Remember, it all happens this Saturday, April 1st

found her seated in the tall grass, busily snipping away with a tiny pair of sewing scissors. I watched silently for a short time and then went into the house.. I was gone only a minute, and when I came out again I handed her a toothbrush. I said, “When you finish cutting the grass, you might as well sweep the driveway.”

And that’s when the fight started . The doctors say I will walk again, but I will always have a limp.

One year, I decided to buy my mother-in-law a cemetery plot as a Christmas gift...

The next year, I didn’t buy her a gift.

When she asked me why, I replied, “Well, you still haven’t used the gift I bought you last year!”

And that’s how the fight started.....

••••

My wife and I were watching Who Wants To Be A Millionaire while we were in bed.

I turned to her and said, ‘Do you

I took my wife to a restaurant.

The waiter, for some reason, took my order first.

“I’ll have the rump steak, rare, please.”

He said, “Aren’t you worried about the mad cow?”

“Nah, she can order for herself.”

And that’s when the fight started...

••••

My wife and I were sitting at a

“My God!” I said, “Who would think a person could go on celebrating that long?”

And then the fight started...

••••

When our lawn mower broke and wouldn’t run, my wife kept hinting to me that I should get it fixed. But, somehow I always had something else to take care of first, the shed, the boat, making beer.. Always something more important to me. Finally she thought of a clever way to make her point.

When I arrived home one day, I

••••

My wife sat down next to me as I was flipping channels.

She asked, “What’s on TV?”

I said, “Dust.”

And then the fight started...

••••

Saturday morning I got up early, quietly dressed, made my lunch,

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

Chuckles

from page 2

and slipped quietly into the garage. I hooked up the boat up to the van, and proceeded to back out into a torrential downpour. The wind was blowing 50 mph, so I pulled back into the garage, turned on the radio, and discovered that the weather would be bad all day. I went back into the house, quietly undressed, and slipped back into bed.. I cuddled up to my wife’s back, now with a different anticipation, and whispered, “The weather out there is terrible.”

My loving wife of 5 years replied, “And, can you believe my stupid husband is out fishing in that?”

And that’s how the fight started...

••••

My wife was hinting about what she wanted for our upcoming anniversary.

She said, “I want something shiny that goes from 0 to 150 in about 3 seconds.”

I bought her a bathroom scale.

And then the fight started......

••••

My wife was standing nude, looking in the bedroom mirror. She was not happy with what she saw and said to me, “I feel horrible; I look old, fat and ugly. I really need you to pay me a compliment.’

I replied, “Your eyesight’s damn near perfect.”

And then the fight started........

••••

I recently paid a visit to the Camarillo State Mental Hospital here in California.A number of the patients were standing in the courtyard serenading us with “Ave Maria.” They were singing it absolutely beautifully!

Oddly, each of them was hold a red apple in one hand and tapping it rhythmically with a pencil.

After the performance I approached the conductor.

“I’ve heard many a great performance in my day but this is the most beautiful music I’ve ever heard!”

“Yes,” said the conductor, “I’m very proud of them.”

“You should take them on tour,” I said. “What are they called?”

“Oh,” he said, “we call them the Moron Tapanapple Choir.”

••••

I shot my desk one time. You can smirk, but that desk hasn’t given me any trouble since!

••••

“Each of us is a mixture of some good and some not so good qualities. In considering one’s fellow man it’s important to remember the good things, and to realize his faults only prove he’s a human being. We should refrain from making judgments---just because a fella’ happens to be a dirty, rotten son-of-a-bitch”

John Wayne’s favorite expression engraved on a plaque that he kept on board his first yacht, the “Nor’wester”.

••••

The government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from birth to 18 and came up with $160,140 for a middle income family. Talk about sticker shock! That doesn’t even touch college tuition.

But $160,140 isn’t so bad if you break it down. It translates into $8,896.66 a year, $741.38 a month, or $171.08 a week. That’s a mere $24.24 a day! Just over a dollar an hour.

Still, you might think the best financial advice says don’t have children if you want to be “rich.” It is just the opposite.

What do your get for your $160,140?

Naming rights. First, middle, and last!

Glimpses of God every day. Giggles under the covers every night.

More love than your heart can hold. Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs.

Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds, and warm cookies.

A hand to hold, usually covered with jam. A partner for blowing bubbles, flying kites, building sandcastles, and skipping down the sidewalk in the pouring rain.

Someone to laugh yourself silly with no matter what the boss said

Oodles!

Ironman 70.3 Oceanside

Saturday, April 1st

Oceanside Pier

301 The Strand N Oceanside, CA

Athletes from around the world travel to Oceanside for the IRONMAN 70.3. The course consists of the following: 1.2 mile swim in the Pacific Ocean, 56 mile bike loop through Camp Pendleton, and 13.1 mile run along the coastal community in Oceanside. Everyone is welcome to cheer on the athletes as they complete this intense course! visit www.visitoceanside.org for more information ***

Woman’s Club of Escondido Meeting

The next meeting of the Woman’s Club of Escondido will be on Monday, April 3rd, starting at 10:30am. Meetings are held at their clubhouse at 751 No. Rose Street, Escondido. The program will be given by a speaker from The Escondido History Center. Learn more about your community. Other items of interest will be the Election of Officers for the next year, 2023-2024, and the presentation and voting on the Philanthropy projects.

Reservations are necessary by Saturday. April 1st. Guests are welcome. Please call the clubhouse at 760.743.9178, and leave your information. Someone will return your call. Cost, if staying for lunch, is $15.00/person.

***

Easter on the Farm

Saturday April 1st

Bates Nut Farm

15954 Woods Valley Road Valley Center, CA

Enjoy the day with your family the weekend before Easter.

• Free Pictures with the Easter Bunny 10 am to 12 pm

• Free Tractor Hayrides 9:30 am to 12:30 pm

• Face Painting ($7-$20) 9:30 am to 12:30 pm

• Pony Rides ($12) 9:30 am to 2:30 pm

• Scavenger Hunt - Pick up in the Store 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

• What’s Cooking BBQ

***

Annual City of Oceanside Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 8th Mance Buchanon Park 425 College Blvd. Oceanside CA

The City of Oceanside’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt will take place from 8:45am – 1pm on Saturday April 8th. The hunt will begin promptly at 10am and is free for children ages 3-11. Families are encouraged to come early. This family-friendly event will include candy, prizes, entertainment, and of course, a special guest appearance by the Easter Bunny. Don’t forget to bring your own bag or Easter basket.

For more information call the Oceanside Parks and Recreation (760) 435-5041.

***

Photos with Bunny March 17 - April 8th North County Mall

272 E. Via Rancho Parkway Escondido, CA

We’re ready for an egg-citing Bunny Season at North County Mall. Visit the bunny at our BRAND NEW bunny set.

Make a reservation at: https://bit. ly/photowithbunny

Visit https://www.northcountymall.com/ for more information

***

Oceanside Harbor Wine Cruises

Join Oceanside Adventures and Beach House Winery for a 90-minute evening cruise aboard a luxurious catamaran through the beautiful Oceanside Harbor.

The cruise features an appetizer platter and three tastes of wines from Beach House Winery.

Cesar Chavez Day Closures

County offices, family resource centers, libraries and animal shelters will be closed to the public Friday, March. 31 for Cesar Chavez Day.

All essential services such as Sheriff’s Department patrols and animal control emergency response will continue during the holiday.

County parks, preserves and campgrounds will be open during normal business hours, although facilities at several County Parks will be closed.

