December 11, 2025

December 11, 2025

Volume 55 - No. 50

MODERN DAY MIRACLES & THE POWER OF LOVE

THAT BAFFLED SCIENTISTS! Mary Martin

By Friedrich Gomez THE MIRACLE THAT REMAINS UNEXPLAINED. Glenn was only seven years olde when he almost died. His 13-yearolde brother, Floyd, did.

It was a freak accident, yet an unforgiving one. The year was 1916.

What happened was avoidable. The two brothers had arrived early to school as they were expected to.

Glenn Cunningham Their chore was to start a warm fire before the arrival of their teacher and classmates. They would soak the firewood with kerosene as they always did, then light the pot-bellied stove.

However, this day was different.

Tragically different.

Unknown to both brothers, the kerosene container was accidentally filled with combustible gasoline.

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The concussion of the explosion was so fierce that it blew both boys to the ground, setting them on fire at the same time!

Through the shock and unspeakable horror, older brother, Floyd, died at the hospital, and the doctors gave Glenn the same eventual prognosis.

The entire lower portion of his body was burned, the flesh on his knees and shins were completely gone, as well as all the toes of his left foot!

His parents were devastated. The doctors recommended amputating both legs.

Glenn’s mother refused.

Not expected to survive, he somehow did.

The young boy’s entire lower-half of his body was dead; his limp legs were lifeless appendages that hung, void of any movement. He may have lived, but the doctors guaran-

Miracle

See Page 2

The Paper • Page 2 • December 11, 2025

Miracle from page 1

self upward, till he leaned entirely on the fence! The illusion of standing on his own, was intoxicating!

teed he would never, ever walk.

Every day since, 9-year-olde Glenn practiced leaning on the kitchen table, developing his coordination and endurance. Glenn’s father and mother were astonished at their young child’s fortitude.

How could he?

His legs were shriveled, and lifeless; the legs of a pollywog seemed more robust.

Confined to a wheelchair, and carried to his bed, young Glenn reached the point of no return.

Then, one day it happened. It had to happen. His mother was the first to see it. The recorded date was early summer, 1919. From the farm house kitchen window, Glenn’s mom gasped at what she saw. An accident, she first thought. Then, reality set in. In total shock, she saw her little Glenn, face-down on the grass, out of the wheelchair which had imprisoned him. That little boy, so young in years, grabbed the grass with his two tiny, extended hands and, inch-by-inch, pulled himself on his stomach, across the entire length of the lawn, dragging his useless legs behind him.

Running outside her Kansas farm house, she suddenly stopped, and watched her son with astonishment. Slowly, little Glenn reached the picket fence and with his hands and arms, somehow, pulled him-

At age 10, Glenn had learned to stand by himself, walk with some assistance, and then walk slowly by himself, teetering a bit, along the way!

Eventually, he learned to run a bit, if you wish to call it that. Some said it more resembled hopping fast, rather than really running.

The local newspaper in his hometown of Elkhart, Kansas, reported that people from all around would come visit just to witness little Glenn running the way he did!

“It hurt like thunder to walk, but it didn’t hurt at all when I ran!” he once remarked.

And so the little Kansas farm boy ran everywhere! He ran around the farm, he ran to school, to the market place, all around his rural community, well, let’s just say he ran for just the pure joy of running.

bers. And that about says it all.

MIRACLE IN HIGH SCHOOL GAINS NATIONAL ATTENTION FROM BOY WHO SHOULD HAVE HAD LEGS AMPUTATED! Years had passed and the enormity of the story grew. His story first caught national headlines when Glenn was a senior at Elkhart High School, in Kansas. You see, by then, that farm boy, Glenn Cunningham, went and done the improbable by winning the mile track titles in the Kansas Relays, which took place at the state outdoor National Interscholastic Meet, whereupon he set a new world’s prep record of 4:24.7 for the mile run!

The long-and-the-short of it is: That boy, Glenn, was still running and setting new world track records, while the doctors -- who once wanted to amputate both his legs and had given him up for dead – were now reading about him in the newspapers and seeing him on the television news!

SET NATIONAL & WORLD TRACK RECORDS ON LEGS MEDICAL SPECIALISTS ONCE WANTED AMPUTATED!

“I didn’t move 10 feet without breaking into a run,” he remem-

Adding insult to injury, the medical experts were reading of his running exploits – demolishing na-

you go (but none of that damn rap!)

Just head out over that field yonder, then turn left and go through the woods. In almost no time you’ll be at Granny’s House, a roadside pub with lots of warm and willing dancing girls, plenty of grog, lots of music (but none of that damned heavy metal, rap, or hip hop). You can have a grand old time singing slaying songs, or, if you prefer, sleighing songs. By the time you finish you’ll arrive back home, with spirits high, and dream of sugar plum fairies all night long.

container of good clean soil.

At the conclusion of the sermon, the Minister reported the following results: The first worm in alcohol . .

Dead.

The second worm in cigarette smoke . . . Dead.

Third worm in chocolate syrup . . . . Dead.

Fourth worm in good clean soil . . .Alive.

So the Minister asked the congregation, “What did you learn from this demonstration?”

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

There! Now, don’t you feel just peachy keen?

Maxine was sitting in the back quickly raised her hand and said . . . “As long as you drink, smoke and eat chocolate, you won’t have worms!”

If you are caught on a golf course during a thunderstorm and are afraid of lightning, hold up a oneiron. Even God can’t hit a oneiron.

Four worms and a lesson to be learned!

Give Us This Day Our Daily Chuckle

*** If you would like to brighten your spirits, it’s easy.

Just go dashing through the snow.

It would be nice if you had a one horse open sleigh, but it’s not totally necessary. You might try singing as

You’re welcome, Sandy Klaus. ***

A minister decided that a visual demonstration would add emphasis to his Sunday sermon.

Four worms were placed into four separate jars.

The first worm was put into a container of alcohol.

The second worm was put into a container of cigarette smoke.

The third worm was put into a container of chocolate syrup.

The fourth worm was put into a

That pretty much ended the service! ***

tional and world track records -- all on those “useless” legs of his!

Glenn Cunningham now stood taller than ever before and had earned three nicknames from the press: “The Kansas Flyer,” the “Elkhart Express,” and foremost, “The Iron Horse of Kansas.”

He was now wildly famous!

IN ALL OF WORLD HISTORY: NO ONE HAD EVER SEEN SUCH A TRUE “MIRACLE” IN SPORTS AS THIS ONE! The world had never seen anything like him, before or since. His only point of reference was himself! He was a living miracle that nobody to this day – can possibly explain.

He dominated the mile in the 1930s. So much so, that he won the Sullivan Award in 1933 as the nation’s top amateur athlete!

ANOTHER MIRACLE: THE BOY WHO DOCTORS SAID SHOULD HAVE DIED, COMPETED IN 1932 SUMMER OLYMPICS! He realized a boyhood dream when he competed in the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Miracle continued on page 3 tice a chimpanzee sitting on a rock with an open book in either hand, looking first at one and then at the other. Upon closer examination, he identifies the books: the Bible, and Darwin’s “Origin of Species”.

Curious, he asks the chimp, “What’s with the books?”

The chimp replies, “I’m trying to decide whether I’m my brother’s keeper, or my keeper’s brother.” *** There was a great loss recently.

Larry LaPrise, who wrote the song “Hokey Pokey,” died at age 83.

It was extremely difficult for the family to keep him in the casket.

They’d put his left leg in and... well, you know the rest. ***

A local preacher stopped by the other day and told me I should be thinking about the hereafter.

A old man stops by a cafe for breakfast. After paying the tab, he checks his pockets and leaves three pennies for a tip.

“Oh, I do that every day,” I said.

“I’ll wind up in the kitchen and wonder, ‘what am I hereafter?’ ***

As he strides toward the door, his waitress muses, only half to herself, “You know, you can tell a lot

Passing by the primate area one day, a zoo attendant happens to no-

Chuckles continued on page 13

The Paper • Page 3 • December 11, 2025

Miracle from page 2 His leg problems from his crippled years as a youth still acted up, on occasion, so he finished a respectable 4th place, nearly missing a bronze medal against the world’s greatest and fastest competition!

Unbelievable!

1936 SUMMER OLYMPICS IN BERLIN, GERMANY. He tried again at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany.

Because of lingering circulation problems in his legs (effects from the schoolhouse fire in 1916), Cunningham did an intense and lengthy regimen of warming-up exercises that included various types of stretching.

It was an improvement – this time he took 2nd place, winning a silver medal for the United States!

Against world-class runners who were at their peak physical condition, Glenn Cunningham (who was NOT at his peak condition when his leg ‘acted up’ again was – well, nothing short of accomplishing the impossible! He beat every single runner except one, who finished in first and Glenn right behind him for second place – taking the Silver Medal for the United States!

On those frail legs, “The Iron Horse of Kansas,” continued to stun the world of sports.

SET ANOTHER NEW WORLD RECORD FOR THE MILE! In February of 1934, he set a new world mark for the mile when he ran it in 4:06.8, which stood, unmolested, for three years (until 1937).

SET NEW WORLD RECORD FOR THE 800 METERS! In 1936 he set a new world’s record in the 800 meters!

And in 1938, he ran the world’s fastest indoor mile in 4:04.4.

Just think, that was the fastest any human being had ever travelled, on foot, up to that time!

