Air travel today often is less enjoyable and far more hectic than in “the old days.” Once upon a time there was an air carrier that had a reputation of being “the fun airline” – the “World’s Friendliest Airline” and, it was. San Diego-based Pacific Southwest Airlines, affectionately known to Californians simply as “PSA,” operated from 1949 to 1988. In its early years it was an “intra-state” carrier – meaning all destination cities were within the state of California.
Kenny Friedkin founded PSA in 1949, with a $1,000 monthly lease of one Douglas DC-3.
This lone 1935-era two-engine plane made a weekly round-trip flight from San Diego to Oakland, with a stop-over in Burbank. At first reservations were taken from San Diego by using a World War II surplus latrine, refitted as a ticket office.
Friedkin was born in New York City during World War I. He and his parents moved to Kansas, and later
thepaper@cox.net
San Diego, California. He got interested in aviation after he saw an air show in San Diego at the age of 8. Friedkin obtained his pilot license at the age of 17. In 1945, he opened a flight school called the PlosserFriedkin School (later named the Friedkin School of Aeronautics). The parent company to the school was Friedkin Aeronautics Inc. But, the school was not making enough profit, so he tried numerous business methods from aerial fish delivery to banner-towing with the help of his comrades J. Floyd Andrews and Bill Shimp.
Friedkin tried to build a charter airline called Friedkin Airlines, which flew between San Diego and El Centro, but it was a failure.
Using the lessons learned from that abortive attempt and receiving advice from a travel agent, Friedkin and his wife, Jean, created Pacific Southwest Airlines. The airline was a huge success, and gave Friedkin Aeronautics Inc. a profit.
In 1951, PSA began flying into San Francisco International Airport, and by 1955, the young airline had two
Smile from page 1
Douglas DC-4, four-engine planes purchased from the long ago, almost forgotten Capital Airlines.
The DC-4 was the stalwart aircraft carrying coal, food, clothing during the “Berlin Airlift” when the German city was cut off from the West by the Soviet Union.
PSA, ever the airline of innovation, painted black-lined boxes around the DC-4 windows to make the aircraft appear more like the newer, advanced Douglas DC-6.
In January 1958, it scheduled 37 DC-4s a week from Burbank to San Francisco (29 of which originated in San Diego) and four nonstop flights from San Diego to San Francisco; the fare from Burbank to San Francisco was $9.99. United Airlines, Western Airlines and TWA at that time were operating a combined total of 241 nonstop flights each week from Los Angeles to San Francisco with 49 flights
Give Us This Day Our Daily Chuckle
This week, a compendium of wit, wisdom and neat stuff you can tell at parties. Enjoy!
Apolitical Aphorisms
If God wanted us to vote, he would have given us candidates.
~Jay Leno
The problem with political jokes is they get elected.
~Henry Cate, VII
We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.
~Aesop
If we got one-tenth of what was promised to us in these State of the Union speeches, there wouldn’t be any inducement to go to heaven.
~Will Rogers
Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge even where there is no river.
~Nikita Khrushchev
a week being operated from Burbank to San Francisco.
About half of these flights operated by the competition were First Class only ($22.05); the rest carried coach passengers for $13.50 (all fares operated by interstate air carriers were subject to 10 percent federal tax.) Later in 1958 PSA shifted some flights from Burbank to Los Angeles International Airport; that year it carried 296,000 passengers.
In late 1959 PSA began flying Lockheed L-188 Electra turboprops[5] configured with 92 seats and a sixseat lounge, replacing 70-seat DC4s, Boeing 727-114s, Boeing 727214s, and Boeing 737-214s.
By the 1960s, PSA had grown into a fleet of Lockheed L-188 Electras on the San Diego-San Francisco route; later during that same decade the Electras were replaced with the faster and larger Boeing 727s and 737s.
In 1962, Friedkin died at the age
When I was a boy I was told that anybody could become President; I’m beginning to believe it.
~Clarence Darrow
Why pay money to have your family tree traced; go into politics and your opponents will do it for you.
~Author unknown
Politicians are people who, when they see light at the end of the tunnel, go out and buy some more tunnel.
~John Quinton
Politics is the gentle art of getting votes from the poor and campaign funds from the rich, by promising to protect each from the other.
~Oscar Ameringer
I offer my opponents a bargain: if they will stop telling lies about us, I will stop telling the truth about them.
~Adlai Stevenson, campaign speech, 1952
A politician is a fellow who will lay down your life for his country.
~ Tex Guinan
I have come to the conclusion that politics is too serious a matter to be left to the politicians.
~Charles de Gaulle
Instead of giving a politician the keys to the city, it might be better to change the locks.
~Doug Larson
There ought to be one day -- just one -- when there is open season on senators.
~Will Rogers
of 47 of a cerebral hemorrhage. His wife, Jean, died the following year.
By the 1970s, PSA expanded its service to Sacramento, San Jose, Long Beach, and Ontario. By 1980, it was operating a hub at Los Angeles International Airport.
In 1966 through 1970, McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30s replaced the Electras. By May 1965, 103 Electras a week were flying from Los Angeles to San Francisco, 32 a week from Los Angeles to Oakland, 34 a week from Burbank to San Francisco and 5 a week from San Diego to San Francisco. En route flying time between Los Angeles and San Francisco was scheduled for 60 minutes while Burbank-San Francisco was 55 minutes.
In 1966 PSA started flying to San Jose, and in 1967 to Sacramento Executive Airport; later that year PSA and other airlines moved to the new Sacramento Internation-
Research has shown that two minutes of laughing is just as efficient at burning energy as a 20 minute jog; so now I’m sitting in the park, laughing at all the joggers!
Frog parking only. All others will be toad.
What are the neighbors names next door? The couple?
Angus and Duncan.
Not the dogs; the people.
How would I know that?
His name was Bubba. He was from Texas, and he needed a loan. So... he walked into a bank in New York City and asked for the loan officer. He told the loan officer that he was going to Paris for an international redneck festival for two weeks and needed to borrow $5,000, and that he was not a depositor of the bank.
The bank officer told him that the bank would need some form of security for the loan, so the Redneck handed over the keys to a new Ferrari. The car was parked on the street in front of the bank. The Redneck produced the title and everything checked out. The loan officer agreed to hold the car as collateral for the loan and apologized for having to charge 12% interest. Later, the bank’s president and its
al Airport. Ontario was added in 1968 and Long Beach, Fresno and Stockton in 1971-72.
In the Los Angeles Times’ news section “Opinion L.A,” the newspaper called PSA “practically the unofficial flag carrier airline of California for almost 40 years,” was the first large discount airline in the United States. It was called “The World’s Friendliest Airline.”
Accordingly, the company painted a big smile on the nose of all its airplanes, dubbing them the “PSA Grinning Birds.”
Starting in 1974 PSA briefly operated several wide-body Lockheed L-1011 TriStar jetliners for two years before deeming them unprofitable and parking them. PSA’s L-1011-1s were unique in having lower deck seating.
The L-1011s flew intrastate rout-
Smile continued on page 3
officers all enjoyed a good laugh at the Redneck from the Texas for using a $250,000 Ferrari as collateral for a $5,000 loan. An employee of the bank then drove the Ferrari into the bank’s private underground garage and parked it.