All County public health clinics will be closed March 31. Some of the County’s partner and contract sites for vaccination and COVID19 testing will be open. Check the County’s coronavirus-sd.com website to schedule an appointment.

County offices will resume normal hours on Monday, April. 3.

Encinitas Sinkhole Update

The City of Encinitas has been working to repair a sinkhole on Lake Drive in Cardiff. The first step was to relocate all of the utilities, including: gas, electric, water, and cable. Once all the utilities had been relocated, work began on designing and installing shoring to stabilize the sinkhole and provide a safe area for workers.

Due to rainfall, the sinkhole has expanded. Crews are working to

continue installing the shoring and to stabilize the bottom of the sinkhole to prevent additional erosion.

With the additional size of the sinkhole, work is expected to last through April as crews work to complete the shoring, reconstruct the embankment, rebuild the drainage inlet and reconstruct the drainage pipe, stormwater detention basin, roadway, and sidewalk.

***

Carlsbad Traffic Emergency Extended

On Tuesday, March 21, the Carlsbad City Council received an update on the city’s response to the local traffic safety emergency, including the latest data on injury collisions. By law, cities that declare a local emergency must revisit the situation at least every 60 days to determine whether it is still needed.

The data shows that injury collisions across all modes of travel are down by 19% during the first six months of the emergency compared to the same time last year. Looking at bikes and e-bikes only, injury collisions are down 13%.

While these numbers are encouraging, the city recognizes that six months is a short amount of time when it comes to analyzing data for trends or lasting change. After hearing from city staff that the special provisions of the emergency proclamation are still needed to expedite projects, procure supplies and coordinate with other agen-

The lineup?

Mondays and Tuesdays - Cream of Tomato (my favorite) or Vegetable.

Wednesday - Cream of Brocolli or Vegetable.

Thursday - Split Pea or Navy Bean

Friday and Saturday - Clam Chowder or Navy Bean

Sunday - Split Pea or Vegetable

(They have Chili as well but it is a feature soup, available daily.)

cies, the City Council decided to extend the emergency another 60 days.

***

Right Lane Closures Twin Oaks Valley Road and Barham Drive

Beginning March 27 between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., right lane closures at the intersection of Twin Oaks Valley Road and Barham Drive will occur due to construction activity for the new Discovery Street Extension project. A new traffic signal will be activated to replace the previous traffic signal poles at the intersection. This construction activity is dependent on weather conditions.

Drivers should be prepared for an all way stop at the intersection during construction activities. Regular traffic stops will resume once construction activities are complete. Flaggers will be present to guide drivers traveling within the area and standard traffic control measures with advanced warning signs and detours will be present.

Two-way traffic will be maintained between Twin Oaks Valley Road and Barham Drive, but traffic delays are anticipated. We highly encourage drivers to utilize alternative routes.

For additional information, please contact Carl Lester, Southland Paving, by phone at (760) 8019511. In the event of an emergency, please contact Matthew Davey, Shea Homes, by phone at (619) 630-6911.

On Friday nights I love their clam chowder followed by a delicious Prime Rib Dinner.

Doesn’t matter when I dine, I seldom dine without having a cup of soup from Soup City USA!

I Wanna Become a Lifeguard!

Top-Paid LA Lifeguards Earned Up To $510,283 In 2021

Man About Town

SOUP CITY USA . . .it’s right here in lil ‘ol Escondido. You might know Soup City USA better by its alternate name . . .Charlie’s Restaurant, 210 N. Ivy.

Whenever I get a hankerin’ for soup (and that’s fairly often) I head for Charlie’s. The soups are always in top form . . tasty, hot, and promptly served, always with a friendly smile.

I’ve also been known to eat breakfast, lunch or dinner at Charlie’s. I am such a frequent diner that they even named a breakfast meal after me . . The Lyle Special, a 1/2 order of French Toast, two eggs, bacon or sausage, just $9.95 . . . or Charlie’s Special . . . two eggs, two pancakes, two sausages and two slices of bacon, just $9.35.

Quite often I’ll have the Cold Plate for lunch . . or their 1/2 sandwich and cup of soup . . . tasty, filling, and just the right amount of food.

Baywatch needs to go on pay watch!

By Adam Andrzejewski

Lifeguard walking in a sand shore Photo by Thomas Grillmair on Unsplash

Who knew that LA lifeguards— who work in the sun, ocean surf, and golden sands of California— could reap such unbelievable financial reward?

It’s time we put Baywatch on pay

Friedrich Gomez’ feature article, “The Hidden truth” last week was insightful on several levels. It was a specific, and meticulously documented indictment of Disney’s wrongheaded decision to cancel Splash Mountain in a misguided reaction to perceived negative racial stereotyping from the movie “Song of the South.” Additionally it exposed a more general contemporary willingness by the press and advocacy groups to ignore facts or bend the truth in order to support specific socio-political agendas. Friedrich’s article begs the question as to what motivates many modern efforts to assign evil intent to the realities of the everyday attitudes and living of previous generations.

Paul vanmiddlesworth San Marcos

***

Bravo to The Paper and Friedrich Gomez!!! And shame on the national news media!! We heard the mainstream news on Disney’s closure of

watch. In 2019, we found top-paid lifeguards made up to $392,000.

Unfortunately, today, the pay and benefits are even more lucrative.

Daniel Douglas was the most highly paid and earned $510,283, an increase from $442,712 in 2020. As the “lifeguard captain,” he outearned 1,000 of his peers: salary ($150,054), perks ($28,661), benefits ($85,508), and a whopping $246,060 in overtime pay.

The second highest paid, lifeguard chief Fernando Boiteux, pulled down $463,517 – up from $393,137 last year.

Our auditors at OpenTheBooks. com found 98 LA lifeguards earned at least $200,000 including benefits last year, and 20 made between $300,000 and $510,283. Thirty-seven lifeguards made be-

Cost is $49 per person, 21 and over. For reservations, please call 888-507-1130.

Get your tickets early, this event sells out.

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch Through May 8th

5704

Paseo Del Norte Carlsbad, CA

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch are back. From March 1st –May 8th, come to Carlsbad Ranch and take in the beautiful sights and smells that come from over 50 acres of vibrant blooming flowers! Special events such as concerts and workshops will be taking place throughout the time the fields are open.

Visit https://www.theflowerfields. com/activities/ for tickets and more information. ***

Honor Flight San Diego Seeks Volunteers

We have no idea where the last few months went, but in true HFSD style, we’ve been busy getting ready for our next flight. We will be taking 85 WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War Veterans on their Honor Flight April 28-30.

Do you know that we are 100% volunteer staffed? Our board of directors, chairman/flight director, team leaders, public relations, database manager...everyone is a volunteer. For our small but mighty team to continue to focus on getting our veterans on their Honor Flight, we need some help. Maybe it’s you, or maybe it’s someone you know who can help.

Here are the positions/jobs that we need help with:

• Grant writer

• Website developer/maintainer

• Public relations or communications

• Event planner for Spirit of `45

• Event planner for Veterans Day Parade

• Admin to help with trip preparations

• Trip Homecoming manager

We are also looking for space:

By Sean Dietrich

It was quite a night in Heaven. The angels were busy. The cherubim and seraphim were fluttering around, batting their wings, in preparation for the big party.

Moses, the commanding officer, was barking orders at the kitchen staff.

“Did you remember the queso dip?” Moses asked a subordinate angel. “God gets ticked off if we forget the queso.”

“He does?” answered the angel, private first class.