FOREIGN COUNTRIES WERE CALLING HIM “THE WONDER BOY.” World athletes from around the planet could scarcely believe that such a person actually existed in flesh and bone! Every foreign television news and newspaper carried his exploits, world-breaking runs, and still . . . they rubbed their eyes and shook their heads in disbelief!

Even the Europeans runners were

eager to see this “Wonder Boy” who seemed to defy the laws of gravity and the science of medicine: he should have died, let alone not become one of history’s fastest runners on two legs!

Scientists and medical specialists and researchers as well as the sports world all now believed in miracles, but in Glenn’s case . . . “miracle” was not sufficient . . . a new word needed to be created to fit what was simply impossible – by all medical and scientific criteria!

The visiting European athletes had already seen him compete on three journeys abroad, but now they demanded still another glimpse of this miracle farm boy from rural America, now considered the world’s greatest miler!

IN 1933 HE WAS UNDEFEATED: 20 STRAIGHT RACES & 20 STRAIGHT WINS -- ALL ON LEGS WHICH SOMETIMES “ACTED UP!” He was also considered one of the world’s top middle-distance runners by top sports writers on both sides of the Atlantic! Members of the cognoscenti not easily impressed!

In 1933 he was perfect – sweeping the 800 and 1500 meter runs at the AAU nationals, touring Europe, and completing his entire season of 20 consecutive races, all undefeated!

That he had that homespun, midAmerican charm never hurt a bit, either. He was genuinely likable.

He had the complete package: he was fast, world-renowned, and the best example of what America had to offer.

His popularity seemed to have no bounds.

In 1936, while on the ship sailing for the Berlin Summer Olympics, he was voted “The Most Popular Athlete” by his fellow Olympians.

No easy accomplishment among fiercely competitive, Olympicsized egos!

Glenn’s parents, Henry and Rosa Cunningham, had reared him proper. Glenn never let grass grow under his feet. All the time he was getting ink from the world’s press for his running exploits, he was also busy earning an education.

That boy was something else.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Kansas, in 1933. Then his Masters degree from the University of Iowa, class of 1936.

Miracle continued on page 4

Oodles!

Looking for things to do? Places to go?

Check out Oodles every week for listing of civic and service club meetings, and more!

Have an event you need publicized?

Email it to: Lisa.ThePaper@gmail.com The Paper goes to print on Tuesday morning.

You are more likely to get published if you: • Submit your press release by the previous Friday.

• Keep It Simple: who, what, where, when, why.

• Send us something we can copy/paste. Please no brochures or flyers. Send a press release.

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

Free Parkinson’s Holiday Party December 13th • 1 to 3pm The Tremble Clefs, a Parkinson’s Voice Therapy and Singing Group, will host a free Holiday Party on Saturday, December 13th from 1-to-3 pm in Rancho Bernardo at San Rafael Church, 17252 Bernardo Center Drive, in the Parish Hall.

Doors open at 12:30 pm. The party will feature complimentary desserts from around the world, live auction, silent auction, talent show, raffles, and holiday sing-a-long.

Attendance is free, but you must register to attend at bit.ly/TCHoliday25.

Registration is also available at trembleclefs.com. Call 760-4200121 for more information. *** The Senior Service Council of Escondido (SSCE) is Looking for Volunteers As a TECH TUTOR you’ll help seniors with technology, including computers, laptops and smartphones. Volunteers hold one-hour sessions at the SSCE computer lab on a flexible schedule. If you are proficient in these technologies and would like to make a difference for a senior, please contact us.

As a TAX PREPARER between Feb and April - hours flexible. Are you good with numbers? SSCE provides the tax training you’ll need to help prepare tax returns for low income seniors.

As a RECEPTIONIST who can work 3 hours per week answering phones, scheduling appointments and helping seniors. Since 1972, the council has provided various services, support groups, and care counseling for seniors in the community.

Call 760-480-0611, email to info@ sscescondido.org or visit escondido-senior-services.org.

*** Senior Service Council of Escondido offering Free Income Tax Preparation The SSCE is offering FREE INCOME TAX PREPARATION for Seniors. Get your simple 1040 and 540 tax returns prepared and filed

by IRS trained volunteers. 728 North Broadway, Escondido, CA open 9-3 M-F starting Feb 1 thru April 15. Make an appointment by calling 760-480-0611 or go online to https://www.supersaas.com/ schedule/SSCE_tax_prep/SSCE_ tax_appt *** The Good LIFE at MiraCosta College Oceanside Campus A Lifelong Learning Group 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. NOTE: December 5th meetings in Media Building, Room OC 28121, 12-4 pm.

Dec 12 1:00 Stories That Connect Rev. Catherine Bonin, M.A.C.S. Discover the transformational power of storytelling. Listen to inspiring stories and learn practical techniques to find, remember, write and tell meaningful stories that create connection.

Dec 12 2:30 “The Last LIFE Before Christmas and the Missing Speaker” Presented by LIFE Members “A Christmas Radio Play in Three Acts” performed by LIFE members and some surprise guests. What happens when a speaker goes missing??

Stay Tuned!

To join a Zoom meeting, LIFE must have your email address in order for Oodles continued on page 14

The Paper • Page 4 • December 11, 2025

Miracle from page 3

DR. GLENN CUNNINGHAM. And the frosting on the cake: he earned his coveted Ph. D (doctoral) degree from New York City University. His fields of study were – as can be expected -- in biology, health, and physical education.

The year he became Dr. Glenn Cunningham, was 1940. His last season of competition was also in 1940.

GLENN & HIS WIFE CREATED A RANCH & TOOK IN UNDERPRIVILED CHILDREN. Dr. Glenn Cunningham taught physical fitness education classes at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, from 1940 to 1944.

After serving in the Navy during World War II, the great athlete and his wife, Ruth, settled down on an 840-acre ranch northeast of Burns, Kansas. They took in underprivileged children. Glenn never forgot about his youth and the poverty that came with it. His dad was a water-well driller and work was often scarce, so the family moved a lot, scratching out an existence.

Being poor was a painful memory, and Glenn remembers how his parents struggled hard to keep them all fed. It hurt being poor. Glenn remembered the nights there was hardly food on the table to keep them all fed, and how his baby brother, Raymond, and older sibling, Floyd, would sometimes head for bed, stomach growling from hunger.

Sleep was the only thing that took the hunger away, until they woke the next morning.

“GLENN CUNNINGHAM YOUTH RANCH” ANOTHER DREAM COME TRUE! Glenn never forgot those hunger pains as a child; hunger pains which also affected his siblings as well as his own mother and father.

One night, he made a promise to himself.

Glenn swore to himself that he would never let that happen to any other child in their growing-upyears.

Surcharges I stopped being a customer of Joor Muffler today.

I have been a client of theirs for almost 30 years. They have top mechanics, are courteous, perform their job just fine . . . and on time.

So why would I stop doing business with a company like this?

Surcharges.

I just spent $1005.30 on a complete brake job, replacing a valve cover gasket and an oil change. Of the

But it still wasn’t enough for the mighty miracle athlete who had already changed the world of sports.

Glenn quickly engaged in a foot race of a different kind, this time he raced to quickly establish a second Youth Ranch for the poor, abused, often abandoned children, this time in Menifee, Arkansas.

The memories of his own youth still haunted him: his dirt-poor beginnings, the evenings his Mama and Daddy wept because they struggled to put food on the table.

He learned from it.

The Life and Times of Glenn Cunningham.” It is a true account of human endeavor so unbelievable that his book could easily, by mistake, be placed in the fiction section of a library.

who happened to grow up in a city - and I never really knew what the Fast Lane of Life was.

We’ll post a weekly notice of those firms that charge surcharges and you can decide if you wish to continue doing business with them . . . or if you want to boycott those businesses who seek to impose this unfair charge. *** Life in the Fast Lane I’m just a plain ol’ country boy

It was a most exhilarating foot race Glenn Cunningham ran throughout his lifetime. It was a most unlikely journey that took him from his little dirt-poor farm, to the grandest stadiums in the world. Where record crowds turned out at Olympic Stadiums to welcome him, to just get a glimpse of him, and give him thunderous ovations -- as if welcoming a king or emperor!

But all foot races have to have a finish line, and all have to come to an end.

$1005.30 a total of $30.16 I had to pay as a surcharge because I paid by credit card. They point out they do not charge a surcharge for debit cards, or for gift cards, or cash or check. This, to me, is discriminatory.

If you have any business you deal with that charges a surcharge, we’d like to know about it.

Finally, on 10 March 1988, the world’s newspapers had very solemn news to report: “Glenn Verniss Cunningham, Whom Many Considered the Greatest American Miler of All-Time, Is Now Dead at Age 78.”

Who could have imagined that such a magical life awaited him?

As happens in all of life, he was getting olde, and time was now nipping at his heels. Even the world’s fastest and smartest runners cannot

We will miss the folks at Joor Muffler. They are fine, talented people.

But we totally oppose any imposition of surcharges to cover payment by credit card.

outrun olde age.

He invested wisely, and he obtained a formal education that saw him become a university professor. For the best of reasons, Glenn was always in a foot race, chasing down one dream after another.

So he chased after another dream, this time establishing the “Glenn Cunningham Youth Ranch,” from which he helped over 10,000 poor

Credit card fees are a cost of doing business. We, The Paper, are paid by credit card by 95% of our clients. We do not include a surcharge. It’s a cost we absorb as a “cost of doing business.”

Man About Town

and orphaned kids over a span of 30 years!