Two weeks later, the Redneck returned, repaid the $5,000 and the interest of 23.07. The loan officer said, “Sir, we are very happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked out very nicely, but we are a little puzzled. While you were away, we checked you out on Dunn & Bradstreet and found that you are a distinguished alumni from Texas A & M, a highly sophisticated investor and multimillionaire with real estate and financial interests all over the world. Your investments include a large number of wind turbines around Sweetwater, Texas. What puzzles us is, why would you bother to borrow $5,000?”
The good ‘ole boy replied, “Where else in New York City can I park my car for two weeks for only $23.07 and expect it to be there when I return?”
Text from Richard to His Neighbor Fred:
Hi, Fred, this is Richard, next door. I’ve got a confession to make I’ve been riddled with guilt for a few months & have been trying to get up the courage to tell you face-to-
Chuckles
Smile from page 2
ings of Los Angeles-San Francisco, Los Angeles-San FranciscoSacramento and San Diego-Los Angeles-San Francisco. PSA was the only intrastate airline in the U.S. ever to operate wide body jetliners.
PSA’s Lockheed Electra propjets returned in 1975 for flights in order to better-serve the somewhat short runway into Lake Tahoe with this service then being discontinued in 1979.
The Lake Tahoe Airport, located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, did not allow scheduled airline jet operations until the 1980s although Pacific Air Lines briefly operated Boeing 727-100s into Lake Tahoe in 1966. PSA never again served Lake Tahoe after retiring its Electras.
Airline deregulation changed the playing field for the nation’s air carriers, especially for PSA.
The San Diego-based airline changed from an “intrastate” carrier to an “interstate,” expanding its destinations to Reno, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Tucson, and Albuquerque. Later the route system was expanded even further to Portland, Bend, and Medford, Oregon, and on north to Seattle and Bellingham, Washington.
The intra-state strategy had avoided the steep costs from federal regulation. This business plan later served as the model for Texasbased Southwest Airlines, doing in the Lone Star State what PSA had done in California. Following the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978, PSA expanded to other destinations, eventually operated international service to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico.
An intense airfare war ensued among PSA, Air California, Western Airlines, and United Airlines, with no apparent winner.
PSA began to expand beyond its reach with hotels and a number of other non-aviation ventures, overlooking “what brought ‘em to the dance,” that made the airline quite successful – that of serving the North American West.
With no apparent winner in the airfare war, Western Airlines merged with Delta, and AirCal was pur-
chased by American Airlines. An hour after the AirCal-American merger was announced, the coveting eyes at USAir agreed to purchase PSA.
However, by 1988, the PSA flag and routes had disintegrated into USAir’s system; PSA’s San Diego repair and office facilities were abandoned with equipment and operations moved to USAir’s east coast hubs, thus erasing San Diego’s original “hometown airline” from the skies.
In 1986, PSA expanded into USAir. That Pittsburgh-based air carrier wanted the lucrative California routes. The Eastern carrier set about buying San Diego’s airline. In 1986, PSA became the first of two airlines that were bought, or merged, into what was then USAir, followed by Piedmont Airlines in 1987. It was the beginning of a series of take-over musical chairs that ended up being one giant carrier. By some observers, the purchase of PSA by USAir was a result of “overreach.
The airline was involved in too competitive markets beyond California and no doubt helped lead to the airlines’ demise.
The PSA acquisition by USAir was completed in 1988. In 1997, the airline changed its name to US Airways. In 2005, after its second bankruptcy filing, the Phoenixbased America West Airlines acquired US Airways, continuing with the AWA name until it merged with American Airlines in 2013, making the latter giant carrier the world’s largest. It was as if PSA had never existed. But it did and in this hectic day of air travel, PSA has been sorely missed ever since.
With the merging of PSA into USAir, the 1980s and ‘90s those two decades became an era of musical chairs in the sky. While it appeared PSA was gone, in a way it continued. In November 1995, the PSA name was given by US Airway to Jetstream International Airlines, reportedly a one-plane operation that seldom flew. The “new” PSA Airlines came into existence so that US Airways could “preserve” the once proud PSA trademark it had purchased. US Airways had acquired Jetstream International in 1987, when it was a subsidiary of Piedmont Airlines.
Psa still Exists
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 ar E mor E L ik ELY T o g ET P ub L is HE d if Y ou:
• 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!’
Coastal Cities Jazz band May 3rd • 2pm
The Coastal Cities Jazz Band is a BIG BAND with 17 members 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.
***
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 –Oodles continued on page 14
Smile from page 3
Today, PSA lives on flying as a feeder airline for the “American Eagle” flag. In November 1995, USAir had renamed Jetstream International Airlines to PSA Airlines to protect the trademark of “Pacific Southwest Airlines.” The “new” PSA also moved its corporate headquarters to Vandalia, Ohio. By March 1996, the airline had transitioned to a fleet of Dornier 328 aircraft. In February 1997, USAir changed its name to US Airways and PSA began operating under the US Airways Express brand.
Today, PSA Airlines is an American Airlines regional carrier headquartered at Dayton International Airport flying under the American Eagle brand for American Airlines.
PSA is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group.
The new PSA Airlines operates an all-jet fleet consisting exclusively of Canadian-built Bombardier regional jet aircraft.
The company has more than 5,000 employees, operating more than 800 daily flights to nearly 100 destinations for American Airlines under the American Eagle brand.
In August 2015, PSA Airlines announced a maintenance base would be established at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.
In August 2016, PSA Airlines announced a new 45,000-square-foot maintenance base would be opening in late 2016 at the GreenvilleSpartanburg International Airport.
The “other” san diego airline
With a little luck and some muchneeded financing, there is yet another local airline that could be in the skies above San Diego sometime in the coming months. Back in 1978, North County entrepreneur Ted Vallas purchased East Coast-based American Inter-Island Airlines from parent company American Airlines, which operated throughout the Virgin Islands and other Caribbean islands. After two years, Vallas moved the air carrier’s St. Croix repair and office facilities
I’m not a Christian, but if I were, I think I’d become a Mormon. I really admire the faith. Come on in!”
They did. They sat down and we talked. Didn’t talk religion. Told them I did not care to be prosletised but would love to visit with them. They respected that and we just had a nice old fashioned visit.
Elders Tippotts and Stoddard were their names. One was from Nebraska, the other, Utah. When I learned of the Nebraska native I immediately begin to sing . . . “There is no place like Nebraska, dear old Nebraska U . . .” he, of course, knew the song but to my great amazement, he was not a big football fan. Neither of them were.
as well as the fleet of Convair aircraft to San Diego, merging it into Air Resorts Airline.
Beginning in 1980, and the next 17 years Air Resorts operated as a scheduled air carrier from San Diego International Lindbergh Field with a perfect safety record. But, due to rising costs and competition, Vallas shutdown and discontinued operations in 1997.
“Back in 1980, I wanted to operate Air Resort flights from Carlsbad’s Palomar Airport, but things weren’t right for that facility because of a heavy schedule of private business jet training at that airport, so we flew our operations from San Diego International Lindbergh Field.”
By 1985, the transplanted Air Resorts airline was flying to Santa Barbara, Burbank, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, Cabo San Lucas, and Tucson. The airline’s 14 Convair 440 planes flew regularly scheduled routes as well as a number of charter flights for the Navy and various college athletic teams.
Because of a series of business setbacks Air Resorts ceased operation out of San Diego International, but
where they work and live. We respect that. There are plenty of good restaurants in Escondido.
I told them of a good friend of mine, Randy Knight, a salesman for Lexus of Escondido (and who sold me my great Toyota Avalon). His son is a missionary in Mexico and posts his diary on Facebook. I enjoy reading his accounts. Both of these missionaries knew of the Knight family.