“Oh yes,” said Moses. “Remember Sodom and Gomorrah? That was because God ran out of queso dip during a big game.”

“Really?”

“Yep. And do you remember Noah’s flood? That’s what happens when God runs out of Old Milwaukee.”

So the angels were on top of things. They were making sure all the trimmings for the big party were in place. They made sure the Igloo coolers were stocked. They made sure the hors d’oeuvres were perfect. They got a deli tray from Publix.

The Beulah Reception Hall had never looked lovelier. There was a massive radio tuned to 650 AM, out of Nashville, Tennessee, so everyone could listen to the “Grand Ole Opry.”

Barbecue had been catered from A&R Barbecue in Memphis. Ice cream had been flown in from Dairy Queen. The worker angels had hauled in enough queso dip to sink the U.S.S. North Carolina.

“I don’t see why this party is such a big deal,” said one of the angels. “I didn’t know God listened to the ‘Grand Ole Opry.’”

“He does,” said Moses. “God invented country music.”

This party, however, wasn’t just a run-of-the-mill soiree. God was throwing this particular party for one of His best friends. His friend’s name was John.”

“John must be very important for God to throw a party for him,” said the angel.

“He is. God loves him very much.”

“How did John die?”

Moses got quiet. “Does it matter?”

Soon, the party was underway. Guests started arriving. Within moments, the reception hall was full of people milling around, laughing, and eating from a chocolate fondue fountain roughly the size of Detroit.

Party goers were getting rowdy and out of control. One lieutenant angel was wearing a lampshade on his head and trying to sing “My Way” into an empty Dos Equis bottle.

“He’ll be a private by morning,” Moses pointed out.

Over in the corner, God was with his entourage, hanging out. His right hand men and women were people you would have never expected on Earth.

None of God’s besties were preachers, politicians, former U.S. presidents, or major historical figures. God’s closest friends were homeless guys with meth habits, drunks, those who died from overdoses, ex-prostitutes, people with mental illnesses. And lots of suicides.

And then the guest of honor arrived.

He was a tall man. Slender and lean. He had a bushy red beard. He was wearing khakis. He walked into the hall and looked confused.

“There he is,” said one of the angels. “That’s John, God’s best friend.”

God started the standing ovation. The applause spread throughout the room. The whole place followed suit and stood for the red-bearded man. And everyone clapped so hard they almost broke their wrists. John blushed because redheads blush easily.

“What’s all this about?” said John.

“It’s your son,” exclaimed one angel. “Your son, down on Earth, something great has happened.”

“What?”

“Your son’s on the ‘Grand Ole Opry’ tonight!” said the angel.

“My son?” said John. “You’re kidding.”

“Yes. I mean, no. I’m not kidding.”

“MY son?” John was crying now.

“Yes,” said the angels. “Your son is performing on the ‘Grand Ole Opry!’ Can you believe it?”

Then, the Big Guy himself whisked his best friend away into the corner. They sipped beverages and ate queso.

Together they watched John’s son perform on the Opry stage. And when John wept because his little boy sang one of his all-time favorite songs, God held his best friend tightly and let John cry into his bosom.

Oh yes, it will be quite an evening in Heaven. And don’t let anyone tell you suicides don’t go to Heaven.

Sean Dietrich

Down Syndrome Awareness

There are over 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States. About 5,100 babies are born with Down syndrome each year, about one in every 772 births, making it the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition.

In 1866, an English doctor named John Langdon Down published a scholarly work describing persons with Down syndrome, which earned him recognition as the syndrome’s “father.” Later research determined that the syndrome is caused by a full or partial copy of chromosome 21, which alters the course of the person’s development. Discoveries about the chromosomal causes of Down syndrome have led to great advances in research in recent years, and there is hope that preventing or correcting many of the challenges of Down syndrome will become possible in the future.

The frequency of Down syndrome births increases with the mother’s age. A 35 year old woman has about a one in 350 chance of conceiving a Down syndrome baby, and the chance increases to about one in 100 by age 40, and one in

30 by age 45. Down syndrome delays physical and intellectual development and is a common cause of intellectual disabilities. It can also lead to other problems including heart defects, hearing and vision impairment, upper respiratory infections, intestinal and thyroid problems, and more.

As Vice Chair of the Assembly Health Committee, I seek to ensure the dignity and autonomy of persons with Down syndrome. To help raise public awareness, the United Nations General Assembly declared March 21 World Down Syndrome Day, which has been observed since 2012. On March 16th, the State Assembly passed Assembly Concurrent Resolution 26 (ACR 26), which I co-authored, declaring March 19 through March 25 Down Syndrome Awareness Week, and March 21 California Down Syndrome Day.

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.

Rebecca Jones

The fun of arts and tea

Art can convey so many stories and I am hoping you will share your artistic stories by exhibiting your art at our Rotating Gallery.

I love seeing our local artists display their work and our City gives local artists the opportunity to show our community their capabilities. Local artists can exhibit 5 to 7 pieces of their work during a two-month period. We have many slots available and you can easily submit your application online. If you need more information, contact Holly Payad at hpayad@sanmarcos.net.

If you’re looking for a fun activity for your little ones ages 4 to 12, come make a tea party reservation! Our staff will do all the planning, you just bring your guests. Our tea parties involve tea drinking (apple juice), baking scones, painting teacups, playing games and making crafts. Residents are required to have 6-15

5th District Supervisor Jim Desmond

Prioritize SR-78

I’m sure you know by now, but a significant sinkhole has developed on State Route 78, causing havoc for commuters in North County. The closure began on March 17th and has now been extended. My message this week has less to do with the sinkhole itself, but rather with the people in charge of fixing SR-78, SANDAG. While thousands of San Diegans have been affected, SANDAG continues to disregard the voters’; wishes and fund SR-78.

In 2004, San Diegans approved a half-cent sales tax that promised upgrades to State Route 78 in North County. Despite paying this tax until 2048, SANDAG has yet to make the upgrades, instead opting for less-used public transportation and mass transit projects.

This sinkhole is a stark reminder that SANDAG must maintain its promise to San Diegans and make SR-78 a priority, as it is vital to the safety of North County.

It is time for SANDAG to return to the table with a regional transportation plan that benefits everyone in San Diego County. Their top priority should be making SR-78 safer and reducing traffic for drivers. Additionally, they should not tax people out of their vehicles by charging them for every mile they drive.

One of the questions I get asked the most is, ‘What can I do to stop this or speak up?’ Get involved at SANDAG. They meet most Friday’s downtown, but the public can speak via Zoom or by phone. It’s imperative they hear from residents of North

County and how they need to prioritize the 78 freeway!

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

Overcharged by Quest Diagnostics

Can she get her $353 back?

Quest Diagnostics charged Ro Dobkin an extra $353 for services. Can she get it back or is it lost forever?

Q: I received two bills from Quest Diagnostics for tests that my insurance denied. I paid the bills myself, not knowing that my doctors had already recoded them and resubmitted them to Medicare. Quest used my payments and applied them to all services provided even though Medicare already covered them.

Quest is also sending me a bill for services performed last spring, which Medicare denied. My bill clearly states, “You should not be billed for this service.”

Diagnostics. The net result was that Quest overbilled you by $353. How hard is it for something like this to happen? Not hard at all. I had to get a blood test at a Quest Diagnostics location a few years ago, and I experienced similar chaos. I thought my insurance company would cover the test, but I Quest insisted I pay upfront.

