April 23, 2026

April 23, 2026

Volume 56 - No. 17

SPYCRAFT & ESPIONAGE

How It All Began JEFFERSON’S CIPHER WHEEL

By Friedrich Gomez Every school student has read about the birth of our nation in the American Revolutionary War against England (1775-1783).

But strangely, a huge factual chapter behind our success in our U.S. War of Independence remains largely, a lost and hidden legacy: How early spy science and espionage turned the tide for America’s independence!

A statement which often elicits a common gasp: “Why haven’t I heard of this before? Surely if this is

true, it would certainly be common knowledge in our history school books?”

destine, pivotal role in the success of America’s War of Independence from England.”

GEORGE WASHINGTON’S SPY SCIENCE & ESPIONAGE LARGELY “WRITTEN OUT” OF OUR HISTORY BOOKS.

World-renowned historical scholars and colonial experts, such as Stephen F. Knott, state the following:

Regarding this largely historical suppression of historical fact of spy science and espionage being “written out” of our school history books today, comprises a lost chapter during the early days of George Washington which played – according to contemporary historians – “A clan-

The Paper • 760.747.7119 online: www.TheCommunityPaper.com

email: thepaper@cox.net

“Though (George) Washington’s commitment to espionage may have been ‘written out’ of the laudatory histories . . . the work of spying methodology was never far from his mind, and he used it most effectively in our U.S. War of Independence.”

This is now a strong consensual

agreement among the world’s most elite experts on early U.S. colonial history based on hard science and irrefutable documentation of that era which clearly states: “George Washington’s dependence on espionage (proved critical) to his overall success in achieving America’s War of Independence from England.”

(Source: N. B. Samuelson, from retrieved documents of every major battle of the American Revolution.)

Weighing in on this crucial histori-

Spies

See Page 2

The Paper • Page 2 • April 23, 2026

Spies from page 1 cal data being “written out” of our academic history books, is Dr. Carol Ruth, esteemed American scholar specialising in American colonial history and is currently “Presidential Professor of History” in New York.

She makes this shocking assessment of which historical scholars strong agree: “For centuries, many early spy strategies contributed to military victories and the use of spies played (pivotal roles). This was no less true during America’s war for independence.”

Sadly, such hidden truths would certainly make our U.S. Revolutionary War much more factual, intriguing, colourful, and exciting to young students, so say many of the world’s leading historians today.

BACKSTORY. Going into the Revolutionary War, Americans were at a huge disadvantage to the European powers when it came to spy science.

For thousands of years before

America was even born, countries have long used various methods of spying, infiltration, scouting, and double agents.

And yet, colonial America – largely a wilderness full of simple farmers and country folk -- would soon turn the tables in sophisticated spy science and technology that would shock the world.

Join us as we climb on board our Time Machine -- and once onboard – buckle up your seatbelts . . . as we are about to leave our present world of 2026 and journey into the distant past.

We are setting our time dials back 250 years.

Our destination: Colonial America and The U.S. Revolutionary War! It is now 19 June 1775, and a 43year-olde George Washington was just commissioned by the Continental Congress as the first Commander in Chief of the colonial Continental Army.

Washington, due to his past military experience, had easily won over the Continental Congress’ second choice in the person of John Hancock.

Give Us This Day oui oui all the way home, *** Our Daily reading the the sentence you Chuckle Afer are now aware that the the human

brain often does not inform you that the the word ‘the’ has been repeated twice every time.

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

There’s a good chance I’ll grow into that grumpy old person who carries a cane around just to he can give a good whack to someone who deserves it, just because I can. *** He wasn’t his mother’s favorite; and he was an only child. *** Just a guess, but Will Rogers never met you did he? *** French nymphomaniac: Goes oui

General George Washington is 6’ 2” tall in his stocking feet. This day, as he wore his black boots, his lean muscular 175 pound frame towered at closer to 6’ 5” tall as he stood in momentary silence.

He was elated over hearing his official appointment as the first Commander in Chief of the newlyformed U.S. Continental Army.

Washington was, physically, the most powerful of all our U.S. presidents. It is well documented that he was known for his astonishing brute physical strength. Days later, he was handed a heavy horseshoe for good luck – and as he often did to the delight and astonished eyes of his onlookers – with his bare hands, he slowly bent the horseshoe out of its normal u-shaped form!

Then he tossed it over his left shoulder for further good luck.

A sly smile crossed his face and his blue-gray eyes narrowed.

He was already thinking of his top secret plan in winning the U.S. War of Independence from England.

the teeth. They were seasoned and well-versed in warfare and all its facets.

He knew right off the bat that he needed some sort of “equaliser” as he phrased it, for his comparatively raggle-taggle army, the majority of which were mostly farmers, such as himself.

He only had a small, motley core of militia regiments, and added to this harsh reality was that the colonies had no allies at the time.

None.

Washington always had a penchant for espionage science, and he strongly believed that such covert operations were, in his own words: “Essential to winning the war.”

Modern U.S. historian and colonial expert, Stephen F. Knott, today, agrees with General Washington’s early assessment as he states: “Facing off against the greatest superpower of his day, Washington understood that when fighting a more formidable foe, deception Spies continued on page 3

England was a superpower during this era. With the best trained generals and soldiers, all armed to doing. At this point they decided to try for 50%. The husband continued to feel quite well. Since the pain transfer was obviously helping out the wife considerably, the husband encouraged the doctor to transfer ALL the pain to him. The wife delivered a healthy baby with virtually no pain. She and her husband were ecstatic.

People use “ASAP” because they don’t know how to spell “immejiatly.” *** I’ve reached the point where “old age” is always 15 years older than me.

***

When they got home, the mailman was dead on the porch.

Will someone please explain to me what “occasional irregularity” is?

***

Mary just asked me if I wanted lunch.

***

When I was young I was scared of the dark.

“What are my options?” I asked.

A married couple went to the hospital to have their baby delivered.

Upon their arrival, the doctor said he had invented a new machine that would transfer a portion of the mother’s labor pain to the father.

He asked if they were willing to try it out. They were both very much in favor of it.

The doctor set the pain transfer to 10% for starters, explaining that even 10% was probably more pain than the father had ever experienced before. But as the labor progressed, the husband felt fine and asked the doctor to go ahead and kick it up a notch. The doctor then adjusted the machine to 20% pain transfer. The husband was still feeling fine. The doctor checked the husband’s blood pressure and was amazed at how well he was

Today, when I look at my SDG&E utility bill I’m afraid of the light. *** It turn out when you’re asked who your favorite child is you’re supposed to pick one of your own. *** That feeling that you don’t want to go pee because you’re so comfy, but you can’t sleep because you have to pee. *** There’s just not enough time in a day for all the stuff I’m not going to do. ***

***

Yes or no. *** Today, Mary took me aside. And left me there. *** I’m so glad I learned to play the recorder in school.

It has come in ever so handy.

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve resolved a sticky situation with a quick blast of ‘Three Blind Mice.’

Chuckles continued on page 6

The Paper • Page 3 • April 23, 2026

Spies from page 2 acts (such as spy science) were a force multiplier.”

And George Washington, America’s First Spymaster, wasted no time.

One of Washington’s first acts upon taking command of the Continental Army in 1775 was to hire trained spies to go behind the enemy lines and report on British activities in Boston.

Incredibly, Washington created and personally supervised a most elaborate and sophisticated top secret spy and espionage network across all thirteen rebellious colonies.

medical doctor who dabbled in the wizardry of various chemicals and their compounds.

It was Dr. James Jay who had invented “invisible ink” while in England.

Both Washington and Dr. James Jay were of the same age, 43, as they collaborated in secrecy. They both also shared the same interest in spy science and the use of clever espionage gadgetry.

This particular day, the demonstration of invisible ink left George Washington thunderstruck and speechless.

He blinked several times in total disbelief – then smiled broadly.

When Washington organised the famous Culper Spy Ring in New York City, he wisely appointed super spy, Benjamin Tallmadge, into its fold.

Washington had just witnessed a demonstration of the world’s first invisible ink, which he and his fellow spy patriots would commonly refer to as the “sympathetic stain.”

He also handpicked the extraordinary spy, Abraham Woodhull.

The extraordinary modus operandi of invisible ink was that it contained and concealed inner messages which were impossible for the naked eye to see.

As with Benjamin Tallmadge, Abraham Woodhull was a crucial key member of the “Culper Spy Ring Network.”

Abraham Woodhull’s celebrated exploits were accomplished under the alias “Samuel Culper” when sending critical messages and working as an espionage spy and informant.

(Note: George Washington’s famous and celebrated Culper Spy Ring in New York City would become so legendary that it was made into a recent TV series called: “Turn: Washington’s Spies.” The television series aired on AMC network for four seasons, 6 April 2014 to 12 August 2017.)

General George Washington forever pushed the envelope in using ingenious devices and clever gadgets which James Bond would later become familiar with – over two centuries later – in Hollywood movies.

