“You rarely have time for everything you want in life, so, you need to make choices. And hopefully your choices come from a deep sense of who you are.” ~ Fred Rogers
By Pete Peterson
A logo appears on the TV. Then we see buildings and landscaping as the “Neighborhood Trolley” crosses several streets. The text reads, “Mister Rogers Talks About . . .”. Fred Rogers enters the TV house, wear-
ing his work clothes. While singing “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” He opens the closet door, removes his jacket, hangs it up and dons a cardigan zipper sweater. Then, he sits, takes off his dress shoes, and puts on a pair of blue sneakers. As cool as the underside of a pillow, as familiar as a glass of milk, another episode of the ground-breaking children’s TV show begins.
Welcome to Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.
Over 35-plus years, Fred Rogers –the lanky, gawky-looking man who created and starred in this revolutionary Public Broadcasting System’s show left an indelible mark on American children. Today, his series which ran from February 19, 1968 to February 20, 1976, and again from August 20, 1979 to August 31, 2001, is recognized as a breakthrough show in educational TV and Roger’s himself is a lumi-
nary in the field of child psychology.
But, Fred Rogers was not a psychologist. He was an ordained Presbyterian minister. He was never a Navy Seal, a distinction wrongly attributed to him. He was not a homosexual, or a communist, and he certainly was not out to destroy the American way of life as his detractors claimed. He was instead, a communicator, a man of vision who harnessed the great potential of tele-
Mr. Rogers from page 1
vision to teach and entertain. He aimed his efforts toward an underserved, but exceedingly important segment of the population, kids.
Dangerous Topics
During the show’s long run Rogers stretched the envelope, tackling topics thought to be verboten, particularly on a children’s program.
He spoke with his young viewers about serious subjects, including death. On March 23rd, 1970, he retrieved a dead fish from his aquarium, placed it in a small box and buried it while his audience looked on, a first for TV of any type. Over the years, Rogers broached topics as controversial as divorce, depression, anger, competition and other challenges he knew his audience experienced, but which were seldom talked about, certainly never on TV.
The Show’s Format
During each half-hour segment,
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Us This Day Our Daily Chuckle
This week, a compendium of wit, wisdom and neat stuff you can tell at parties. Enjoy!
I accidentally used dog shampoo today. I’m feeling like such a good boy!
Trump should tell all the illegal aliens he will give them citizenship if they vote Republican; that watch to see how quickly the Democrats will demand they be removed from the country.
Rogers spoke directly to his viewers taking them on factory tours, introducing them to science and chemical experiments, showing them how certain crafts are created and how musicians make music, all the while interacting with them as if they were his best friends. Rogers was careful to be himself in front of the camera because he said, “One of the greatest gifts you can give anybody is the gift of your honest self. I also believe that kids can spot a phony a mile away.”
Rogers used puppets to chronicle occurrences in the “Neighborhood of Make-Believe,” and often talked with neighbors about their jobs. Thus, viewers learned of Brockett’s Bakery, Bob Trow’s Workshop, and Negri’s Music Shop. In one episode, Roger’s took his cameras behind-the-scenes to record how the TV show, The Incredible Hulk was made.
The Closing Format
At the end of most episodes, Rogers sang “It’s Such a Good Feeling” (a different song, “Tomorrow” was used from 1968-72). He removes his blue sneakers and says in a higher pitched voice,
But I know what she meant to say.
I really don’t mind getting older . . .but my body is taking it badly.
Most people don’t think I’m as old as I am . . until they hear me stand up.
I miss the 90s ... when bread was still good for you and nobody knew what kale was.
I hate it when I see an old person and then notice we went to school together.
“You’re alive”, as he slips into his dress shoes. He snaps his fingers twice, goes to his closet, takes off his cardigan, hangs it up and dons his jacket. As he goes to the door he sings, “You always make each day a special day. You know how: By just your being you/yourself. There’s only one person in the whole world like you, and that’s you. And people can like you just/ exactly the way you are. I’ll be back next time. Bye-bye.” During the closing credits, the camera reversed the opening sequence’s pan shot, and the “Neighborhood Trolley” crossed from right to left.
strong sense of service and strong ties to community, friends, and relatives. These values remained with Fred throughout his life. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida in music composition in 1951.
Before entering educational TV, Fred was an assistant producer for The Voice of Firestone and later, floor director for The Lucky Strike Hit Parade, The Kate Smith Show and the NBC Opera Theatre. In 1952, he married Joanne Byrd, a concert pianist and fellow Rollins graduate.
My wife told me I’ve grown as a person.
What she actually said was . . “you’ve gotten fat.”
Breaking news: Due to extreme cold weather patrons are urged to wear two sets of pajamas when shopping WalMart.
The Wit of Phyllis Diller
Whatever you may look like, marry a man your own age. As your beauty fades, so will his eyesight.
Housework can’t kill you, but why take a chance?
Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing up is like
Fred McFeely Rogers was born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania – 40 miles east of Pittsburg – on March 20, 1928. His father, James Hillis Rogers, was a successful businessman who was respected and relied upon by many of the local residents.
Fred’s beloved mother, Nancy McFeely Rogers, was the daughter of a similarly successful businessman.
The whole family was steeped in a
shoveling the walk before it stops snowing.
A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.
The reason women don’t play football is because 11 of them would never wear the same outfit in public.
Best way to get rid of kitchen odors: Eat out.
A bachelor is a guy who never made the same mistake once.
I want my children to have all the things I couldn’t afford. Then I want to move in with them.
Most children threaten at times to run away from home. This is the only thing that keeps some parents going.
Aim high, and you won’t shoot your foot off.
Any time three New Yorkers get into a cab without an argument, a bank has just been robbed.
We spend the first twelve months of our children’s lives teaching them to walk and talk and the next twelve telling them to sit down and shut up.
Burt Reynolds once asked me out. I was in his room.
You know you’re old if your walker has an airbag.
I’m eighteen years behind in my ironing.
In his youth, Rogers was short and chunky, often teased for his curly hair, and called “Fat Freddie” by his schoolmates. An easy target for school bullies, he later said he had to learn to “take care of himself” since his parents were emotionally remote and to show anger in any way was frowned upon. Perhaps this was why during his long run on PBS, Rogers returned regularly
Mr. Rogers continued on page 3
What I don’t like about office Christmas parties is looking for a job the next day.
The only time I ever enjoyed ironing was the day I accidentally put gin in the steam iron.
I’ve been asked to say a couple of words about my husband, Fang. How about short and cheap?
His finest hour lasted a minute and a half.
Old age is when the liver spots show through your gloves.
My photographs don’t do me justice - they just look like me.
There’s so little money in my bank account, my scenic checks show a ghetto.
I admit, I have a tremendous sex drive. My boyfriend lives forty miles away.
My cooking is so bad my kids thought Thanksgiving was to commemorate Pearl Harbor.
My mother-in-law had a pain beneath her left breast. Turned out to be a trick knee.
Tranquilizers work only if you follow the advice on the bottle - keep away from children.
I asked the waiter, ‘Is this milk fresh?’ He said, ‘Lady, three hours ago it was grass.’
Mr. Rogers from page 2
to the topic of anger, focusing on peaceful ways to deal with it.
In the early 1960’s, the field of child psychology was peopled by many great minds - B.F. Skinner and his Theory of Reinforcement – that we learn from the consequences of our actions; Swiss child authority, Jean Piaget, and his cognitive development theory had many followers as did Melanie Klein and Sigmund Freund’s daughter, Anna. Yet when Rogers looked for hints to communicate “child-to-child” with youngsters, he found a barren landscape. Recalling that in his childhood he was afraid to speak openly, Rogers turned to hand puppets to make this process easier.
While researching this story, a man approached me in a coffee shop. “You want help?”
“Please,” I said. He smiled broadly.
“I was a latch-key kid. I’d get home around 3:45 school days. Mom and Dad would get home at 6:30 to 7:00. So, I’d watch TV and Mr. Rogers. He taught me everything I know about communications – to say what you mean clearly without worrying about how silly it sounds.
Later, I ran with a tough crowd. We were planning a series of crimes. I remembered Mr. Rogers’ puppet, Daniel Striped Tiger, saying sometimes we need to make new plans.
That gave me the courage to walk away from my life of crime. My two friends went to prison and I went to college.” He laughs. “All the characters on “Neighborhood” had a back story.”
He then spoke of Daniel Striped Tiger as a friend. “He was a resident of the Neighborhood of MakeBelieve, living in the clock located near the Platypus Mound on the west side of the Neighborhood opposite the castle. Daniel was the president of the Tame Tiger Torganization, loved hamburgers, and often held parties at his clock for his closest tiger friends.”
My friend continued. “Daniel was soft-spoken, easily frightened, and pretty much a worrywart. He loved to play with his truck, and talk with his friend, Lady Aberlin. She and Daniel show their affection by rubbing their noses together and saying ‘ugga mugga’.”
My new friend paused. “Should I continue?” I nodded.
He said, “Like me, Daniel thought he was a mistake, but Lady Aberlin assured him that was not the case.
I took that to heart. Like all of us, Daniel had problems. He was colorblind and naive. Bob Dog once convinced him that a plant could grow cans of soup. That’s as silly as me thinking I’d make a bunch of money committing crimes.”
My friend sipped his coffee.
Remember, this is a guy in his mid40’s, I’d never met before. “Daniel didn’t have a grandfather, but he had friends throughout the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, including his imaginary buddy, Malcolm Apricot Dinko, and his schoolmates at Someplace Else – Prince Tuesday and Ana Platypus.
Daniel shared his birthday with Purple Panda who didn’t have a birthday of his own.