A number of years ago I was managing KOWN Radio in Escondido, CA., and one of the owners and his wife invited me to their home in Encino, CA., a very upscale suburb of LA. They were, of course, quite wealthy.

While there, we met at their kitchen breakfast nook and snacked.

They had this delicious dish of Philadelphia Cream Cheese, covered with caviar.

I was starving and munched away and munched away ... at the Cream Cheese . . . and caviar.

It was only recently that I discovered that caviar sells for around $150 an ounce! I must have eaten two ounces myself! Delicious! But very, very expensive. Not sure I endeared myself to my hosts.

A while back I described my entry into radio broadcasting, a profession I followed for 25 years in both talent, sales, management, and ownership.

Glenn Verniss Cunningham speaks of his life’s journey in his autobiography, “American Miler:

Miracle continued on page 5

You’ll recall I had just gotten out of the Army where I had served as Entertainment Director for Brooke Army Hospital. While I was glad to be a civilian again (had I been an officer I think I might have stayed in the Army, I enjoyed it that much) I sought to get a job in entertainment. I applied at KBON Radio in Omaha. After my audition they called me the same day at 4pm and said I was hired, come in for work at midnight. I was to take over the “Milkman’s Matinee” from midnight to 6am, playing records.

Their need for me was because their star personality, Fritz of Omaha, (no last name, just Fritz) was involved in a promotion supporting a fund raising effort for polio.

Fritz would live for several weeks in a small house mounted atop a telephone pole placed in front of Omaha’s downtown city hall. At the base of the pole was a pay telephone. People would put quarters in to talk to Fritz. All monies raised went to fight polio.

Now the story behind the story: Fritz had been a bartender at one Man About Town continued on page 12

The Paper • Page 5 • December 11, 2025

Miracle from page 4 Seven times, he set world indoor records for the 1500 meters and the mile!

And he didn’t just shave world records by the fractions -- he demolished them!

In 1938, competing at Dartmouth College, he exploded the world indoor world record for the mile by a full two seconds! And when his legs didn’t act up, he seemed to fly rather than run.

When he met Princeton University’s incredible star record-holder, Bill Bonthron on 16 June 1934, the “Iron Horse of Kansas” won by (forty yards) and set a new world mark of 4:06.7.

From some camera angles it looks as though Glenn Cunningham is all alone at the finish line!

Now onto our second miraculous story on the mysterious power of love.

MIRACLE HIDDEN IN BROADWAY PLAY – THE MYSTERIOUS “POWER OF LOVE.” On the evening of 16 November 1959, the world premiere of the

Broadway musical, The Sound of Music, made its debut. It is well known that The Sound of Music became one of the most beloved and popular musicals to ever hit the Great White Way, amassing 1,443 total performances and capturing the hearts of theater-goers and critics, alike. What is not well known, are the hidden secrets which took place backstage, behind the footlights, and unknown to the world-at-large.

Unlike the musical production itself, the mysterious unraveling of events hidden behind the curtain were the stuff of real human drama and not the world of make-believe or re-enactment found in exaggerated showbiz scripts.

What actually occurred backstage, behind the heavily-draped curtains and multi-coloured floodlights, stunned many theatrical ‘insiders’ – even seasoned veterans of the stage and screen -- who witnessed it, first-hand.

It involved The Sound of Music’s principal star, famed actress, Mary Martin (1913-1990), who portrayed the real-life story of Maria von Trapp, matriarch of the famous von Trapp Family Singers.

Martin personified The Sound of Music story to such perfection that her nightly performances dazzled her audience of adoring fans and

mesmerized world critics who succumbed to her feet in adoration and glorious reviews.

Long, sustained standing ovations and loud repeated choruses of “BRAVO!!” would shake the theatre’s proscenium and foundation – the vibrations travelling all the way to the rafters!

It is no secret that Mary Martin became the favourite of Richard Rodgers, who wrote the music, as well as Oscar Hammerstein II, who wrote those immortal lyrics.

Mary Martin was their unabashed favourite to personify their life’s productions, not only in Sound of Music, but she was also Rodgers and Hammerstein’s personal pride-and-joy, especially when Martin won the highest accolade possible for any Broadway musical play, the Tony Award, for Best Actress for their South Pacific musical in 1949.

Mary Martin’s performance so mesmerized critics and audiences, alike, that she received countless standing ovations with every final curtain call.

But then, something very mysterious crept in, like a dark shadow from the stage wings.

It wasn’t noticeable at first, but,

ever so slowly, something took hold of Mary Martin. Ironically, even she, herself, was unaware of this horrible encroachment. Yet, something wicked seized her in the night. Somehow, some way, the onslaught of time seemed to dull her performances and they became routine and no longer magical to see.

Something, within her.

inexplicably,

died

Critics turned on her, and audiences ceased in their adoration. At the historic Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in New York where she performed nightly in The Sound of Music, all standing ovations had ceased.

The diminutive 5’ 4” actress who hailed from Weatherford, Texas, was deeply distraught, confused, and unable to answer to her own demons as to why her glorious stage performances had suddenly turned to ashes.

For the very first time in her celebrated life, she was at a total loss for words-of-explanation.

Not knowing at the time what had happened to herself, Mary Martin Miracle continued on page 7

The Paper • Page 6 • December 11, 2025

5th District Supervisor • Jim Desmond

It’s Time to Make Selling a Home Affordable Again or $500,000 if married. Those numbers haven’t changed since 1997 — when the median U.S. home cost about $145,000. Fast forward to today, where the median home in San Diego County is over $900,000, a family needs roughly $180,000 a year just to qualify for a mortgage, and the average first-time homebuyer is now 40 years old. While home prices have skyrocketed, the tax exclusion has stayed frozen in time.

thousands of dollars in federal taxes. Most families cannot absorb that kind of loss, and they shouldn’t have to. A policy written almost 30 years ago should not be dictating whether a senior can retire, whether a family can move, or whether a young person can ever hope to buy their first home.

That’s why I’m proposing a simple fix: modernize the federal capital gains exclusion so it reflects today’s reality. In ConThis mismatch creates a mas- gress, there are already efforts sive and often invisible barrier. to double the exclusion, index it Seniors who want to downsize to inflation, or eliminate the tax can’t afford the tax hit. Families entirely for primary residences. who might otherwise move into Any of these approaches would a home that fits their needs feel free up homes, increase supply, trapped. Young couples trying to and finally give buyers a fair get their first foot in the market chance. never see homes come up for sale because the people who would This isn’t partisan. It’s fairness, normally sell simply can’t jus- opportunity, and common sense. tify the tax burden. What we’re San Diego families deserve a left with is a locked-up housing housing market that works — not market where everyone loses — one frozen by outdated federal fewer listings, higher prices, and rules. It’s time to make selling a dwindling opportunities. home affordable again.

It may sound strange at first, but if we want to make buying a home affordable, we must make selling a home affordable too. San Diego’s housing crisis has been decades in the making.

Prices have soared far beyond inflation, permitting takes years, lawsuits stop projects before they start, and an entire generation has been pushed out of the American Dream. But one of the biggest contributors to our frozen housing market is something few people ever talk about: federal capital gains taxes on home Some blame older generations for staying in place, but that’s sales. not the real story. The truth is that Today, a homeowner can exclude selling a home today can mean up to $250,000 in gains if single paying tens or even hundreds of

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

Vista Mayor • John Franklin 11 Year-old Killed and Sanctuary Policy Directly to Blame Sanctuary policies protect criminals like Hector Balderas-Aheelor, the illegal immigrant who ran over little Aiden while he was retrieving his soccer ball and then fled the scene. These policies weaken the essential cooperation that must exist among federal, state, and local law enforcement.

The Department of Homeland Security issued a detainer but warned:

An 11-year-old Escondido boy is dead, killed by an illegal immigrant who had previously been deported four times.

This tragedy was preventable. It happened because radical politicians continue to defend policies that shield criminal illegal aliens instead of removing them from our communities.

That’s why I am leading the fight against Sanctuary policies, because they are dangerous.

of respect for our law enforcement again.

Let me be clear: the overwhelming majority of Americans — including legal immigrants and working families — want dangerous criminals removed, not protected. My position is the mainstream position.

Theirs is the radical fringe.

I will not back down. I will continue to expose politicians who “Unfortunately, because California put ideology ahead of your famis a sanctuary state, ICE anticipates ily’s safety. Our state, county, and the detainer will not be honored.” cities must cooperate with federal authorities to remove dangerous ofThis is the direct result of the radi- fenders — not obstruct them. Sanccal left’s agenda. Gavin Newsom, tuary policies do the opposite: they Terra Lawson-Remer, and the en- handcuff police, invite lawlessness, tire Sanctuary policy cabal should and place politics above people. be ashamed. They must answer for the lawlessness their policies pro- Please join me in praying for Aidmote. Rather than supporting of- en Antonio Torres De Paz and his ficers who risk their lives to keep family during this heartbreaking us safe, they treat public safety of- time. May God bless his soul and ficials with hostility, cynicism, and comfort those who loved him. suspicion.

Vista Mayor John Franklin I will fight for the normalization www.johnfranklin.org

Letters to the Editor Mr. Davis, Awesome story on some of the greatest musical talents we are fortunate to have.

Too bad Kris Kris`s family disowned him because he pursued his musical career. He should have made a song about it.