To reiterate, long before the Revolutionary War (and not well known), is that Washington always had a deep-seated fascination with spy and espionage techniques and devices.

The illustrious Father of Our Country used such devices as invisible ink, patch codes, wheel codes, information dead drops, personal ads in newspapers, messages hidden in Bible verses – all in hiding critical top secret British troop movement, strategy, and intentions.

Washington grinned across the table as he spoke with his handpicked spy advisor named Dr. James Jay, a

The top secret messages that were later magically hidden within invisible ink would only emerge with a newly-invented and ingenious “chemical reagent,” which Washington and his spy network across all thirteen colonies used to great advantage.

The British intelligence also used invisible ink, but Washington added tweaks to help make his more impenetrable – and thus, more efficacious and far, far more advanced.

Washington’s espionage intelligence was a necessity in knowing the British troop movements, their lines of defence, and entrapping them in weaker formations under more vulnerable situations.

For example, Washington knew that as a whole, American officers never equaled their British opponents in tactics and maneuvers and strategy, and as a consequence, they lost most of the pitched battles early on against the British.

That would soon change.

Learning quickly through exploitation via U.S. espionage networks, Washington later shocked the superior English armies with great successes at Boston (1776), Trenton (1776), Saratoga (1777), and Yorktown (1781), where startling American victories were some-

Spies continued on page 4

Oodles!

Looking for things to do? Places to go?

Check out Oodles every week for a list 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 a press release.

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

Senior Anglers of Escondido Second Friday of Each Month The Senior Anglers of Escondido meet the second Friday of each month at 9:30am at the American Legion Hall 230 E Park Ave, Escondido, CA 92025.

The group enjoys freshwater and saltwater fishing, camping, boating, and environmental conservation.

New members always welcome.

Guest speaker Friday, May 8 is Christine Grasinski, California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The department manages and protects the state’s wildlife, wildflowers, trees, mushrooms, algae, and native habitats. The department is responsible for regulatory enforcement and management of related recreational, commercial, scientific, and educational uses. Join us to ‘Fish and Play the Senior Anglers Way!’ *** Hidden Valley Vista City Council of Beta Sigma Phi Int. Founder’s Day April 25th • 10:30am The Hidden Valley Vista City Council of Beta Sigma Phi International will celebrate its 95th Founder’s Day, “SISTERS ARE DIFFERENT FLOWERS FROM THE SAME GARDEN”, on Saturday, April 25, 2026, beginning at 10:30am, Shadowridge Golf Club, 1980 Gateway Drive. Vista, CA. All Beta Sigma Phis – active, inactive, on leave, transferees are invited to make a reservation by calling Susie 760-889-3552 by April 16th.

Cost is $36.50 per person. Menu Choices: Classic Cobb Salad, Chicken Alfredo, or Caprese Sandwich with Tomato Basil Bisque.

HVVC Chapters will be honoring and celebrating the recipients for the Silver Circle, Golden Circle and Diamond Circle Rituals, Women of the Year and the installation of the 2026-2027 HVVC officers

will be conferred.

Beta Sigma Phi is a social, cultural, and philanthropic International Sorority, headquartered in Kansa City, Missouri, with chapters throughout the world. If you are interested in belonging to a special organization and make many new friends, call Sue at 858-484-8752. *** Oceanside High School Foundation First Annual “Promoting the Future” Fundraiser Dinner & Live Auction April 25th • 6pm to 8pm Join us for an unforgettable evening that blends the excitement of a live auction with a powerful “Fund the Need” opportunity designed to directly impact the lives of OHS students and staff. The event takes place on Saturday April 25th at the Oceanside Elks Lodge 444 Country Club Lane, Oceanside.

The Oceanside High School Foundation presents this Night with Purpose Mission to enhance the high school experience, affirm the undeniable value of education, and nurture the powerful sense of our Pirate community.

Evening highlights include dinner, inspiring speakers, live auction bidding for: Wine tasting, Exclusive golf opportunities, Vacation packages, Local attractions and experiences, and much more.

Ticket price $25 per person. Purchase yours at website https:// www.ohsfoundation.org/newsand-events/promoting-the-futurefundraising dinner. *** Coastal Cities Jazz Band May 3rd • 2pm The Coastal Cities Jazz Band is a BIG BAND with 17 members Oodles continued on page 14

The Paper • Page 4 • April 23, 2026

Spies from page 3

No one understood top secret spy espionage work as Washington, who later wrote in his own handwriting:

times won by “trapping” the British far from their own base with a greater number of colonial troops.

“There are some secrets, on the keeping of which so, depends often times, on the very salvation of an Army and a nation: secrets which cannot be divulged.”

All due to espionage and intelligence-gathering and, thereby, increasing our odds of imminent victories against far superior and seasoned professional British forces. Such was the case in the surprise patriot victory at “Ambush of Greary,” on 14 December 1776 in New Jersey.

Such colonial victories were beyond shocking.

Washington devoted a (considerable amount of energy) in his role as U.S. Spy Intelligence Chief, including using his own personal money when necessary, to pay for ongoing clandestine operations.

(Note: The British had far more spies because they had far more money to gather and employ them.)

Washington, aside from his leaked secrets which he (purposely) allowed the British to see in order to mislead them – Washington was also extremely careful to the point of not even trusting his own U.S. Continental Congress for fear of double-agents and sympathisers to the crown.

Had the munchies this afternoon and decided to experiment.

The result? Norwegian Pasghetti ala lyle.

Boil some water. Throw a mess of spaghetti in the pot. Cook until tender (al dente for me).

While water is boiling and spa-

(Source: Sara Georgini, the series editor of “The Papers of John Adams,” at the Massachusetts Historical Society.)

Incredibly – and mindboggling even today -- Washington even used his own unique twist and version of a top secret device known as “Mask Letters,” a highly covert method to hide military messages which could only be viewed via a specific mask, through which the hidden messages were suddenly viewed through what seemed to be an ordinary letter.

The Founding Fathers continued to rely on new encryption techniques throughout their careers: George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, John Jay (brother of Dr. James Jay, invisible ink inventor), and James Madison -- all of whom made ample use of codes and ciphers to keep their communiqués from falling into the wrong hands.

In the early stages, before Washington’s spy network was widely established throughout all the thirteen colonies, it wasn’t hard for the super power nation of England to easily decode colonial messages.

In time, General Washington would leave no stone unturned when he recruited Benjamin Franklin as a double agent, when Franklin served as Ambassador to France (1776-1778).

This had suddenly changed in favour of the colonial Americans, as they developed and exploited newer and newer spy science, some of which were so advanced that they would later be used in both the First World War and the Second World War!

Surprising to many school students today is that their popular and colourful Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin, was a top secret double agent while in Paris during the American Revolution.

According to such historical experts as Sara Georgini:

It was there, in Paris, while serving as official Ambassador to France, that Franklin was an ingenious undercover double agent spy with British politicians sympathetic to the American cause.

“As a result, early Americans op-

Franklin’s specially-guarded spy

ghetti is cooking, you make-a you meat-a sauce. You fry up-a hamburger meat, cut him up inna small pieces . . . add one-a can of diced tomatoes . . . add one-a can of chili-con-carne. (No beans. You putt-a beans inn-a pasgetti meat sauce it turns you into a Swede.

They talk-a funny.)

two) you will lose weight rapidly.

That’s how advanced they were!

You dice-a up about 1/2 of one-a onion. Throw him in the fryin’ pan where you have all the meat-a sauce cooking. When the meat sauce is bubblin’ you is almost done.

Man About Town

erated in multiple secret languages (and spy science) during the Revolution. And they didn’t throw away those habits once the new nation was formed.”

Pour the pasghetti through a colander, then pour half into a big bowl now you pour the meat sauce over the pasghetti . . .and you are ready to eat. (I’ve gone into parentheses here so you know it’s me, the real lyle. I’m sure my lovely Italian accent above probably fooled you into thinking I was really some great Italian chef. But, no, it’s just me. Plain ol’ ordinary lyle. Did I fool you?)

The nice thing about this dish is there are absolutely no calories, no sugar, no fat, and no carbohydrates.

But it tastes wonderful. And if you eat a bowl of this every day (I had

Trust me. I’m the media. *** Thousands of premature infants were saved from certain death by being part of a Coney Island entertainment sideshow.

At the time premature babies were considered genetically inferior, and were simply left to fend for themselves and ultimately die.

Dr Martin Couney offered desperate parents a pioneering solution that was as expensive as it was experimental - and came up with a very unusual way of covering the costs.

It was Coney Island in the early 1900’s. Beyond the Four-Legged Woman, the sword swallowers, and “Lionel the Lion-Faced Man,” was an entirely different exhibit: rows of tiny, premature human babies living in glass incubators.

The brainchild of this exhibit was Dr. Martin Couney, an enigmatic figure in the history of medicine.

information and intelligence gathering abroad greatly foretold in advance of both the French and Spanish armies’ eventual support of the American Revolution against England, as well as the crucial and necessary financial support from the Dutch.