I asked them what happened when you had two missionaries who had personal conflicts. One didn’t like the other and vice versa. They said, “we just have to learn to deal with it.” Which is good. That’s the real world and sometimes you have to deal with people who irritate you. Good, realistic training.
Vallas hasn’t given up on a “resurrection.”
He may be on the verge of creating a new carrier flying under the trademark of California Pacific Airlines based at North County’s Palomar Airport in Carlsbad.
“I always admired the way PSA operated their early operations before they tried to go beyond California,” Vallas said. “Back then PSA really did put the smile into flying. If and when we get into full operation here at California Pacific Airlines, we want to put that PSA smile back into today’s air travel experience.”
But those painted-on “smiles” of PSA won’t be on any CPAir planes as USAir/USAirways cleverly trademarked them.
After a number of abortive attempts and business setbacks over the past few months, Vallas is confident CPAir will finally get off the ground sometime within the next few months.
Smile continued on page 7
could help us with. We didn’t . . . but shall keep them in mind. (If Evelyn ever looks the other way for about three or four days, I shall enlist the Mormons to help me clean out the garage. Evelyn is a bit of a hoarder and won’t throw anything away! Between the two Mormons and myself, we just might get the garage sufficiently cleaned out that we can actually park our cars in there!)
Nice young lads.
Had a rather pleasant experience yesterday.
Knocking out a lot of work in the office when the doorbell rang. Went to the door and there were two Mormon missionaries. They didn’t have to tell me they were Mormons. It’s pretty easy to spot them. Dark slacks, white shirts, usually short sleeved, a tie; well groomed, always polite.
Before they had a chance to introduce themselves I swung the door open and said, “Mormon Missionaries! Some of my favorite people!
Both were 18 months into their 24 month mission. The young man from Nebraska was going to enroll at BYU upon completing his mission, and study Engineering. The other was going to Utah State and pursue a degree in business ad.
There are apparently around 30 missionaries in Escondido, each with their own assigned territory. I suggested one day that if they enjoyed Italian food we’d take them to Sorrento’s in San Marcos (a superb Italian eatery). They advised me that they weren’t allowed to go out of their assigned territory. Each missionary team has an area
We poured them each a glass of apple juice, gave them each a bottle of water, and offered to take them to lunch on another day. (Mormon missionaries live on a very tight budget and are always hungry. We’re delighted to take them out and see to it they get a proper meal.) I also gave them my card and asked them to call me if they ever needed anything.
With that, I had to thank them for dropping by but had to excuse myself as I had work to do. Before leaving, they asked if there were any jobs around the house that they
I would urge you to, next time you spot a couple Mormon missionaries, pick them up and take them out for lunch. Regardless of your religious persuasion, these are good kids and could use some help and companionship. They make a substantial (two-year) sacrifice as missionaries . . . all for something they believe in. In this day and age of greedy people, particularly politicians, who think of themselves first, and not others, I find that refreshing. We need more, not less, of that.
One man’s opinion.
For the first time in about six months I can say . . . “I Feel Good!” I’m tempted to put on a loud shirt, find me a pair of platform shoes,
Man About Town continued on page 5
Poll Workers Needed for June 2 gubernatorial Primary Election
By County News Center, County of San Diego Communications Office
Residents who want to support their community still have time to sign up as poll workers for the June 2 Gubernatorial Primary Election. Anyone interested should apply by May 15.
Poll workers assist voters and keep vote centers running smoothly. They earn a daily stipend starting at $145 for their service.
There is a specific need for bilingual poll workers who can assist voters in 15 languages required by federal, state and county requirements.
Federal law requires the Registrar’s office to provide bilingual speakers and voting materials at vote centers for voters who speak:
Spanish Filipino Vietnamese Chinese State and county rules also require bilingual speakers at select vote centers in:
Man About Town from page 4
comb my hair into an Afro, jump up on my desk, have the CD play James Brown’s “I Feel Good!” . . . and do a heavy duty dance.
But, I’m not sure my desk would bear my weight. So, I shan’t.
Instead I shall simply observe that sometimes we need to become ill in order to truly appreciate good health.
The Shingles are gone, the gall bladder seems to be behaving itself, the kidney stones are a memory of some five years past . . . covid came and went, heart is in good shape, my sleep patterns seem to be improving, I have no pain, no particular discomfort . . . and I kinda like it like that. Let’s see how long it lasts.
We’ve had a very mild winter here in La-La land. Even though we’ve had a couple evenings within the past month that got down to the mid 30’s, no complaints. We’ve also had a couple of heavy rains . . . again, no complaint. We needed it . . . and no flooding occurred. True, lots of traffic accidents . . . but that’s mostly California drivers who don’t know how to drive in rain or snow.
We notice the rattlesnakes are out already. It’s breeding season and
Arabic Hindi Hmong Indonesian Japanese Khmer Korean Laotian Persian Somali Thai
San Diego County elections operate under the Voter’s Choice Act, a state law that replaces traditional polling places with vote centers that are open for an extended pe-
they are out, slithering around, looking for mates. Evelyn spotted one that had been run over by a car. She’s seen several. We used to take Trixie on her longer walks and, when well beyond the primary streets that were heavily traveled, we’d take her leash off and let her run free.
No more.
Not with rattlers out. She’d likely go up and sniff one and get her nose bit. Also, coyotes have been known to come after pups during the daylight hours. One of our neighbors lost his precious pup that way. He’d let it out in the backyard for toilet duty and, in a flash, a coyote dashed in, ripped the dog apart, ate what it wanted and was gone. The pup’s owner came out and found fur and a mangled body. Terrible.
So, we keep a close leash on Trixie now.
The birds are singing lustily, the citrus blossoms are out, permeating the spring air with that lovely aroma that is simply indescribable. You have to experience it yourself in order to savor the special aroma. Trees are getting more and more green every day. Spring done gone and sprung!
Health is good, business is fairly good . . . life is good.
riod leading up to Election Day.
Instead of serving just on Election Day, poll workers are now needed to staff vote centers for four or 11 days of voting.
Poll workers can earn:
• A stipend of $145 per day from May 23 to June 1
• $240 on Election Day, June 2, due to expanded hours
• Bilingual poll workers can receive an extra $5 per day and $10 extra on Election Day
And it’s my bedtime . . . so toodles.
***
The First Trixie
We got her the day she was to have been put to sleep.
We actually had gone to the Humane Society to get another dog that one of my salesman had spotted and thought we’d like. While we were looking at that pup our attention was drawn by this little white pup that jumped about 3 feet in the air, just begging for our attention. It wasn’t long before we had shifted our attention and our affection to the jumping white puppy.
When one of the attendants mentioned that she was to be put to sleep later that day we made our decision. The little white jumper was ours. We left word that if no one claimed the other pup they were to call us. We would take it too. No one called. We like to think it found a home.
That was almost 18 years ago. She has been like another child to me. Her first night in our home we kept her in the kitchen with some type of barricade that we built to hold her in. We used the old technique of putting an alarm clock in her box to make her think her mother or some other kin was
Requirements to be a poll worker:
• Be a U.S. citizen and registered to vote in California or lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States
• Have reliable transportation to and from the assigned vote center each day
• Complete two days of in-person training (paid a $95 daily stipend)
• Available to work four or 11 days, including extended hours on Election Day
Responsibilities include:
• Opening and closing the vote center
• Assisting voters and providing excellent customer service
• Answering questions
The Registrar is looking for people with strong leadership and customer service skills, flexibility, patience and integrity. Poll workers must serve voters professionally and without partisanship.