Daniel Striped Tiger was a regular guy despite his shortcomings. He was the ring bearer in the wedding of Betty Okonak Templeton and James Michael Jones. He founded the Neighborhood’s ReindeerTiger sports team and attended clocklover’s meeting. He was the only one who could communicate with Yo-Yo LaBelle - the visitor from the stars.”
My friend paused. “They don’t make TV like that anymore. It was fun being a kid then.” He’s right. They don’t.
a Quiet Statement against racism
During the 60’s, when blatant racism across America was common – a Las Vegas Hotel drained their swimming pool after black singer Lena Horne swam in it; a public pool in Oklahoma closed operating because two black kids took Red Cross-sponsored swimming lessons – Rogers invited Officer Clemmons, an African – American, to join him in bathing his feet in a shallow plastic pool, “since it’s been a hot day, and we all deserve a break.” (This became a regular feature on the show, and to compound the issue, horrors, of horrors, Officer Clemmons would later reveal he was homosexual.)
Recently, Clemmons has this to say about the show. “Fred gave kids the time, attention, and understanding they needed to grow up and be healthy.” Many of those who regularly watched “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” decades ago as children, now turn to Fred
Mr. Rogers 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.
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• 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.
El Camino Quilters guild meeting February 10th • 10am
El Camino Quilters Guild meets at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday February 10th at the Dove Library, 1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad 92011. Guest fee is $10.
Our February guest speaker is Emily Taylor. Her lecture is entitled “Successful Collage Quilts”. She will do two Collage and Composition workshops (both the same) on February 11 and February 12, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Quilt in a Day quilt shop in San Marcos. Workshop fee: $55 cash or check, $57 credit card. No discount for attending both workshops.
For more information elcaminoquilters.com or email info@elcaminoquilters.com.
El Camino Quilters is a non-profit group. We donate hundreds of quilts and other handmade items to a variety of groups including Rady Children’s Hospital, Senior centers, hospitals, police and military groups.
Writers Workshop February 28th • 1-3pm
Join award-winning author and editor, Deborah Halverson, for an in-person workshop on five game-changing techniques for writing fiction that speaks to teens and tweens. Learn how to capture their worldview, earn their trust, and craft stories young readers can’t put down.
Halverson—author of Writing Young Adult Fiction for Dummies and Writing New Adult Fiction, and a former Harcourt Children’s Books editor—brings thirty years of expertise helping writers elevate their work.
Registration opens January 29, 2026. Visit sdcl.org/vista to sign up.
In collaboration with community partners, Aging & Independence Services and the City of Vista will be hosting a Dementia Skills & Resource Fair in February. This event aims to empower individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to engage with and support persons living with dementia through resource-sharing, education, and hands-on training. It is designed for people living with dementia, care partners, family and friends, professional caregivers, service providers, and anyone interested in enhancing their dementia care skills. More details are provided below:
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm (Doors open at 9:30 am)
Location: McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista, CA 92084
The event will feature an exhibitor fair, informative presentations, health screenings, and interactive skill-building workshops.
To register for the event as a participant or exhibitor, please visit www.bit.ly/dementiaskills26. Alternatively, participants can register by email (HealthierLiving.HHSA@sdcounty.ca.gov) or phone (858-495-5500).
The good LiFE at miraCosta College
Meetings will be held in person at the MiraCosta College, Oceanside Campus, at 1:00 pm in the Board Room, of the Administration Building (Building 1000) and by the Internet Application ZOOM.
Feb. 6 1:00 Master Gardener Programs/Services Leah Taylor Oodles continued on page 14
Mr. Rogers from page 3
Rogers’ philosophy in adulthood.
The recently released documentary on Rogers, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” is in limited distribution now. At special showings in Washington DC, Bartlesville, Oklahoma and San Antonio, Texas, record crowds attended its viewing.
Chris Nashawaty of Entertainment Weekly wrote, “Rogers is a balm of kindness and empathy in these troubled, divisive times. A byproduct of his trademark kindness and empathy, is the trust and safety his audience feels being with him.”
Media critic, Art Groschner says, “In the beginning, Rogers helped build trust in public television.
Now, the reserved, caring, quiet man in the sweater may just be the temporary antidote we need just now. The fact that he was not
Man
About Town
Living Life before the Years Catch up
Those of you in your “middle earlies’ need to wake up and listen to your heart, your body, and your mind. And you need to take that vacation you’re dreamed of, NOW, while you are still healthy and young enough to enjoy the experience.
I used to think growing old was something that happened suddenly, like a door closing behind you without warning. One day you’re young, full of plans and energy, and the next day you’re old, wondering where the time went. But I’ve come to realize that growing old isn’t the real danger. The real danger is growing old without having truly lived.
‘cool’ sort of validates his overall message.
Today, his uncoolness feels kind of cool.”
Critics of mr. rogers
However, not everyone feels that Rogers and his message is valid, now or then. Don Chance, a finance professor at Louisiana State University and a recognized expert on child development, says it dawned on him as the semester ended and students made their usual pilgrimage to his office, asking for their grades be raised.
“They felt so entitled,” he recalls, “and it just hit me. We can blame Mr. Rogers.”
Fred Rogers taught several generations of children they were ‘special’ just for being whoever they were.
He meant well, but he is a sterling role model of what’s wrong with
When you’re young, time feels endless. Days stretch wide with possibility, and the future seems generous, almost guaranteed. There is a quiet assumption that experiences can be postponed— that dreams can wait until there is more money, more stability, more certainty. I believed that too. I told myself I would travel later, take risks later, speak honestly later. Life, I thought, would be patient with me.
But life is not patient. It keeps moving, whether you are ready or not.
I learned this lesson slowly, through small moments rather than grand revelations. It was in conversations with older relatives who spoke more about what they didn’t do than what they did. It was in watching people who had followed every rule, checked every box, and still carried a quiet sadness in their eyes. It was in the realization that memories—real ones, messy and vivid—are worth more than comfort bought at the cost of experience.
Living life before growing old does not mean reckless abandon or ignoring responsibility. It means choosing presence over postponement. It means understanding that youth is not just an age, but a window—a period when the body forgives mistakes, when curiosity outweighs fear, and when the consequences of risk are often lessons rather than permanent scars.
There is a certain kind of wisdom
our kids in many ways. What often got lost in his self-esteem-building patter was the idea that being special comes from working hard and having high expectations for yourself.”
Mr. Rogers is not the only child authority guilty of this viewpoint.
As educators and researchers struggle to define new parameters of parenting, many revisit the language of child ego-boosting. What are the downsides of telling kids they’re special? Is it a mistake to have children call us by our first names? When we focus our conversations on our children’s lives, are we denying them the insights found when adults talk about adult things?
Some child development authorities call for a recalibration of the mind-sets and catch-phrases that have taken hold in recent decades.
Among the expressions now being challenged: “You’re special.”
that only comes from doing. You can read about love, but until your heart breaks or opens unexpectedly, you don’t truly understand it. You can study the world in books, but until you get lost in a foreign place, struggle with a language, or feel awe standing somewhere unfamiliar, your understanding remains shallow. Experience teaches in a way theory never can.
I remember a moment when this became painfully clear. I was sitting in a comfortable room, safe, stable, and bored. Everything in my life was “fine,” yet something felt unfinished. I realized that if my life continued exactly as it was, I would arrive at old age with few stories worth telling—only explanations for why I hadn’t tried. That thought scared me more than failure ever had.
Fear is often the reason people delay living. Fear of embarrassment. Fear of regret. Fear of making the wrong choice. Ironically, it is that fear that most often creates regret. As years pass, fear changes shape. When you are young, you fear falling. When you are older, you fear never having jumped.
Living life before growing old requires courage—not the dramatic kind, but the quiet, daily kind. The courage to say yes when it would be easier to say no. The courage to walk away from paths that look respectable but feel empty. The courage to admit that there may never be a “perfect time.”
Time is the one thing no one ever
On the Yahoo Answers Web site, a discussion thread about Mr. Rogers begins, “He spent years telling little creeps that he liked them just the way they were. He should have been telling them there was a lot of room for improvement. ... Nice as he was, and as good as his intentions may have been, he did us all a disservice.”
Signs of narcissism among college students have been rising for 25 years, according to a recent study led by a San Diego State University psychologist. Obviously, Mr. Rogers alone can’t be blamed for this. But as Prof. Chance sees it, “he’s representative of a culture of excessive doting.” Prof. Chance teaches many students of Asian descent. He says they accept whatever grade they’re given. “They see B’s and C’s as an indication that they must work harder, that their elders assessed them accurately. They
Mr. Rogers continued on page 5
has enough of, and yet it is the thing we waste most casually. We trade years for routines that numb us. We promise ourselves that once we reach some invisible milestone, we will finally allow ourselves joy. But milestones move. The finish line shifts. And before we know it, the energy that once made everything possible has thinned.
Growing old is inevitable. Regret is optional.
There is wisdom in understanding that the body changes. Energy fades. Recovery slows. Opportunities narrow not because the world becomes smaller, but because our ability to move freely within it does. Living earlier means honoring the physical and emotional freedom you have now, rather than assuming it will always be there.
I think about older people who light up when they tell stories— about road trips, foolish decisions, passionate loves, and spontaneous adventures. Even the stories that include mistakes are told with warmth. Rarely do people smile when they talk about playing it safe. The joy lives in the doing, not in the avoiding.
Living life before growing old also teaches humility. You learn that you are not invincible, that plans fall apart, that control is often an illusion. But this realization doesn’t weaken you—it grounds you. It
Man About Town
Mr. Rogers from page 4
didn’t grow up with Mr. Rogers or anyone else telling them they were born special.”
By contrast, Chance says, when American students receive low grades, they attempt to “hit you up for a higher mark because they came to class and feel they worked hard.” He wishes more parents would offer kids this perspective:
“The world owes you nothing. You have to work and compete. If you want to be special, you’ll have to prove it.”