250 years before cyber-security, foreign statesmen around the world communicated with their own elaborate codes and ciphers, but it was George Washington, “America’s First Spymaster” who took spy science into another galaxy.

George Washington and, subsequently, the Continental Congress used the newly-invented invisible ink phenomenon to secretly communicate with Benjamin Franklin and Silas Deane in France, as well as with Washington’s Culper Spy Ring creation during their infiltration against the British in New York City.

(Note: It was espionage spy, Silas Deane, serving as politician and diplomat with Benjamin Franklin, who is credited with successfully soliciting the foreign aid the colonies desperately needed to defeat the British during the Revolutionary War.) GENERAL WASHINGTON WAS INTRIQUED BY THOMAS JEFFERSON’S SECRET LOVE LETTERS. Spies continued on page 7

Couney created and ran incubatorbaby exhibits on the island from 1903 to the early 1940s.

Behind the gaudy facade, premature babies were fighting for their lives, attended by a team of medical professionals.To see them, punters paid 25 cents.The public funding paid for the expensive care, which cost about $15 a day in 1903 (the equivalent of $405 today) per incubator.

Couney was in the lifesaving business, and he took it seriously. The exhibit was immaculate. When new children arrived, dropped off by panicked parents who knew Couney could help them where hospitals could not, they were immediately bathed, rubbed with alcohol and swaddled tight, then “placed in an incubator kept at 96 or so degrees, depending on the patient. Every two hours, those who could suckle were carried upstairs on a tiny elevator and fed by breast by wet nurses who lived in the building. The rest [were fed by] a funneled spoon. The smallest baby Man About Town continued on page 5

The Paper • Page 5 • April 23, 2026

Humane Society Extends Adoption Hours To address a significant increase in the number of animals awaiting homes, San Diego Humane Society is extending adoption hours starting April 17, 2026, and through Sept. 13, 2026.

Adoption centers at the organization’s El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside and San Diego campuses will now remain open until 6 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, to provide more opportunities to adopt.

campuses and meet the more than 700 wonderful animals who are ready for their new families.”

EXTENDED ADOPTION HOURS (Effective April 17 - September 13, 2026) Tuesday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Monday: Closed Why Adopt from San Diego Humane Society?

The organization entered 2026 with a 22% increase in animals compared to the start of 2025.

As of early April, that trend has continued, with 1,470 animals now in care. The biggest increase is with dogs, up nearly 25%.

• You help create space for other animals in urgent need.

• You bring home a pet who has been carefully assessed and cared for.

Beyond the sheer number of animals, pets are • Your pet comes microchipped, spayed/neualso staying in the shelter longer. The average tered and vaccinated. length-of-stay for dogs has jumped 22%, to 67 tion the best option for anyone looking to add • You gain access to an adoption guarantee, days since last year. Adoption rates are down a pet to their family,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, training advice and lifelong support. nearly 10%. president and CEO, San Diego Humane Society.

“By extending our hours, we hope to make it All pets available for adoption can be viewed at “We are working harder than ever to make adop- more convenient for the community to visit our sdhumane.org/adopt.

Man About Town from page 4 Couney handled is reported to have weighed a pound and a half.

His nurses all wore starched white uniforms and the facility was always spotlessly clean.

An early advocate of breast feeding, if he caught his wet nurses smoking or drinking they were sacked on the spot. He even employed a cook to make healthy meals for them.

The incubators themselves were a medical miracle, 40 years ahead of what was being developed in America at that time.

Each incubator was made of steel and glass and stood on legs, about 5ft tall. A water boiler on the outside supplied hot water to a pipe running underneath a bed of mesh, upon which the baby slept.

them. He even offered all his incubators to the city of New York in 1940, but was turned down.

In a career spanning nearly half a century he claimed to have saved nearly 6,500 babies with a success rate of 85 per cent, according to the Coney Island History In 1943, Cornell New York Hospital opened the city’s first dedicated premature infant station. As more hospitals began to adopt incubators and his techniques, Couney closed the show at Coney Island. He said his work was done.

Today, one in 10 babies born in the United States is premature, but their chance of survival is vastly improved—thanks to Couney and the carnival babies. https://nypost.com/.../how-fakedocs-carnival-sideshow.../ Book: The strange case of Dr. Couney ***

limits. They didn’t want career politicians getting comfortable with power, building little empires, and forgetting who they work for.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors thinks 8 years isn’t enough. They’re voting next week to give themselves 12. They wrote the proposal. They benefit from the proposal. They’re calling it “reform.”

When the people you serve set a limit on your time in office and your response is to vote yourself more, you’ve proven exactly why the limit exists. *** Also from Mayor Wells: President Trump secured the border. Crossings are down. Laws are being enforced. The County Board’s response? Vote to spend your money on lawyers fighting the deportations. You can’t make this up. ***

The place with the strictest citizenship and immigration law in the West? The Vatican.

From County Supervisor (and candidate for Congress, 48th District) Jim Desmond (whom The Paper endorses):

These border walls were built in 846 AD to protect the Pope from Muslim invaders.

San Diegans can’t afford groceries, rent, or gas. Homeless encampments line our streets.

According to historian Jeffrey Baker, Couney’s exhibits “offered a standard of technological care not matched in any hospital of the time.”

• Illegal entry: up to 4 years in jail • 0 asylum or refugee claims • 0 permanent residents • 0 public work visas • 100% Catholic

And on Tuesday, the Board majority wants to partner with the Mexican Consulate to pay lawyers fighting federal deportations — on top of the $5 million a year they already spend.

Throughout his decades of saving babies, Couney understood there were better options. He tried to sell, or even donate, his incubators to hospitals, but they didn’t want

***

Race, economic class, and social status were never factors in his decision to treat and Couney never charged the parents for the babies care.The names were always kept anonymous, and in later years the doctor would stage reunions of his “graduates.

From El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells:

Your money. Their politics. Our problem.

There’s a reason voters set term

***

Imagine following a party so bent on hiding fraud and corruption that they want to pass a law making it illegal to find fraud and corruption. *** How about 75,000 IRS agents audit every member of Congress tax returns today?! *** In order for three people to keep a secret two of them must be dead.

Benjamin Franklin *** You know you live in an Upsidedown Land if...

You can get arrested for expired tags on your car but not for being in the country illegally.

You know you live in an Upsidedown Land if...

Your government believes the best way to eradicate trillions of dollars of debt is to spend trillions more of our money.

You know you live in an Upsidedown Land if...

A seven year old boy can be thrown out of school for calling his teacher “cute” but hosting sexual exploration or diversity class in grade school is perfectly acceptable.

You know you live in an Upsidedown Land if....

The Supreme Court can rule that lower courts cannot display the 10 Commandments in their courtroom, while sitting in front of a display of the 10 Commandments.

Man About Town continued on page 7

The Paper • Page 6 • April 23, 2026

5th District Supervisor • Jim Desmond Taxes Are Crushing San Diegans.

California layers it on from every direction. Income taxes. Gas taxes.

Energy mandates that have given us some of the highest electricity rates in the country. Regulations that make building a home a working family can afford nearly impossible. A household earning $80,000 in this state faces a tax burden that would have been unthinkable a generation ago.

And what do they get for it?

Not safer streets. Not better schools. Not roads and infrastructure that work.

Sales taxes are now the single largest source of revenue for state and local governments in America.

They started at two percent during the Great Depression. In parts of California, combined rates push past 10 percent. And since 2020, cities across the country have actually added new sales taxes on top of what people are already paying.

In the middle of an affordability crisis, government’s response is to charge you more every time you buy something.

What they get is a government that grows its social services bureaucracy every year while the basics fall apart. Police staffing can’t keep up.

Homelessness gets worse despite billions in spending. And families look around and ask: what exactly am I getting for my money?

That question is why people are leaving. Not just moving to the suburbs. Leaving the state entirely.

Texas. Florida. Tennessee. Arizona.

Places where your dollar stretches, your taxes are lower, and you can

San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones Volunteers Help San Marcos Thrive to recognize more than 220 volunteers and celebrate the incredible work they do across San Marcos.

It was a great reminder that many of the services our community depends on are strengthened by people who step forward to help.

In San Marcos, one of the defining strengths of our community is the way residents show up for one another. Volunteering is a meaningful way to make a difference and help shape the future of our city.

As Mayor, I am inspired by the commitment of our volunteers and the way their service reflects the very best of San Marcos.

Last week we had the opportunity

The city offers a range of ways to get involved. Volunteers support public safety through programs with the Fire Department, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the Sheriff Department’s senior volunteer patrol.

Others lend their time to parks and recreation programs that serve residents of all ages. Each role, no matter how big or small, contributes to the quality of life in San Marcos. Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected San Marcos through service.

Thank you so much to all of our amazing volunteers and if you’re interested in getting involved, I invite you to check out our opportunities. Learn more at sanmarcosca. gov

actually own a home.