Applications are available at sdvote.com. For more information, call 858-565-5800 or email pollworker@sdcounty.ca.gov.
there with her. She would have none of it.
I slept on the couch that night. I fought sleep as she would whimper and whine and jump. Some time later, I finally fell asleep . . .only to be awakened a short time later by little puppy kisses and a little bundle of white fur that leaped up on the couch and cuddled in next to me. I think that’s when she staked her claim on me. She has never relinquished it. Nor have I disputed it.
She follows me everywhere. She sleeps with me. She follows me from room to room. When I’m in my office, working on my computer/word processor, she cuddles up in a chair next to me and guards me, protecting me from danger. If I get up to go to the rest room or to get a drink, she follows me. Only after I have returned to my office and started working away on my computer does she, once again, coil comfortably on her chair, burying her muzzle into her tail.
One day my wife was talking to our cat, Aslon. I looked at Trixie and said, “Look at that, Trixie. . .your mother is demented. Now she’s talking to our cats”! I’m pleased to report that Trixie agreed with me. Totally.
Man About Town
5th District Supervisor • Jim Desmond They Want to Rewrite the Rules to Keep Themselves in Power
Last week, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted to put a measure on the ballot that would extend our own term limits from two terms to three. Sitting politicians voting to give themselves more time in office. I voted no.
The measure returns to the Board in May for a final reading. Before it does, I want every San Diegan to know what is really going on — and to help me stop it.
In 2010, the people of San Diego voted to limit Supervisors to two terms. Sixty-eight percent of
you said yes. That was not close. That was a landslide. The voters spoke, and they spoke clearly.
Every one of us on this Board ran for our seats knowing the rules. Two terms. That was the deal we made with you. Now we are in office, and three of my colleagues want to rewrite that deal and hand themselves a third term.
That is not reform. That is selfdealing. And it is exactly the kind of politics that makes people lose faith in the whole system.
Here is the part that really bothers me. They knew a straight-up term limit extension would never pass on its own, so they buried it. They wrapped it inside a package with an ethics commission, independent auditors, and fiscal transparency rules. We can do all of that without changing the charter or extending terms.
Even the ballot question is written to trick you. It asks whether to “set” term limits at three terms. Term limits are already set. You set them in 2010. The honest word is “expand” or “increase.”
Using “set” is not an accident. It is designed to confuse voters into saying yes to something they
San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones
Stay Prepared with Genasys PROTECT
As Mayor, I am reminded that preparedness means we must actively practice together, especially in the sense of emergency preparedness. On Easter weekend, some of our residents were faced with an evacuation order due to a fire that broke out around Cal State San Marcos. What is typically a time of family and celebration quickly became a reminder of how important it is to have timely, reliable information when it matters most.
Situations like these reinforce why staying prepared and informed is essential. I strongly encourage all residents to make an emergency
would say no to if it were written honestly.
If any Supervisor on this Board truly believed a third term was good policy, the fix would be simple. Exempt the current Board. Apply it to future Supervisors only. Nobody was willing to do that. That tells you everything.
I am for ethics commissions. I am for independent auditors. I am for real fiscal transparency. I am not for rewriting the rules to benefit the people already in office. The voters of this County made their decision in 2010, and it is not the job of sitting politicians to overturn that decision for their own benefit.
This measure comes back to the Board for a final reading in May. If you agree this is wrong, please make your voice heard. Call your Supervisor. Come to the meeting and speak. Tell your neighbors. Share this column. The only thing that stops a self-interested vote inside a chamber is pressure from the people outside it.
When this hits your ballot, read it carefully. Look past the nice words at the top. The real question buried inside is whether you
want to hand the people already in power more time in power.
I trust you to see it for what it is. Thank you for letting me serve. I will keep fighting for you, and I will keep telling you the truth about what is happening inside this building, even when it is uncomfortable for my own colleagues to hear.
San Diego County District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond, 1600 Pacific Highway, #335, San Diego, CA 92101, United States http:// www.supervisorjimdesmond.com/
making san diego More Affordable for Everyone
plan and download Genasys PROTECT, a communication tool used by first responders to share real time updates during emergencies.
Through this platform, residents can get critical information including evacuation notices, shelter locations, road closures and other public safety alerts.
Genasys PROTECT is available online and through a mobile app, making it easy to stay directly connected to verified information. You can subscribe to specific “zones” such as where you live, work or regularly visit, and get targeted updates about incidents impacting your area throughout San Diego County.
Staying prepared and informed is one of the best ways we can support our families and greater community. Please download the Genasys PROTECT app and do your part to prepare for emergencies now, before they actually occur. Visit sanmarcosca.gov/beprepared for more resources on emergency preparedness and staying informed.
Families across San Diego County are feeling the strain.
Housing prices, grocery bills, gas, and the daily cost of living keep going up, making it tougher for many to get by. Working parents, seniors on fixed incomes, and young people hoping to put down roots here are all struggling to keep their heads above water.
This is the reality people face every single day.
That’s why we need leaders who will focus on real, practical steps to make life more affordable and bring some stability back to our communities.
As Mayor of Vista, I’ve taken that approach. We balanced our budget without raising taxes, protected key services, and made smart investments in parks, public safety, and local economic growth — because strong neighborhoods and affordability go together.
We need that same responsible mindset at the County level. The deficits the Board Majority created—and covered by raiding the reserves— is deeply irresponsible. They’ll try to raise taxes to make up for their out of control spending. That’s wrong.
Constant tax hikes are driving the cost of living crisis. At the end of the day, affordability is about whether families can actually afford to live and stay in the places they call home. Government can help by easing families’ tax burden. That’s the common sense policy San Diego County needs.
Smile from page 4
“Reports of our demise have been greatly exaggerated,” Vallas said, stealing a famous quote.
The prospects of any future home-based airlines for San Diego County are limited, at best. Carlsbad’s Palomar Airport could handle no more than two scheduled airlines and that might be too many. The only facilities that would be left in the county are: Otay Mesa on the Mexican border adjacent to Tijuana International, and Gillespie Field in El Cajon. San Diego’s Lindbergh Field is at capacity. It is one of the few major airports in the nation operating with only a single runway. Heavy airliners like the Boeing 747 can’t take off from Lindbergh with a full fuel load due to the runway’s limited length (9,400 feet). At one time in recent years,
Man About Town from page 5
I can remember when nature came calling. Trixie began to act strangely. Whining, running around. . .she seemed to have an interest in running to the door, wanting to go “Tatas” more and more often. It occurred to us that the young lady was in love. Well, maybe not in love, perhaps she was in lust. She had come into heat.
I’ve always regretted that we never let Trixie have a litter before she was spayed. Seems to me like every dog and cat should be able to have at least one litter; then they ought to be neutered/spayed. But. . .we didn’t. All of Trixie the Wonder Dog’s affection has been directed toward her people family. And she is affectionate.
Like all dogs, Trixie has that ability to look into the soul of a human being and know what’s going on inside. Whether I’m hurting, whether I’m happy, sad, lonely, depressed, angry, ill. . . she knows. And her soft brown eyes seem to talk to me. “Isn’t life great!?. . .”, she’ll say. . .or, “It’s going to be all right. . .”. She knows just what to say and when to say it. And she says it all with her soft brown eyes.