This shouldn’t happen. We need a system that ensures people like you -- and me -- don’t have to worry about paying for essential medical services. In the last year, I have personally experienced healthcare in South Africa, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates -- and I can tell you there’s definitely a better way than how we’re doing it in the United States.

guests and submit a reservation online from the City website. For additional questions, please contact the program coordinator at erimmereid@san-marcos.net.

I opened four separate cases but can’t get an answer on the status of my claims. Quest Diagnostics should reimburse me a total of $353 for the two bills I paid. Quest also needs to rescind a bill for $254. I have spent numerous hours on the phone with Quest and emailed them to no avail. Can you help? -- Ro Dobkin, Hanover, N.J.

A: What a mess! It looks like you had a colossal misunderstanding among you, your doctor and Quest

You should be able to show your card and get the treatment you need without having to worry about bills or doctors recoding your tests.

But how do you get a Quest Diagnostics billing error fixed? You

Historically Speaking From Buffalo Hunter to Sheriff to NYC Sports Writer

By Tom Morrow

The nickname “Bat” was given to him by boyhood companions while out on a hunting trip with the name coming from a popular character of the day. “Baptiste Brown,” or “Old Bat,” was a popular hunter and trapper well-known to the mid-1860s generation. It would be a nickname that Bartholomew William Barclay Masterson would make famous in the “wild” western frontier during the last quarter century of the 1800s.

“Bat” Masterson, born Nov. 26, 1853, was a buffalo hunter, U.S. Army scout, lawman, professional gambler, and popular newspaperman known for his exploits in the

late 19th and early 20thcenturies. He was one of the most colorful characters of the Old West. During his boyhood years, he became an expert in the use of firearms and accompanied expeditions that went out to hunt buffalo. In the Fall of 1871, 18-year-old Bat headed west with his 19-year-old brother Ed. They camped with other buffalo hunters working along the Salt Fork River in the present-day Kansas counties of Comanche and Barber. During visits to other buffalo hunting camps, the Masterson brothers met a number of men who also would become legends in western history. This group included: Wyatt Earp, Billy Dixon, Tom Nixon, and “Prairie Dog” Dave Morrow, who as far as research has gone, is not clinging onto any branch of this author’s family tree. I recently wrote of his friendship with Earp.

Masterson was born to a working-class Irish family in Quebec, Canada, but he moved to the western frontier as a young man and quickly distinguished himself. He

earned fame as a gunfighter and sheriff in Dodge City, Kansas during which time he was involved in several notable shootouts.

On Jan. 24, 1877, Masterson became embroiled in an argument with Army Cavalry Sgt Melvin A. King over a game of poker and a dance hall beauty named Mollie Bren nan. The argument quickly led to gunplay and King was left dead. Before falling, King got off a shot that passed through the woman’s body, killing her, and hitting Masterson in the pelvis. The injury caused Masterson to walk with a limp for the rest of his life.

After he recovered, Masterson returned to Dodge City in July of that same year where he became a lawman along with his friend Wyatt Earp. Appointed an under-sheriff by Ford County Sheriff Charles Bas-

Travel Troubleshooter

by Christopher Elliott

sett, that very same month brother, Ed Masterson became an assistant marshal of Dodge City. Another of his friends during that time was the notorious gambler and gunfighter John “Doc” Holiday, whom Masterson once described in a newspaper column as a “most picturesque character on the western plains.”

Those were the years Dodge City was known as a “wicked little town.” Cattle drives had replaced the buffalo hunters as longhorn cattle were driven up from Texas along the western branch of the Chisholm Trail to the railroad. For the next 10 years, more than 5 million head were driven on the trail into Dodge City.

By the mid-1880s, Masterson moved on to Denver and established himself as a “sporting man,” which was a popular label for being a gambler. He took an interest in prize-fighting and became a leading authority on the sport attending

Historically Speaking continued on page 9

Budget charged me $250 for calibrating a windshield camera. Is that legit?

Budget sends Tony Parise a $250 bill for recalibrating a camera on the windshield of his rental car. But he says nothing happened to it. Does he still have to pay?

Q: I rented a car from Budget last summer in Jacksonville, Fla. I noticed several dents and scratches, which I planned to point out during the walk-around inspection. But the attendant told me that they “don’t do inspections” because they keep records of any damage to their vehicles.

That didn’t seem right, so I took photos of the damage.

When I returned the vehicle, there was also no inspection. The next month, I received a letter from Budget telling me it would charge my credit card $250 for damages. The damage they claimed involved a windshield camera and not any dents or scratches I had photos of. I assured Budget that nothing had happened to the vehicle while I

had possession and asked for paperwork on the damage. Budget never produced any evidence of the damage.

My credit card company told me that the time for a dispute had expired and there was nothing they could do. Can you help? -- Tony Parise, St. Louis

A: Budget was charging you to recalibrate one of its windshield cameras -- a camera you probably didn’t even know existed.

The problem with Budget’s claim is that it didn’t elaborate on the damage. Why did it have to recalibrate the camera? Often, it has to do that when it replaces the windshield. But I didn’t see an invoice for a replaced windshield. So this one is a real mystery.

You took almost every precaution to make sure you didn’t face any extra charges. Asking for a pre-rental inspection was a terrific

idea. It doesn’t matter that Budget conducts its own inspection. You need your own photos.

Your case is a reminder to take preand post-rental images of everything -- including the windshield. Why is the windshield so important? Because the leading cause of damage to car rentals is a chipped windshield. You need proof that you returned your car with an intact windshield.

I’m not saying your camera-calibration bill was fraudulent. But I had questions. You can buy a decent windshield camera for about $100. How can you justify a $250 charge just to calibrate a windshield camera? Also, where’s the bill from the repair shop for calibration? And why didn’t Budget tell you about the problem, instead of just billing your credit card?

By the way, you need a new credit card company. If you notified your card about the questionable charge

within 60 days, then it didn’t comply with the Fair Credit Billing Act. (I have details in my free guide on credit card disputes.)

A brief, polite email to one of the Budget executives I publish on my consumer advocacy website might have also resolved this problem.

I contacted Budget on your behalf. A representative responded and promised to fix the problem. But Budget only refunded $166, shortchanging you by $84. I contacted Budget again and it finally refunded the rest.

That’s a lesson learned for the rest of us: Watch those windshield cams on your rental cars.

Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps consumers solve their problems. Email him at chris@elliott.org.

© 2023 Christopher Elliott.

Bartholmew “Bat” Masterson

Ed Masterson

Sitting next to an unruly airline passenger? Here’s what to do

cuse me, I just have a thing about toes -- and your toes on my armrest is really freaking me out.”

What To Do If Someone Threatens You Or Someone Else On A Plane

In the unlikely event you sit next to someone who wants to bring down the plane, you’ll need to follow Loomis’ playbook, say experts.

By Christopher Elliott

It happened to Jason Loomis on a flight from Los Angeles to Boston. A passenger sitting in the row ahead of him became visibly upset and started shouting.

Loomis, an information security officer from El Segundo, Calif., tried to calm him by striking up a conversation. It didn’t work.

“He bolted out of his seat and said, ‘I’m going to take down the plane,’” he remembers.

While situations like that are rare -- the FAA reports only about two unruly passenger incidents per 10,000 flights -- several high-profile incidents have brought the issue back into the spotlight.

One of them was Loomis’ flight to Boston. The irate passenger, Francisco Severo Torres, attempted to open an emergency door and then tried to stab a flight attendant with a broken metal spoon.

Loomis was one of several passengers who tackled Torres and subdued him. But he says it’s always best to approach a situation with empathy and kindness.

