U.S vs. RUSSIA
Who Truly Has the Advantage?
By Friedrich Gomez
With America’s recent airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, our direct U.S. military involvement has heightened Middle East tensions and global concerns that further U.S. military involvement might escalate into a far more dangerous and wider conflict, even a nuclear confrontation.
As reported in TIME Magazine: “Russia, a longtime ally of Iran and
nuclear-armed adversary of the U.S., has sounded the alarm about the potential globally-devastating consequences of the conflict, especially should the U.S. military get more involved.”
Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, was more surgically precise when she warned that the world is just “millimeters” away from a potential nuclear catastrophe.
(Maria Zakharova direct comment to
thepaper@cox.net
Reuters, the Global News Agency.)
U.S. INTELLIGENCE NEVER MISSES OPPORTUNITY TO STUDY MILITARY CAPABILITY OF AN ADVERSARY.
U.S. and Allied Intelligence sources never miss an opportunity to study, analyse, and assess the military capability of an adversary under real warfare conditions, that is how we are trained.
And from the beginning of the Rus-
sian-Ukrainian war, it has been a classic textbook lesson on just how inept and poorly equipped Russia’s electronic warfare systems truly are under actual warfare conditions.
A fact which has, repeatedly, embarrassed the Kremlin multiple times on the world stage.
From the very beginning of Russia’s unprovoked war and invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, Russia’s Intelligence had to quickly begin a propaganda campaign fran-
US vs Russia from page 1
tically dispelling its poor military performance, which was supposed to be among the mightiest on the planet.
With the assistance of classified Western Intelligence sources, Ukraine’s relatively easy sinking of the mighty Russian warship, the Moskva, the “Pride of the Russian Fleet,” sent shock waves around the world – including shockwaves within the Russian regime itself, from top to bottom.
Thunderstruck by the devastating news from his own Intelligence reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin was said to have been rendered speechless, in shock, and in total disbelief. To the point where Putin had to (repeatedly) ask other sources if the sinking of the mighty Moskva was, indeed, true.
The Moskva, the ultimate flagship of the Russian Navy’s Black Sea Fleet was said to be outfitted with the world’s most advanced, cutting edge, and sophisticated Combat Information Centre (CIC) outfitted with the most high-tech radar, sonar, and electronic countermeasure (ECM) capability, as well as an impenetrable missile defence system – all of which in reality proved to be a dismal failure against Ukraine’s CIC missile attacks which easily sank the mighty warship, the Moskva.
The debacle of Russia’s highlytouted defence systems shocked
This week, a compendium of wit, wisdom and neat stuff you can tell at parties. Enjoy!
The bishop decided that he would conduct the interviews personally and went up into the belfry to begin the screening process.
After observing several applicants demonstrate their skills, he had decided to call it a day.
Just then, an armless man ap-
the world and proved to be just the beginning of many humiliating and embarrassing Russian military failures on the global centre stage for all the world to witness.
PUTIN DEEPLY HUMILIATED.
The sinking of the Moskva in front of the entire world was no small matter. The cruiser was not only the “pride and joy” of Russia’s mighty military navy, but the Moskva was the largest Russian warship to be sunk in wartime since the end of World War II and the first Russian flagship sunk since the Knyaz Suvorov in 1905, during the Russo-Japanese War.
KREMLIN
PROPAGANDA FRANTICALLY TRIED TO DENY UKRAINIAN MISSILES SANK THE MIGHTY WARSHIP.
Hours after the incredulous sinking, the Russian Ministry of Defence said that a fire had caused munitions to explode and that the ship had been seriously damaged, without any statement or reference to a Ukrainian missile strike. The ministry said on 14 April that the missile systems of the cruiser were undamaged; the fire was contained by sailors; and that efforts were underway to tow the ship to port. Later, on that same 14 April, the Russian ministry said that the Moskva sank while being towed during stormy weather. On 15 April, the sinking was briefly reported on Russian news media and television, where it was said that it sank due to “stormy seas.”
But the truth could not be entirely
proached him and announced that he was there to apply for the bell ringer’s job. The bishop was incredulous.
‘You have no arms !’
‘No matter,’ said the man. ‘Observe !’
And he began striking the bells with his face, producing a beautiful melody on the carillon. The bishop listened in astonishment; convinced he had finally found a replacement for Quasimodo.
But suddenly, as he rushed forward to strike the bell, the armless man tripped and plunged headlong out of the belfry window to his death in the street below.