Chance doesn’t like: “They’re just children.”
When kids are rude, self-absorbed or disrespectful, some parents allow or endure it, saying, “They’re just children. This phrase is a wor-
thy one when it’s applied to a teachable moment, such as telling a kid not to stick his or her finger in an electrical socket. But as an excuse or as justification for unacceptable behavior, it is plain misguided.”
Finally, Chance doesn’t like kids being overly-familiar with adults as in, “Call me Cindy.”
“When is it ever appropriate to place kids on the same level as adults,” Chance writes, “with adults and kids calling each other by our first names? On one hand, familiarity can mark a loving closeness between child and adult. On the other hand, when a child calls an adult Mr. or Ms., it helps him recognize that status is earned by age and experience. It’s also a reminder to respect your elders.”
is Tell me about Your Day, okay?
Alvin Rosenfeld, a Manhattan-
based child psychiatrist who studies family interactions, says, “It’s crucial to talk to kids about their lives.
That dialogue can enrich the whole family. However, parents also need to discuss their own lives and experiences.”
In America today, Dr. Rosenfeld says, family life often begins with the anointing of “His Majesty, the Fetus.” From then on, many parents primarily focus their conversations on their kids. “Today’s parents are the best-educated generation ever,” he says. “So why do our kids see us adults primarily discussing kids’ schedules and activities?”
He encourages parents to talk about their own passions and interests; about politics, business, world events. “Because everything is so child-centered today, we’re
Problem Solved
by Christopher Elliott
depriving children of adults,” Rosenfeld says. “If kids never see adults being adults, how will they deal with important matters in their own world?”
Perhaps this criticism does not all belong to Mr. Rogers. The rise of the “Me Generation” had other adherents. Some authorities trace the “Trophy-For- Just-Showing-Up Policy” as starting with AYSOAmerican Youth Soccer Organization. It was then picked up by Pop Warner Football and Little League Baseball in an effort to compete for participants in their sport.
Lack of Self-Esteem an issue
Fred Rogers felt quite strongly that one of the issues his young viewers faced was they felt less than – that lack of self-esteem was a serious
Rogers continued on page 12
my insurance says i owe nothing, so why is Quest Diagnostics demanding $562?
Jan Burnett thinks her routine blood tests are behind her when she receives an explanation of benefits showing zero patient responsibility. But more than a year later, a collections notice arrived demanding payment for the same tests. Now she’s caught in a bureaucratic nightmare between Quest Diagnostics, her insurance company, and a collections agency.
Q: I had routine blood tests at Quest Diagnostics last year. My insurance company, Lucent Health, sent me an explanation of benefits stating “Patient Responsibility = $0.00.” I thought everything was settled.
More than a year later, I received a letter from a collections agency demanding that I pay $562. When I called my insurance company, I discovered a second explanation of benefits that I never received, also showing zero patient responsibility.
But now I’m told the claim was denied for “expired timely filing” – meaning Quest didn’t submit it properly.
I maintain an excellent credit score and always pay my bills. I don’t mind paying my fair share, but I shouldn’t have to pay the full retail price because of someone else’s mistakes. Can you help me get this resolved?
Jan Burnett, Jacksonville, Florida
A: This is a textbook case of “passing the buck” – when health care companies make errors and expect patients to clean up the mess.
Quest Diagnostics should have submitted your claim correctly the first time with the proper diagnostic codes. When that failed due to “unspecified laterality diagnosis code” (a fancy way of saying they didn’t specify which side of your body was being treated), Quest should have immediately corrected and resubmitted the claim before the deadline.
Parenthetically, our health care system is so messed up. I’ve experienced other health care systems around the world where claims errors like this are almost impossible
to make. Everything is handled quickly and efficiently. For example, I just picked up a refill for prescription medication in Seoul, and the entire process from getting the prescription to walking out of the pharmacy with the medication took less than 10 minutes.
But this 18-month odyssey with Quest? Not so efficient.
Under most insurance contracts and state laws, providers have 90 to 365 days to submit claims. Quest apparently missed this deadline, which is entirely its fault, not yours.
You could have prevented some of this headache by closely monitoring your explanation of benefits.
But honestly, patients shouldn’t have to be insurance claim detectives.
When companies like Quest make filing errors, you have recourse. You could have escalated this to Quest’s executive team. Executive escalation often cuts through the bureaucratic nonsense.
Your insurance company, Lucent Health, also bears responsibility here. It should have proactively communicated about the claim status and worked to resolve the filing issue rather than leaving you in the dark for months.
After reviewing your case, I contacted Lucent Health on your behalf. Within days, the company voided the denial and reprocessed your claim.
You were caught in a web of corporate incompetence, but persistence paid off. Your insurance is now covering the tests, as it should have from the beginning, and you won’t have to pay that outrageous $562 retail rate.
Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy (https://elliottadvocacy.org), a nonprofit organization that helps consumers solve their problems. Email him at chris@elliott.org or get help by contacting him at https://elliottadvocacy.org/help/
5th District Supervisor • Jim Desmond Fentanyl Deaths are Finally Falling
Three years ago, our country was in the grip of a fentanyl crisis that felt completely out of control.
Here in San Diego County, overdose deaths were surging at an alarming rate. In 2021 alone, more than 800 people lost their lives to fentanyl — many of them young adults with their whole lives ahead
of them. Nationwide, fentanyl became the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 45.
Families were being shattered. Schools were losing students. First responders were overwhelmed.
Doing nothing was not an option.
That is why I led the effort at the County of San Diego to take decisive action. We directed mandatory fentanyl education and training in our schools. We partnered with the District Attorney on a countywide public awareness campaign. And we sent a clear, urgent message to families and young people:
One pill can kill.
This work was never about headlines or politics. It was about prevention. It was about awareness. And it was about making sure our children understood just how deadly fentanyl truly is.
Today, for the first time in years, we are seeing real and measurable progress.
According to the latest national data, overdose deaths are falling sharply. In 2023, the United States recorded roughly 110,000 overdose deaths. In 2024, that number dropped to an estimated 80,000 to 87,000 — a decline of nearly 25 percent. Deaths involving fentanyl and other synthetic opioids fell even more dramatically, by roughly 34 to 37 percent. Early data from 2025 shows the trend continuing, with overdose deaths falling another 24 to 25 percent.
This represents the largest drop in overdose deaths in decades — and the lowest levels since 2019. Let me be clear - this did not happen by accident.
It happened because communities took prevention seriously. It happened because education and awareness campaigns reached parents and kids before tragedy did. And it happened because stronger border enforcement began to disrupt the supply chains that were flooding our neighborhoods with poison.
This progress proves something
Vista Mayor • John Franklin
SaNDag backs New Tax Hikes
SANDAG approved a $125 billion spending plan— and it’s built on new tax hikes. The plan relies on two separate ballot measures to raise sales taxes:
-A half-cent sales tax increase (City of San Diego)
-A countywide three-quarters of a cent sales tax increase
Let’s be clear: voting for a budget that depends on new taxes is voting for a tax hike. Otherwise, you’d be approving projects with no funding behind them. That’s like planning your household budget for next year without having a job.
Without responsible budgeting and guaranteed funding, these projects exist in no man’s land. Unfunded promises aren’t plans—they’re wish lists, no different from items on a child’s Christmas list.
SANDAG has been mired in scandal for years. While the new CEO declared this spending plan a
new era, the reality is very different.
This is the same SANDAG, just less transparent. By promising massive new spending based on taxes that don’t yet exist, this budget is not actually paid for. And if there’s one thing politicians love, it’s raising your taxes to cover their spending mistakes. Since 1987, the TransNet tax has collected $8.2 billion and promises were made to fix the SR-78 and connectors to the I-5 and I-15, but traffic is as bad as ever. Why should we trust them to fix it this time with even more taxpayer money?
When voters reject these sales tax increases, SANDAG won’t stop—they’ll simply come back with new tax proposals, including a Vehicle Miles Traveled tax or even new taxes on your home and property.
That’s why I was proud of my friend, Escondido Mayor Dane White, for standing strong and voting against this massive tax-and-spend package. He recognized that North County’s real transportation needs—like fixing roads and reducing traffic—are being pushed aside in favor of top-down mandates and centralized planning.
I will fight every tax hike, demand fiscal responsibility, and force government to live within its means. It’s time for SANDAG to stop looking for taxpayer bailouts and start delivering real solutions for our roads and traffic.
***
Vista Mayor John Franklin • www.johnfranklin.org
important: when government focuses on real problems, applies common sense, and works with the community, lives are saved.
But this fight is far from over.
Fentanyl is still out there. Dealers are still targeting our kids. And complacency would be deadly. We must continue educating, enforcing, and standing up for policies that protect families instead of enabling chaos.
I am proud of the steps we took early — and even more determined to make sure we do not lose the ground we have gained.
Because every statistic represents a life.
And every life is worth fighting for.
San Diego County District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond, 1600 Pacific Highway, #335, San Diego, CA 92101, United States http:// www.supervisorjimdesmond.com/
To submit a letter to the editor, please email thepaper@cox.net. Please be respectful, limit your letter to a maximum of 300 words and include your full name, e-mail address, town, and a valid phone number where you can be reached. Letters will not be published anonymously. Letters are subject to editing. Please no hand written letters.