“If that doesn’t work and the threat becomes physical, a more direct form of containment might be required,” says Loomis, who works for a business software company.

What If It Happens To You

With the busy summer travel season fast approaching, passengers might be wondering: What if it’s me sitting next to an unruly passenger?

Misbehaving passengers come in all shapes and sizes. They range from a hyperactive toddler using the tray

table for an extended drum solo to a deranged passenger brandishing weaponized silverware. So what do you do if you’re seated next to an intoxicated passenger, a chatterbox, someone who invades your personal space, or God forbid, someone who wants to take down the plane?

With almost every unruly passenger case, you’re better off asking for help, says Mahmood Khan, a hospitality and tourism professor at Virginia Tech.

“It is better to seek help from the airline crew since they can provide other seats or find some solution,” he says. One exception: If it’s your own toddler acting up in the seat next to you. (That problem is yours to resolve, fellow parents.)

What To Do About A Drunk Passenger Sitting Next To You

Getting intoxicated on a plane is a lot easier than you think. “Between the lowered cabin pressure, lower oxygen levels and drier air, just a few drinks can make anyone feel loopy,” says Dan Gellert, CEO of the travel site Skiplagged. If you find yourself beside a drunk person who is being disruptive, start with a polite request to stop the offending behavior, he says. Most people respond positively to a kind request.

And what if that doesn’t work? Try finding a flight attendant out of earshot of the drunken passenger and explain the situation. Usually, the crewmembers will stop serving the problem passenger alcohol and move you to an empty seat if one is available.

What To Do About An Argumentative Passenger Sitting Next To You

Passengers sometimes talk a lot when they get nervous, and fly-

ing makes a lot of people nervous. What they say doesn’t always make sense. I’ve had seatmates who tried to convert me to their religion, offer me dating advice and ask me on a date (once in the same conversation). I don’t think drugs or alcohol were involved, but now that I think of it, maybe they were.

“If someone is being argumentative, try to de-escalate by calmly saying, ‘I hear you” and try to work it out,” says Beverly Randolph, director of The Protocol School of Indianapolis. “Use your best judgment.”

Randolph says if the situation escalates, it may be best to ask a crewmember to intervene. The most common mistake passengers make is reacting angrily to a fellow passenger’s rage. Kindness is the most powerful tool when it comes to resolving a confrontation. And ignoring the foul-tempered traveler could also work. Just put on an eye mask, earplugs and go to sleep.

What To Do About A Passenger Who Invades Your Space

Airline seats seem to be getting smaller by the day. So what do you do when someone takes over the armrest between your seat or leans into your personal space?

“Stay calm,” says Jodi RR Smith, an etiquette expert with Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting.

She recommends blaming the seats rather than the person.

“Say to the passenger, ‘These seats are so terribly small! Here, let me lean this way so that you can buckle your seatbelt, and then we can get this armrest down,” she advises. Smith also recommends a deflective approach for invading jackets, hair, or feet. Something like, “Ex-

“The single most important thing for people to do when dealing with an unruly passenger is to use deescalation techniques,” explains security expert Michael Corwin. What are the best de-escalation techniques? Getting someone to speak more. Physical activity is more difficult when someone is talking, so it reduces the likelihood that they’ll attack. It also allows a person to express themself in a more controlled way. These techniques also work with unruly children.

“For some people, they just want to be heard in some fashion, so let them know you are listening to them by paraphrasing back what the person says to you,” says Corwin.

Ask a crewmember for help as soon as you can. Physical force should be your last resort.

Will This Be The Summer Of Unruly Passengers?

The bigger question is: Are incidents like the one Loomis experienced a sign of things to come? Maybe.

During the pandemic, the FAA adopted a “zero tolerance” policy, with fines of up to $37,000 per violation. These incidents decreased from a record high of 1,099 in 2021 to 831 last year. The threat is far from over, though. “Normal” is just a few hundred incidents; in 2003, the number even dipped below 100 to a record low of 91.

“Unless airplanes start hiring more security personnel, there will be more inflight incidents this summer,” predicts Carole Lieberman, a psychiatrist based in Beverly Hills, Calif. “This is because, according to the laws of entropy, chaos begets more chaos.”

We had our own epidemic of inflight violence in the last two years. American air travelers have lost their manners on a plane, and it may take a while to find them.

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

Illustration by Christopher Elliott

Historically Speaking from page 7

almost every important match and title fight in the United States from the 1880s until his death in 1921. He became such an authority on prize fighting he refereed a number of important matches.

Masterson was one of the very few who lived during the lawless days of the Old West who wasn’t there to make a name for himself, or to count the notches on his gun. He was said to be “a genuine and honest man” who didn’t have a reputation for violence, but, was loyal to the end defending his friends.

columnist for the The Morning Telegraph. His column covered boxing and other sports, and it frequently gave his editorial opinions on crime, war, politics, as well as other topics such as his experience in the Old West. During Masterson’s years in New York City he became a close friend of President Theodore Roosevelt and was one of his so-called “White House Gunfighters” who received federal appointments from the president along with other frontier lawmen Pat Garrett and Ben Daniels.

By the time of his death on Oct. 25, 1921, Masterson was known throughout the nation as a leading sportswriter and celebrity. He is remembered today for his connection to many of the Old West’s most iconic people, places, and events.

In 1902, Masterson moved to New York City and spent the rest of his life there as a reporter and

Like Wyatt Earp’s exaggerated TV depiction, Masterson’s life and likeness in American folk culture has been equally, but falsely portrayed, including a popular 1950s television series, “Bat Masterson,” starring actor Gene Barry. Hopefully both of those series, (“Wyatt Earp, his Life and Legend” starring Hugh O’Brien), stirred some curiosity among young Western folklore enthusiasts causing closer exploration of their true lives. In any event those two series are available on Internet streaming channels, although it takes a bit of searching.

Bat Masterson, New York City newspaper columnist

Man About Town from page 4

tween $50,000 and $247,000 in overtime alone.

And it’s not only about the cash compensation. After 30 years of service, LA lifeguards can retire as young as 55 on 79-percent of their pay.

Furthermore, we found that most of the top-paid lifeguards were men. In fact, only two of the top 20 high-earners were women: Virginia Rupe ($307,664; 16th highest paid), a lifeguard captain, and Lauren Dale ($303,518; 19th highest paid), an ocean lifeguard specialist.

Overtime pay drove earnings into the corporate executive range.

Last year alone, 37 lifeguards made overtime in amounts between $50,000 and $247,000. For example, Daniel Douglas (overtime: $246,060); James Orr (overtime: 146,506); Patrick O’Neil (overtime: $133,235); and five others each made six-figures plus.

However, in a six-year period, between 2016 and 2021, the LA lifeguard corps made a fortune in overtime. The top three high earners made between $505,579 and $980,007 in overtime alone: Daniel Douglas ($980,007); Jaro Spopek ($513,365); and James Orr ($505,579).

Some high-earning lifeguards also win awards for heroism. However, we found many lifeguards winning Valor Awards failed to crack the top of the payroll.

In 2020, the Medal of Valor win-

ner, Edward “Nick” Macko (salary: $134,144), an ocean lifeguard, jumped into the rough waters in a remote Palos Verdes gorge and pulled a man to safety through potentially skull-crushing swells and over razor-sharp rocks.

In 2021, the Exemplary Service Award for EMS went to lifeguards

Todd Ribera (comp: $184,676); Stephen Leon Jr. (comp: $36,597); Max Malamed (comp: $130,952); and Blake Hubbell (comp: $170,956).