The stunned bishop rushed down two hundred and ninety five church steps, when he reached the street, a crowd had gathered around the fallen figure, drawn by the beautiful music they had heard only moment before.
As they silently parted to let the bishop through, one of them asked, ‘Bishop, who was this man ?’
contained as world news penetrated even the darkest corners of Moscow and throughout Russia, despite being banned on official state television.
The mighty and highly-touted super advanced Russian electronic warfare system was completely impotent and powerless in trying to defend the Moskva against two “modified” R-360 Neptune antiship missiles.
U.S. and Allied Intelligence confirmed the kill.
PUTIN PANICS AS UKRAINE’S “OPERATION SPIDERWEB” EXPOSED SEVERE RUSSIAN SECURITY & SPY BREACHES!
Operation Spiderweb, code name for the Ukrainian covert drone attack carried out by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) deep inside Russia on 1 June 2025, highlighted huge and critical lapses in Russia’s military security & Intelligence Agency – across the board.
LEAKED REPORTS REVEAL RUSSIA’S HUGE INTELLIGENCE FAILURES.
1. In Operation Spider Web, Ukraine was able to hit critical Russian air bases thousands of miles inside Russia.
2. 34% or over 1/3 of Russia’s strategic bombers were destroyed – bombers which were capable of carrying nuclear missiles: $7-billion in crucial Russian military aircraft – gone!
‘I don’t know his name,’ the bishop sadly replied, (... Wait for it ...)
‘BUT HIS FACE RINGS A BELL’
WAIT ! WAIT ! There’s more
The following day, despite the sadness that weighed heavily on his heart due to the unfortunate death of the armless campanologist, the bishop continued his interviews for the bell ringer of Notre Dame.
The first man to approach him said, ‘Your Excellency, I am the brother of the poor armless wretch that fell to his death from this very belfry yesterday.
I pray that you honor his life by allowing me to replace him in this duty.’
The bishop agreed to give the man an audition, and, as the armless man’s brother stooped to pick up a mallet to strike the first bell, he groaned, clutched at his chest, twirled around, and died on the spot.
Two monks, hearing the bishop’s
3. Ukraine was able to smuggle military drones inside unmarked trucks across Russian borders with little effort – and all completely undetected.
4. Ukraine systematically compromised Russian supply chains by disguising FPV drones as housing materials within wooden mobile houses with retractable roofs, all transported via trucks deep into Russian territory through border crossings – without problems. This enabled positioning of these weapons within just meters of targeted aircraft rather than requiring longrange delivery systems.
5. Russian radar systems were never installed in these critical crossing areas, allowing unmarked Ukrainian vans to move undetected and then reassemble their ordinance (drones) with no problem.
6. Elsewhere, where Russian radar systems were operational, Ukraine easily rendered them inoperable via Ukraine’s superior radar electronic countermeasures (ECM).
7. Stolen fuel and fake readiness reports easily attained.
8. Ukraine easily breached these highly sensitive areas without encountering defencive measures or counter-intelligence espionage from Russia.
9. Although Russia was in a full
US vs Russia continued on page 3
cries of grief at this second tragedy, rushed up the stairs to his side.
‘What has happened ? Who is this man ?’ the first monk asked breathlessly.
‘I don’t know his name,’ sighed the distraught bishop, ‘but....’
(. . . Wait for it ....)
‘HE’S A DEAD RINGER FOR HIS BROTHER.’
***
I was invited to run in the L.A. Marathon. I’ve decided not to run it this year. It was an agonizing decision but what tipped it was I’ve never run more than a block in my life.
***
I recently I went to Le Cafe in Las Vegas for breakfast. They said “inside or outside?” What? Outside of course meant under the sky painted ceiling. We chanced that it wouldn’t rain and took the outside.
US vs Russia from page 2
war posture scenario, their electronic warfare systems were easily “jammed” and rendered inoperable without notice.
10. Because of all of the above lapses in security, on all counts, Ukraine airstrikes were strategically positioned to have their airstrikes hit air bases across Russia, from the Arctic Circle all the way to Siberia!
11. This lapse in Russia’s secular and military Intelligence rippled across the Kremlin. And caused widespread, internal panic with various agencies pointing the finger of blame at one another.
12. Shamefully, Russia’s highlytouted espionage and counter-espionage system failed to detect the 18-month preparation period for this whole operation.