Here’s something else that doesn’t get enough attention. Crime is an affordability issue.

When people don’t feel safe, they spend more on security. They avoid local businesses.

They take rideshares instead of walking to the store. Property values drop. Economic activity dries up. The costs ripple out far beyond the victim and touch entire neighborhoods.

You don’t fix affordability with more government programs funded by higher taxes on the people who are already struggling. You fix it by letting families keep more of what they earn, cutting the regulations that drive up costs, and delivering the basic services taxpayers have every right to expect.

working people, not just on paper, but at the kitchen table.

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

Read The Paper Online www.

TheCommunityPaper. com

San Diego County families deserve better than what Sacramento has been giving them.

I’ll keep fighting for policies that make life actually affordable for

Chuckles from page 2

employee discount.

The boat used in Gilligan’s Isle was a 1964 Wheeler with a cruising speed of 12 knots - which means they couldn’t have gone more than 41.5 miles.

Now I’m beginning to wonder if the show was ever even real. *** My wife told me she’d slam my head on the keyboard if I didn’t get off this computer.

*** I’m not chubby I’m just well insulated. Winter is coming. I’m prepared. *** Today I completed a chore I had put off for seven months.

It took 12 minutes.

I will learn nothing from this.

I’m not all that worried, I thinks she is . x.xay#xxxkdddl . . . .

***

***

Why do “slow down” and “slow up” mean the same thing?

Unlike the brain the stomach alerts you when it’s empty.

You’ve got to love the time change.

There’s nothing like watching sunset while you’re eating lunch. *** Self check-out should include an

Why do “fat chance” and “slim chance” mean the same thing?

Why do ‘tug’ boats push their barges?

At ball games, why do we sing “Take me out to the ball game” when we’re already there?

Chuckles continued on page 12

The Paper • Page 7 • April 23, 2026

Spies from page 4

John Page states in preserved documents of that era:

As with George Washington, Jefferson was no newcomer to spy techniques and covert cryptography, decades before the U.S. War of Independence against England.

“It was impossible to decode. It drops Latin phrases in the middle of what sounded like emotional ultimatums about an upcoming contractual agreement with some man, whose name is written in archaic Greek characters and lettering.”

As a youth in the Virginia colony, Jefferson encrypted letters to a confidante about the woman he secretly loved.

No one went as deep into the encryption game as Thomas Jefferson.

And General Washington would summon Jefferson and tap into his ingenious spy science.

Since he was a mere 9-year-olde child, Thomas Jefferson was already a polyglot, that is, he was already fully fluent in several foreign languages including Latin, Greek, and French, among others.

By the age of 20, Jefferson had already mastered and elevated to a new level, his own unique science of spy cryptography.

(Source: National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.) Beyond the U.S. War of Independence, Jefferson would later create his own “DIY Cipher Wheel Spy Science,” which can be viewed in action today at: DIY Cipher Wheel Spy Science with Thomas Jefferson.

Jefferson’s “Cipher Wheel Spy Device” consisted of thirty-six cylindrical wooden pieces, each threaded onto an iron spindle. The letters of the alphabet were inscribed on the edge of each wheel in a random order. Turning these wheels, words could be scrambled and unscrambled in a variety of ways.

One letter he sent to John Page, a close college classmate, was impenetrable before Jefferson’s explanation, despite Page’s ingenious attempts.

Jefferson’s concept was so advanced and ahead of its time, that it was “re-invented” in the early 20th century. Designated M-94, it was used by the U.S. Army and other military services from 1922 to the beginning of World War II.

Man About Town from page 5

(to not work).

You know you live in an Upsidedown Land if...

Children are forcibly removed from parents who appropriately discipline them while children of “underprivileged” drug addicts are left to rot in filth infested cesspools.

You know you live in an Upsidedown Land if...

Working class Americans pay for their own health care (and the health care of everyone else) while unmarried women are free to have child after child on the “State’s” dime while never being held responsible for their own choices.

You know you live in an Upsidedown Land if...

Hard work and success are rewarded with higher taxes and government intrusion, while slothful, lazy behavior is rewarded with EBT cards, WIC checks, Medicaid and subsidized housing.

You know you live in an Upsidedown Land if...

The government’s plan for getting people back to work is to provide 99 weeks of unemployment checks

You know you live in an Upsidedown Land if...

Being self-sufficient is considered a threat to the government.

You know you live in an Upsidedown Land if...

Politicians think that stripping away the amendments to the constitution is really protecting the rights of the people.

You know you live in an Upsidedown Land if...

The rights of the Government come before the rights of the individual.

You know you live in an Upsidedown Land if...

Parents believe the State is responsible for providing for their children.

You know you live in an Upsidedown Land if... You can write a post like this just by reading the news headlines.

You know you live in an Upsidedown Land if...

You pay your mortgage faithfully, denying yourself the newest big screen TV while your neighbor defaults on his mortgage (while

And it was used effectively during those two world wars 150 to 170 years later!

Although Jefferson’s wheel was initially said to have not reached fruition during the U.S. War of Independence, a short time later, Jefferson’s design was found among his papers and a model of his Cipher Wheel Spy Device (DIY) is now preserved and presently on display, along with Jefferson’s Notes, at the U.S. Library of Congress.

Washington used Jefferson’s other advanced methods of cryptography which were based on his earlier, ingenious encoded secret love letters about a woman he had once secretly fallen in love with.

Colonial women were used by George Washington as most effective scouts, espionage spies, and secret agents during our American Revolutionary War. Lydia Darragh spied on British officers who met in her home to discuss battle plans. She then passed on the information to American soldiers.

Aside from carrying valuable decoded information, these unheralded heroic women also rode long

distances – at great personal danger – to warn American forces behind battlefield lines of secret British plans, as recorded in archival documents below: “In addition to the women who overtly supported the war efforts, many of them covertly supported it by acting as spies, secret messengers, and performing other intelligence gathering activities.”

(Source: Dr. Carol Ruth Berkin, ibid) Some of the spy methods which the colonial women used were so ingeniously simple as to be “off the chart” and virtually impenetrable, much less -- not even suspected.

For example, as part of Washington’s secret “Culper Spy & Espionage Ring,” women such as Anna Strong, a member of the spy network, actually succeeded in transferring messages by simply hanging laundry on her clothes line in patterns based on a code!

One of the most mysterious women members was a covert operative simply known as “Agent 355.”

She was the one who told a disbelieving General Washington that she covertly discovered behind Spies continued on page 12

buying iphones, TV’s and new cars) and the government forgives his debt and reduces his mortgage (with your tax dollars).

You know you live in an Upsidedown Land if...

Your government can add anything they want to your kid’s water (fluoride, chlorine, etc.) but you are not allowed to give them raw milk.

You know you live in an Upsidedown Land if...

Being stripped of the ability to defend yourself makes you “safe”.

You know you live in an Upsidedown Land if...

You have to have your parents signature to go on a school field trip but not to get an abortion.

You know you live in an Upsidedown Land if...

An 80 year old woman can be strip searched by the TSA but a Muslim woman in a burqa is only subject to having her neck and head searched.

You know you live in an Upsidedown Land if...

Using the “N” word is considered “hate speech” but writing and signing songs about raping women and

killing cops is considered “art”.

Unfortunately, this list could go on and on. Our world has been turned upside-down. We are in distress.

Where do we go from here?

“COWARDICE asks the question - is it Safe?”

“EXPEDIENCY asks the question - is it Politically Correct?”

“VANITY asks the question - is it Popular?”

“But the CONSCIENCE asks the question - is it Right?”

“And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither Safe, nor Politically Correct, nor Popular, but one must take it, because it’s RIGHT!!”

The Paper • Page 8 • April 23, 2026

Airbnb charged me for a nonexistent Beverly Hills rental. Where’s my refund?

by Christopher Elliott William Marell books an apartment in Beverly Hills through Airbnb and quickly discovers the address doesn’t exist. Then Airbnb hits his card with another $7,080, cancels his account, and leaves him chasing case numbers and closed tickets.

Q: I booked an apartment through Airbnb in Beverly Hills, making an initial payment of $1,236.

There was just one problem: The address listed for the property didn’t exist. Soon after, without my consent, Airbnb charged my card another $7,080.

Airbnb then canceled my reservation and closed my account, even though I never requested either action. When I called Airbnb, it told me it couldn’t verify my account. Every time I spoke with a representative, I was given a new case number and told the issue would be resolved in a few business days. Instead, the cases were closed without resolution.

I disputed the charges with Barclays, my credit card company. It reversed the $7,080 charge but refused to return the $1,236, saying I had voluntarily provided my card number to Airbnb, so it wasn’t fraud.

Illustration by Dustin Elliott I’d prefer not to take this to court.

Can you help me get my $1,236 back? ~ William Marell, West Palm Beach, Florida

A: This one is a tangle of Airbnb’s weakest points: fake listings, arbitrary account closures and a customer service system that can leave guests stranded.