God bless America, Israel, and you! Angelo *** Mr. Lyle Davis, publisher of The Paper. I am so very sorry to hear about your late father and how his final funeral wishes were shamefully disregarded by the Masonic Lodge in Fort Myers Florida. The incident has preyed on the minds of many readers and last Sunday our pastor brought up the incident in his sermon. You were wrongfully treated Mr. Davis. Your sacred trust was horribly violated! You said your dad was a Mason so you contacted the Masonic Lodge and clearly stated your position, which was that you were willing to give them permission to conduct the funeral services -- but only if it were not a religious service, as quoted in your column: “Provided is was not a religious ceremony. Dad was not a Christian, nor am I.” Mr. Davis, your deeds and your endeavors in life are far more “Christian” than many self-acclaimed Christians today. Jesus quotes Isaiah in Matthew 15:7-9 and Mark 7:6-8 by highlighting how some people honor God outwardly while their hearts are distant, teaching human rules as doctrine. In Matthew 23 Jesus criticized even religious leaders, calling them hypocrites and condemning their focus on external piety over essential qualities like justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

Mr. Davis, you say you are not a Christian and yet you are far more “Christ-like” than many Christian hypocrites today. Jesus said: “You judge a tree by the fruit it bears.”

(Matthew 7:15-20). So proud of you Mr. Davis. You are greatly loved by many!

Jennifer Townsend, North San Diego County

The Paper • Page 7 • December 11, 2025

Miracle from page 5 took time to visit her dear friend, the noted lyricist, Oscar Hammerstein II, who lay dying of cancer in the hospital. It was Hammerstein who wrote the very lyrics to The Sound of Music, of which Mary Martin sang nightly. Comforting the great Hammerstein, he noted her sadness and asked what was wrong.

Martin explained. Reduced to helplessness and collapsing in tears by his bedside, she asked the great one: “What has happened to me?

What has gone wrong?”

Hammerstein, it is recorded, smiled serenely then said these words to Mary Martin: “Mary, love in your heart isn’t put there to stay.

Love isn’t love – until you give it away.”

The following night, Mary Martin went through her paces on stage, but this time, the ending was far, far different. When she had finished, there was not a dry eye in the house; the audience then suddenly stood as one, and commenced to give one of the longest, thunderous standing ovations on record! The newspaper critics all stood erect, as well -- stunned and spellbound!

The vibrations and deafening sounds of the audience spilled out-

side the theatre on 205 West 40th Street, causing momentary pause from passers-by on New York streets, blocks away!

Rushing to the theatre wings, Mary nearly collapsed, so overwhelmed in sheer joy and excitement! Stagehands, still hearing the deafening ovation from the audience, rushed to Mary Martin’s side congratulating her with excitement!

Then, they asked the great question: “Mary, what happened out there, on stage, tonight?!”

Martin suddenly turned silent, then, with tears rolling down her face, looked at the quizzical faces about her and answered: “Tonight . . . I gave my love away!”

Oscar Hammerstein II, died shortly after. But not before he heard of Mary’s recaptured love and triumph! And not before Mary Martin, his favourite actress, won the Tony Award for her performance in Sound of Music, on 24 April 1960. But four months later, Oscar Hammerstein II, America’s most influential lyricist, died.

How truly remarkable was Mary Martin’s stage transformation back then?

Esteemed and influential Broadway critic, Richard Watts, Jr., of The New York Post was a most

seasoned critic reputed to be strict and never given to exaggeration.

The powerful critic studied Mary Martin’s performance that historic evening and he printed these very words in his newspaper column: “Nothing I have ever seen her do prepared me for the loveliness, humour, gift for joyous characterization and sheer ‘lovableness’ of her performance!”

Even though Mary Martin achieved greater fame in her subsequent role as Peter Pan, there was never anything like that night, back in 1960, as Maria von Trapp. There may never be a more magical moment such as that, again. Remarkably, as life often has it, the world never knew of that historic behind-thescenes drama which changed her life forever.

not love ‘till you give it away.”

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR VAST READERSHIP: Special thanks to our loyal readership (which extends from San Diego County to Hollywood and well beyond California) to subscribers in such distant points as Arizona, Idaho, Kentucky, Texas, Virginia, and all the way to the East Coast, as in Florida – to give just a short sampling (I know because I handle & mail out all subscriptions). And to my rabid fans in Europe who follow me online (viz. U.K, Germany, and Austria), I send all my love!

From that time onward, until her death on 3 November 1990 at the age of 76, Mary Martin always carried with her the words which transformed her life back then, behind the stage curtains. Stitched on her pillow – which she took everywhere in her travels -- were the very words given to her by her mentor, Oscar Hammerstein II, as he counseled her on his death bed.

The words on her pillow, in their entirety, read: “A bell is not a bell till you ring it. A song is not a song till you sing it. And love in your heart isn’t put there to stay. Love is

Friedrich Gomez

Avis charged me $450 for a “heavy smoke smell” in my car -- but I don’t smoke! ful renter, and it looks like you were being charged for something you didn’t do. There were also the time and mileage discrepancies, which were problematic.

by Christopher Elliott Randall Lee returns a rental car to Avis after a 7-hour rental during which he only drove 57 miles -only to receive a $450 cleaning fee a week later for a “heavy smoke smell.” But hang on. Neither Lee nor his wife smoke. Can he get a refund?

Q: I rented a car from Avis for a quick 7-hour trip between California airports. I returned the vehicle clean, with no odors or damage.

A week later, I received a $450 cleaning fee for a “heavy smoke smell” -- even though neither I nor my wife smoke.

The company’s “proof” included photos of dust and a form dated three days after my return, with a mileage reading one mile higher than at drop-off.

I fought the charge, sent timestamped security footage of the car sitting unused in my driveway, and escalated to the executives, but Avis still charged my card. How can a company bill me for damage that didn’t happen? And how do I make this right? ~ Randall Lee, Los Gatos, Ca

I see you also appealed this case to an Avis executive (I list the names, numbers and email addresses of the Avis executives on my consumer advocacy site, elliott.org). A manager should have reviewed your case and fixed it.

Illustration by Dustin Elliott A: Avis should have inspected the vehicle immediately upon return and notified you of any issues right away.

Anything could have happened in the three days between dropping off the car and inspection. Although California’s Civil Code Section 1936 doesn’t require rental companies to provide detailed invoices for postreturn charges, it strictly regulates how charges must be calculated, disclosed, and justified. If you dispute a charge, the burden is on the rental company to prove its validity through itemized documentation.

You did almost everything right: You kept records, challenged the dis-

crepancy, and contacted executives.

For future rentals, take “before” and “after” photos of your car, including photos of the interior, odometer, fuel gauge, license plate, and VIN placard. Paper trails are critical, and yours made this case winnable.

Of course, there’s no way to document a strong smoke smell with an image. And there’s no way to quickly and objectively verify that you didn’t smoke in the car or that one of your passengers didn’t smoke.

But in my experience resolving hundreds of rental car smoke cases, smokers are usually pretty honest about their habits. You were a care-

My advice? Document every scratch, smell, and mile on your rental car.

If you catch even a whiff of impropriety, say something immediately.

Don’t wait for the car rental company to write it up, because at a time when car rental companies are monetizing everything, it probably will.

I thought Avis should take another look at this claim, given the inconsistencies in its files and the fact that you don’t smoke. Avis agreed to reopen your case, and it refunded the $450 it had charged for your car.

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

The Paper • Page 8 • December 11, 2025

“Extreme” Travel Inconveniences and How to Avoid Them

by Christopher Elliott I’m still wondering how I ended up in seat 18E -- a middle seat -- on a Hong Kong Express flight from Phuket, Thailand, to Hong Kong.

But it was an extreme inconvenience.

I was wedged in with just 28 inches of pitch between seats, which is about two inches less than normal.

The plane smelled like mildew and body odor, and the seats looked threadbare. I thought of moving to one of the empty exit row seats, which offered a little more legroom, but a flight attendant sternly warned me that there would be an extra charge.

I was stuck.

This holiday travel season, the extreme inconveniences have never been worse, according to many travelers who have contacted me for help. Experts say there’s a reason behind it: Pain is a great motivator for travelers.

“Far too many travel companies today have shifted to upselling customers for more conveniences and more junk fees,” notes Bill McGee, a senior fellow for aviation and travel at the American Economic Liberties Project. “This includes not only airlines, but also hotels, resorts, car rental firms, theme parks, and even cruises.”

McGee says inconveniences are baked into the travel experience.

The solution offered by travel companies is for travelers to pay more.

“Are your airline seats so cramped that you’re vulnerable to blood clotting disorders, let alone hampered during an emergency evacuation?” he asks. “Produce your credit card!”

That’s the message I got, loud and clear. Pay for an exit row seat. Or better yet, buy a ticket on a legacy carrier like Thai Airways or Cathay Pacific, which would have cost double. What a choice!

But experts say you do have a choice. Even when travel plans go awry, staying informed and proactive can turn setbacks into a manageable problem.

What kind of extreme travel inconveniences are travelers facing?

It’s a long list, but here are a few highlights: A Sudden Flight Cancellation It happens a lot during the holidays, sometimes with little warning. “Suddenly, you’re stuck at the

Illustration by Dustin Elliott airport while your family gathering goes on without you,” says Anton Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor.

But few people realize that if the airline is at fault, you may be entitled to more than just a rebooking.

“Most travelers don’t realize they can reject a poor alternative and demand a full cash refund, even on a nonrefundable ticket,” he says.