ONE OF THE MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENTS: Was when Russia failed to identify a close threat proximity to their FSB Headquarters. (FSB is the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation and is the principal security agency of Russia. Embarrassing because some Ukrainian launches were directly across the street from the FSB Headquarters!
In this regard, some Ukrainian launches were across the street from the FSB Headquarters!
With those launches deployed . . . totally undetected . . . and right under their noses!
Heads would roll over this fiasco and Putin, being a former KGB operative to the core, undoubtedly took full measure against both his military staff and the FSB security agency.
Russia’s defence systems proved catastrophically inadequate across both physical and cyber domains:
1. Unable to detect the infiltration.
2. Unable to identify the threat.
3. Unable to implement any meaningful radar or effective (ECM) electronic countermeasures to disrupt the incoming drone attacks.
Such a debacle resulted in Ukraine accomplishing its intended goal of purposely waging a close-proximity war as a measure of “psychological warfare” which undermines Russia’s own Security confidence regarding their own job failure.
ARE AMERICA & RUSSIA HEADING DOWN A DANGEROUS PATH TO NUCLEAR WAR?
As the volatile situation in the Middle East heats up and remains volatile, many Americans are beginning to fear that further U.S. military airstrikes in the region, possibly Iran, may be just ‘millimeters’ away from a nuclear confrontation with Russia.
Many American civilians back stateside, recall the chilling admonition of Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova – worth repeating here – warning that the world is now just ‘millimeters’ away from a total nuclear catastrophe, should the U.S. involvement continue to escalate in the Middle East.
Multiple sources also report a similar claim made by Putin’s ally, Dmitry Medvedev, that a number of countries are, allegedly, prepared to supply Iran with nuclear weapons after the U.S. made airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities just last month, in June of 2025.
THE MAJORITY OF AMERICANS ACROSS THE U.S. HAVE “SKIN IN THE GAME.”
The majority of all Americans have a vested interest in what is occurring in the Middle East today and what dangers may catapult the U.S. into a wider global war. For millions of Americans, it is a subject matter that is “up close” and “personal” on many levels.
Simply put, most Americans around the United States have flesh-andblood family members serving in the U.S. military -- sons, daughters, and in-laws, as well as close neighbours, as well as valued friends, and other cherished loved ones.
Based on this information, a considerable number of Americans have connections to the military through family or friends in 2025. The data suggests that it could be in the “several tens of millions all across our entire nation.”
OVER 67% OF AMERICANS HAVE AT LEAST ONE FAMILY MEMBER WHO HAS OR IS CURRENTLY SERVING IN U.S. MILITARY.
According to the Pew Research Centre, over 67% of Americans have at least one immediate family member who has served or is currently serving in the U.S. military. This includes parents, siblings, children, or spouses. Additionally, 57% of Americans report having a close friend who served or is currently serving in the military today. The percentage varies by age group, with older adults more likely to have a family member who served and/or is currently serving in the U.S. military.
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Oodles!
Looking for things to do? Places to go?
Check out Oodles every week for listing of civic and service club meetings, and more!
Have an event you need publicized?
Email it to: Lisa.ThePaper@gmail.com
The Paper goes to print on Tuesday morning.
You ar E mor E L ik ELY T o g ET P ub L is HE d if Y ou:
• Submit your press release by the previous Friday.
• Keep It Simple: who, what, where, when, why.
• Send us something we can copy/paste. Please no brochures or flyers. Send a press release.
• Send photos as attachments, not embeded in the document.
senior service Council of Escondido Needs Volunteers
The Senior Service Council of Escondido is looking for volunteers to help seniors with technology, includes computers, laptops and smartphones. Volunteers meet with seniors in one-hour sessions at the SSCE computer lab. The schedule is flexible. If you are proficient in these technologies, and would like to make a difference in the lives of seniors by volunteering, please contact the SSCE by calling 760-480-0611, or email us at info@sscescondido.org.
The good LifE at MiraCosta College Oceanside Campus A Lifelong Learning Group
Meetings will be held in person at the MiraCosta College, Oceanside Campus, at 1:00 pm in the Board Room, of the Administration Building (Building 1000) and by the Internet Application ZOOM.
July 25 1:00 A California Love Story: The Story of the Wilcox Family of Oceanside John Thill Historical Non-Fiction Author Sometimes the power of words can connect the past, present and future. Love letters written one hundred years ago in Oceanside, CA and Wichita, KS.