My wife, Mary, thinks Trixie is a talented dog. She isn’t.
Mary thinks that no other dog can stand on her hind legs and prance about in a “dance” if you hold a tidbit just out of the range of her
British Air operated an international flight schedule from Lindbergh Field to London, but on the round trip returning to England, their Boeing 747s had to land in Phoenix to take on a full-load of fuel before starting the long, 12hour flight to London. A full-load of fuel from San Diego is said to make a 747 too heavy to lift from Lindbergh’s single runway. The newer, more efficient Boeing 777 however has altered that problem.
Because of its “single” runway, requiring planes to fly low over the city’s skyline, San Diego International has been dubbed in some aviation circles as one of the 10 most dangerous airports in the world. However, one airline pilot explained San Diego actually is one of the safest because pilots are all too aware of the hazards flying “tree-top” over the city’s skyline. “There’s no such
thing as a ‘routine’ landing at Lindbergh,” he said.
Down through the years with all of Pacific Southwest Airlines ala USAir ala US Airlines ala Jetstream International ala American Airlines’ musical chairs, with an occasional bankruptcy filing and management, the moniker “PSA” flying under the American Eagle trademark has little meaning to San Diego County. Today, go to any of the Eastern states where PSA flies the American Eagle banner and you won’t find too many who will know what “PSA” stands for … and, it’s doubtful anyone will know those letters were once emblazoned on a smoothrunning, inexpensive and easily accessible air carrier that heralded the proud trademark of a great California airline.
In 2015, PSA’s legendary founder Kenny Friedkin was inducted
into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. The popular airline he started remains in the hearts of those of us who can recall making those quick trips up and down our coast on PSA’s “Grinning Birds.”
Alas, PSA, we knew ye when.
nose. Our youngest son, Kenny, long ago taught Trixie the Wonder Dog how to roll over. Now, in order for her to get her morning “Tatas” [the Scottish version of “Walkies” - (I married a Scots lass)] she has to do her roll over. As I approach the front door she’ll roll over. . .once, twice. . .three times, without me even asking her. It is cute. But I wish Mary would quit calling Casting Agents for the Letterman Show.
As we approach the street I hold my hand in a casual “stop” position. . .she watches my hand and will not cross the street until I give a sweeping motion with my hand and say...”Go”! Then she runs like a bat out of hell and cuts a beeline for the vacant lot kitty-corner from us. She prances and runs; she barks at some unseen stranger in the trees, or perhaps she is barking out of happiness. She pauses to make her toilet. She is quite elegant about it. After she completes her ablutions she, very lady-like, covers her leavings and takes off in a dead run.
We think she has some whippet in her. She is a sleek dog. Trim. We think she looks like a miniature greyhound. She runs like the wind and is poetry to watch as she runs.
Later, after returning to the house, she curls up for a well earned nap. The naps grow more and more frequent as she grows older. And longer.
But, then, so do mine.
She won’t be with us much longer. She has been a very special, special lady in my life. A memory. One of the nicest people I ever knew.
A memory, written in 1991
We need more ennui . . .
Every once in awhile I use really big words . . . or unusual words . . . or foreign words or phrases, just so the reader knows I’m really, really smart and know a lot of things.
Oh, I suppose the average reader will marvel at my capacious mind and ponderous thoughts . . . and the voluminous amount of words I churn out in a single day. Some might even call it prodigious.
Sometimes a morning will seem particularly auspicious and I begin my seeking the proper circumlocution.
Often, while out shopping I will dazzle the sales people attending me. For example, in a paint store the salesman might ask what color I have in mind for the living room interior. I will enable my ‘thinking’ look and then exclaim, “oh, I think something in a perpendicular shade would be nice.” His look of amazement at my response tells me he certainly is impressed by my being loquacious.
In spite of this extreme concentration on the location and use of big words I remain a perfect example of conviviality and congenial-
ity. I strive, at all times, to never be deleterious with my complete mastery of words and their meanings. I also am quite humble but not to the point of being frugal or parsimonious.
I suppose some might say I am eccentric or even idiosyncratic but I maintain I remain a simple cowboy from the great state of Nebraska, without gasconading, just seeking a fortuitous opportunity now and then by which I hope to obtain a modest remunerative sinecure to plod through life.
It is within this milieu that I perfect my daily struggle and, ultimately, prove myself to be a true sesquipedalian.
It is then, and only then, that I can return to a pleasant state of ennui. More than that, je ne sais pas. ennui = a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement.
Tom Morrow
is technology making your accommodations unusable?
by Christopher Elliott
Daniel Oppliger navigated foreign airports, dealt with language barriers, and made it to his hotel in Lushui, China -- only to be stumped by the TV remote at the Hilton Garden Inn.
“I couldn’t figure out how to work the television,” he says. “I had to ask the concierge to help me.”
Welcome to the age of smart hotel room syndrome — when technology designed to simplify stays actually makes them more complicated.
This isn’t a glitch. 52 percent of hotels now offer tech walk-throughs at check-in where an employee explains how to use all the gadgets, according to a recent survey by Hotels.com. In other words, more than half of hotels have basically admitted their rooms are so complicated that guests need a tutorial just to operate basic functions.
It’s not just inexperienced guests who need help. Oppliger is a frequent traveler, who runs a travel agency in El Paso.
Or how about Mircea Dima, a frequent hotel guest and the CEO of
an educational company that specializes in coding. He’s someone who knows his way around technology. But he recently found himself Googling how to switch off his hotel room lights.
“If you need instructions to turn off a bedside lamp,” he says, “the system has failed.”
Why are hotels pushing all this technology?
Hotels are not installing complex room control systems because they love you. The motivation runs deeper, and a little darker, than enhanced experiences.
An iPad in your room can be con-
venient, yes. You might be able to order a meal or a movie through it without having to make a call to the front desk. But that’s also more convenient (and profitable) for the hotel.
Unusable continued on page 9
Illustration by Dustin Elliott
Unusable from page 8
“Hotels want to appeal to guests who live with connected homes, while also managing energy use and staffing more efficiently,” says Lauren Ringel, a travel advisor with Fora Travel. “Tablets, motion sensors, and smart thermostats can make service seamless and save resources at the same time.”
That’s not all.
“These new electronics collect data on you,” explains Andy Abramson, a communications consultant who specializes in technology. “What you use, how much you consume, how long you sleep — even how long you spend in the bathroom.”
Put differently, the new technology saves the hotel money, increases sales and allows it to spy on you. But it’s sometimes also impossible for guests to use.
When good Tech goes bad Ringel has seen the frustration firsthand. One client, staying at a luxury casino in Singapore, texted her at midnight because they couldn’t figure out how to dim the neon bar lights. Another guest in London was stuck with frozen iPad-controlled window shades.
“It’s not a great experience for guests,” Ringel says.
This isn’t an isolated experience. Kevin Heimlich, the CEO of an advertising firm, spent 15 minutes in a hotel room navigating iPad menus just to turn off lights after a long day.
“It felt like a user experience design fail,” he says. “Technology should be invisible — not a puzzle that detracts from experience.”
The problem affects everyone. Al Schilf, a retired federal worker from Columbia, Md., spent five days at an upscale hotel in Rome “playing whack-a-button trying to turn lights on and off.”
TVs are the worst. You’d think someone like Vicki Burton, a retired detective from St. Petersburg, would be able to figure out how to get her hotel TV to change the channel from SpongeBob SquarePants, where it was set to when she walked into the room. But no.