And if the cancellation causes an overnight stay, most U.S. airlines are required under their customer service plans to cover hotel and transportation costs, except in cases of severe weather or other uncontrollable events.

Unsuitable Accommodations When travel gets busy -- really busy -- then quality slips. It happens during peak travel times like the holidays. Kat Shortsleeve remembers checking into a smoke-free hotel room in Abu Dhabi recently that “smelled like someone had chainsmoked their way through it.” The hotel was full, but Shortsleeve, who runs a travel agency, didn’t let that stop her. She went to the front desk and calmly explained the situation. And it found another room for her. “I got upgraded to a much nicer room,” she says. “A little politeness goes a long way.”

No Room at the Inn “We hear from stranded travelers all the time -- people who had their accommodations canceled at the last minute,” says Alex Alioto, head of growth at Whimstay, a vacation rental site. Travelers don’t realize that while many vacation

rental platforms will allow a host to cancel, travelers have guarantees that allow them to get rebooked.

Hotels also have informal policies where they’ll pay for your new accommodations if they run out of rooms. And if not? Call your travel advisor or use a last-minute booking site to find a replacement.

Interestingly, for all of these inconveniences -- including the one I had -- the travel industry’s solution seems to be: Spend more money.

Take the sudden flight cancellation, for example. The airline would prefer you to accept a future ticket credit that you’ll forget about, or that expires before you are able to use it. Bad accommodations? Find a new place. No room at the inn?

Same.

And in my case, of course, I should have paid more for those blocked exit row seats -- although that wouldn’t have fixed the smell.

These travel problems could happen to you soon, warn experts.

“During the winter holiday season, these extreme inconveniences tend to spike, simply because so many people are traveling at the same time,” says Raymond Yorke, a spokesman for Redpoint Travel Protection.

How to Avoid Extreme Inconveniences Always confirm your reservations.

Reconfirm them 24 to 48 hours before your stay or flight. When you’re traveling during the holi-

days, cancellations happen more frequently. Assume nothing.

Use a travel advisor. If you’re a DIY kind of traveler, focus on a proven and vetted agent who will stand behind the product you book.

You can find an agent at the American Society of Travel Advisors site.

Consider travel insurance. If something goes wrong -- say, you miss a connection -- insurance can cover your accommodations. “Lengthy travel delays are inconvenient,” says Allianz Partners USA spokesman Daniel Durazo, “but they don’t have to be expensive.”

Here’s one more insider tip. Yorke says he likes to pack a carry-on “rescue kit” that includes earplugs, snacks, a power bank, and personal essentials in case of delays.

But could I have avoided getting sardined into a small seat on an Asian discount airline? Maybe, by paying more or booking a different airline. But maybe I should have known that travel itself is filled with extreme travel inconveniences that are sometimes inescapable.

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.

The Paper • Page 9 • December 11, 2025

County Parks to Adjust Fees prior to Jan. 2, 2026, will be charged at the current rate, even if the visit takes place later. Reservations can be made up to a year in advance.

By Donna Durckel, County of San Diego Communications Office A small increase in County park user fees for camping, fishing, boat and facility rentals, and day use and sport facility reservations takes effect January 2, 2026. This is the second phase of a two-year fee adjustment plan that began in February 2025. Prior to the plan, it had been a decade since fees were raised.

The changes help County parks keep pace with rising costs while continuing to provide high-quality parks, trails, and recreation opportunities at a good value when compared to similar park systems.

While fee increases vary, most of the second-year increases are only a few dollars. For example, a full hookup campsite will increase from $40.00/night to $42.00/night. Others, like booking a picnic area, will increase by $25/reservation. Reservations that are booked and paid for

County Parks remains committed to keeping outdoor recreation accessible for everyone. Discount programs are available for veterans, seniors, and community groups, along with program scholarships and the free First Time Camping Program, which helps new campers experience the outdoors at no cost.

Day-use parking (at facilities that charge a fee) will remain at $5 to help ensure that access remains affordable. Non-profits will also continue to receive a 25% discount on facility rentals.

With 159 parks and facilities across more than 59,000 acres and 389 miles of trails, County Parks and Recreation is committed to providing residents and visitors with quality outdoor and recreation experiences that promote health, wellness, and safe, inclusive communities.

County parks have earned the National Recreation and Park Association’s CAPRA accreditation, one of only six park systems in California with this stamp of excellence.

Visit their website at https://www. sdparks.org/2026FeeChanges/

The Paper • Page 10 • December 11, 2025

The Pastor Says . . .

The Story - Part II The Christmas story begins in a small Jewish village in Northern Galilee called Nazareth. We know very little about this village except that the residents were poor and had little to be proud of. There is a brief reference in conversation: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”

This reflects the general attitude of the populace.

Pastor Huls

In this village lived a young virgin engaged to a man named Joseph. The custom of the day was arranged marriages, either arranged by parents or by a matchmaker.

Very little is known about either family, except that Joseph was a carpenter. All premarital arrangements were based on the virtue of the bride and the integrity of the groom. There is some speculation about an age disparity between the groom and the bride. However, this poses no conflict with the marriage proposal. Premarital relationships were frowned upon. Little is known about any prior contact between Joseph and Mary. Mary appears to be a very virtuous woman with no known religious training, as was the policy for young men.

It is in this setting that Mary encounters the angel Gabriel. Gabriel is a supernatural being and is reportedly a messenger of God, tasked with conveying God’s messages to human beings. He has the task of telling Mary what God thinks of her. Why God has singled her out is never said, but Gabriel tells her that she is favored and has no need to fear. She enjoys the presence of God because he is with her. The message she receives is that the Holy Spirit will impregnate her. The angel gives Mary a lot of details. One could ask, just how much does she understand? It is the beginning of an unfolding drama: the child she will have will be great, will be the Son of God, and, in reality, a God-man possessing a kingdom that will have no end.

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

At this point, our understanding of Mary and what her child will become and do defies our understanding of what all of this means. Mary is so overwhelmed that, after she visits her relative Elizabeth, she sings the Magnificat. This song explains in more detail the life of the baby she will deliver.

San Diego 5480 Gaines Street

Pastor Huls

Pet Parade

Pet of the Week

Nessie

Mikey

Nessie is a 2-year-old, 57-pound, female, Shepherd mix.

She was loose. When nobody claimed her, she was transferred to Rancho Coastal Humane Society through Friends of County Animal Shelters (FOCAS).

She stands on her hind legs so she can hug. Nessie is not interested in treats.

She just wants you to pet her. She might be okay living in an apartment.

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

Adopt by December 15th during Bissell Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters and her fee is only $65.

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

Meet Mikey, a sweet and playful pup in search of a loving new home! Mikey can be a bit shy with new faces and places, and appreciates a slow approach to open up at his own pace. Once he builds trust, he shares his playful and affectionate side — running around to chase toys and leaning in for gentle pets. Mikey would thrive in a calm, lower-traffic home without young children (under 8) where he can continue to build confidence. He arrived with another dog, and may benefit from living with another dogsocial pup. If you’re looking for a loving pup with lots of potential, Mikey (967406) could be your guy! Visit San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido Campus at 3500 Burnet Drive to learn more about adopting him 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=967406

The Paper • Page 11 • December 11, 2025

Who wants a computer store? Part III devices will be small external in size or physical implants. Peripheral devices like printers, scanners, plotters etc will interface directly to the “cloud”. User instructions in the “cloud” computing age will be simple, direct and intuitive. We’ll all love it when it gets here but the next few years are going to be rocky for those of us older folks who grew to adulthood prior to the birth of the AI abetted IW (intelligent web) in late 2001.

The Computer Factory 845 W. San Marcos Blvd.

760-744-4315 thecomputerfactory.net

It is important to remember that computers and all of their associated peripherals and systems are purposed to either perform a function or provide information.

The PC has been an important component in this scenario since the 1970s. Within the next fifteen years (by 2040) information technology will be “cloud” based and PCs will themselves be obsolete.

Windows, Mac OS and Linux operating systems will disappear.

Data files and AI (artificial intelligence) will be cloud based. Lightning fast “quantum computing” will begin to replace binary logic structures and network connection

Our children and grandchildren grew up with the IW and are accustomed to relying on its content and AI. They find the transition to “cloud” computing a logical and natural progression. We of older generations grew to adulthood with only our internal cognitive resources to make sense of the world around us. Many of us have a natural reluctance to trust external cognitive sources like AI. It seems we are reluctant to abandon established beliefs in favor of newer machine based logic.

AI and the IW are still in their infancy. The IW will continue to grow its ever increasing stockpile of human knowledge and AI will become increasingly effective at parsing that knowledge for answers and solutions. Many of us who grew to adulthood prior to the coming of the IW will never be able to fully and confidently accept the

assets of the IW in the same way as those who grew up in its embrace.

Yet instant access to the entirety of human knowledge along with the AI to process it, to those of us who grew to adulthood prior to the IW, is a miracle.

Today, with an $80/mo Internet account, a $500 PC and a $50 digital assistant you have the world at your fingertips. Tour the Louvre on line, watch “Gone With the Wind”, find out how many stair steps there are from the first to the top floor of the Empire State, how many people did Genghis Kahn kill, how old was Julius Caeser when he died, on a clear day how far away is the vis-

ible horizon from the top of Mount Everest? You may also wish the access to the latest news. With the IW, your PC and a digital assistant you are equal to the smartest and best informed person on Earth.