Let’s start with the listing. Airbnb requires hosts to provide accurate information and handles payments through its platform, acting as the host’s limited collection agent. In theory, once you’ve paid, your only responsibility is to show up. When a host misrepresents or cancels, Airbnb is supposed to step in with an immediate refund.

In your case, the property never existed. That alone should have triggered a full refund. But there was a second failure: Airbnb then added what appeared to be a random $7,080 charge for a rental that didn’t exist.

For reasons that aren’t entirely clear, Airbnb then flagged your account. You fell into a trap many travelers know too well: Airbnb assigns case numbers, then closes them automatically after a set time. If your account is later deactivated, Airbnb’s customer service often refuses to discuss the case because the account is closed.

You did the right thing by documenting everything and filing a credit card dispute. The problem is that Barclays saw your $1,236 as a voluntary transaction, which technically it was, even though you never got what you paid for.

That’s a tough — but not unusual — response from a bank. Bar-

clay’s could have done a better job of investigating your initial complaint.

I think a brief, polite email to one of the Airbnb executive contacts I list on my consumer advocacy site Elliott.org might have helped move things along.

Behind the scenes, Airbnb was willing to refund you if you withdrew your chargeback. That’s common practice. Companies don’t like issuing refunds while a dispute is pending. But it looks like you never received that message, and with your account shut down, there was no way for you to follow up with Airbnb.

The lesson for other travelers?

Check vacation rental listings carefully before booking. Verify the address independently, and if something feels off, walk away.

Keep detailed records of your communication, and don’t give up if the company tries to arbitrarily close your case. Persistence, backed by documentation, is often what gets a result.

After I contacted Airbnb, it reinstated your account and processed the refund. You’ve now confirmed the $1,236 has been returned.

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. © 2026 Christopher Elliott.

The Paper • Page 9 • April 23, 2026

Unlocking the Power of Home Equity it because you love it or you’re doing so because of financial issues.

A recent discussion brought up an important topic: financial literacy.

Many weren’t raised realizing how much of an impact financial literacy makes on a life. Even now, we can think of decisions we made that impacted our current situation.

Homeowners have a huge advantage with the equity in their home.

Just that fact alone opens the door for options.

by Laura Strickler Are you a homeowner over 55? Are you a widow/widower over 55? Are you on your own after many years of marriage? Are you struggling financially? If any of these questions apply to you, then you owe it to yourself to get educated on the options available to you to ease any financial stress you are facing today. Maybe it’s not you, but perhaps you have an aging parent, grandparent or friend. That day in, day out financial stress affects you physically and emotionally. And, if you own a home, you could free yourself from that stress.

If you have read any of my columns, I have presented many different situations we face as we age. If you’re still working, you’re doing

I can think of several widows I have helped over the years whose husbands didn’t have any life insurance. None of these ladies could have stayed in their home without choosing to unlock the equity of their home with a reverse mortgage. No matter which loan program they chose, their lives were vastly improved. Can you imagine? Even if the home was paid off, owning a home in California is extremely expensive when living on a fixed income. And typically, the household income is reduced when a spouse passes.

One of my earliest clients had a wife 10 years younger than he was. That lowered the amount of money he could access because all reverse mortgages are based on the youngest borrower’s age. Their home was paid off, so he wanted to

set up a line of credit and also take some cash out of the home’s equity. He took the cash and paid for mortgage protection insurance that would pay off the reverse mortgage when he passed. That way, his wife was able to remain in the home without any mortgage at all on the home. Even though she could have stayed in the home, he just felt better knowing that she wouldn’t have any encumbrance on the home.

I have helped many understand the many uses of the reverse mortgage program. And with program innovation, homeowners as young as 55 can participate in the benefits of these programs. Give me a call to review all of your options today!

Just seeing the numbers of your specific situation can open your eyes to the possibility of what your life could look like without financial stress.

I did receive some calls about the Fashion Show at The Woman’s Club of Escondido!

As a reminder, I am a member of The Woman’s Club of Escondido. Have been for quite some time. Our Club is hosting its largest fundraiser on Saturday, May 9, 2026, 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM. It is our Annual Fashion Show with

fashions provided this year by the American Cancer Society’s Discovery Shop of Rancho Bernardo.

The tickets are $45 per person and include lunch. It is a wonderful, fun event to attend! If you are interested in attending, please call me for tickets at 760-518-9839.

If you are a business and would like to donate items or gift certificates to our event, please call me at 760-518-9839. The Woman’s Club of Escondido is a non-profit benefitting Escondido specifically.

We have scholarships awarded annually to our local students.

We also support other local charities. I hope to see you at this really wonderful event! *** Laura Strickler Retirement Loan Specialist EquitySmart Home Loans NMLS #315848 760-518-9839 lauras@equitysmartloans.com www.laurastrickler.com

The Paper • Page 10 • April 23, 2026

The Pastor Says . . .

The Truth In my study of Greek philosophy, I came across the story of Diogenes, who went about with a lamp. When asked what he was looking for, he said, “an honest man.” This ancient search for honesty suggests that concerns about dishonesty are not new. In fact, history reminds us of this enduring challenge; for example, about 400 years B.C., people recognized deceit as a part of life. Even earlier, Genesis describes dishonesty as a human disposition, as seen in the story in which Rebekah, the mother of Jacob and Esau, deceives Isaac, their Father. While she may have tried to justify her actions, she lied. Similarly, Abraham lied to Pharaoh about his marriage to Sarah, claiming she was his sister. These examples show sensitivity towards lying and truthfulness, even in the earliest times.

Pastor Huls

These historical and biblical accounts raise core questions: Why was lying so prevalent then, and is it still part of our nature? Is lying a learned behavior, or is it inherent to humanity? The New Testament echoes these concerns, with Jesus repeatedly confronting false teachers and highlighting the centrality of lying in the struggle over truth. He famously told his opponents they were of their Father, the Devil, “the Father of liars.” In the Garden of Eden, the Devil deceived Eve when he told her that she would not be harmed if she ate of the forbidden fruit, nor would she die. We all live in the fulfillment of that lie.

Today, this timeless struggle with truth persists. Surrounded by claims that products restore health, sexuality, and longevity. Our daily lives are saturated with advertisements on our iPhones, in magazines, and on television. With news delivered faster than we can process, we must face a central question: What can we believe, and what is the truth?

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.

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In seeking answers, we find guidance in Jesus’ words: “Let your yes be yes, and your no be no. Anything beyond these is of Evil.” This standard is especially challenging, given that some studies estimate that the average person lies about 100 times a day. The call to truth remains a significant personal task for each of us.

Escondido 3500 Burnet Drive Oceanside 572 Airport Road San Diego 5480 Gaines Street

Pastor Huls

Pet Parade

Pet of the Week

Petunia

Howie

Petunia is a 5-1/2-year-old, 59pound, female, Husky mix.

She was lost when someone took her to a shelter. When nobody claimed her, she was transferred to Rancho Coastal Humane Society through Friends of County Animal Shelters (FOCAS). She’s friendly but also shy. Petunia walks well on a leash. She could live with kids 10 and older who respect her space.

She likes dogs and Petunia could live in an apartment.

The $145 adoption fee for Petunia includes medical exam, spay, up to date vaccinations, registered microchip, and a one-year license if her new home is in the jurisdiction of San Diego Humane Society.

For more information visit Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas, call 760-753-6413, or log on to www.SDpets.org. Open from 11 AM to 4 PM every day but Tuesday.

Howie is a gentle little soul with a heart full of love! Though he can be shy initially, he shows his bravery in small, beautiful ways every day — soft tail wags, careful steps forward and trusting glances that mean everything. Howie may take his time, but once he feels safe, his sweetness shines through, reminding everyone that calm courage and kindness are strengths worth celebrating. If you’re looking for a loving, affectionate companion to brighten your days, visit San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido Campus at 3500 Burnet Drive to adopt Howie (980197) today! If you have questions about the adoption process, you can visit sdhumane.org/adopt or call 619-299-7012.

Online profile: https://sdhumane.org/adopt/available-pets/animalsingle/?petId=980197

The Paper • Page 11 • April 23, 2026

Can we or will we avoid the self-extinction of our species? a patient and gentle hand. We adapted to nature and survived changing patterns of continental drift, ocean levels, climate etc. Then in the 20th century The Anthropocene age changed everything in a geological heartbeat.

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Homo Sapiens climbed down from the trees of the “Great Rift Valley over 300,000 years ago. By 1800 there were a billion of us around the Earth. By 2100 our population” had soared to over eight billion and our life expectancy rose from 35 to nearly 80 years. We have a long history of using our growing knowledge to live better, safer and longer. In recent years, man-kind’s expanding knowledge has also played a key role in shaping the planet’s environment. At the dawn of the 20th century we entered the “The Anthropocene age” (The age of Man). It marked a period of rapid and significant changes to our planets natural systems driven by human technology.