Also winning Exemplary Service Awards were high-earners: ocean lifeguard specialist Lauren Dale ($303,518), the 19th highest paid lifeguard, and lifeguard captain Roque Roque ($319,566), the sixth highest paid in 2020.

Beach lifeguard pay dwarfs that of their colleagues at the pools. The highest paid “pool lifeguard” made $45,030, including pay and benefits.

During the pandemic, lifeguards continued to work and took additional precautions doing water rescues. Many traded their trunks and sunscreen for masks and scrubs at Covid testing sites. In some cases, lifeguards acted as police, enforcing stay-at-home orders, keeping people off the beaches and out of the water.

Why beach lifeguards earn so much money is an open question the L.A. taxpayer might start asking.

A lifeguard’s job can be dangerous, but it’s unclear why they are now paid up to a half million dollars a year.

Pet Parade

Mango

Mango is pet of the week at your Rancho Coastal Humane Society. He’s a 2-year-old, 10-pound, male, Domestic Short Hair Cat with a Red Tabby coat.

When his owner died, the owner’s daughter tossed Mango in the yard. Fortunately, a neighbor took him to a shelter in Riverside County. He was transferred to Rancho Coastal Humane Society through FOCAS (Friends of County Animal Shelters.)

Mango was adopted then returned three weeks later when the resident cat decided that he didn’t want a roommate. In his new home he could live with kids 12 or older and another cat, as long as it’s nice to him.

The $100 adoption fee for Mango includes medical exam, neu-

ter, up to date vaccinations, and registered microchip.

For more information or to sponsor a pet visit Rancho Coastal Humane Society at 389 Requeza Street in Encinitas, call 760-753-6413, or log on to www.SDpets.org.

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

After two years of requesting comment from the county and after three requests this year alone, a spokesperson finally responded with an official statement:

“The Los Angeles County Fire Department had approximately 166 full-time Ocean Lifeguards and 600 seasonal recurrent Ocean Lifeguards. All our lifeguards, including those in leadership positions, have taken on an enormous responsibility. They are responsible for protecting 72 miles of coastline, 10,526 square miles of open ocean waters, Catalina Island, and 1,686 square miles of Los Angeles County inland waterways.

In that same year, we had over 50 million beachgoers and our lifeguards executed over 9,286 ocean rescues and responded to over 13,303 medical calls. During large scale brush fires, our lifeguards take on additional responsibilities to work on specialized incident management teams to support firefighters all over the state – as they did in 2021 when wildfires burned an estimated 2,568,948 acres here in California. Additionally, our lifeguards were a critical part of the COVID-19 response efforts. The Lifeguard Division provided personnel, logistics, and incident management qualifications to support COVID-19 Testing and COVID-19 vaccinations all over the County of Los Angeles.”

Our auditors at OpenTheBooks. com compiled these numbers from Freedom of Information Act requests as well as benefit data listed at Transparent California.

Letters from page 4

Splash Mountain due to racist claims, but we never knew “the other side of the story” and the “hidden truth.”

Tony Robert Logan of Valley Center

***

The Disney cover story is beyond brilliant! Friedrich Gomez is without equal!

Patrick Flannigan Escondido

***

Lyle, who does the cover graphics for The Paper? Really nice job that always catches our eye, which is great news for your advertisers. We’re all great fans of yours at my workplace and my boss and I have a friendly (non-monetary) wager: Are you from Nebraska or Minnesota? From past “Man About Town” columns you clearly mention Nebraska but my foreman swears you hail from Minnesota. Whose right? Also, thanks to you and The Paper we’re planning a trip to Disneyland’s Splash Mountain before it closes! It’s strange how Disneyland decided to keep it open after all and not close at the same time as Disney World. Is Disney World’s version more racist, for crying out loud? Thanks Lyle for giving us 9-to-5 working stiffs a newspaper we can call “our own.” We support your advertisers!

From Terrance “Terry” Galloway & Workplace

page

Community Pet Pantry

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.

thecomputerfactory.net

These past three columns have focused on the AIV (attitudes interests and values) gap between the OFs (born before 1965) and the YFs (born after 1965). Until the 20th century human knowledge was preserved in one of two ways, as lore passed by word of mouth from one generation to the next, or as printed matter stored in private and public libraries. The evolution of computers and the Internet since the mid-20th century made all of human knowledge accessible to virtually everyone on the planet. As a consequence, the past fifty years have seen the amount of available recorded knowledge multiply a thousand fold. The technologies that brought us broad-band Internet and affordable access devices were compressed into the years following Y2K and have resulted in historic changes in the way we

OFs vs. YFs. Part III of IV

live, learn and communicate, thus widening the pre-existing AIV gap between the OFs and the YFs who lived through this period of rapid change. None living today can foresee or comprehend the impact this revolution in information and communication will have on humankind and its social structures but we may gain some insight by looking at the contrasts in the learning and social environments that shaped the difference between these two age groups. We’ll start with the life and times of the OFs.

OFs world was the farms, hamlets, towns and big city neighborhoods where they grew up. Their contact with friends, mentors, and teachers were direct and face to face. Their main interests were friends, school, sports and cars. School (K-12) was a place where the basic skills required for living were taught. American history emphasized the uniqueness of the vision held by America’s founders and their struggle to achieve self rule. For most males, Universal Military Service (the draft) was a part of growing up in America. Until 1973 every American male was obliged to serve at least two years of military service. It was a rite of passage to adulthood. Most felt that their service fulfilled an obligation to protect something that was unique and worthwhile. Serving their country inspired feelings of patriotism and brotherhood. President Truman ended racial segregation in the military in 1948 and the interracial experience of young military veterans was a major force fueling the passing of the

Civil Rights Act of 1963. The Civil Rights Act also honored their recognition that the women they grew up and went to school with were every bit as smart and capable as the “the good ole boys,” opening the door for business careers to women. For decades the average SAT scores for students entering teacher’s training had hovered around the 50th percentile of all college students. As smart women abandoned teaching careers for more challenging opportunities in business, the average SAT scores for college students enrolling in teacher’s studies through the 1960s dropped 25%.

Even the youngest of the OFs are today approaching retirement. As a group they are satisfied with their performance. They stepped up to defend the freedom of our nation when it needed to be done. They championed minority and women’s rights and gave us laws to protect

them. They developed the technologies to explore our universe and the gadgets that make our lives easier and safer. They gave us computers, mobile phones, the Internet and all the “smart” devices that allow us to access the entirety of human knowledge. One might expect the younger generations to give them a slap on the back, a gold watch and at least a “thanks, we’ll take it from here” But that doesn’t seem to be what’s happening. It seems that there is a widely held belief that the older generations of Americans are exactly the opposite of their self image. They are closet racists and misogynists and most of their technology was simply an incidental side product of their insatiable appetite for profit.

Next week we explore the process by which the YFs uncovered the evil intent behind the OFs wicked success.

Cats And Dogs Aren’t Supposed to Chew Gum

brands of sugarless gum con tain xylitol. It’s a sweetener that is toxic to dogs. If your dog finds a piece of gum, it probably won’t chew it, but it might swallow it. Some candies, mints, flavored vitamins, desserts, and baked goods are also made with xylitol.

During March we observe National Animal Poison Prevention Week. Yeah? So? Is it really that big of a deal?

The Pet Poison Helpline takes thousands of calls every month throughout the year from pet owners and veterinarians about potentially poisoned pets. Half of the calls are for pets accidentally poisoned by something that is perfectly safe for humans.