July 25 2:30 Use of Drones in Police Work Officer Luke Rubish Oceanside Police Department Learn how the Oceanside Police use drones and other 21st century tools to help enhance their work.
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.
* Speaker has books or CDs for sale.
rotary Club of Carlsbad Wine & food festival fundraiser July 26th • 4pm-9pm
The Rotary Club of Carlsbad Wine and Food Festival Fundraiser returns Saturday July, 26th, 2025 at Viasat East Pavilion. One of the largest wine and food festivals in North County San Diego.
The annual event starts at 4pm through to 9pm and benefits 9 charities. All beneficiaries of this fundraiser are 501(c)(3) nonprofits. All but $50 of each ticket is tax deductible.
Carlsbad Wine & Food Festival will offer guests the chance to sample wine from over 28 wineries from San Diego County, Paso Robles, Temecula, Santa Ynez, and the Sierra Foothills.
Tickets are available for now at https://carlsbadwineandfoodfestival.com. Early Bird Special pricing available through July 12th.
Rotary is a worldwide organization of more than 1.2 million business, professional, and community leaders. Members of Rotary clubs, known as Rotarians, provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. ***
Parkinson’s support group August 4th • 10am to Noon
Free monthly meetings for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners are held from 10 am until Noon at San Rafael Church, 17252 Bernardo Center Drive, Rancho Bernardo, in the Parish Hall. Our featured speaker for Monday, August 4th is Kristy McLean from Supernus Pharmaceuticals, who will be presenting “Onapgo – Subcutaneous Parkinson’s Medication.” Separate breakout sessions for People with Parkinson’s and care partners will follow the presentation to discuss successes and challenges.
Please call (760) 749-8234 or (760) 518-1963 if you have any questions.
SDG&E Warns Utility Customers of New Scam
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is alerting customers to a persistent and evolving scam in which fraudsters impersonate SDG&E representatives to demand immediate payment under the threat of service disconnection. These impersonators often contact customers by phone or text, claiming a utility bill is overdue and that electricity or gas will be shut off within 30 minutes unless payment is made.
A recent scam involves sending utility customers a fake QR code, instructing them to pay a “past due balance” at convenience stores like CVS or Walmart via Green Dot. The scammer tells victims not to inform the cashier that they are paying a utility bill. SDG&E advises discussing scam awareness with older adults.
key Warning signs of the scam
• The caller or text message urges
Man
About Town
by lyle e davis
Seattle’s Pike Place Market and surroundings:
Acapella group of blacks singing “challenge songs”; a group of about five, one of whom was in a wheel chair, hands clapping in rhythm, just singing the devil out of a song.
. .didn’t catch the lyrics, but one singer would point to the other. . .whereupon the designated singer had to improvise the lyrics. . .far more enjoyable than the phony “rap” music that is, in fact, contrived. This exhibition was clearly extemporaneous. . .great big grins threatened to break into laughter as one singer was designated as having the lead and he would jump right in, ripping the lyrics into a
immediate payment to avoid disconnection.
• Customers are often directed to call a fake 1-800 number or use non-traditional payment methods such as QR codes, barcodes, Bitcoin, Zelle, or prepaid debit cards.
• Scammers may impersonate SDG&E’s branding and use hold music or recorded greetings to appear legitimate.
What Customers Should Know
• SDG&E will never call or text to demand immediate payment.
• SDG&E does not accept payments via Bitcoin, Zelle or Green Dot.
• In-person payments with cash or PIN Based Debit Card can be made only at an Authorized Payment Location.
• When in doubt, hang up and call SDG&E directly at 1-800-4117343 (or 1-800-311-7343 for spanish).
Who is often at risk
• Small business owners, restaurant operators, older adults, and limited-English speakers are often targeted — especially during busy hours when they may feel pressured to act quickly.
How to Protect Yourself
• Never provide payment or personal information to unsolicited callers.
• Never use callback numbers provided in suspicious messages.
• Always verify your account status at sdge.com/myenergcenter.
For more information, visit sdge. com/scams.
good natured fun song. Audience members gathered round the group joined the the clapping. One butchy looking gal was sucking on a toke. . .half stoned, and she would join in the clapping and would also try to sing along. . .but it’s hard to sing along when you’re stoned. . and particularly when it’s an improvisation.
Better to let the group alone to do their thing. They do it best.
Never did learn the name of the group. They are worth seeing. And hearing.