“The remote resembled the cockpit of a 747,” she laughs. “I kept trying to just turn the darn thing off. Even that seemed too difficult for me.”
It’s even affected me. At a beach hotel in Phuket, Thailand, the mas-
ter switch on my iPad failed to turn off a closet light. The solution from the front desk? Just close the closet door or unscrew the lightbulb.
Thanks, guys.
Hidden Costs of Complex Tech
The tech may be saving hotels money, but it could cost you. The complicated technology doesn’t just affect the quality of your vacation, but also the quality of your sleep. If you can’t turn off the TV or the lights in your rooms, you might have to go to bed with the TV or the lights still on. And you know someone’s gonna be cranky tomorrow.
There’s a financial cost, too. Say your hotel alarm doesn’t go off because you couldn’t figure out how to use it, and you miss your flight home. Guess who’s buying a new ticket?
Chrissy Valdez, senior director of operations at Squaremouth, says you might be tempted to file a travel insurance claim. You should resist.
“Unfortunately, travel insurance won’t be able to help you in these situations,” Valdez says.
That leaves guests to fend for
themselves when systems crash or freeze, which happens more often than hotels admit.
Which Hotels
get it right -
and Wrong
The good news: Some properties have found a balance. According to guests, high-end brands like Four Seasons and Rosewood typically offer clear bedside touch panels with simple backup switches. And hotel chains like Holiday Inn usually offer a more no-frills experience when it comes to gadgets. (In other words, there are actual switches to turn the lights on and off.)
But too many hotels treat technology like a status symbol. Boutique properties force every basic function through laggy touch screens. The apps sometimes crash during software updates, rendering the entire room’s systems inoperable.
“When technology eliminates bad friction — like waiting in line to check in — everyone wins,” says Richard Valtr, founder of hotel tech company Mews. “When it eliminates ‘good friction’ — meaningful human interactions — hotels become soulless.”
Unusable continued on page 14
Pastor Huls
The Pastor says . . . surprises
Our lives are rather mundane when it comes to everyday events. Perhaps that is why we are enamored with the sensational items that are way out of the ordinary, such as auto accidents, wars, or sensational murders. At times, it is even unbelievable. Too much of the common doesn’t sell newspapers, magazines, or even television news. So when are we surprised in life? I personally have found that surprises happen every day; all we have to do is be aware of what is happening in the world around us.
I share some of my more recent experiences. I was surprised when my family encountered a five-foot gopher snake in their front yard. It was an uncommon event filled with surprise. I was personally surprised when a new bird species appeared at my bird feeder. The colors and sounds of the birds surprise me because I haven’t seen or heard them before. Perhaps one of the most exciting surprises I have had recently was observing a bald eagle fly over my home. I don’t remember seeing one near my home before. It was a surprise of surprises.
I was recently surprised to meet someone who talked about her gardening. I had never imagined her as a gardener. She described with enthusiasm the seeds she had sown, the soil she had prepared, and her excitement in watching things grow. I was even more surprised when another woman, who overheard us, shared her experience as a master gardener. As a retiree, she continues community gardening, even in a retirement home. I was surprised by her enthusiasm and to learn that many residents there were master gardeners. My biggest surprise was being encouraged to join the gardening group for discussions. The greatest surprise came when I was invited to speak to that group of retired gardeners—especially since I had been seeking such an opportunity.
These might not seem like sensational surprises for most, but surprises come in many ways. Sometimes, they involve helping someone, reconnecting with an old friend, or receiving a letter or a card from someone you haven’t heard from in years. For many who read the Bible, a surprise may come as a new insight. I personally believe God delights in surprising us with new thoughts, experiences, and challenges. Life is often said to be full of surprises, and whether we see them as good or bad depends largely on our outlook. By choosing to look for the brighter side, we can find joy in even the smallest surprises.
Pastor Huls
Otis is a 3-year-old, 13-pound, male, Domestic Shorthair cat with a Red and White coat. He was lost. When nobody came for him, Ottis was transferred to Rancho Coastal Humane Society through Friends of County Animal Shelters (FOCAS). Otis is an independent cat. He was living outdoors when he was found. Now he’s remembering what it’s like to live indoors, safe, warm, and fed. He needs to be the only cat in his home. His new family will help him transition back to being a house cat.
The $100 adoption fee for Otis includes medical exam, Neuter, up to date vaccinations, and registered microchip.
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.
San Diego Humane Society is supporting families and their pets who need a little extra help.
Through the Community Pet Pantry, anyone can visit our campuses to pick up a bag of dog or cat food, and other supplies, as available.
No appointment is needed for this service. Hours are Tuesday-Sunday from 10am to 6pm.
El Cajon 373 N. Marshall Ave.
Escondido 3500 Burnet Drive
oceanside 572 Airport Road
san diego 5480 Gaines Street
Pet of the Week
Herbert
Meet Herbert, a sweet, gentle soul seeking a calm and loving new home! Herbert can be a bit overwhelmed by new faces and places and prefers a quiet environment, ideally without cats or young children under 6. He thrives on gentle, patient interactions that help him feel secure and loved. Once comfortable, Herbert’s playful energy shines through, and he enjoys bouncing around and playing with toys. He has a lot of love to give and is waiting for someone who understands his needs and is willing to provide him with a stable, peaceful home. Adopting Herbert (959559) means gaining a loyal and heartfelt companion!
Visit San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido Campus at 3500 Burnet Drive to learn more about him today. If you have questions about the adoption process, you can visit sdhumane.org/adopt or call 619-299-7012.
845 W. san marcos blvd. 760-744-4315 thecomputerfactory.net
Between 2000 and 2026 the population of Texas grew from 22 million to 32 million, a growth factor of nearly 50%. During the same time period, California’s population remained stable at 39 million. Between 2000 and 2026 the median price of a three bedroom house in Texas rose from $175,000 to $329,000, about 88%. A three bedroom house in California went from $178,000 in 2000 to $865,000 in 2026, an increase of nearly 500%.In 2026, with an average annual household income of $100,000, fewer than 20% of Californian families qualify financially to buy a home. Concurrently, with an average family annual income of $80,000, over 40%, of Texas families do qualify to buy a home.
Texas is a typical Sun Belt state. Its home prices and income levels are similar to those of most American
A woman sitting on her couch, stroking the large, orange, Tabby cat, explained, “He doesn’t let anybody else pet him. He’s feral.”
Her definition of feral is very different than mine. “Feral” never makes me think of a purring kitty taking a cat nap on someone’s lap in their living room.
A Google search (which she could have done in 10 seconds) said:
A feral cat is an unsocialized, un-
states. California is unique. California is blessed with majestic mountains, fertile valleys, an eight hundred mile Pacific Ocean coastline and a warm Mediterranean climate. For generations California was a land of opportunity, a warm and comfortable place to live and raise a family. It was a Mecca for older American men and women to spend their hard earned retirement years in the sun. In the 1970’s California’s rapidly growing population passed New York’s making California America’s most populous state. California’s population peaked in 2000 at 39.5 million and since then has been in slow decline. Only the recent influx of 2.5 million illegal immigrants encouraged by California’s open borders and “sanctuary state” status, have kept California’s population shrinkage to single digits.