Since the beginning humans have found ways to use the resources of Earth to keep warm, safe and fed.

We took what they needed to survive as nature ruled the planet with

For the vast majority of human history low population levels and primitive technology posed little threat to Earth’s natural environment. That’s no longer true. The Anthropocene age, witnessed the replacement of natural forces by human technology as the major force behind our planets environmental change. In the last two centuries human activities like mining, farming, fishing, manufacturing, transportation, war, population growth and urbanization gradually replaced natural forces as the primary shaper of change in our terrestrial, oceanic and atmospheric environments. Mankind’s Anthropomorphic activity has been the recent driving force behind global warming, rising sea levels, extreme weather events, ocean acidification, species extinction, deforestation, resource depletion and land, sea and air pollution. Human activity has become the “existential threat” to life on our planet. Can we fix it?

Perhaps, if we could get our act together.

Mankind would quickly need to gain an understanding of what and how human activities are degrading our planet’s life support systems.

Then we would need to devise and agree upon long term and comprehensive action plans to change our harmful activities and implement processes to reverse their negative impact. Then we would need to im-

plement an action plan to stabilize our planet’s environment at some optimal level.

Easy peasy, a piece of cake, a walk in the park’ right? Not so fast. If Earth’s population consisted solely of you, me and our friends, we might stand a chance of agreeing on some action plan. But there are 195 countries on our planet, each with a unique culture and government.

Their leaders are far more responsive to their personal short-term careers and objectives than to “iffy things” like the survival of humanity. Rallying co-operation on a plan to “save the World” is hard to sell to folks who have difficulty seeing past their own short term political objectives, If everyone understood that the survival of humanity was at stake, we might be able to convince the politicians representing Earth’s populations to analyze our peril

and agree on a plan to reverse our headlong plunge toward self-destruction. The plan would quickly unite all of the people of the World and all eight billion of us would cooperate in implementing our “save the planet” plan. Voila, the planet would be saved and we could congratulate one another and celebrate by feeding fresh popcorn balls to all the unicorns (they love popcorn you know).

Of course we know there are no unicorns, and we might also question the likelihood that mankind will be able to unite in a great “kumbaya” moment and save ourselves from destruction at our own hands. Until now we’ve been able to survive all of nature’s “existential” threats, but can we survive this, a threat of our own creation? Will we have the intelligence and willpower to save ourselves? The jury is still out!

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John Van Zante’s Critter Corner

Do You Believe Dogs Can Sense a Bad Person?

Almost everyone who responded agreed that animals (not just dogs) have a way of knowing a good person from a bad person.

There’s no proof that dogs know when we’re having a bad day, but I like to believe they do. When I hurt my back recently, instead of her usual leap onto the bed like a freight train, my dog crept up then gently snuggled beside me. She’s a good dog. Does she think I’m a good person?

Last week a social media post asked if dogs can sense bad people.

In social media, some people think they need to make any question political. In this case, they said dogs hate members of one political party or the other. It was evenly split. There were as many people who thought dogs hate Republicans as those who think dogs hate Democrats. I hope the people who shared their opinions don’t have dogs. Dogs deserve better.

A guy tried to turn it into a Dogversus-Cat battle. He posted that “Cats can sense bad dogs, first!”

He must have been certain. He ended his statement with an exclamation point. Dogs probably don’t like exclamation points. They’re loud and scary.

certain religious groups.

One woman posted, “Absolutely!”

Then pointed out that she knew this because she had gone to college. Whoop-de-doo.

Another guy who appeared to hate everything posted that sometimes dogs just don’t like anybody and then they bite you for no reason.

Hey buddy. Maybe they bite YOU for no reason, but that’s not usually the case.

There were a couple posts hinting that dogs have a way of knowing a person’s religious affiliation and will automatically bite members of

After reading about half of the posts, I was reminded of a quote from my Junior High History teacher. Mrs. Agnes Tepley said, “If you don’t have anything intelligent to say, don’t prove it.”

Even though their favorite animals varied, most people agreed. Dogs and cats can both sense bad people.

Horses know. So do parrots.

Then one guy cut right to the chase.

“All animals can sense a bad person.”

My favorite was the quote from actor Bill Murray, who said, “I’m suspicious of people who don’t like dogs, but I trust a dog when it doesn’t like a person.”

Amen to that.

The Paper • Page 12 • April 23, 2026

Spies from page 7

enemy lines that Benedict Arnold had defected to enemy British intelligence.

Her early discovery of Benedict Arnold’s traitorous activities is said to have saved countless American lives and her further invaluable intelligence-gathering helped turn the tide of the war.

Sadly, she was finally caught and held captive by the British as “one of America’s first and most dangerous spies of all-time.”

Super secret Agent 355 died on a British prison ship, the Jersey, and then was buried in a mass grave along with (hundreds) of American prisoners.

(Source: Samuelson, ibid) Ever the consummate spy, her persona was so secret that her real identity remains completely unknown to this day in 2026.

The only clue deciphered from her codename “355” has only been decoded to mean “The Lady.”

The espionage tactic of employing “disinformation” is as olde as the hills and was used by both the British and early colonial troops.

But all things are never equal, and the science of disinformation in

the hands of George Washington would eventually be the deathblow to the invading British army!

Sly ol’ George, gave his secret agents “disinformation” (that is, purposely wrong and misleading information) for his secret agents to provide to the British.

The British – as was designed -overheard such data in the shoppes and taverns of Philadelphia and New York, all of which – erroneously -- described Washington’s troop strength and dispositions, in terms that were advantageous to America’s colonial troops, thus influencing and controlling British responses, accordingly.

How critically important was Washington’s use of disinformation, historically?

According to contemporary scholars, it finally broke the back of England’s invading army and was the final decisive, turning point in the American Revolutionary War. Historians offer just one of many salient examples: Washington’s deceptions via disinformation caused the British in New York to continue preparations to defend against an assault on the city, when – in reality -- the French and American armies were really already on the march to Yorktown in 1781, which was left greatly vulnerable!

It was the Battle of Yorktown

Chuckles from page 6

tell him he has the right to remain silent?

Why are they called “stands” when they are made for sitting?

How much deeper would the ocean be if all the sponges didn’t live there?

Why is it called “after dark” when it really is “after light”?

Why does the sun darken our skin but lighten our hair?

Doesn’t “expecting the unexpected” make the unexpected expected?

Why is a carrot more orange than an orange?

Why do “overlook” and “oversee” mean opposite things?

Why is it that when a door is open it’s ajar, but when a jar is open it’s not adoor?

If you are cross-eyed and have dyslexia, can you read all right?

Why doesn’t glue stick to the inside of the bottle?

When blondes have more fun, do they know it?

If quitters never win, and winners never quit, what fool came up with, “Quit while you’re ahead.”?

If the cops arrest a mime, do they

Why does an alarm clock go “off” when it actually goes “on?”

Can you buy an entire chess set in a pawn shop?

Why does mineral water, that has trickled down the mountains for centuries, go out of date next year?

Why are softballs so hard?

Who do you save when you see an endangered animal eating an en-

which proved to be the decisive engagement of the American Revolution and a final, unlikely death blow to the world’s greatest super power at the time: England.

The British surrender forecast the end of British rule, and world history was forever altered in the formation of the United States of America!

Our country was (largely) brought into existence, thanks to the birth of U.S. spy science, espionage, gadgets, and innovative wizardry.

243 years have passed and scholars now refer to it as the “Invisible War” that still remains largely “written out” of our U.S. school history books today.

Along with the countless early patriotic colonial (women) who valiantly served and courageously died for our country as ingenious and innovative spies! They often surpassed their male counterparts in every way!

SPECIAL THANKS. Special thanks are extended to the many historians, scholars, and various sources for their indispensable data and expertise, including: Dr. Carol Ruth Berkin (Presidential Professor specialising in women’s role in American colonial history in New York). Also, Dr. Stephen F. Knott (professor of American history at Ashland University in Boston), Ms. Sara Georgini (Massachu-

dangered plant? *** A blonde walks into the police department looking for a job. The officer decides to ask her a few questions: Officer: “What’s 2 + 2?”

setts Historical Society and editor of “The Papers of John Adams”), and the indispensable sources from the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., the Monticello’s Education Collection at the U.S. Library of Congress, and to N. B. Samuelson (for retrieved historical documents of all U.S. Revolutionary War battles) -- all of whom helped make this cover story possible.

As a U.S. Navy veteran who served under a Top Secret clearance in electronic warfare, counter-measures, etc. for our West Pac theatre operations (U.S. 7th fleet) I can only tell you – I am deeply, deeply indebted to my American predecessors.

But I am also somewhat saddened that their roles have been largely unpublished . . . and therefore, unheralded. Until now. God bless them. And may God bless and keep safe our U.S. military today.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. I also wish to humbly thank the American Legion for sending me a Certificate of Nomination for “Honorable Service in the United States Armed Forces for Outstanding Service and Loyalty to the United States of America Upon Meeting the Strict Requirements Set Forth By the Congress of the United States.”