The AI/IW combination came online in late 2001. It has steadily expanded the IW knowledge base and the cognitive power of its AI. For we older generations, like winning the lottery, it will take a while to sink in. Our job here at The Computer Factory is to provide the hardware, software and technology that ensure reliable connectivity and to help you figure out how to use it.

Keeping You Up & Connected Since 1995 845 W. SAN MARCOS BLVD • 760-744-4315 www.thecomputerfactory.net

John Van Zante’s Critter Corner

Whaddya Think?

Should You Get a Puppy or Kitten For Christmas? adoption, you can take them to a shelter or rescue, let them pick their own pet, then pay the adoption fee.

During the Adoptable Dogs segment on Fox 5 Morning News, Shally Zomorodi asked if the dogs would be good Christmas gifts.

Shally’s question opened the door for us to talk about the things you need to consider before bringing a new pet into your home for Christmas or at any time of year.

Adopting a pet from a reputable animal shelter or rescue can be a huge blessing. Be sure that you’re willing to make a lifetime commitment to that animal. A dog or cat, puppy or kitten is not a Christmas decoration. It’s a family member.

If you know someone considering

Does it need to be a puppy or kitten? They’re only babies for a short while. After that they become adolescents, adults, and, eventually, seniors. If you’re not prepared to make a lifetime commitment to a pet, don’t bring one home.

What about surprising someone with a puppy or kitten for Christmas? You can’t buy a new best friend for someone else. Plus, you’re making a 10-to-20-year commitment for them to provide care every day. That should not be a surprise.

Is it okay for Mom and Dad to surprise their kids with a pet? Understand that the responsibility falls to the parents. DO NOT expect children to be responsible.

I remember a dad who surprised his young daughters with a Christmas puppy. A couple of months

later, he returned it. His daughters stood behind him in tears. “They said they would feed it and pick up the poo. They didn’t. They don’t deserve a puppy.” That’s a Christmas memory those kids will hate for the rest of their lives.

A few years ago Rancho Coastal Humane Society had a Mother/ Daughter volunteer team. The daughter would be heading off to college in the fall and Mom didn’t

want the responsibility of having a full-time dog.

They spent an afternoon each week, together, loving on the dogs waiting to be adopted. That’s a memory they will cherish for the rest of their lives.

Thanks, Shally, for asking this question. What’s the answer? Find the pet that matches you, then love it for the rest of its life.

The Paper • Page 12 • December 11, 2025

Man About Town from page 4 of the steakhouses near 72nd and Dodge. He struck up a conversation with one of the management team at KBON and they thought he was so colorful he’d make an interesting radio personality.

years but I think I remember she had remarried, assuming he was dead.

They were right.

I don’t remember the details but I don’t think he served any jail time.

There may have been a civil suit against him but too many years have gone by and the memory dims.

He was a hit and had many people listening to him on the radio and calling to talk to him both on and off the air.

The story finally came to a close when Fritz, aka Lawrence Bader, died of cancer - fairly young. In his early 50’s as I recall.

Fritz wore a mustache and goatee, stood about 5’10”, athletic frame, went by just one name, Fritz, no last name. He even had his Nebraska driver’s license made out that way. He wore a beret. He lived in an avant garde apartment, was heavily into jazz, and had parties at his house quite often. At his apartment he had an aquarium. Not that unusual, except in that aquarium he kept piranha, the fighting fish that eat flesh. He also smoked weed quite often.

A strange story. No one knows what happened between the time his apparently abandoned clothes were found on the beach of Lake Michigan and when he showed up in Omaha, tending bar. Something tells me, however, that the story would be an interesting one.

Fritz was quite the ladies man.

Women flung themselves at him and he gladly caught them.

He also drove a hearse as his private vehicle. He told me once, “you haven’t lived till you’ve been laid in a hearse.”

I took his word for it.

I eventually left KBON and moved to Chicago.

It was in Chicago where Fritz was finally unmasked.

Fritz was an archer and had won many archery tournaments. I think, in fact, he was the Nebraska state archery champion.

He had been invited to a sporting goods show in Chicago, probably to demonstrate his prowess with a bow and arrow. Someone saw him and recognized him as Lawrence Bader, a man who had been missing for years, who was a married man, to a United Airlines stewardess as I recall - and I believe he had two children. I believe he was originally from Michigan. It was, I believe, a brother-in-law that spotted and identified him.

His clothes had been found on the beach at Lake Michigan and it appeared Lawrence Bader might have committed suicide.

Until he was found in Chicago.

Bader professed amnesia. He did not recall his life as Lawrence Bader, nor of his wife or family. Or so he claimed.

He met his wife and claimed to not recognize him. It’s been a few

A Story from 2018 His name was Gator Rogowski.

He was young, handsome, and could surf and skateboard better than anyone around. He won skateboard tournament after tournament and soon national sponsors learned of him and showered him with money to represent their brand. Following the accumulation of all that money he had limousines which would chauffeur him from event to event, he had hundreds of young, beautiful women who begged him to spend an hour or two with them in the boudoir, or even to spend the night . . . and he had hundreds of thousands of dollars to spend as he wished. And all the cocaine he could stuff up his nose.

And then it ended.

Mark Anthony “Gator” Rogowski, born 8/10/66, had been a visitor to my home on a number of occasions. I did not recall him visiting us but my ex-wife and my two sons reminded me. And they were right.

Rogowski was a gifted athlete, playing Little League Baseball in his youth. He started to skateboard at age seven and while most of his friends were into surfing he hung out at skate parks and after two years of skating at local parks he was picked up at age 12 by a local skate team in 1978. He turned pro at age 14. From there, his fame rose, as did his income and influence.

One day, Gator and a young lady, Jessica Bergsten, were drinking heavily. It was March 6, 1992.

They had bought a bottle of wine and consumed same. Apparently an argument ensued and Gator wound up murdering Jessica, hitting her from behind with a club.

He then shackled her and carried her to his bedroom where he raped

her. Jessica succumbed to the blow to the head and died. Even in his inebriated mind he had the foresight to stuff her body in a surfboard bag, cart it down to the car, put it in the trunk, drive to the desert and bury it.

No one was the wiser for years.

Then one day Gator spoke to a pastor and it all came pouring out. Gator had gotten away with murder. Jessica had been reported missing but no one even considered she had been murdered. Until Gator confessed to his pastor. The pastor urged Gator to turn himself in to the authorities and he did. He then led police to the grave in the desert where Jessica had been for several years.

He was arrested, tried and convicted for assault, rape and murder of Jessica Bergsten.

He was given a 32 year prison sentence, six years for forcible rape and 25 years to life for first degree murder charges, to be served consecutively.

He is currently an inmate at Donovan State Prison near San Diego, CA. Mark “Gator” Rogowski, now known as inmate number H27508, was denied parole on Marcy 16, 2016 and is not again eligible for parole until 2023.

All of these memories came rushing back to me when Fred Wollman, a fellow Kiwanian, brought up a memory of a program we had done a number of years ago.

It was a program known as “From the Inside Out” and involved volunteers driving young kids to Donovan State Prison and spending the entire day there, visiting with convicts. The convicts were also volunteers. Their goal was to persuade young people to not make the same mistakes they had made and wind up where they were.

I made at least three of these trips.

You leave at about 8am for the approximate one hour drive to Donovan. You enter the prison, are thoroughly checked for any contraband, taking off your shoes, lifting your shirt, frisked . . . very high security.

You are then ushered into a group room, typically, a cafeteria . . . where you meet the convicts. You sit at a table, as chaperone, with three or four youngsters and one convict. The convict may be in for murder, for drug dealing, for gang activity, any number of felonies.

And you are sitting right next to him.

There is nothing off limits for discussion. The inmate will tell what he’s in for, what he did to get here,

how it all happened.

In 95% of the cases the inmate had ingested alcohol or drugs prior to his offense.

I’m persuaded that if we could eliminate alcohol and mind-altering illegal drugs, our prisons would hold about 10%, or less, of the inmate population we presently see.

I think it was my first trip to Donovan when I sought out Gator Rogowski. He had volunteered for this convict group and he readily agreed to meet with me. I asked him if he remembered visiting our home. He said he did, but I sensed he was a phony and was acting like he remembered. He didn’t seem to remember Scott or Kenny by name until I mentioned them. He had surfed with both of them on a number of occasions. I suspect his brain is fried from too much exposure to cocaine and other mind altering drugs. I found out later that Gator was not well liked within the volunteer group or within the prison population. He had a reputation of being a phony.

Nonetheless, it was a great learning experience, these trips to Donovan State Prison.

I noted that, on the drive down to Donovan, the kids in the car were laughing, joking, just being kids.

We checked out of the prison around 4pm. On the drive home, after having visiting with the inmates, the car was a lot more quiet.

The trip and visit had clearly hit home.

These trips are both physically and emotionally draining, for the adults as well as the kids. Still, I think they have great value and suggested to my Kiwanis Club that we should revisit this program as a great community service to our young folks.

I’ll keep you posted. You may want to invest a day of your time to help divert kids away from a life of crime, and to learn what it’s like “inside.”

Memories are important. I just turned 87 and look back on my life with great contentment, thanks, in part, to many great memories.

I was born in a small Minnesota town, Windom, Minnesota.

So many wonderful memories of Windom.