The recent exodus of California natives is attributable to several factors which include the high cost of living, high state taxes, State government financial support for a large illegal immigrant population and the lack of job opportunity. These negative economic factors have reversed a two hundred year history of solid growth. Young adults, middle class families and wealthy Californians who have the flexibility to leave California are moving to more affordable states like North and South Carolina, Texas, Utah and others to escape California’s ultra “liberal” politicians and their expensive socialist policies. The Californian emigrants are folks we can ill afford to lose. They are the young and ambitious, the families who run businesses and the wealthy. Middle aged
and retired California home owners who purchased homes in affordable times have stayed behind along with the California Democratic activists who demand much and contribute little.
There is little difference between the “run of the mill” everyday voting Democrat or Republican. We are friends and neighbors. Political discussions are not usually part of our day to day lives. Jobs, cars, yards, kids and fishing are what we talk about. Most of us picked up our political party loyalties from our parents and relatives. Priorities like work, kids, sports and domestic chores keep us far too busy to think much about politics. Then there are our politically activist neighbors who are a completely different story.
“One size fits all” doesn’t work in describing activists, but there are some generalizations that do. Democrats tend to be more “orga-
nized” than Republicans. Perhaps it’s a throwback to their history as union members and workers rather than managers and business owners. Democrats demand “lockstep” adherence to the official views of the party. There is little room for dissent or personal opinions. This party unity gives Democrats a united front in their ideological battles with Republicans. It also discourages dissent and free thought. A Democrat who bucks the party will receive little or no party support. The recent “wildcard” behavior of maverick Pennsylvania Democrat Senator John Fedderman has prompted Democrat leaders to seek an opponent to depose Fedderman should he decide upon another term. Republicans are much more laid back when it comes to the antics of party “mavericks” IE Republican Rand Paul of Kentucky. Why are Republicans and Democrats so different? Grass roots folks aren’t, but party activists are a different story.
tamed outdoor cat that has never had, or has lost, contact with humans and lives in a wild state. They are generally unadoptable, prefer a solitary or colony-based outdoor life, and fear humans. Feral cats are distinct from lost or abandoned “stray” cats.
This does not describe the fur ball on the woman’s lap. Some people say they have feral cats because it sounds cool. You can still be a rescuer without making up tales about the tails living in your house.
Back to what Google said about Feral Cats.
One of the key differences between a house cat and a feral cat is behavior. Feral cats are shy. They usually do not approach humans. Just the opposite. They do everything they can to stay away from humans. They may look just like your pets
but make no mistake. These are wild animals.
Experts can often tell a feral cat just by looking at it. One tip-off is a cat with a tip off. When a feral cat is spayed or neutered, the veterinarian usually cuts the tip off
one of the cat’s ears so it can be identified from a distance without being caught. This is part of the “T-N-R” program, which stands for Trap – Neuter – Return. The cat will be released where it was caught. They’re part of the environment.
Feral cats often live in colonies located near a food source, such as an empty lot, restaurant or grocery store dumpster. Visit any jetty here in San Diego and you’re likely to find feral cats. They can catch rats, mice, and even fish once in a while.
Check out the cat in this week’s Pet Parade. Otis was a stray cat. He lived outside, but he never forgot that humans fed him, gave him shelter, and kept him safe. He’s not feral. He’s just remembering the life he’s going back to. The life of a house cat.
Hampton Inn charged me for a canceled room after my wife was hospitalized. Can I get my money back?
by Christopher Elliott
When Bill Chellis’s wife falls seriously ill on the morning of a hotel stay, he does what most of us would do — he calls the Hampton Inn in Great Falls, Mont., to cancel. But instead of compassion, he gets a bill for the full stay.
Q: My wife and I were booked into the Hampton Inn in Great Falls, Mont. On the morning of our trip, she woke up with a 102-degree fever and a severe cough. She was later diagnosed with pneumonia and had to be admitted to the hospital.
I called the hotel to cancel the reservation, but the desk clerk told me we’d still be charged the full $173 because it was a late cancellation. He said there was nothing he could do.
I called Hilton’s customer service line, and a representative said the property would have to handle it. I asked for the hotel manager, but she was in a meeting. I left my number but never heard back.
I later wrote to Hilton’s corporate offices and even sent a certified letter to Hilton corporate, but no one responded. I just want a refund or a credit for a future stay. Can you help me?
— Bill Chellis, Camano Island, Washington
A: I’m sorry to hear about your wife’s illness and I hope she’s feeling better. Hotels typically have strict cancellation policies — many require 24 hours’ notice or more to avoid penalties. In your case, Hilton was within its rights to charge for the night. But in the hospitality business, having the right to do something and doing the right thing are often not the same.
Your paper trail shows you did ev-
The Paper
Owned & Operated by a Veteran lyle e davis
“The state of Texas was never invaded while I was on duty at Fort Sam.
You
could look it up!”
erything you could to get help. You called, you asked for a manager, you appealed to corporate, and you followed up in writing. (By the way, you can find the names, numbers and email addresses of the Hilton executives on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org,) That’s exactly what consumers should do when they have a legitimate request for an exception to policy.
Washington State has a Consumer
Chuckles from page 2
face. At least I’m telling you in this text & I can’t live with myself a minute longer without you knowing about this. The truth is that when you’re not around I’ve been sharing your wife, day & night. In fact, probably much more than you. I haven’t been getting it at home recently & I know that that’s no excuse. The temptation was just too great. I can’t live with the guilt & hope you’ll accept my sincere apology & forgive me. Please suggest a fee for usage & I’ll pay you.
Regards, Richard
Fred’s Reaction:
Fred, feeling so angered and betrayed, grabbed his gun & shot Richard, killing him. He went back home & poured himself a stiff drink & sat down on the sofa. Fred then looked at his phone & discovered a second text message from Richard.
Second Text Message from Richard:
Protection Act that broadly prohibits “unfair or deceptive” practices. While it doesn’t specifically cover hotel cancellations, it does give consumers a legal avenue if a company refuses to act in good faith. On a federal level, there’s no blanket law requiring hotels to waive penalties for medical emergencies, but the Federal Trade Commission does monitor businesses for misleading practices. The “may incur charges” wording in Hilton’s own cancellation notice arguably left the door open for some discretion. When I contacted Hilton, it reviewed your case again. A representative said its front desk agent had correctly followed policy but confirmed that it overlooked your follow-up requests. Hilton refunded your $173.
Your case is a good reminder that policies are not always the final word. If you have a valid reason — backed up by documentation — and you politely persist, companies can often bend a rule. And when they don’t — well, you know how to find me.
Hi, Fred. Richard here again. Sorry about the typo on my last text. I expect you figured it out and noticed that the darned Auto-Correct had changed “Wi-Fi” to “wife.” Technology, huh? It’ll be the death of us all.
Regards, Richard
***
70% of people are stupid. Obviously, I’m in the other 40%.
***
I’ve been charged with murder for killing a man with sandpaper. To be honest I only intended to rough him up a bit.
***
Therapist: Your wife tells me you never buy her flowers. Is that true?
Husband: To be honest, I never knew she sold flowers.
Chuckles
Illustration by Dustin Elliott
Oodles from page 3
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
Chuckles from page 12
It’s the 4am to 5am period that seems to get to me.
I’m wide awake with dozens of ideas darting around in my mind, most of them good, one or two of them great. Before long, I have to get out of bed and come into the office and write them down before I forget them. Some are great stories, some are great gags, some are fact, some are fiction.
All need to be written down.
Which is why I’m up at 6am. Awoke at 5am, tried to get back to sleep, couldn’t. Finally, I persuaded these tired old bones to wander into my inner sanctum, fire up the old computer, and to commence scribbling.