Upon receiving this, I will always treasure this honour and forever keep this document of which I am most proud, yet humbled. Because it is I -- who wish to thank my country for allowing me to serve Her in the best possible manner.

To the Executive Director, Mr. Homer S. Townsend who sent me this Certificate, thank you sir. I salute you and feel unworthy of such an acknowledgement. God bless you sir. And God bless my country forever and a day.

Blonde: “Ummmm... 4!”

Officer: “What’s the square root of 100?”

Blonde: “Ummmm... 10!”

Officer: “Good! Now, who killed Abraham Lincoln?” Blonde: “Ummmm... I dunno.”

Officer: “Well, go home and think about it. Come back tomorrow.”

Later that evening, she calls her friend, who asks if she got the job.

The blonde says excitedly, “Not only did I get the job, I’m already working on a murder case!”

Friedrich Gomez

The Paper • Page 13 • April 23, 2026

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

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The Paper • Page 14 • April 23, 2026

Oodles from page 3 coming to Escondido on Sunday, May 3 at 2:00 pm.

CCJB has performed for nearly three decades and will have their female vocalist perform several Peggy Lee songs.

A male vocalist will also join CCJB. There will be songs from the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s plus numbers by Harry Connick Jr., Buddy Rich, Chicago, Michael Buble, Gordon Goodwin, Buddy Rich and others. You will enjoy a great afternoon of classics.

Ticket prices: Seniors, Military and Veterans are $20.00. Children 3-12 plus students thru college are FREE. Adults are $30.00. Sales start at 1:15 pm with doors opening at 1:30 pm.

First Congregational Church, 1800 North Broadway, Escondido, just past Escondido High School. Info: hidden valley community concert association escondido, ca. *** Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting May 4th • 10am to noon May 4th - 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 Monday, May 4th is Jessica Romero from Southern Caregiver Resource Center will be presenting “Free Services for Caregivers”. 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.

*** Escondido HS Music Boosters Fundraiser May 9th • 11am - 3pm “Rhythm & Rides” Car show fundraiser. Rain or shine. Free for the public, music, food trucks. Located in the Escondido High School Parking Lot at 1535 North Broadway in Escondido. All proceeds benefit the EHS Music Boosters.

Visit Socalcarculture for more information or to enter your vehicle. *** The Good LIFE at MiraCosta College Meetings will be held in person at the MiraCosta College, Oceanside Campus, at 1:00 pm in the Board Room, of the Administration Building (Building 1000) and by the Internet Application ZOOM. April 24 1:00 AI, Philosophy and Language Elizabeth Rohwer, Speech Technology Advisor Ms. Rohwer will explore how modern AI sheds new light on Ludwig Wittgenstein’s early work in logic and language.

April 24 2:30 Whales and Porpoises Cory Hom-Weaver Ocean Science Analytics Dive into the hidden world of ocean sound and discover how scientists use underwater acoustics to detect, track, and study marine mammals, revealing their behaviors, migrations, and responses to a changing environment.

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. ***

Table Tennis at the Park Avenue Community Center Calling all seniors age 50 and over, join us every Monday and Wednesday 1-3 pm. Everyone welcome – beginning to advanced level players. No sign-ups, no registration, just show up, play for free, and have fun!!

Park Avenue Community Center 210 E Park Avenue Escondido, 92025 *** East Valley Parkway Business Association Meeting 2nd Wednesday • 2pm May 13th , June 10th, July 8th, and August 12th. At Elote Restaurant, 1760 E. Valley Pkwy, Escondido.

Visit www.evalley-parkway.com for more information. *** Sing For The Health Of It Try Barbershop Singing!

Singing in a chorus has many physical and cognitive benefits: • You pay attention to your posture to improve your breathing.

• You strengthen muscles used in breathing, allowing you to breathe more deeply so you can support and sustain notes.

• You actively listen so that you match others in your voice part and are in harmony with other parts.

• Singing releases endorphins which make you feel good too.

• In an acappella chorus, which has no accompaniment, you memorize the notes. (In a barbershop a cappella chorus, you also memorize lyrics).

The Music Men Chorus (Palomar Pacific Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society) is a men’s acappella choir that performs 4-part, close-harmony songs arranged in the “Barbershop” Style, known for its ringing chords. We sing a variety of song genres (romantic ballads,

movie and show tunes, Great American Songbook selections, patriotic songs, inspirational numbers, and Christmas holiday favorites), performing at both public and private venues in North County.

Our members believe that singing in our chorus keeps them healthier, both physically and mentally. We have 3 members in their 90’s who regularly attend rehearsal.

If you are a male, high school age or older, who loves to sing and are interested in joining a chorus, we invite you to attend one of our Tuesday evening rehearsals, learn more about us, and see how singing can enhance your life. Previous musical experience is helpful but not a requirement. We meet at 7 pm at San Marcos Lutheran Church, 3419 Grand Avenue, in the Luther Hall.

For more information, contact Bill at (760) 585-6315 or visit our website, www.musicmenchorus.org. *** Chess at Park Avenue Community Center Home of Escondido Senior Center 210 Park Avenue, Escondido 760-839-4688 Adults of all skill levels are welcome. Drop in anytime Wednesday OR Friday noon-3pm to play or watch in the shuffleboard building.

Follow the signs or ask at the front desk for directions. Friendly games with large boards and pieces provided. No fees or reservations.

Looking for things to do?

Check Out Oodles Each Week

LEGALS NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF Kevin Wesley Heimlich Case No. 26PE000772C SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO 1100 Union Street, Room 331 San Diego, CA. 92101 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate or both, of Kevin Wesley Heimlich. A Petition for Probate has been filed by Alan Heimlich in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego. The Petition for probate requests that Alan Heimlich be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils,

if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.)

The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

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

Date: 05/06/2026 Time: 1:30 pm Dept: 502 Address of court: Same as noted above.

If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the

California Probate code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. you may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner: Gadi Zohar 2211 Park Blvd Palo Alto, CA 94306 (650) 493-9200 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23/2026

The Paper • Page 15 • April 23, 2026

LEGALS

FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9005896 The name of the business: Bongiorno Construction Inc., located at 1910 Northstar Way #221, San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, Bongiorno Construction Inc., 1910 Northstar Way #221, San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by a Corporation.

First day of business 3/1/2026 /s/ Michael Bongiorno, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/16/2026 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9006473 The name of the business: Mr. Appliance - Encinitas, Carlsbad, San Marcos, located at 1581 Dawson Dr., Vista, CA 92081. Registrant, Lucen Partners LLC, 7220 Trade St., Ste 252, San Diego, CA 92121. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company.

First day of business N/A /s/ Anang Chokshi with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/20/2026 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9006841 The name of the business: Driveo, Driveo.Com, located at 400 N. Johnson Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020. Registrant, CSS Services LLC, 400 N. Johnson Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company.

First day of business 1/13/2020 /s/ Stanislav Shabalin, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/25/2026 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9005768 The name of the business: Julie Skin Reset, Skin Reset, located at 390 Oak Ave., Suite I, Carlsbad, CA 92008. Registrant, Julie Baclie Cortinas, 390 Oak Ave., Suite I, Carlsbad, CA 92008. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business N/A /s/ Julie Baclie Cortinas with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/12/2026 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9005211 The name of the business: Sage And Navy, located at 2609 Fallsview Rd., San Marcos, CA 92078.

Registrant, J And J Premier Management LLC, 2609 Fallsview Rd., San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company.

First day of business N/A /s/ Jimmy Sunga Hsia, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/6/2026 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9005582 The name of the business: Roof Medics, located at 560 Copper Dr., Apt 10, Vista, CA 92083.

Registrant, Diego Israel Galicia, 560 Copper Dr., Apt 10, Vista, CA 92083. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business 3/10/2026 /s/ Diego Galicia with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/11/2026 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9006122 The name of the business: Aloha Printing, Royal business Cards, located at 133 Newport Dr., Ste B, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, Aloha Enterprises, Inc., 133 Newport Dr., Ste B, San Marcos,

CA 92069. This business is operated by a Corporation.

First day of business 3/23/2015 /s/ George Burrola, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/17/2026 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9007413 The name of the business: Orea Auto, located at 249 S. Indiana Avenue, Vista, CA 92084. Registrant, Orea Auto LLC, 949 Harding Street, Escondido, CA 92027.

This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company.