One of the more recent (about 31 years ago) . . . my best friend, the late Carl Reynolds, and I decided Man About Town continued on page 13

The Paper • Page 13 • December 11, 2025

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Chuckles from page 2

to drive up from Omaha to Windom. It’s about a five hour drive and it was around 5pm in Omaha. I think we arrived in Windom around midnight.

about a man by the tip he leaves.”

We took our sleeping bags and rolled them out on the shore of Cottonwood Lake. We promptly fell asleep to the sound of the wind rustling in the Cottonwood Trees and the lake’s waters ebbing and flowing on the beach. And we breathed in that marvelously fresh Minnesota air! Can’t remember when I’ve had a better night’s sleep.

“Well, this penny tells me you’re a thrifty man.”

Upon awakening we did a little fishing, not particularly successful as I recall, then made the rounds to visit family. Grandma Tollefson (Bella Tollefson, a saint if there ever was one) was at the park next to the dam for some women’s club gathering .. . . we chatted a bit then went exploring - I showed Carl Fish Lake, the scene of so many happy childhood memories, the Tollefson farm . . . and we hit the huge metropolis of Bergen where we marveled at the many skyscrapers and the large crowds of shoppers and the traffic jams that towns like Bergen tend to generate. (Bergen has about 3 stores, 8 houses, and 30 people; one intersection, no stop lights).

And then we reluctantly headed back home to Omaha. Much the richer for having spent a few happy hours in and around Windom.

PS: One thing we city folk notice and you who live in and around Windom probably take for granted . . . as we would drive along the various country roads, we would be invariably waved at by farmers, on the tractors, in the trucks, or in the gardens . . . friendly folk. You don’t see that in big cities. I miss it.

I also miss the sound of meadowlarks singing as you pass through the rolling hills and farmlands.

Happy memories!

The old man turns around, curiosity getting the better of him. “Oh, really? Tell me, what does my tip say?”

Barely able to conceal his pride, the man utters, “Hmm, true enough.”

“And this penny, it tells me you’re a bachelor.”

Surprised at her perception, he says, “Well, that’s true, too.”

“And the third penny tells me that your father was also a bachelor.” *** A university creative writing class was asked to write a concise essay containing these four elements: - Religion - Royalty - Sex - Mystery The prize-winning essay read: “My God,” said the Queen. “I’m pregnant. I wonder who did it?” *** Three cowboys were hanging out in the bunkhouse.

“I know that smart-alec Tex,” said the first. “He’s going to start bragging about that new foreign car he bought as soon as he gets back.”

“Not Tex,” said the second. “He’ll always be just a good ol’ boy. When he walks in, I’m sure all he’ll say is hello.”

“I know Tex better than any of you,” said the third. “He’s so smart, he’ll figure out a way to do both. Here he comes now!”

Tex swung open the bunkhouse door and shouted, “Audi, partners!”

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The Paper • Page 14 • December 11, 2025

Oodles from page 3

ing Susie at 760-889-3552 by November 30th.

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

In the spirit of giving, members and guests are asked to bring pet food to donate to the Oceanside Humane Society.

*** Hidden Valley Vista City Council of Beta Sigma Phi International Christmas Luncheon Meeting December 16th • 11:30am The Hidden Valley Vista City Council of Beta Sigma Phi International will hold its’ annual Christmas luncheon meeting, “Spark a Little Christmas Magic” on December 16th, beginning at 11:30 am at Shadowridge Golf Club, 1980 Gateway Drive in Vista. Cost is $35.00 per person. Choice of menu will be Harvest Salad (w/wo Chicken), Kung Pao Cauliflower, or Club Sandwich.

Hidden Valley Vista Council Beta Sigma Phis – active, inactive, on leave, transferees and guests are invited to make a reservation by call-

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. *** Chess at Park Avenue Community Center Wednesdays & Fridays Home of Escondido Senior Center, 210 Park Avenue, Escondido, 760839-4688. Chess players of all skill levels are welcome every Wednesday AND NOW EVERY FRIDAY in the shuffleboard building from Noon – 3 p.m. Friendly games with large boards and pieces provided. No fees or reservations. Follow the signs or ask at the front desk for directions.

First, I Discovered America, Then I Discovered

The Paper

LEGALS ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME 25CU061612C TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Jordan Yandel Fernandez filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: Jordan Yandel Fernandez to Proposed name Jordan Lozada. 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: January 12, 2026, 8:30 am, in Dept. C-61 No hearing will occur on above date. Please see attachment The address of the court is: 330 W. Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101. 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 November 17, 2025 /s/ Maureen F. Hallahan, Judge of the Superior Court 12/4, 12/11, 12/18, 12/25/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9020742 The name of the business: Ponto 21, ROI Drive, located at 7140 Tanager Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92011. Registrant, Sultan Akkan Kassegne, 7140 Tanager Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92011. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of busines N/A /s/ Sultan Akkan Kassegne with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/30/2025 12/4, 12/11, 12/18, 12/25/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9020946 The name of the business: Lulubee Studios, located at 2647 Gateway Rd., #105-202, Carlsbad, CA 92009. Registrant, Jack Lane Karson, 2647 Gateway Rd., #105-202, Carlsbad, CA 92009, Robin Jill Karson, 2647 Gateway Rd., #105-202, Carlsbad, CA 92009. This business is operated by a Married Couple.

First day of busines N/A /s/ Jack Lane Karson with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/4/2025 12/4, 12/11, 12/18, 12/25/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9021123 The name of the business: Remnant, located at 2187 Fiori Dr., Vista, CA 92084. Registrant, Zoria LLC, 2106 N. St., Ste N, Vista, CA 95816.

This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company.

First day of busines N/A /s/ Zoria LLC, Member with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/5/2025 12/4, 12/11, 12/18, 12/25/2025

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.

Your friend, Eric the Red

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF David Brown Case No. 25PE003339C CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO 1100 Union Street 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 David Brown.

A Petition for Probate has been filed by Cheri Ann Degeilh in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego. The Petition for probate requests that Cheri Ann Degeilh 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 ac-

tions, 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: January 7, 2026 Time: 1:30 pm Dept: 502 Address of court: Same as noted above.

Other: Appearances may be made in person or virtually via MicrosoftTeam. More info can be found at www.sdcourt.ca.gov/ProbateHearings 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: Margaret K. Herring, Esq. 1001 B Avenue, Suite 215 Coronado, CA 92118 (619)437-9175 DOP: 12/11, 12/18, 12/25/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9020898 The name of the business: Computer Repair Pro, located at 215 South Horne St., Oceanside, CA 92054. Registrant, Josue Hernandez, 215 South Horne St., Oceanside, CA 92054. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of busines 11/3/2025 /s/ Josue Hernandez with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/3/2025 12/11, 12/18, 12/25/2025, 1/1/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9022725 The name of the business: Aguacates Hass de Tacambaro, located at 993 C South Santa Fe Ave., Apt. 242, Vista, CA 92083. Registrant, Adolfo Abraham Gallegos, 993 C South Santa Fe Ave., Apt. 242, Vista, CA 92083. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of busines 12/3/2025 /s/ Adolfo Abraham Gallegos with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 12/3/2025 12/11, 12/18, 12/25/2025, 1/1/2025

Advertise your Legal in The Paper 760 747-7119

The Paper • Page 15 • December 11, 2025

LEGALS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF DONALD STAFFORD Case No. 25PE0027877C CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO 1100 Union Street 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 Donald Stafford, Don Stafford.

A Petition for Probate has been filed by Luisa Stafford in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego. The Petition for probate requests that Luisa Stafford 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: December 10, 2025 Time: 1:30 pm Dept: 1603 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: Barbara G Fischer 950 Boardwalk, Suite 201 San Marcos, CA 92078 760-471-1100 DOP: 11/20, 11/27, 12/4/2025 FICTITIOUS BusinessS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9020829 The name of the businesss: Tidy Nest Cleaning Service, located at 1401 21st St., Ste R, Sacramento, CA 95811. Registrant,

Estrada Enterprise Industries LLC, 1401 21st St., Ste R, Sacramento, CA 95811. This businesss is operated by a Limited Liability company.

First day of business 10/31/2025 /s/ Erick Armand Estrada, Managing Member with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 10/31/2025 11/13, 11/20, 11/27, 12/4/2025 FICTITIOUS BusinessS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9020966 The name of the businesss: HNL Maintenance Services, located at 922 Eucalyptus Ave., Vista, CA 92084. Registrant, HNL Appliance Services, LLC, 993 S. Santa Fe Bldg C143, Vista, CA 92083. This businesss is operated by a Limited Liability company.

First day of business 4/8/2025 /s/ Rodrigo Nieto, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/4/2025 11/13, 11/20, 11/27, 12/4/2025 FICTITIOUS BusinessS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9020521 The name of the businesss: Faunderlust, located at 2358 Primrose Avenue, Vista, CA 92083. Registrant, Christopher Emory Parwell, 2358 Primrose Avenue, Vista, CA 92083, Cody James Parwell, 2358 Primrose Avenue, Vista, CA 92083. This businesss is operated by a Married Couple.

First day of business N/A /s/ Christopher Emory Parwell with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/28/2025 11/20, 11/27, 12/4, 12/11/2025 FICTITIOUS BusinessS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9020909 The name of the businesss: Qiagraphix, located at 734 Via Cafetal, San Marcos, CA 92069.

Registrant, Xiaoming Sun, 734 Via Cafetal, San Marcos, CA 92069, Xiaomin Cathy Gong, 734 Via Cafetal, San Marcos, CA 92069. This businesss is operated by a Married Couple.