Letters to the Editor
Dear Mr. Lyle Davis, publisher of The Paper, I cannot adequately tell you in mere words just how much my co-workers, family, and many, many friends, all enjoy your cover stories written by Friedrich Gomez. I haven’t written to The Paper in a few years, but don’t ever think that silence reflects disinterest! Friedrich’s cover stories are addictive! His past cover story “Laughter, Your Path to Good Health” in which he barely survived a near fatal accident had us all in tears! And the way he put his readers in a Time Machine and told the story of Elvis Presley’s visit to San Diego not only disclosed details I never knew, but he wrote in a
style which put us, the readers, in the action and made us feel as though we really were there, in the middle of what was happening! You must be very proud of him, Mr. Davis. In real life, he is so innocent and so down-to-earth and is like a little boy in the way he talks, walks, and conducts himself -- not one ounce of egotism, plain and simple. I’m not surprised he has fans in Europe and I was very impressed that he speaks fluent German, as we saw him at last year’s Oktoberfest in Carlsbad. He was so cute in signing autographs, like a child having fun, rather than a fat-headed egotist. God love him! And we love and cherish you also Mr. Davis. We love it when you print “The Paper, Owned and Operated by a Military Veteran.” We’ll always support you and The Paper. Our military veterans are our true, blue heroes! And we love and cherish you, deeply! And by the way, Mr. Davis, you looked wonderful in the TV 8 News coverage of you and your story of saving lives!
Maria Elena Contreras, North San Diego County.
Man About Town from page 4
makes you appreciate moments instead of rushing through them. It makes gratitude less abstract and more urgent.
There is also a kindness you develop toward yourself. When you allow yourself to live fully, you stop measuring your life against someone else’s timeline. You realize that fulfillment is deeply personal. What matters is not how impressive your life looks from the outside, but how alive you feel inside it.
Perhaps the greatest wisdom is this: life is not a rehearsal. There is no later version where you finally become brave, curious, or free. The person who lives fully is not someone else you will become—it is someone you choose to be now.
Growing old, when it comes, should feel like an arrival, not a reckoning. It should come with tired bones but a peaceful mind, with fewer “what ifs” and more “I’m glad I did.” Living life early is how you earn that peace.
In the end, the goal is not to outrun time, but to meet it honestly. To grow old knowing you did not merely exist, but participated. That you loved, failed, tried again, wandered, wondered, and lived.
And if age eventually slows your steps, let it never silence your stories.
Cat attacked by Coyote graduates from rabies Quarantine
Staff at San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido Campus celebrated Kyle, an orange tabby cat who survived a coyote attack, with a graduation party today. Kyle has successfully completed his sixmonth rabies quarantine and is now cleared for adoption.
On July 27, 2025, a community member witnessed Kyle being attacked by a coyote near E. Valley Parkway and N. Rose St. in Escondido. The compassionate person quickly intervened, bringing Kyle to San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido Campus for emergency care. Despite the traumatic encounter, Kyle survived with wounds on his neck and chest.
In California, a pet bitten by a potential rabies carrier must undergo a six-month isolation to monitor symptoms during the disease’s incubation period, to prevent spread to humans and other pets. To ensure Kyle was comfortable and had company for such a long period of time, staff let him serve his quarantine in a larger enclosure inside the office of the organization’s Associate Director of Guest Relations and Animal Placement, Rebecca Smith. A small team of rabies-vaccinated staff was assembled to care for him daily.
“Kyle’s resilience has been re-
markable,” said Smith. “From learning to play with enrichment toys, to enjoying window time and treats, he’s shown us he’s a fighter. His caretaker, Dani, has been in-
strumental in his recovery and has become his biggest advocate.”
According to Dani Strickert, Admissions Specialist at San Diego
Humane Society, Kyle quickly proved to be a social butterfly. He is very talkative, often holding entire conversations with staff and happily voicing his opinions – especially when he is hungry. He loves visitors, Churu treats and snacks, and even learned to sit and offer his paw on command within days. While he is a cuddle enthusiast, he also enjoys taking indoor “walks” in his personal enclosed stroller, eagerly greeting every person he passes from behind the net.
To celebrate Kyle’s graduation and clearance for adoption, the organization’s Escondido Campus staff held a special graduation party for the 2-year-old red domestic shorthair cat, complete with a graduation cap and gown, cupcakes featuring his photo, Kyle-trivia, and games with a crochet Kyle as the grand prize! ***
San Diego Humane Society’s scope of social responsibility goes beyond adopting animals. We offer programs that strengthen the human-animal bond, prevent cruelty and neglect, provide medical care, educate the community and serve as a safety net for all pet families. Serving San Diego County since 1880, San Diego Humane Society has campuses in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside, Ramona and San Diego. For more information, please visit sdhumane.org.
lyle e. davis
beat the Secret Ways Travel Companies get You to Pay more
by Christopher Elliott
Aren’t you being a little paranoid, thinking that your airline or hotel is spying on you? Are you overdoing it by switching to “private” mode on your browser when you buy airline tickets, to avoid paying a higher price?
Maybe. Maybe not.
Travel companies have become scarily sophisticated at sizing you up online. They’re not just tracking your clicks anymore. They’re building detailed profiles using data crumbs you didn’t even know you dropped, according to experts. And that profile often determines the price you see. The newest manipulation tools are sneakier, harder to dodge, and almost impossible to prove.
“Travel companies often use internet cookies, IP addresses, loyalty cards, and user log-ins to track and store information about an individual customer’s purchase history,” explains Krista Li, a professor of marketing at Indiana University. “Prices of the same product are effectively different between new and past customers.”
The Downside of Dynamic Pricing optimization
In the travel industry, this practice goes by the harmless-sounding name of dynamic pricing optimization. It’s anything but harmless if you’re a traveler. It means if you live in a more expensive ZIP code or belong to a hotel chain’s loyalty program or, really, do anything online, you could pay more for your next trip.
But wait, hasn’t this been going on for years? Allegedly, yes. But in the last few months, a combination of cutting-edge artificial intelligence and a set of new digital tools has made it easier than ever to manipulate a fare or hotel rate.
“I’ve seen how travel companies weaponize behavioral data,” explains Clayton Johnson, a digital marketing strategist. “From your Instagram posts to your laptop’s screen resolution. Travel companies use this to maintain your price profile even when you think you’re browsing anonymously.”
So, what are the newest tricks in their bag?
OK, let’s do the lightning round. Here’s what they’re up to:
The mouse Stalker
Forget just tracking what you click. Some algorithms now monitor
how you move your cursor. “Slower scrolling or hesitant mouse movements can signal higher purchase intent,” Johnson says. “Like you’re savoring the dream. That’s a green light to nudge the price up a notch.”
Search History Poisoning
Looking up flights to Miami, then Vegas, then Barcelona? Big mistake. Travel sites buy vast troves of search data and use it to make assumptions based on your searches. For example, if you’ve looked for multiple destinations quickly, you’re tagged as a flexible traveler. Translation: Less price-sensitive. Premium pricing activated.
The Subscription Snitch
That Spotify or Netflix account? It might be costing you more than your monthly fee. Dieter Hsiao, a global e-commerce CEO, observed this firsthand: “A client’s system showed me identical searches. Users with active streaming subscriptions saw $340 hotels. Nonsubscribers saw $240 options. The price assumes disposable income.”
Device Fingerprinting
Travelers think they can dupe the system by using “incognito” mode on their browser. But digital marketing expert HJ Matthews says that’s not enough. “Sites use browser fingerprinting – tracking your screen resolution, installed fonts, plugins. It creates a unique
have to take it.
Here’s Your anti-manipulation Toolkit
Feeling watched? Good. Awareness is step one. Step two is fighting back.
You don’t need a PhD in computer science. You need strategy.
go incognito Correctly
Private browsing is basic hygiene, but fingerprinting weakens it. So pair it with regularly clearing your browser cache and local storage. Don’t just close the window; scrub the trail.
Deploy the VPN
Masking your IP address is essential. Try setting your VPN, if you have one, to a location perceived as less affluent or even a different country. I hear from readers who claim to save hundreds of dollars by relocating from a city to a rural area.
Segregate Your browsers
ID that survives private browsing. Your ‘anonymous’ search isn’t anonymous. And a company can use the information to jack up your rates.”
Artificial Scarcity on Steroids
That “Only two seats left!” warning flashing red? Magee Clegg, the CEO of a business-to-business marketing firm, admits it’s often a psychological ploy. “I helped a hotel client implement this,” says Clegg. “They’d show scarcity messages even with 50+ rooms free if someone had searched before. Booking rates jumped 340 percent. The warning creates panic-buying.”
geotargeting
Rob Gundermann, a marketing and technology expert, says rates are different based on your IP address. He’s experienced it himself when shopping for a hotel room in Las Vegas. “Identical Vegas hotel dates showed ‘only two rooms left’ at $189 from my Pennsylvania office,” he says. “A Texas VPN IP showed 8+ rooms at $156. The scarcity was fabricated based purely on my geography.” (A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, allows you to change your reported geographic location.)
To sum up, online travel agencies use all the information you send them -- plus any information they can get their hands on about you -- to display the highest possible price. It’s absurd. But you don’t
If you use Chrome for general browsing, fire up Firefox with strict privacy settings (disable third-party cookies, block trackers) for travel searches and bookings. It’s harder to build a profile of you when you change browsers, according to experts.
Embrace Device Hopping
Check prices on your phone and laptop. “Flights were $80 more expensive on mobile,” recounts Seth Gillen, an entrepreneur who tests pricing. “They assume mobile users want speed, not comparison.”
book When No one Else is
Avoid peak “dreaming hours” (lunchtime, evenings). That’s when markups happen. Airlines bid 40 percent higher for ads during the lunchtime hour, according to Gillen. Instead, aim for Tuesday or Wednesday mornings between 9 and 11 a.m. That’s a quieter time for booking.
and one more Thing
Experts say you should never search for fares on an airline or hotel site while logged in with your loyalty account (it knows everything about you). Only log in when you’re ready to make a booking. Then log out of all your accounts after you’ve made the reservation.