Let’s start with Xylitol. Many

A couple weeks ago I dropped a pill, and it rolled under the edge of the bath room cabinet. I made sure I found it before Jake did. Human drugs that can be harmful to pets include Advil®, Aleve® and Motrin®, and acetaminophen including Tylenol®. Antidepressants can also cause serious harm. Drop a pill? Look until you find it.

Easter is coming up on April 9th. We know that Easter Lilies can cause

death in pets who eat them. Same with Tiger, Day, Asiatic, Easter and Japanese lilies. Cats seem to be more likely to eat plants than dogs. Tulips and daffodils that start from bulbs can also cause serious illness. Put them up where pets can’t reach them, or don’t bring them into the house.

Spring is when we’re more likely to fertilize the grass and yard plants. Keep an eye on your pets. They get curious and some fertilizers smell good. Fertilizers can kill them.

After the recent rains, mice and other critters have moved into our garages, sheds, and houses to make their nests. Rat, snail, and slug baits are very toxic to pets and they can be fatal.

If you think your pet has eaten something poisonous, don’t wait. It’s better (and cheaper) to get help right away.

Contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately at 800-213-6680. It could save your pet’s life.

John Van Zante’s Critter Corner

Chuckles

from page 3

or how your stocks performed that day.

For $160,140, you never have to grow up.

You get to finger-paint, carve pumpkins, play hide-and-seek, catch lightning bugs, and never stop believing in Santa Claus.

You have an excuse to keep: reading the Adventures of Piglet and Pooh, watching Saturday morning cartoons, going to Disney movies, and wishing on stars.

You get to frame rainbows, hearts, and flowers under refrigerator magnets and collect spray painted noodle wreaths for Christmas, hand prints set in clay for Mother’s Day, and cards with backward letters for Father’s Day.

For $160,140, there is no greater bang for your buck.

You get to be a hero just for retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof, taking the training wheels off the bike, removing a splinter, filling a wading pool, coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs, and coaching a baseball team that never wins but always gets treated to ice cream regardless.

You get a front row seat to history to witness the first step, first word, first bra, first date, and first time behind the wheel.

You get to be immortal.

You get another branch added to your family tree, and if you’re lucky, a long list of limbs in your obituary called grandchildren.

You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal justice, communications, and human sexuality that no college can match.

In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there with God.

You have all the power to heal a boo-boo, scare away the monsters under the bed, patch a broken heart, police a slumber party, ground them forever, and love them without limits, so one day they will, like you, love without counting the cost.

ENJOY YOUR KIDS AND GRANDKIDS, EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM, NO MATTER WHAT YOU THINK YOU ARE OR MIGHT BE GIVING UP!

of us sitting here, years ago.. Red meat is awful. Soft drinks corrode your stomach lining. Chinese food is loaded with MSG. High fat diets can be disastrous, and none of us realizes the long-term harm caused by the germs in our drinking water. However, there is one thing that is the most dangerous of all and we all have eaten, or will eat it. Can anyone here tell me what food it is that causes the most grief and suffering for years after eating it?’

After several seconds of quiet, a 75-year-old man in the front row raised his hand, and softly said, ‘Wedding Cake.’

••••

Bob, a 70-year-old, extremely wealthy widower, shows up at the Country Club with a breathtakingly beautiful and very sexy 25-year-old blonde-haired woman who knocks everyone’s socks off with her youthful sex appeal and charm and who hangs over Bob’s arm and listens intently to his every word.

His buddies at the club are all aghast. At the very first chance, they corner him and ask, ‘Bob, how’d you get the trophy girlfriend?’ Bob replies, ‘Girlfriend? She’s my wife!’ They are knocked over, but continue to ask.

‘So, how’d you persuade her to marry you?’

‘I lied about my age’, Bob replies.

‘What, did you tell her you were only 50?’

Bob smiles,

‘No, I told her I was 90.

••••

‘Groups of Americans were traveling by tour bus through Holland. As they stopped at a cheese farm, a young guide led them through the process of cheese making, explaining that goat’s milk was used. She showed the group a lovely hillside where many goats were grazing. ‘These’ she explained, ‘Are the older goats put out to pasture when they no longer produce.’

She then asked, ‘What do you do in America with your old goats?’

A spry old gentleman answered, ‘They send us on bus tours.”

about nailing it to a post on the edge of his yard. As he was driving the last nail into the post, he felt a tug on his overalls. He looked down into the eyes of a little boy.

“Mister,” he said, “I want to buy one of your puppies.”

“Well,” said the farmer, as he rubbed the sweat off the back of his neck, “These puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal of money.”

The boy dropped his head for a moment. Then reaching deep into his pocket, he pulled out a handful of change and held it up to the farmer. “I’ve got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a look?”

“Sure,” said the farmer. And with that he let out a whistle. “Here, Dolly!” he called.

Out from the doghouse and down the ramp ran Dolly followed by four little balls of fur.

The little boy pressed his face against the chain link fence. His eyes danced with delight. As the dogs made their way to the fence, the little boy noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse.

Slowly another little ball appeared, this one noticeably smaller. Down the ramp it slid. Then in a somewhat awkward manner, the little pup began hobbling toward the others, doing its best to catch up...

“I want that one,” the little boy said, pointing to the runt. The farmer knelt down at the boy’s side and said,

“Son, you don’t want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would.”

With that the little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down, and began rolling up one leg of his trousers.

In doing so he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe.

Looking back up at the farmer, he said, “You see sir, I don’t run too well myself, and he will need someone who understands.” With tears in his eyes, the farmer reached down and picked up the little pup.

Holding it carefully he handed it to the little boy. “How much?” asked the little boy..

Oodles

from page 5

• Free/discounted storage space in central San Diego for our wheelchairs, pop up canopy, bins of supplies, etc...

• Free/discounted office space where we can have a landline phone, computer, and desk, to conduct Honor Flight San Diego business.

If you can help, please call (800)655-6997 or send us an email at: info@honorflightsandiego.org

***

Greater Escondido Chamber Ribbon Cutting

Thursday, April 13th Hidden Glen Senior Living 662 Tranqility Glen Escondido, CA

Join the Greater Escondido Chamber of Commerce and the supportive staff at Hidden Glenn Senior Living as we gather to celebrate their not-for-profit senior living community with an official Ribbon Cutting ceremony.

Hidden Glenn prides itself in worldclass personal care at an affordable rate, with services including memory care, assisted living, and more. Their community comprises more than two acres of fenced and gated private grounds with buildings specifically designed to provide a quality home-like environment for those who live in their care.

Please join us as we celebrate and welcome Hidden Glenn Senior Living officially into the Escondido business community!

Free to attend.

***

Greater Escondido Chamber’s Economic Development Committee Meeting

Thursday, April 13th 720 N. Broadway Escondido, CA

The Chamber’s Economic Development Team works to assist, retain and grow existing businesses in Escondido while striving to attract new businesses and ventures with the focus on positive economic impacts and job creation for our citizens. Also focuses on the local and regional economy including projects and policies that impact the city’s ability to thrive, grow and prosper.

A Doctor was addressing a large audience in Tampa. ‘The material we put into our stomachs is enough to have killed most

••••

A farmer had some puppies he needed to sell. He painted a sign advertising the 4 pups and set

“No charge,” answered the farmer, “There’s no charge for love.”