First day of business 10/22/2025 /s/ Xiaoming Sun with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 11/3/2025 11/20, 11/27, 12/4, 12/11/2025 FICTITIOUS BusinessS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9020368 The name of the businesss: Willma Louise Comstock, located at 603 Seagaze Dr., #773, Oceanside, CA 92054. Registrant, Wilma Louise Comstock, 603 SEagaze Dr., #773, Oceanside, CA 92054. This businesss is operated by an Individual.

First day of business 6/27/1966 /s/ Wilma Louise Comstock with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/24/2025 11/20, 11/27, 12/4, 12/11/2025 FICTITIOUS BusinessS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9021455 The name of the businesss: Kash D Music, DJ Sky Desai, located at 800 The Mark Lane Unit 801, San Diego, CA 92101. Registrant, Akash Desai, 800 the Mark Lane Unit 801, San Diego, CA 92101. This businesss is operated by an Individual.

First day of business 1/1/2025 /s/ Akash Desai with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 11/12/2025 11/20, 11/27, 12/4, 12/11/2025 FICTITIOUS BusinessS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9021313

The name of the businesss: Ortega’s Print and Sewing, located at 1342 Soria Glen, Escondido, CA 92026. Registrant, Juan Manuel Ortega, 1342 Soria Glen, Escondido, CA 92026.

This businesss is operated by an Individual.

First day of business 11/8/2025 /s/ Juan Manuel Ortega with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/10/2025 11/20, 11/27, 12/4, 12/11/2025 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME 25CU042980N TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Delaney Angel Peterson filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: Delaney Angel Peterson to Proposed name Delaney Angel Coverly.

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: 12/19/2025, 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 November 3, 2025 /s/ Brad A. Weinreb, Judge of the Superior Court 11/20, 11/27, 12/4, 12/11/2025 FICTITIOUS BusinessS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9021910 The name of the businesss: Palomar Mountain Spring Water, Palomar Mountain Premium Spring Water, located at 805 E. Mission Rd., San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, Blu Bulk Transport Inc, 805 E. Mission Rd., San Marcos, CA 92069.

This businesss is operated by a Corporation.

First day of business N/A /s/ Conrad Pawelski, CFO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/18/2025 11/27, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18/2025 FICTITIOUS BusinessS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9022160 The name of the businesss: Rethink Opex Insurance Solutions, located at 1756 Merriam Rd., San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, Rethink Opex LLC, 1756 Merriam Rd., San Marcos, CA 92078. This businesss is operated by a Limited Liability Company.

First day of business 5/8/2023 /s/ Harry Glazer, Managing Member with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/21/2025 11/27, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18/2025 FICTITIOUS BusinessS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9020949 The name of the businesss: Kismet Golf, located at 1931 S.

Coast Hwy Apt 303, Oceanside, CA 92054. Registrant, Partaake Inc., PO Box 992, Carlsbad, CA 92018. This businesss is operated by a Corporation.

First day of business 10/31/2025 /s/ Katherine Ann Slump, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/4/2025 11/27, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18/2025 FICTITIOUS BusinessS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9019548 The name of the businesss: Petra Autos, located at 857 33rd St., San Diego, CA 92102. Registrant, Alan Fabian Martinez, 857 33rd St., San Diego, CA 92102. This businesss is operated by an Individual.

First day of business N/A /s/ Alan Fabian Martinez with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/10/2025 11/27, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18/2025 FICTITIOUS BusinessS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9021869 The name of the businesss: Dune Slayer Industries, San Slayer Industries, located at 35109 Hwy 79 #166, Warner Springs, CA 92086. Registrant, Privateer Sportswear Inc, 35109 Hwy 79 #166, Warner Springs, CA 92086. This businesss is operated by a Corporation.

First day of business 11/17/2025 /s/ Anne Blough, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/18/2025 11/27, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18/2025 FICTITIOUS BusinessS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9021658 The name of the businesss: Restoring California Natural Landscaping, Restoring California, located at 1161 Via Teresa, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, Restoring California, 1161 Via Teresa, San Marcos, CA 92069.

This businesss is operated by a Corporation.

First day of business 1/1/2020 /s/ Vincent Bellino, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/14/2025 11/27, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18/2025 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME 25CU061627C TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Salelupelele Leatigaga-Lualemana Lobdell filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: Salelupelele Leatigaga-Lualemana Lobdell to Proposed name Salelupelele Leatigaga-Lualemana.

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: January 12, 2026, 8:30 am, in Dept. 61 No hearing will occur on above date. Please see attachment The address of the court is: 330 W. Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101. 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 peti-

tion 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 November 14, 2025 /s/ Maureen F. Hallahan, Judge of the Superior Court 11/27, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18/2025

Catalina Circle, Oceanside, CA 92056. This businesss is operated by an Individual.

First day of business 12/1/2025 /s/ Jorge Angel Apolonio Sixto with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 12/1/2025 12/11, 12/18, 12/25/2025, 1/1/2026

FICTITIOUS BusinessS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9022289 The name of the businesss: Agile Solutions, Agile Industries, located at 532 Camino De Andor, Ramona, CA 92065. Registrant, Jason Landon Pike, POB 27232, San Diego, CA 92198.

This businesss is operated by an Individual.

First day of business 11/21/2025 /s/ Jason Landon Pike with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/24/2025 11/27, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18/2025

FICTITIOUS BusinessS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9022358 The name of the businesss: Lightguard Consulting, MCD Creations, located at 2702 dos Lomas, Fallbrook, CA 92028.

Registrant, Matt Dibattista, 2702 Dos Lomas, Fallbrook, CA 92028. This businesss is operated by an Individual.

First day of business N/A /s/ Matt Dibattista with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 11/25/2025 12/11, 12/18, 12/25/2025, 1/1/2026

FICTITIOUS BusinessS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9020276 The name of the businesss: Diversified Home Innovations, located at 4185 Galbar St., Oceanside, CA 92056. Registrant, Diversified Home Innovations, 4185 Galbar St., Oceanside, CA 92056. This businesss is operated by a Limited Liability Company.

First day of business 7/7/2025 /s/ Richard J. Arbizu, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/23/2025 11/27, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18/2025

FICTITIOUS BusinessS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9021175 The name of the businesss: Harbor Gift Shop, located at 278 A Harbor Dr. S., Oceanside, CA 92054. Registrant, Jennifer Lynn Trimble, 278 A Harbor Dr. S, Oceanside, CA 92054. This businesss is operated by an Individual.

First day of business 11/1/2025 /s/ Jennifer L. Trimble with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/6/2025 12/11, 12/18, 12/25/2025, 1/1/2026

FICTITIOUS BusinessS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9021690 The name of the businesss: Earthcare Products, Vaughan Enterprises, located at 2205 Elevado Road, Vista, CA 92084.

Registrant, Mary Beth Vaughan Inc, 2205 Elevado Road, Vista, CA 92084. This businesss is operated by a Corporation.

First day of business 12/1/1986 /s/ Mary Beth Vaughan, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/14/2025 12/4, 12/11, 12/18, 12/25/2025

FICTITIOUS BusinessS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9022062 The name of the businesss: Alex Zamora Media, 10531 4S Commons Dr., #267, San Diego, CA 92127. Registrant, Alejandro Zamora, 10531 4S Commons Dr., #267, San Diego, CA 92127. This businesss is operated by an Individual.

First day of businesss N/A /s/ Alejandro Zamora with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/20/2025 12/11, 12/18, 12/25/2025, 1/1/2026

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BusinessS NAME: 2025-9022368 Insurance Steel Agency, located at 421 Broadway Unit 438, San Diego, CA 92101. The Fictitious Businesss Name referred to above was filed in San Diego County on 6/29/2022 and assigned file no. 9014-9014860.

FICTITIOUS BusinessS NAME IS BEING ABANDONED BY: Insurance Steel LLC, 421 Broadway Unit 438, San Diego, CA 92101. This businesss is conducted by a Limited Liability Company. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Businesss 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/Sandra Lariz This statement was filed with the San Diego Recorder/County clerk on 11/25/2025 .

12/4, 12/11, 12/18, 12/25/2025 FICTITIOUS BusinessS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9022554 The name of the businesss: Apolonio Tree Service and Tree Farm, located at 2779 N. Twin Oaks Valley Rd., San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, Jorge Angel Apolonio Sixto, 2421

FICTITIOUS BusinessS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9022806 The name of the businesss: Mike Sampo Construction Inc., located at 2302 Finch Lane, San Diego, CA 92123. Registrant, Mike Sampo Inc., 2302 Finch Lane, San Diego, CA 92123.

This businesss is operated by a Corporation.

First day of businesss 11/1/2025 /s/ Michael Sample, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 12/4/2025 12/11, 12/18, 12/25/2025, 1/1/2026 FICTITIOUS BusinessS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9020348 The name of the businesss: BK TJ BBQ, located at 3668 Harbor View Way, Oceanside, CA 92056. Registrant, Kimberly Ivanne Maldonado, 3668 Harbor View Way, Oceanside, CA 92056, Bogar Nanduca, 3668 Harbor View Way, Oceanside, CA 92056. This businesss is operated by Co-Partners.

First day of business N/A /s/ Kimberly Ivonne Maldonado with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/24/2025 11/27, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18/2025

The Paper • Page 16 • December 11, 2025