Illustration by Dustin Elliott
Winning big With Valley View Casino: reveal roulette
By Cory Weir, Senior Table Games Manager
Casino floor newcomers and seasoned experts alike can discover exciting ways to play with Valley View Casino’s wide selection of table games that offer a mix of classic play and modern innovations. One standout experience on the floor is Valley View Casino’s Las Vegas-style Reveal Roulette. This twist on a well-known classic brings simplicity, anticipation and the potential for big wins for players of every level.
For beginners Learning the Wheel
Roulette is one of the most beginner-friendly table games on the floor. Players simply place bets on the table, the wheel spins and wherever the arrow lands determines the winning number and color.
Valley View Casino’s Reveal Roulette has a visual and interactive twist on this classic game, as it
introduces suspense by briefly hiding the outcome before revealing the winning results. This dealerguided experience has a relaxed pace and easy structure, making it an ideal start for players looking to explore table games.
Valley View Casino’s tip: Take time to watch a few spins or hands to feel more comfortable before taking a seat at the table. There are rack cards located next to every game that explain the rules, and Valley View Casino’s dealers are always welcoming to newcomers. In the first few games, starting with a broader outside bet such as red/ black or odd/even can help players get familiar with the game’s rhythm.
Whether you’re looking for weekend fun or a weekday escape, Valley View Casino has an array of experiences that make the destination San Diego’s Favorite®. With the latest unique games transforming the casino floor, expansive dining options that offer both casual and elevated culinary delights and lodging fit with unmatched service, Valley View Casino & Hotel is always a guest favorite.
intermediate Players Elevating Experiences
For players who have found their flow, Reveal Roulette has an exciting additional element: optional side bets. The Bonus Spin Xtreme progressive and the Reveal Bonus track are two experiences exclu-
The Paper
by a Veteran lyle e davis
“The state of Texas was never invaded while I was on duty at Fort Sam.
sive to this game that offer higher potential winnings. The Reveal Bonus track offers additional wins based on lining up winning numbers with heart or spade symbols. Bonus Spin Xtreme is an added wheel that is triggered when 0 or 00 hits, and guests have opted into the optional wager.
Valley View Casino’s tip: One of the fastest ways to elevate gameplay is joining the Players Club. With a new member sign-up offer that is over $200 in value, rewards will continue to build. Free to join and allowing guests to earn points with every game played, this easy step ensures no guest misses out on bonuses.
advanced Players Finding Strategy
Advanced players may look to roulette as a game for beginners, but strategic opportunities shouldn’t be overlooked. With Reveal Roulette in particular, advanced betting with strategic wagers on both the roulette wheel and the optional side bets create tempting progressives with even higher potential
for payouts. Maximizing and layering these options turns Reveal Roulette into a top contender for advanced players’ game time.
Advanced players will find and appreciate that Valley View Casino’s interactive twist on classic roulette keeps the feel of the traditional game intact rather than sensationalizing it. Accessing Las Vegasstyle entertainment in California has never been easier as Valley View Casino continues to find innovative ways to play.
Valley View Casino’s tip: The new year marks another year full of big wins and big experiences at Valley View Casino. From dining and gaming promotions tied to major sporting events to a variety of Players Card member giveaways, there has never been a better time to enjoy this prime destination. One of the biggest giveaways, The Three C’s giveaway, offers a chance to win $35,000 cash or a chance to spin for a grand prize of $100,000. With a wide selection of opportunities like these, Players Club cardholders are sure to find exciting ways to win at Valley View Casino.
The Pastor Says . . . Saying “No”
When do we say “no”? First, we should understand the meaning of the word. We have heard it since we were children. Perhaps the first person who called our attention to that word was our mother. It was when Mother said, “No, you cannot have that piece of candy before you eat your breakfast.” Later, Dad comes on the scene. “No, you can’t borrow the car tonight because you have not done what I asked you to do.” This drama of childhood will continue with “no” until the child leaves home and proves responsibility to the expectations of the parent. Usually, however, it is following the expectations of the adult world. The adult world has a much clearer definition: “no” means not at all, not to any degree, to no extent; it means absolute rejection. When a person says “no,” there is no give or compromise.
Socially, we live with a compromised “No” all the time. It is challenging to be so absolute in our world. When a couple marries, they promise to be faithful in body, mind, and spirit. The word “no” means there will be no unfairness. It is to be bound without compromise. And yet, despite saying “No” to any compromise, there is often vacillation from the word “No”. It is easy to say, “No”, I will not betray my vows. Recently, we were made aware of college basketball players who obviously didn’t have the conviction or commitment to say “no” to throwing their teams’ games for money. It is amazing how quickly one can say yes instead of no to loyalty, commitment, and others’ expectations, especially one’s teammates. The sports world today, with its gambling passion, is tempting thousands, including players, to compromise the word “No.”
The word plays another role in our lives. When asked to do something we don’t want to participate in, we often don’t decline with “no, I really don’t want to do that.” Often, we don’t dare to say” no” because we don’t want to be thought of negatively. Much of the time, we don’t live with a thought-out, positive value system of what is important to us, and it is easier to carry resentment toward ourselves because we haven’t declined the request. It takes a lot to learn to say “NO” when that is what to do. This falls prey to responding to any request or to others’ desires. I have officiated at weddings for people who were afraid to say “No.”
They would rather carry the burden of unhappiness throughout
Pet Parade
Quokka is a 2-year-old, 51pound, female, Husky mix. She was lost. When nobody claimed her, she was transferred to Rancho Coastal Humane Society through Friends of County Animal Shelters - FOCAS.
Quokka will nudge your hand to remind you that it’s time to pet her. She likes other dogs and would be okay with older kids. She could probably live in an apartment.
The $145 adoption fee for Quokka includes medical exam, spay, vaccinations, microchip, and a one-year license if her new home is in the jurisdiction of San Diego Humane Society.
For more information visit Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas, call 760-753-6413, or log on to www.SDpets.org. Open 11 to 4 every day but Tuesday.
San Diego Humane Society is supporting families and their pets who need a little extra help.
Through the Community Pet Pantry, anyone can visit our campuses to pick up a bag of dog or cat food, and other supplies, as available.
No appointment is needed for this service. Hours are Tuesday-Sunday from 10am to 6pm.
El Cajon 373 N. Marshall Ave.
Escondido 3500 Burnet Drive
oceanside 572 Airport Road
Pastor Huls continued on page 14
San Diego 5480 Gaines Street
Pet of the Week
Say hello to Onyx, a charming and smart pup looking for her new home! Onyx is sweet, cuddly, curious and observant, and always excited to greet her people when they return home. She is also super coordinated and can catch treats from across the room! She is very food-motivated and ready to learn new tricks. Onyx enjoys sniffing on walks to investigate anything in her path. She thrives best in a calm, structured environment without the hustle and bustle of other pets or young children (under 8). She’ll need a family who understands her unique needs, including supervision when outside — Onyx is quite the jumper and can clear a fence if given the chance! With some training and continued support, Onyx has all the potential to blossom into a confident, happy companion. If you’re looking for an energetic and affectionate pup, visit San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido Campus at 3500 Burnet Drive to adopt Onyx (927633) today! If you have questions about the adoption process, you can visit sdhumane.org/adopt or call 619-299-7012.
In music, the crescendo is the point at which the sound reaches its highest level. Today we look at humanity and our achievements and ask the question, Is AI (artificial intelligence) bringing us closer to mankind’s crescendo?
In the past 200 years many things have changed. The Earth’s population grew from one billion to eight billion. The average human’s life expectancy doubled from thirty–five to nearly seventy years. Electrical devices powered by fossil, solar and nuclear generators do our heavy lifting. Electric and internal combustion engines power our transportation systems. Radio, television, computers and the Internet dominate our communication, finance, education and information systems. But if there is one thing that is a bit worrisome it’s the rise
This woman’s little dog woke her up at two every morning. That night, when her dog woke her up, she slid open the door to the backyard. It began barking, as if it was warning her of danger. A few seconds later, she watched helplessly as a coyote jumped her six-foot fence, grabbed her little dog, then disappeared into the darkness, with the dog still in its mouth.
By morning, she was demanding that every coyote in San Diego County be hunted down and killed.
Coyotes are a fact of life in San Di-
of machine based AI over the past quarter century. AI has access to the entire knowledge base of mankind with an intelligence that dramatically exceeds any individual’s internal intellect. AI also accomplishes its decision making process in a fraction of the time it takes humans. The most frequent “yeah but” from AI skeptics is that AI has “no ethical or moral compass”. That is true, so if you feel the need for a “ethical or moral compass” you might wish focus your Internet activity on sites developed by one of the Earth’s major religious or political belief systems I.E. Islam, Hinduism or Communism.
The BFKDC “Buckminster Fuller Knowledge Doubling Curve” is based upon an estimate of the amount of time time it takes for human knowledge to double. In 1800 the BFKDC was about 100 years. By 2000 the BFKDC was measured in days. It is hard to comprehend such a dramatic increase in human knowledge in such a short time until you realize that the BFKDC measures the sum of available and stored human knowledge, not our individual knowledge level. The BFKDC is not a measure of an individual’s internal information base. It is instead the measure of how much knowledge is contained in all of our internal and external resources. That includes all Earth’s spoken, written and other recorded information.
200 years ago the major method for externally storing knowledge was limited to the written word. Getting information from these ex-
ternal sources required finding it, then manually copying or memorizing the data, a laborious and time consuming effort. In the last half century, the creation of direct electronic communication with the Earth’s stored data bases changed everything. Today, anyone with an Internet access device has nearly instant access to virtually the entire recorded works of mankind. Almost any information you want or need is somewhere on the Internet. The Internet is an amazing resource. Since the introduction of the IW (intelligent web) 25 years ago, it has continued to improve its reach and effectiveness The IW has mankind’s answer to nearly any question. For adults busy making a living and raising families, the IW is an absolute miracle. For 300,000 years we reluctantly accepted the limitations of our own internal
data base and cognitive powers and learned to live within them. Today the answers are right there on the IW and nearly everything you want to know is available.