This month: The Greater Escondido Chamber of Commerce welcomes Sergeant Jeff Valdivia, a 20+ year veteran of the Escondido

BOOKKEEPING SERVICE

THOMPSON BOOKKEEPING

Receivables • Payables

Financial Reporting Bank Balancing • Clean-Ups • Etc. Rex Thompson • 858-335-1595

QuickBooks ProAdvisor 20+ Years Corporate Experiene

Letters from page 10

Editor’s Note: Born in Minnesota, grew up in Omaha, Nebraska.

Color Graphics are don by the phenominally talented Lisa Scarpello (who is also our equally talented Managing Editor.) ***

We applaud Vista City Council for harsher fines on selling tobacco to minors. Other North County cities should do the same. We also enjoy investigative cover stories by The Paper such as your “Disney Ride Called Racist” as it sends a clear signal to our youth (and adults) that education and research is necessary in seeing “the hidden truth” and “both sides of any debate issue.” Your investigative reporter Friedrich Gomez sets that example loudly and clearly and is extremely popular with our youth.

Caroline Douglas of Vista, CA (parents of 3 teens!)

***

Lyle E. Davis publisher/owner of The Paper:

Ever wonder why so many people love your weekly magazine? Your cover story on Disney’s Splash Mountain sets the record straight! Powerful, insightful, groundbreaking journalism so sadly lacking in today’s media, simply because they lack the courage to air the truth! Great job Lyle!

HELP WANTED

Drivers Wanted Part Time!

Monday-Friday Split Shift $16.63 an hour CALL TODA?Y 760-721-1706 Or APPLY at www.teriinc.org

CALLING ALL CRAFTERS

Bates Nut Farm hosts a variety of craft fairs throughout the year. Visit www.BatesNutFarm.biz and click on the Events Tab to download an application

Tell Friedrich Gomez he has a powerful following out here. All my coworkers support The Paper! Well done!

Maria Contreras

North San Diego County

***

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 be published anonymously. Letters are subject to editing.

Oodles from page 12

Police Department. Sgt. Valdivia is with the EPD’s Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving Unit (COPPS), and will be joining us to talk about homelessness in Escondido.

Sgt. Valdivia will provide an update on the Police Department’s efforts, explain trespass law, and share helpful strategies for business owners dealing with crime and disorder on their properties. A brief question and answer period will follow.

Please join us for another important discussion about YOUR Escondido.

Free to attend.

GARAGE SALE

VALLE VERDE GARAGE & BAKE SALE

SATURDAY, APRIL 1ST 7am- 12 noon

Multiple Sellers!

Something for everyone!

Jewelry • Toys • Clothes

Books • Housewares

Home Baked Goods and more!

1286 DISCOVERY ST. SAN MARCOS (Clubhouse - Indoors)

***

Interfaith Community Services

Presents Change Your Mind

May 6, 2023 • 11am - 4 pm Oceanside Junior Seau Pier Amphitheater

Interfaith Community Services is proud to host our Second Annual Change Your Mind festival, in partnership with the City of Oceanside on Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oceanside Junior Seau Pier Amphitheater.

The goal of Change Your Mind is to encouraging candid conversations about mental health in a fun and stress-free environment. Attendees of all ages can participate in a full day of workshops, performances, and wellness-related experiences. Workshop topics include but are not limited to the following central themes:

• Destigmatizing Mental Health

• Belonging and Community

• Tools to Survive and Thrive

• Healing Through the Arts

• The Impacts of Addiction

A wide variety of traditional and modern wellness experiences and activities include:

• Live music

Residental Care Facility For The Elderly In Escondido

RCFE# 374604137 760-424-2400

Call for a tour

Your home comes with:

*24 hour awake staff *gourmet meals & snacks *call bells at bedside *tv in every room *caring compassionate assistance *daily activities & exercise classes *planned outings *visiting doctors, dentist, podiatrist, nail and hair visits *pet & music therapy *walking paths with fountains and much more... affirmativeselitehome.com

• Cultural performances from diverse communities

• Yoga

• Sound bath

• DIY succulent bar

• Drumming circle

• Crafting circles

• Onsite community enrichment activities

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

Tickets are free but pre-registration is requested. Secure your spot today by visiting www.interfaithservices.org/change/

Exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Lem Blackett at lblackwell@interfaithservices.org for more information.

About Interfaith Community Services

As North County’s largest social services agency, Interfaith Community Services (Interfaith) has been “helping people help themselves” since 1979.

The organization provides a wide range of programs designed to empower hungry, homeless, and low-income community members to begin a pathway towards selfsufficiency. Each year, Interfaith Community Services impacts more than 20,000 community members by providing basic needs and nutrition support, social services, shelters and housing, employment development, youth programs, senior services, veterans programs and addiction recovery support. For more information, visit interfaithservices.org.

The Mighty Mojo Page

Problem Solved

from page 6

of

can go through the usual channels, asking it to address your problem. And I can see you did that without much success. I also publish the names, numbers and email addresses of the Quest Diagnostics executives on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org. A brief, polite email to one of them might have fixed this.

I contacted Quest Diagnostics on your behalf. A representative responded to you, apologizing for the “challenges in attempting to receive your refund and the frustration this caused.” Quest Diagnostics refunded the $353 as you had requested and adjusted your bill.

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.

Registrant

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9004241

The name of the business: Raptors

located at 1120 Mulberry Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069

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

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

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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9003593

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

First day of business: 8/23/2013

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

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

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

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:

Petitioner Jennifer Zalud filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: Makayla Melendrina Lomas to Proposed name Makayla Melendrina Bala and Nicolas Lomas III to Nicolas Bala.

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

NOTICE OF HEARING:

Date: 4/18/2023, 8:30 am, in Dept. 25

The address of the court is: 325 S. Melrose, Vista, CA. 92081. A copy of the Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Marcos News Reporter, dba, The Paper, 845 W. San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, Ca. 92078.

Dated March 3, 2023

/s/ Brad A. Weinreb, Judge of the Superior Court 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 3/30/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9004599

The name of the business: Immediate Process Serving, located at 27 Parkwood Lane,Unit 2, Oceanside, CA 92054 Registrant Information: Rolando Benitez 27 Parkwood Lane, Unit 2, Oceanside, CA 92054. This business is operated by an individual. First day of business: 8/20/2015

/s/ Rolando Benitez Filed with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/1/2023 3/16, 3/23, 3/30, 4/6/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9003271

The name of the business: GR Racing Outlet, located at 1669 Live Oak Road, #29, Vista, CA 92081. Registrant Information: Gloria L. Robles, 1669 Live Oak Road, #29, Vista, CA 92081 This business is operated by an individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Gloria Robles Filed with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 2/10/2023 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 3/30/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9004615

The name of the business: Moonstone Cleaning Services, located at 930 N. Fig St., #A, Escondido, CA 92026. Registrant Information: Jessica Navarro, 930 N. Fig St., #A, Escondido, CA 92026 This business is operated by an individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Jessica Navarro Filed with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/1/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9005092

The name of the business: Quality Time

Billed, Q.T.B., located at 1439 La Habra Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant Information: Kevin Woodard, 1439 La Habra Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078 This business is operated by an individual. First day of business: 1/1/2023

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

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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9005952

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

/s/ Albert Gurrola III, President Filed with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 3/16/2023 3/23, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9005569

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

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

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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9005130

The name of the business: Kindness Janitorial Services, located at 5915 Rio Valle Dr., Bonsall, CA 92003.

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

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

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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9004243

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

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

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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2023-9006102

The name of the business: Launch Pointe Events, located at 32040 Riverside Dr., Lake Elsinore, CA 92530. Registrant Information: Common Sense Events Inc.,