Further down the street the Inca players, a flute, a couple of guitars, some type of bass fiddle that was more like a guitar, a drum. . .and toe-tapping music. I sometimes think these Inca musicians visit every city in the world. I saw them in Copenhagen, Denmark, in Oslo, Norway, in Seattle, WA., and in Escondido, California.
Escondido Police investigating fatal Vehicle Collision
On July 17th, at about 9:39 pm, Escondido Police and Fire responded to a 911 call at a residence on the 1600 block of South Maple Street in Escondido. Upon arrival, it was discovered that an apparent collision had occurred between a vehicle and pedestrian on private property. Despite immediate medical intervention by the police and fire department, the pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene. The victim was an adult woman who was a resident of Escondido. Escondido Police Traffic and Investigations personnel are actively investigating the circumstances of this incident and there are no arrests at this time.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Escondido Police Department at (760) 839-4722 or Detective Patrick Hand at (760) 8394985, referencing case 25006549.
shop in this international meeting place and marketplace.
One can quite easily spend a whole day in the Pike Place Market or you can be quite content with an hour. It’s all in what you’re looking for.
Further down still, a couple of banjo players. . duelling good naturedly with one well known toe-tapper after the other.
Still further along a big black guy who would toot a kazoo made out of Pepsi and Coke paper cups, then sing. Not major league stuff but enough to cause you to pause, to listen, to smile, and then to move on and explore the many stalls of the Pike Place Market.
For those who haven’t been there, the Pike Place Market has to be seen to believed. Flowers, produce, fish, seafood of every descriptions, bric-a-brac, tee shirts, belts, knives, gems, honey, vinegars, candies, restaurants with food to go, sitdown restaurants, bakeries, everything under the sun all under one covered roof that beckons crowds from far and wide. . .folks who think nothing of bustling together shoulder to shoulder while they
You could easily watch for an hour as fishmongers literally throw a salmon from a cart to the vendor waiting 15’ away, standing behind the counter, who catches it on the fly, wraps it in paper in one fluid motion, then throws it on the scale to weigh it and compute the charges. The show is repeated perhaps a hundred times a day yet never fails to draw a smile, an approving nod, or a chuckle from the audiences who gather round to watch the fun.
After a trip through the Pike Place Market it is but a short walk to the harbor where a number of fantastic restaurants abound. One of my favorites is Ivar’s. They feature “acres of clams”. A great traditional seafood restaurant, Ivar’s has a sit-down restaurant with a view of the harbor and a superb menu, it also has two other adjacent restaurants, one specializing in alder-smoked salmon, the other more of a fast-food type. We chose the sit-down restaurant and gorged ourselves on a combination plate of Dungeness Crab, alder-smoked salmon, all preceded with the world famous Ivar’s clam chowder and topped off with a fine glass (or two) of wine.
Man About Town continued on
US vs Russia from page 3
What happens in the Middle East is of great importance to most Americans due to the aforementioned.
GLOBAL NUCLEAR WAR COULD END HUMAN CIVILISATION AS WE KNOW IT.
If there is one subject matter which catches everyone’s attention – it’s this one.
Simply because a total nuclear confrontation with Russia, for example, would affect every human life on this planet, as described below:
“Nuclear holocaust refers to a theoretical scenario involving the mass detonation of nuclear weapons, leading to widespread destruction, radioactive fallout, and potentially the collapse of civilisation, human extinction, or the demise of most life on Earth.”
THE DOCTRINE OF “MUTUALLY-ASSURED DESTRUCTION” (aka MAD).
The term “mutually-assured destruction,” commonly abbreviated as “MAD,” was first coined by Donald Brennan, famed military strategist, in 1962. MAD is a doctrine of military strategy and national security policy which states that a full-scale nuclear war between two nations could conceivably destroy each other, as well as the world via deadly nuclear radiation and nuclear winter – which would permeate the planet.
Such a nuclear confrontation would appear to be irrational or simply mad (insane) because of “mutual suicide” as professed in the MAD doctrine.
A nuclear winter, triggered by nuclear explosions would also af-
Man About Town from page 4
Before settling in at Ivar’s we toured “ye Old Curiousity Shoppe” - an emporium dealing with the odd, the unusual, the bizarre, the - well, curious. Amongst its inventory is a mummified cowboy known as Sylvester. Round about 1856 his nude, mummified body was found in Arizona. He had been shot in the lower left rib cage area, just below the heart. The dry air and low humidity had provided for perfect conditions to cause mummification and you can quite clearly see his hair, his eyebrows, his eyelashes. You can also still see the bullet hole and the blood stain. Near him are several mummified
fect (significant) climate changes, global dimming from the sun, impacting agriculture and causing worldwide food shortages, changes in ocean currents and sea ice – all of which could last for generations, even centuries.