Today’s rapidly evolving explosion of AI on the computer industry is only a preview of AI’s accelerating impact on all future human activities. AI, abetted by the ever growing information base of the Internet, has a near limitless ability to multiply human intelligence in problem solving. AI is destined to dominate problem solving in every aspect of human endeavor. For the first time in the geologic history of planet Earth, a machine-based intelligence, not man, is the dominant intellectual presence on our planet. How will we handle that reality and how will it change us are unanswered questions.
ego County. They serve a purpose. Eliminating them would create other problems.
Coyote breeding season runs from January to March, and pups are born March through May.
A coyote litter is usually four to seven puppies. Coyotes mate for life and they hunt in packs. They need a lot of food to feed themselves and their pups. They live anywhere they can find a safe place to sleep and a source of food. A guy who worked at a fastfood restaurant said the coyotes would wait in the parking lot for them to throw out the old French fries.
ty every morning, so she left out more food for the coyotes. When they learned that she left out food, then let her dog out, unattended, in the middle of the night, it was like ringing a dinner bell.
Coyotes don’t want anything to do with us, but don’t tempt them. The woman I mentioned left her dog’s food dish on the patio. It was emp-
When you’re walking your dog, don’t use a leash longer than 6 feet. Do not take your dog to areas where you know coyotes are. Stick to trails and open paths where you
have good visibility. And remember that Sunrise and Sunset are hunting times for coyotes.
• If you see a coyote, secure the leash. If you have a small dog, pick it up.
• Stand tall. Make eye contact. Don’t run away.
• Yell. Stomp your feet. Clap your hands. Toss rocks near (not at) the coyote. Do this until it leaves.
• If the coyote stops and looks back…. start again.
• If a coyote is too “brave”, report it to authorities.
Leave them alone and they will leave you alone. Don’t create a problem where a problem doesn’t exist.
Secret from page 8
The Truth about How Companies get You to Pay more
Can you prove that algorithm charged you $50 more because you use a MacBook and live in a fancy zip code? Probably not. Airfares change in a nanosecond. A dozen legitimate factors (inventory, competitor pricing, global events) play a role in the fare or hotel rate you see.
“It’s difficult to isolate personalization from normal volatility,” admits Aniko Öry, an economics professor at Carnegie Mellon. “Airlines primarily price based on route, time, and booking window.”
But the sheer volume of identical experiences paints a damning picture. It looks suspicious. It feels manipulative. And the travel industry’s fancy algorithms offer zero transparency.
And the worst part about it? These pricing shenanigans are perfectly legal, says Anton Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor and an attorney.
“Until regulations catch up,” he adds, “travelers are on their own.”
Travel pricing isn’t a fair fight. You’re up against algorithms that know if you lingered too long on that business class seat and whether you subscribe to HBO Max. They’re like hungry digital raccoons, rifling through your browsing trash.
But you’re not powerless. If you think like a spy, cover your digital tracks and use some of the techniques I’ve outlined, you have a fighting chance.
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.
Mr. Rogers from page 5
problem with many. “This feeling in turn, causes the child to strike out, to seek love and acceptance by committing actions where they get negative attention rather that positive approval. If one feels unworthy of love, one will do unworthy things. Many feel they, like Daniel Striped Tiger, that they are a mistake, since their parents never seem to have time for them, or seldom, if ever, put their arms around them or express their love for them.”
Rogers felt that in some ways the child had to become his or her own parent. Thus, the affirmation that, “You always make each day a special day. You know how: By just your being you/ yourself. There’s only one person in the whole world like you, and that’s you. And people can like you just / exactly the way you are.”
Rogers also felt it was important to make a clear distinction between the realistic world of his television neighborhood, and the fantasy world of Make-Believe. He often discussed what was going to happen in Make-Believe before the fantasy segment was shown.
“Let’s pretend that Prince Tuesday has been having scary dreams . . .” Rogers would often act out the bits of Make-Believe with models on the table top before going to the live-action puppets. The miniature motorized trolley, known on the show as “Trolley” with fast-paced piano music, was the only element that appeared regularly in both the realistic world and Make-Believe: it was used to transport viewers from one world to another. The idea of the trolley was pure Mr. Rogers. As a youngster he rode the trolley in Pittsburgh often, and loved it.
Fantasy / Reality Distinction
day, and Ana Platypus, prepared for going to school for the first time. Trolley became the school bus. When Trolley came into Mister Rogers’ house it was two pieces of yellow construction paper shaped and drawn like the profile of a school bus, but when in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, it looked like a real school bus, except with trolley wheels.
There were many characters in “Neighborhood.” Collette, Cornflake S. Pecially, Cousin Steven Owl were just a few. Guests on the series ranged from cellist Yo Yo Ma to actor and body-builder Lou Ferrigno. Michael Keaton made his first television appearance as a volunteer in 1975. He played in a troupe called The Flying Zookeenies. They performed for King Friday’s birthday and also operated the Trolley.
Another unique feature was that thirteen in-series ‘operas’ were performed during the course of the show: “Potato Bugs and Cows”, “Monkey’s Uncle” and “All in the Laundry” were three of them.
Concern about TV Violence
During the show’s run, Mr. Rogers became concerned about what children were seeing on TV on three different occasions. The first was during the Vietnam war, when news shows aired dramatic scenes of the violence of war and the tragedies it brought.
Rogers said, “It’s very dramatic when two people come together to work something out. It’s easy to take a gun and annihilate your opposition, but what is really exciting to me is to see people with differing views come together and finally respect each other.” This never happened on Nightly News.
Rogers said, “Those were easy concepts to explain. But how do you explain war to young ones, or for that matter, how do you explain war to adults?” On his show he said, “War happens when two countries can no longer get along, so they take up arms and try to impose their will on the other one.”
He tried to counteract the scenes of violence and chaos shown on TV news shows and showcased dealing with anger in more positive ways. He explained the whole situation by saying, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’
To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.”
In 1984, when Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtles became so popular, Mr. Rogers grew concerned at the needless violence enacted on and by children. He felt the shows had no enduring message and were produced primarily to exploit kids.
He’s quoted as saying, “We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It’s easy to say, ‘It’s not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.’
Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes.”
The answer is Love
This fantasy/reality distinction put Rogers’ series in sharp contrast to other children’s shows, such as Sesame Street and Captain Kangaroo which freely mixed fantasy and reality. Trolley was a character in its own right, often stopping to ‘talk’ with other characters such as King Friday XIII, by moving back and forth and ringing a bell to respond to Friday. Trolley also truly showed the difference between the worlds during the week when the three younger puppet characters, Daniel Striped Tiger, Prince Tues-
And this bombardment of violence had a deleterious effect on young people according to Fred. He said he saw an almost immediate increase in hostility and tension among his young guests.
Earlier, Rogers had discussed marriage and divorce with his viewers.
He stated that marriage resulted when “Two people fall in love and want to be together as much as possible.” He defined divorce as, “Two people are married. When they no longer love each other, they divorce.”
He was quite sure the solution to most problems was love. “We need to help people discover the true meaning of love. Love is generally confused with dependence. Those of us who have grown in true love know that we can love only in proportion to our capacity for independence, to see the need and respond.”
After the Twin Towers in New York were destroyed by terrorists on September 11, 2001, Rogers was distraught. He called his team together and planned a special program stressing patriotism, responsibility and gratitude. The theme?
Mr. Rogers
Mr. Rogers from page 12
“There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.”
Rogers taped public service announcements aimed at adults wondering about how to discuss world news with their young children.
These included his “look for the helpers” sentiments and other guidance.
His production company issued a statement, “We have discovered that when children bring up something frightening, it’s helpful right away to ask them what they know about it ... probably what children need to hear most from us adults is that they can talk with us about anything, and that we will do all we can to keep them safe in any scary time.”
* * *
gentle but Tough
MIGHTY MOJO
low ‘shoddy’ or excessive ad-libbing.
He believed that kids were thoughtful people who deserved programming as good as that which adults enjoyed.
He appeared as a guest on other children shows often. On the animated cartoon series, Arthur, Rogers was an aardvark. Bill Nye, host of a science-themed program exchanged show appearances with him, as did Captain Kangaroo. On an episode of Sesame Street, Rogers explains to Big Bird that even if he loses a race such as the one to his friend “Snuffy,” there should be no hard feelings if both did the best they could. Big Bird appeared on “Neighborhood” in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe on several occasions.
Guests on the show were often surprised to find that Rogers was as patient and gentle in real life as he was on television. He nevertheless was a perfectionist who did not al- Pete Peterson
Oodles from page 3
Leah Taylor will explain the mission of Master Gardeners and how its volunteers use science-based information to educate people in San Diego County. She will also share her knowledge of bees and insects.
Feb 6 2:30 Update on What’s Happening at MiraCosta College Sunny Cooke, MCC President Ms. Cooke will inform us the latest campus changes and academic offerings of MiraCosta College.
Feb. 13 No CLaSSES – MCC CLOSED – Lincoln’s and Washington’s Birthdays
Feb. 20 1:00 The Silk Road Lee Wakefield
Lee Wakefield will discuss the Silk Road and its impact on Western Civilization. There are many technological, historical, and medicinal developments that results in this “Super Highway” from China, thru Central Asia and culminating in Italy.
Feb 20 2:30 Chinese Lunar New Year MiraCosta College Students Students will educate us on the origin, meaning and customs of the celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year.