First day of business 3/11/2026 /s/ Brian Angel Orea, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/2/2026 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9007306 The name of the business: Habo, Partacal, located at 4425 San Joaquin Street, Oceanside, CA 92057. Registrant, Armando Cervantes Perez Jr., PO Box 646, San Luis Rey, CA 92057. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business N/A /s/ Armando Cervantes Perez Jr. with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/1/2026 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9007385 The name of the business: Midwest Financial, located at 380 S. Melrose Dr., #390, Vista, CA 92081. Registrant, John Lyonn Taylor, 380 S. Melrose Dr., #390, Vista, CA 92081. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business 4/1/2003 /s/ John L. Taylor with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/2/2026 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9007385 The name of the business: Midwest Financial, located at 380 S. Melrose Dr., #390, Vista, CA 92081. Registrant, John Lyonn Taylor, 380 S. Melrose Dr., #390, Vista, CA 92081. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business 4/1/2003 /s/ John L. Taylor with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/2/2026 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9006773 The name of the business: Nono’s B.S.T., located at 637 S. Santa Fe Ave., Suite B, Vista, CA 92083 Registrant, Nono’s B.S.T., 2677 Canyon Crest Drive, Escondido, CA 92027. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company.

First day of business 3/24/2026 /s/ Ciaralyn Lora, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/24/2026 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30/2026 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME 26CU017373N TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Genesis Athenea Beltran filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: Genesis Athenea Beltran to Proposed name Genesis Athenea Luciano. 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: May 15, 2026, 8:30 am, in Dept. N-25 No hearing will occur on above date. Please see attachment The address of the court is: 325 S. Melrose Dr., 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 30, 2026 /s/ Brad A. Weinreb, Judge of the Superior Court 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9007263 The name of the business: 9th Man Club Bomber Nation, 9th Man Club, located at 235 Vista Village Dr., #1105, Vista, CA 92083.

Registrant, Robert Erwin Holley, 235 Vista Village Dr., #1105. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business 2/28/2026 /s/ Robert Erwin Holley with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/1/2026 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9005201 The name of the business: Creative Stone, located at 234 West Clemmence Apt 61, Fallbrook, CA 92028. Registrant, Ezequila Hernandez Selgado, 234 West Clemmence Apt 61, Fallbrook, CA 92028. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business N/A /s/ Ezequila Hernandez with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/6/2026 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9007661 The name of the business: Wise Owl Software, Wise Owl, located at 2405 Vista Mountain Dr., Vista, CA 92084. Registrant, Brent Rector, 2405 Vista Mountain Dr., Vista, CA 92084. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business N/A /s/ Brent Rector with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/6/2026 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9006687 The name of the business: Eve London Arts, located at 1657 Palomar Dr., San Marcos, CA 92069.

Registrant, Cynthia Lee Johnson, 1657 Palomar Dr., San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business 3/24/2026 /s/ Cynthia L. Johnson with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/24/2026 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9007686 The name of the business: La Costa Coffee Roasting Co., La Costa Coffee Roaster, Carlsbad Coffee Roasting, Carlsbad Coffee Roaster, located at 6965 El Camino Real, #208, Carlsbad, CA 92009. Registrant, LCCR Holdings Inc., 6965 El Camino Real, #208, Carlsbad, CA 92009. This business is operated by a Corporation.

First day of business 6/1/1991 /s/ Douglas Novak, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County

Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/6/2026 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9007874 The name of the business: Mira Terra Travel Photography & Services, Mira Terra Images, Mira Terra Travels, Mira Terra Travel Services located at 2033 San Elijo Ave., #223, Cardiff by the Sea, CA 92007. Registrant, Kymri Wilt, 2033 San Elijo Ave., #223, Cardiff by the Sea, CA 92007. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business 8/20/2015 /s/ Kymri Wilt with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/8/2026 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9007364 The name of the business: Cash First Express Wholesale, located at 2132 Willow Ave., Apt F, Oceanside, CA 92058. Registrant, Lamont Grove, 1035 E. Vista Way, PMB 1431, Vista, CA 92084. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business 3/9/2026 /s/ Lamont Grove with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/1/2026 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9007757 The name of the business: Farrar & Farrar, Farrar and Farrar, located at 16787 Bernardo Center Drive, Ste 7, San Diego, CA 92128. Registrant, Consolidated Collaborations, 16787 Bernardo Center Drive, Ste 7, San Diego, CA 92128. This business is operated by a Corporation.

First day of business N/A /s/ Eric Farrar, Vice President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/7/2026 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9007811 The name of the business: Agile Metalworks, located at 2450 Cherimoya Dr., Vista, CA 92084. Registrant, David John Kreisher Mr., 2450 Cherimoya Dr., Vista, CA 92084. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business 2/2/2026 /s/ David John Kreisher Mr. with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/7/2026 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9003874 The name of the business: Hotel Solea, Solea Hotel, located at 5420 Grand Pacific Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008. Registrant, Grand Pacific Carlsbad Hotel Inc General Partner of Grand Pacific Carlsbad Hotel LP, 5900 Pasteur Court Ste 200, Carlsbad, CA 92008. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Partnership.

First day of business N/A /s/ David S. Brown, Secretary with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 2/19/2026 3/19, 3/26, 4/2, 4/9/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9003876 The name of the business: Verise, located at 5420 Grand Pacific Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008.

Registrant, Grand Pacific Carlsbad Hotel Inc General Partner of Grand Pacific Carlsbad Hotel LP, 5900 Pasteur Court Ste 200, Carlsbad, CA 92008. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Partnership.

First day of business N/A /s/ David S. Brown, Secretary with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on

Advertise Your Legal in The Paper 760 747-7119 2/19/2026 3/19, 3/26, 4/2, 4/9/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9008602 The name of the business: The Paper, located at 3643 Grand Ave., Ste A, San Marcos, CA 92078.

Registrant, The Community Paper LLC, 739 N. Citrus Ave., Escondido, CA 92027. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company.

First day of business 3/15/1999 /s/ Lyle E. Davis, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/17/2026 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9007949 The name of the business: ITAN Franchising Inc., EverSun Beauty & Wellness, located at 1784 La Costa Meadows Drive, Ste 101, San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, EverSun Brands, 1784 La Costa Meadows Drive, Ste 101, San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by a Corporation.

First day of business 10/7/2025 /s/ Faraje Kharsa, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/9/2026 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9007689 The name of the business: El Clamatazo, located at 4659 Calle Del Palo, Oceanside, CA 92057.

Registrant, Jose Luis Beinal, 4659 Calle Del Palo, Oceanside, CA 92057. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business 7/20/2017 /s/ Jose Luis Beinal with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/6/2026 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9008282 The name of the business: Gleeson Civil Construction, located at 603 Seagaze Dr., #235, Oceanside, CA 92054. Registrant, Patrick J. Gleeson, 603 Seagaze Dr., #235, Oceanside, CA 92054. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business 4/6/2026 /s/ Patrick J. Gleeson with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/14/2026 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9007667 The name of the business: Jami Viet Catering, located at 1805 Oak Hill Dr., Escondido, CA 92027.

Registrant, Jessica Diep Ho, 1805 Oak Hill Dr., Escondido, CA 92027. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business 4/5/2026 /s/ Jessica Diep Ho with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/6/2026 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9005262 The name of the business: The Gathering North County, The Gathering NC, located at 762 Hatfield Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078.

Registrant, Patrina Reed, 762 Hatfield Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078, Bryant Reed, 762 Hatfield Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by a Married Couple.

First day of business 3.6.2026 /s/ Patrina Reed with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/6/2026 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9007178 The name of the business: Petite Pet Parlour, located at 544 South Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, Banafsheh Beihaghi, 544 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road, San Marcos, CA 92078.

This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business 11/21/2016 /s/ Banafsheh Beihaghi with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/30/2026 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9007548 The name of the business: Unlost Therapy, located at 663 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd., #657, San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, Yesenia Cortes, 663 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd., #657, San Marcos, CA 92078.

This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business N/A /s/ Yesenia Cortes with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/3/2026 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9007438 The name of the business: PDB Expo, located at 2120 W. Mission Rd., Ste 240, Escondido, CA 92029. Registrant, PDB Expo, LLC, 2120 W. Mission Rd., Ste 240, Escondido, CA 92029. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company.

First day of business 2/9/2026 /s/ Marylee P. Reasonover, Managing Member with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/2/2026 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14/2026 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME: 2026-9007444 Enrique’s Dent Repair, located at 545 Lands End Way #200, Oceanside, CA 92058. The Fictitious Business Name referred to above was filed in San Diego County on 8/14/2025 and assigned file no.

2025-9015670.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IS BEING ABANDONED BY: Enrique Lopez, 545 Lands End Way #200, Oceanside, CA 92058.

This business is conducted by an Indivdual. 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/Enrique Lopez This statement was filed with the San Diego Recorder/County clerk on 4/2/2026.

4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9006498 The name of the business: M&A Firearm Care & Accessories, located at 15 Quintard St., Chula Vista, CA 91911. Registrant, Donald Mabery Wilburn, 15 Quintard St., Chula Vista, CA 91911, Nikki Ann Wilburn, 15 Quintard St., Chula Vista, CA 91911. This business is operated by a Married Couple.

First day of business N/A /s/ Donald Mabery Wilburn with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/20/2026 3/26, 4/2, 4 /9, 4/16/2026

Advertise Your Legal in The Paper 760 747-7119

The Paper • Page 16 • April 23, 2026