I have outlined a few story ideas, organized a few tasks, and now am writing to you.
I reckon in an hour or so I’ll head back to my nice warm bed and cozy down for a snooze . . . but, for the moment, you have my individed attention.
Well, almost.
I stopped to read all my email and to check out Facebook, the Drudge Report, newsfromme.com, and Google News (my usual morning round of catching up with news of all types).
Now, then . . . where were we? Oh, yes. I was about to give you my undivided attention.
I’m pleased to report I’ve started a remarkable new diet that I have invented myself and intend on market-
ing nationwide as it is so successful in such a short period of time that millions of people are bound to buy the concept and, at only $20 to learn the concept, who wouldn’t?
The preliminary elements of the concept are relatively simple. I stopped drinking ALL sodas, diet, regular, all; I eliminated all breads from my diet. (I do admit to using soda crackers in some tomato bisque soup). I became very judicious as to what I put into my body and also began a tight portion control practice.
Result? I had weighed in at 235 lbs (which was the motivation for me to begin my diet. That’s waaay too heavy for a fine, manly speciment like myself.)
After just ONE DAY of dieting, I am down to 165 lbs! The same weight I was when I got out of the Army. I never looked so good or felt so good as back when I stopped being a soldier boy. Well . . . here I am today!
Just as good looking and feeling just as good as I did way back then.
And in only ONE DAY! Think of it! You, too, can lose 70 pounds in ONE DAY! Can’t you just imagine yourself 70 lbs lighter? Think of it! Bye-bye high blood pressure! Byebye diabetes! Bye-bye high cholesterol! Think of the strength and stamina you’ll have. In just ONE DAY!
Yes, the lyle e davis ONE DAY DIET can be yours for only a nice, crisp $20 bill. Send a nice, green $20 bill TODAY to lyle e davis and he will send you IMMEDIATELY all of the exciting details of his ONE DAY DIET!
The lyle e davis ONE DAY DIET (patent applied for) can be yours and you, too, can soon be almost as beautiful as me!
(Results may vary in some cases, depending upon individual body chemistries and circumstances beyond the control of lyle e davis, in which case, lyle e davis disclaims all responsibility and will keep the $20 bill. Void where prohibited by law. But I’m keeping the $20 bill anyway because . . . well, just because.)
Get your checks in the mail right away!
Make them out to lyle e davis. Hurry!
Me?
I’m gonna go back to bed. Night. Er . . Mornin’ . . .
Unusable from page 9
The Cure
The best hotel technology follows what industry experts call the invisibility principle: Guests shouldn’t notice they’re using it.
“The best technology in hotel rooms is often when the guest doesn’t realize they’re using it,” says David Orr, CEO of British boutique hotel chain Resident Hotels. His newest property, The Resident Edinburgh, uses energysaving systems that automatically adjust as guests enter or leave, paired with familiar touches like simple Nespresso machines. TVs and light switches are intuitive.
Nichlas Linderborg, chief customer officer at the hospitality software company Sirvoy, agrees: “The best technology in hotels is the kind guests barely notice, because it just works.”
The smartest hotels offer both high-tech convenience and analog backups. Touch panels with physical switches. Voice controls with manual overrides. Innovation with escape hatches.
How Hotels Can Get Smart
Hotel technology isn’t inherently bad. When it works, smart room controls can feel magical. Motion sensors that softly light pathways to the bathroom at night. Thermostats that learn preferences. Apps that unlock room doors.
But too often, hotels put profit over function. They disable the manual light switches and offer TV remotes via touchpads that freeze. They try to focus the guest’s attention on a tablet that’s always trying to upsell them to order room service but never quite manages to do the basics, like turn off the lights or lower the volume on their TV.
That’s too bad. The hospitality industry should use technology to actually improve the guest experience, not frustrate customers. It’s not too late to fix it.
***
Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can email him at chris@elliott.org.
fiCTiTious b usi NE ss 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 b usi NE ss 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 b usi NE ss 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 b usi NE ss 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 b usi NE ss 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 PER-
SONS: 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 b usi NE ss 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 b usi NE ss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2026-9005201
The name of the business: Creative Stone, located at 234 West Clemmence Apt 61, Fallbrook, CA 92028. Registrant, Ezequiel Hernandez Salgado, 234 West Clemmence Apt 61, Fallbrook, CA 92028. This business is operated by an Individual.
First day of business N/A /s/ Ezequiel 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 b usi NE ss 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 b usi NE ss 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 b usi NE ss 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 b usi NE ss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2026-9007874
The name of the business: Mira Terra Travel Photography & Ser-
LEGALS
vices, 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 b usi NE ss 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 b usi NE ss 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 b usi NE ss 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 b usi NE ss 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 b usi NE ss 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 2/19/2026
3/19, 3/26, 4/2, 4/9/2026
fiCTiTious b usi NE ss 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 b usi NE ss 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 b usi NE ss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2026-9007689
The name of the business: El Clamatazo, located at 4659 Calle Del Palo, Oceanside, CA 92057. Registrant, Jose Luis Bernal, 4659 Calle Del Palo, Oceanside, CA 92057. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business 7/26/2017 /s/ Jose Luis Bernal 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 b usi NE ss 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 b usi NE ss 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 b usi NE ss 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 b usi NE ss 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 b usi NE ss 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 b usi NE ss 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 Individual. 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 b usi NE ss 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
fiCTiTious b usi NE ss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2026-9008561
The name of the business: Thometz Construction Forensics, located at 3698 Camino De Las Lomas, Vista, CA 92084. Registrant, Thometz Project Management Inc., 3698 Camino De Las Lomas, Vista, CA 92084. This business is operated by a Corporation.
First day of business N/A /s/ Paul Thometz, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/17/2026
4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21/2026
fiCTiTious b usi NE ss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2026-9008972
The name of the business: Shadowridge Family Vision Center of Optometry, located at 741 Shadowridge Dr., Vista, CA 92083. Registrant, Molina Optometry
Corp., 741 Shadowridge Drive, Vista, CA 92083. This business is operated by a Corporation.
4/1/2026
First day of business
/s/ Albert Lopez, Treasurer with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/21/2026 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21/2026
fiCTiTious b usi NE ss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2026-9008562
The name of the business: Slvr Pynx, located at 7 Larry Ln., Escondido, CA 92025. Registrant, Tiara P. Gonzalez, 7 Larry Ln., Escondido, CA 92025. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business 6/17/2025 /s/ Tiara P. Gonzalez with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/17/2026 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21/2026
fiCTiTious b usi NE ss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2026-9008134
The name of the business: The Meadowlark Apartments, located at 233 W. San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, Providence II Meadowlark Apartments, LLC, 183 Calle Magdalena, Suite 100, Encinitas, CA 92024. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business 4/19/2021 /s/ Andrew C. Louback, Vice President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/13/2026 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21/2026
fiCTiTious b usi NE ss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2026-9007955
The name of the business: Bravik, located at 5640 Shasta Daisy Trl, San Diego, CA 92130. Registrant, Robert Joel & Co LLC, 5640 Shasta Daisy Trl, San Diego, CA 92130. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business N/A /s/ Robert Shapiro, Member with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/9/2026
4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21/2026
fiCTiTious b usi NE ss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2026-9009425
The name of the business: Above Parity, Above Parity Advisors Inc., located at 516 Peach Way, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, Above Parity Advisors Inc., 516 Peach Way, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business 4/27/2026 /s/ Christina Ellis, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/27/2026