Feb 27 1:00 MCC Theater play “Cinderella” Tracy Williams, MCC Director
Tracy Williams and her students will give us a glimpse into the upcoming performance of the play “Cinderella”. You will be treated to a magical night at the ball—complete with charming princes, feisty fairy godmothers and a pumpkin carriage with flair.
Feb 27 2:30 Buena Vista Audubon Report Natalie Shapiro, Buena Vista Audubon
Have you ever wondered about the Buena Vista Lagoon? Learn the history of the Lagoon, how it became filled in with cattails and muck and what is being done to restore it.
To join a Zoom meeting, LIFE must have your email address in order for you to receive the invite link. Meetings will start at 12:45 pm (you can join 15 minutes earlier) and the speaker will start at 1:00 pm. Email: life.miracosta@ gmail.com.
music men Seeking guys Who Like to Harmonize
If you’re a male, high-school age or older, who LOVES SINGING and would like to try close-harmony singing, consider visiting a Music Men Chorus rehearsal in
January 2026. The Music Men are a men’s a cappella (no accompaniment) choir that performs 4-part, close-harmony songs arranged Barbershop Style, with ringing chords. We are a non-profit chorus affiliated with the Barbershop Harmony Society. We sing a variety of song styles, including romantic ballads, movie/show tunes, patriotic songs, Pop, and Christmas holiday songs. We perform at both public (libraries, community centers, sporting events) and private (retirement communities, HOA functions, birthday/anniversary parties) venues throughout North San Diego County. On Valentine’s Day, quartets from the chorus deliver Singing Valentines in the community, one of our most enjoyable activities.
We are seeking singers in all 4 voice parts: Lead (2nd tenor range, sings song melody), Bass (lowest harmony part), Tenor (1st tenor range, highest harmony part), and Baritone (2nd tenor range, sings both above and below the Lead part). YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE ABLE TO READ MUSIC TO SING WITH US! We will do a simple voice check: Can you match a pitch and can you repeat a tune? We provide audio learning tracks to help you learn your part. Also, our veteran singers in your part will help you.
If you are looking for a challenge in 2026, would like to make new friends, and just plain have fun singing with a group of dedicated guys, make a New Year’s Resolution to visit a Music Men Chorus rehearsal and see/hear what we’re all about. We meet at 7 pm on Tuesday evenings at San Marcos Lutheran Church, 3419 Grand Avenue, in Luther Hall. For more information, visit www.musicmenchorus.org.
The Senior Service Council of Escondido (SSCE) is Looking for Volunteers
As a TECH TUTOR you’ll help seniors with technology, includ-
ing 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. ***
Chess at Park avenue Community Center Home of Escondido Senior Center 210 Park avenue, Escondido 760-839-4688
Adults of all skill levels are welcome. Drop in anytime Wednesday OR Friday noon-3pm to play or watch in the shuffleboard building. Follow the signs or ask at the front desk for directions. Friendly games with large boards and pieces provided. No fees or reservations. ***
Vista Library Writers’ Workshops
This spring, the Vista Library welcomes back its popular series of inperson writers’ workshops—three lively sessions led by local authors exploring craft, publishing and the creative process.
These free workshops are open to writers of all levels, with registration opening one month prior to each event.
Visit sdcl.org/vista to sign up.
First, i Discovered america, Then i Discovered The Paper
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
Huls from page 10
their married lives than live honestly.
Perhaps the most significant and serious area that calls for “No” is the world of religion. Most religions have many rules and laws that have expectations of “Yes, I know I should be obedient.” The problem is that there is both uncertainty and temptation to do the opposite. While the law says “No,” the action does the opposite. One doesn’t always know or have the willpower to resist. The laws of God [the Bible] leave no room for compromise. The word “all” does not compromise. The word “No” means not any room, not at all, no extent, not any, not to any degree. This is best summarized with the teachings of Apostle Paul when he quotes, “For all have sinned and come short of God’s will. There is none righteous, not one. All we like sheep have gone astray.” The word “All” is pretty inclusive. It is evident that all of us can’t say “no” to at least the demands of God. Yet, in conclusion to the struggle we have with not being able to say “No,” it is easier to say “yes” to God’s Grace and love.
Pastor Huls
FiCTiTiouS b u S i NESS
NamE
STaTEmENT 2025-9022976
The name of the businesss: The Smile Patio Dental Group of Jonathan D. Albaugh DMD Inc., located at 30 Main St, Ste G-150, Vista, CA 92083. Registrant, Jonathan D. Albaugh DMD Inc., 30 Main St, Ste G-150, Vista, CA 92083. This businesss is operated by a Corporation.
First day of business 9/19/2020 /s/ Jonathan D. Albaugh, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 12/8/2025 1/8, 1/15, 1/22, 1/29/2026
FiCTiTiouS b u S i NESS
NamE
STaTEmENT 2025-9020150
The name of the businesss: Janice Elizabeth’s Soul Food Kitchen, located at 560 Greenbrier Dr., Ste C, Oceanside, CA 92054. Registrant, Janice Elizabeth’s soul Food Kitchen, 560 Greenbrier Dr., Ste C, Oceanside, CA 92054. This businesss is operated by a Limited Liability Company.
First day of business 8/20/2020 /s/ Nadia Smalley, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/21/2025
11/20, 11/27, 12/4, 12/11/2025
FiCTiTiouS b u S i NESS NamE
STaTEmENT 2025-9020149
The name of the businesss:
American Security LLC, located at 560 Greenbrier Dr., Ste C, Oceanside, CA 92054. Registrant, American Security LLC, 560 Greenbrier Dr., Ste C, Oceanside, CA 92054. This businesss is operated by a Limited Liability Company.
First day of business 8/29/2020
/s/ Nadia Smalley, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 10/21/2025
11/20, 11/27, 12/4, 12/11/2025
FiCTiTiouS b u S i NESS
NamE
STaTEmENT 2026-9000001
The name of the businesss: 24Hour Logistics, located at 560 Greenbrier Dr., #C, Oceanside, CA 92054. Registrant, Nadia Bahia Smalley, 560 Greenbrier Dr., #C, Oceanside, CA 92054. This businesss is operated by an Individual.
First day of business 12/30/2025
/s/ Nadia Bahia Smalley with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 1/2/2026
1/8, 1/15, 1/22, 1/29/2026
STaTEmENT oF
abaNDoNmENT oF uSE oF
FiCTiTiouS buSiNESS NamE: 2025-9024188
Leinig Incorporated, located at 770 Twin Oaks Vly Rd., Suite A, San Marcos, CA 92069. The Fictitious Business Name referred to above was filed in San Diego County on 1/26/2021 and assigned file no. 2021-9000837.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME IS BEING ABANDONED BY: Leining Incorporated, 770-A Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is conducted by a Corporation. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1000).
/s/Walter V. Giniel, CEO
This statement was filed with the San Diego Recorder/County clerk on 12/29/2025. 1/8, 1/15, 1/22, 1/29/2026
FiCTiTiouS b u S i NESS NamE
STaTEmENT 2026-9000334
The name of the businesss: The Royal Xperience, located at 910 Santa Fe Ave Suite 203,. Vista, CA 92084. Registrant, Jasmine Royal, 291 N. Santa Fe Ave., Apt 304, Vista, CA 92084. This businesss is operated by an Individual.
First day of business N/A /s/ Jasmine Royal with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 1/7/2026 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5/2026
FiCTiTiouS b u S i NESS NamE
STaTEmENT 2026-9022709
The name of the businesss: Preventicx, located at 2305 Historic Decatur Road Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92106. Registrant, ARA Medical Enterprises Inc., 2305 Historic Decatur Road Suite 100, San Diego 92106. This businesss is operated by a Corporation. First day of business 5/24/2018 /s/ Kevin Robell, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 12/3/2025 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5/2026
FiCTiTiouS b u S i NESS NamE
STaTEmENT 2026-9022946
The name of the businesss: Albatrade, located at 810 Los Vallecitos Blvd., #M, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, Raul Alba, 1430 Genoa Dr., Vista, CA 92081, Marianela De La Hoz, 1430 Genoa Dr., Vista, CA 92081. This businesss is operated by a Married Couple.
First day of business N/A /s/ Raul Alba with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 12/5/2025 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5/2026
FiCTiTiouS b u S i NESS NamE
STaTEmENT 2025-9024138
The name of the businesss: Nimbus Bakery, located at 3914 Centre Street Apt 9, San Diego, CA 92103. Registrant, Rezvan Baghbanian, 3914 Centre Street Apt 9, San Diego, CA 92103. This businesss is operated by an Individual.
First day of business 11/23/2025 /s/ Rezvan Baghbanian with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 12/26/2025 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5/2026
FiCTiTiouS b u S i NESS NamE
STaTEmENT 2025-9024289
The name of the businesss: Reyna Real Estate Services, located at 3310 Grand Ave., San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, Griselda Reyna, 3310 Grand Ave., San Marcos, CA 92078. This businesss is operated by an Individual.
First day of business 12/29/2025 /s/ Griselda Reyna with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 12/30/2025 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5/2026
FiCTiTiouS b u S i NESS NamE
STaTEmENT 2026-9000152
The name of the businesss: Carlsbad Oro Cleaners, located at 869 Grand Ave., Carlsbad, CA 92008. Registrant, ORO1979 Inc., 4140 Oceanside Blvd. #149, Oceanside, CA 92056. This businesss is operated by a Corporation.
First day of business N/A /s/ Allen Jaehwan Kim, Secretary with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 12/5/2026 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5/2026
FiCTiTiouS b u S i NESS NamE
STaTEmENT 2026-9001031
The name of the businesss:
LEGALS
Uberdog, Uberdog Dynamic Pet Training, located at 1702 Tamarme Terrace, Escondido, CA 92025. Registrant, Jessica Koester, 1702 Tamarme Terrace, Escondido, CA 92025. This businesss is operated by an Individual.
First day of business 1/21/2014 /s/ Jessica Koester with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 1/15/2026 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12/2026
FiCTiTiouS b u S i NESS
NamE
STaTEmENT 2026-9000794
The name of the businesss: Lavanta Bakery & Cafe, Lavanta Sweets & Cafe, located at 12788 Rancho Penasquitos Blvd., San Diego, CA 92129. Registrant, Fatemeh Mousavi, 12788 Rancho Penasquitos Blvd., San Diego, CA 92129. This businesss is operated by an Individual.
First day of business 1/13/2026 /s/ Fatemeh Mousavi with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 1/13/2026 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12/2026
FiCTiTiouS b u S i NESS
NamE
STaTEmENT 2026-9000493
The name of the businesss: LL Storybooks, located at 1137 Glen Ellen Pl., San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, Michael Jonathan Romero, 1137 glen Ellen Pl., San Marcos, CA 92078. This businesss is operated by an Individual.
First day of business N/A /s/ Michael Jonathan Romero with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 1/8/2026 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12/2026
orDEr To SHoW CauSE
For CHaNgE oF NamE
26Cu000233N
TO ALL INTERESTED PER-
SONS: Tammy-Marie Ashley
Wallace Manpioper filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: Tammy-Marie Ashley Wallace Manpioper to Proposed name Tammy-Marie Ashley Manpioper. 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: February 20, 2026, 8:30 am, in Dept. N-25 No hearing will occur on above date. Please see attachment The address of the court is: 325 S. Melrose Dr., Vista, CA 92081. A copy of the Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Marcos News Reporter, dba, The Paper, 845 W. San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, Ca. 92078. Dated January 6, 2026 /s/ Hon. Brad A. Weinreb, Judge of the Superior Court 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12/2026
FiCTiTiouS b u S i NESS NamE
STaTEmENT 2025-9022559
The name of the businesss: Mayari Glow Wellness, located at 11526 Via Santa Brisa, San Diego, CA 92131. Registrant, Advanced Nursing Rx, Profes-
sional Corporation, 11526 Via Santa Brisa, San Diego, CA 92131. This businesss is operated by a Corporation. First day of business N/A /s/ Shadette Soriano, CEO, Owner with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 12/1/2025 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12/2026
FiCTiTiouS b u S i NESS NamE
STaTEmENT 2026-9001477
The name of the businesss: Elegante Beauty Salon and Barbershop, located at 419 N. Santa Fe Ave., Vista, CA 92084. Registrant, Ana Maria Mercado, 419 N. Santa Fe Ave., Vista, CA 92084. This businesss is operated by an Individual. First day of business 1/1/2026 /s/ Ana Mercado with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 1/22/2026
1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19/2026
FiCTiTiouS b u S i NESS NamE
STaTEmENT 2026-9001443
The name of the businesss: Christina Fountain, located at 671 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd., Apt 339, San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, Christina Rose Brooks, 671 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd., Apt 339, San Marcos, CA 92078. This businesss is operated by an Individual. First day of business N/A /s/ Christina Rose Brooks with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 1/22/2026 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19/2026
FiCTiTiouS b u S i NESS NamE
STaTEmENT 2025-9022208
The name of the businesss: ProTherapeutics Massage Clinic, Pro-Therapeutics Massage, located at 4420 Hotel Circle Court Ste 245, San Diego, CA 92108. Registrant, Markus Jamsheed Pourarbab, 450 Yucca Rd., Fallbrook, CA 92028. This businesss is operated by an Individual. First day of business 11/12/2025 /s/ Markus Jamsheed Pourarbab with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 11/21/2025 12/18, 12/25/2025, 1/1, 1/8/2026
FiCTiTiouS b u S i NESS NamE
STaTEmENT 2025-9023443
The name of the businesss: First Expressions, located at 1582 W. San Marcos Blvd., Suite 301, San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, first Expressions Speech Language Pathology Services Inc., 30586 N. Gate Lane, Murrieta, CA 92563. This businesss is operated by a Corporation. First day of business 11/1/2025 /s/ Jason R. Bergancia, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 12/15/2025 12/18, 12/25/2025, 1/1, 1/8/2026
FiCTiTiouS b u S i NESS NamE
STaTEmENT 2026-9001885
The name of the businesss: Trustpoint Services, located at 685 Dane Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, Chassidy Dawn Sutton, 685 Dane Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069. This businesss is operated by an Individual.
First day of business N/A /s/ Chassidy Dawn Sutton with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 1/26/2026
1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19/2026
STaTEmENT oF
abaNDoNmENT oF uSE oF
FiCTiTiouS buSiNESS NamE: 2026-9000725
Arangos Cleaning Services, located at 709 Sylvis Way, San
Marcos, CA 92078. The Fictitious Business Name referred to above was filed in San Diego County on 1/21/2022 and assigned file no. 2022-9001704.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME IS BEING ABANDONED BY: Apolinar Sanchez Arango, 709 Sylvis Way, San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is conducted by an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1000). /s/Juan Antonio Gonzalez
This statement was filed with the San Diego Recorder/County clerk on 1/13/2026. 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26/2026
FiCTiTiouS b u S i NESS NamE
STaTEmENT 2026-9000726
The name of the businesss: Arangos Cleaning Services, located at 3919 Las Cruces Ave., San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, Baby Perez Santiago, 3919 Las Cruces Ave., San Marcos, CA 92078. This businesss is operated by an Individual.
First day of business 1/13/2026 /s/ Baby Perez Santiago with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 1/13/2026 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26/2026
FiCTiTiouS b u S i NESS NamE
STaTEmENT 2026-9001212
The name of the businesss: Altered Air, located at 831 Nordahl Rd., #E, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, John Rigo, 831 Nordahl Rd., #E, San Marcos, CA 92069. This businesss is operated by an Individual. First day of business N/A /s/ John Rigo with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 1/20/2026 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26/2026
FiCTiTiouS b u S i NESS NamE
STaTEmENT 2025-9023461
The name of the businesss: Bojorquez Coatings, located at 3512 Barranca Rd., San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, OB&J Logistics LLC, 3512 Barranca Rd., San Marcos, CA 92069. This businesss is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business 12/15/2025 /s/ Orlando Bojorquez Retes, Member with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 12/15/2025 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12/2026
FiCTiTiouS b u S i NESS
NamE
STaTEmENT 2026-9000974
The name of the businesss: Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Oceanside, Gracie Oceanside, located at 3529 Cannon Rd., 2A, Oceanside, CA 92056. Registrant, Ibjjl & Events LLC, 3529 Cannon Rd., 2A, Oceanside, CA 92056. This businesss is operated by a Limited Liability Company.
First day of business N/A /s/ Thiago Gaia T O Marques, Manager with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 1/15/2026 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26/2026
FiCTiTiouS b u S i NESS NamE
STaTEmENT 2026-9000480
The name of the businesss: Orangecad USA, located at 310 Via Vera Cruz Ste 208, San Marcos, CA 92078-2632. Registrant, Cardiff Biomedical LLC, 310 via Vera Cruz Ste 208, San Marcos, CA 92078-2632. This businesss is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business 10/1/2024
/s/ Patrick Carmichael, Managing Member with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 1/8/2026
2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26/2026
FiCTiTiouS b u S i NESS NamE
STaTEmENT 2026-9001874
The name of the businesss: Homicidal Death Worm, located at 590 Camino de la Cima, San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, Emily Michele Eubanks, 590 Camino de la Cima, San Marcos, CA 92078. This businesss is operated by an Individual. First day of business 1/4/2021 /s/ Emily M. Eubanks with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 1/26/2026
2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26/2026
FiCTiTiouS b u S i NESS NamE
STaTEmENT 2026-9001600
The name of the businesss: Southwest Electric, located at 1322 Partridge Lane, Oceanside, CA 92054. Registrant, Southwest Electric, 1322 Partridge Lane, Oceanside, CA 92054. This businesss is operated by a Corporation. First day of business N/A /s/ Jeff Bell, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 1/23/2026
2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26/2026
FiCTiTiouS b u S i NESS NamE
STaTEmENT 2025-9024406
The name of the businesss: Togashi Charters, located at 3436 Ricewood Drive, Oceanside, CA 92058. Registrant, David G. Togashi Jr., 3436 Ricewood Drive, Oceanside, CA 92058. This businesss is operated by an Individual. First day of business 12/30/2025 /s/ David G. Togashi Jr. with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 12/31/2025 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26/2026
FiCTiTiouS b u S i NESS NamE
STaTEmENT 2026-9001164
The name of the businesss: Mata Landgreen Landscape, located at 345 Poinsettia Ave., Vista, CA 92083. Registrant, Carlos David Mata, 345 Poinsettia Ave., Vista, CA 92083. This businesss is operated by an Individual. First day of business N/A /s/ Carlos D. Mata with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 1/20/2026
2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26/2026
FiCTiTiouS b u S i NESS NamE
STaTEmENT 2026-9000546 The name of the businesss: Waterline Woodwork, located at 836 Warmlands Ave., Vista, CA 92084. Registrant, Robert Scott Burt, 836 Warmlands Ave., Vista, CA 92084. This businesss is operated by an Individual. First day of business 12/1/2025 /s/ Baby Perez Santiago with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 1/9/2026
2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26/2026
FiCTiTiouS b u S i NESS NamE
STaTEmENT 2026-9001435 The name of the businesss: Rooted Hair Studio, located at 1560 Creek St., San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, Melinda Sue Taylor, 1560 Creek St., San Marcos, CA 92078. This businesss is operated by an Individual. First day of business N/A /s/ Melinda Sue Taylor with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 1/22/2026