IF A NUCLEAR WAR BREAKS OUT: 5 BILLION PEOPLE COULD DIE WITHIN JUST OVER AN HOUR!
According to U.S. investigative journalist Annie Jacobsen and many scientists, if a nuclear war were to suddenly breakout, 5 billion humans could die within just over an hour!
That is staggering, considering that there are 8 billion total inhabitants on our planet.
After 5 billion people are killed within just over 72 minutes, the remaining 3 billion would eventually succumb to global radioactive poisoning and other aspects, such as nuclear winter, etc. as described above.
REGIONAL VARIATIONS: WHICH COUNTRIES COULD SURVIVE A NUCLEAR WINTER?
If a nuclear war breaks out, it is postulated by several scientists that two countries could conceivably be safe due to their ability to grow food during a nuclear winter and a post-nuclear atmosphere: New Zealand and Australia.
WHAT IF, FOR EXAMPLE, THE U.S IS VASTLY SUPERIOR TO RUSSIA’S MILITARY?
WOULD THE CONCEPT OF “MAD” NOT APPLY TO US?
To clarify, mutually assured destruction (MAD), is a doctrine which ONLY applies if:
1. “A full-scale war between two (equally-capable) and two (equally
women, one of whom still wears her stockings and boots. They are hopelessly out of style.
Shrunken heads from Ecuador, original antiques as well as reproductions, the store is packed with interesting items.
One could spend several weeks in downtown Seattle and its harbor area, and still not see everything there is to see. Plus, there is all that back country to explore. Mountains, lakes, rivers, streams, sounds, bays. . .trees galore.
Seattle is but one stopping point in the great Northwest.
Further on, Vancouver, British Columbia beckons. More beautiful
advanced) nuclear armed nations confront each other.”
2. Close parity in nuclear strength allows for even a “preemptory” (first strike) by an ‘aggressor nation’ upon another nuclear-armed ‘defender nation’ – would STILL allow the ‘defender nation’ to have devastating “retaliatory” capabilities. Thus, mutual destruction.
However, regarding the U.S., there is no parity, as in the MAD doctrine.
THE UNITED STATES IS THE MOST POWERFUL MILITARY FORCE IN THE WORLD.
The United States military is generally considered the most powerful in the world.
The U.S. consistently ranks first in global military power rankings, due to its substantial defence budget, advanced technology, and strategic global presence. The United States also maintains a large formidable active military force and a significant number of military bases around the world.
The United States has long been the dominate frontrunner as the most powerful military force on Earth. Something that even our unfriendly adversaries (Russia, China, North Korea, et al) even (begrudgingly) admit to in their own, respective, classified files, according to our U.S. and Allied Intelligence gathering.
U.S. ADVERSARIES ARE SUSPICIOUS & FEARFUL OF AMERICA’S HIDDEN, TOP SECRET MILITARY STRENGTH.
Our reputation, time and again, in shocking the world with ever- new warfare innovations, all keep our adversaries cautiously suspicious . . . as well as harbouring great internal fear of what the U.S. is truly capable of unleashing – should we be fully provoked.
back country, modern cities, warm and friendly people. What makes Seattle .. and, indeed, the state of Washington, so special?
There is some fascinating history here.
What follows is is a piece that I have held in my text files for special occasions. Yet, it is a piece that I will have some surprising commentary on after you have read it:
In 1854, President Franklin Pierce made an offer for a large area of land in Washington State that was occupied by the Puget Sound Indians, and promised a reservation for the Indian people. Chief Seattle’s reply, has been described as the most beautiful and profound
WORLD’S FIRST ATOMIC BOMBS.
We were the first to cleave the atom in regards to developing the world’s first atomic bombs.
(Note: Germany was the first to cleave the atom on December 1938 in Berlin, by two German scientists, Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann, who split (fissioned) a uranium atom. However, it was America which produced the first atomic bombs in the Manhattan Project which had multiple scientists from various backgrounds working together, including J. Robert Oppenheimer, often referred to as the “Father of the Atomic Bomb.”)
History’s first-ever atomic bomb which America dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, was code named “Little Boy.”
It completely erased Hiroshima from existence on 6 August 1945 in a blink of an eye when it was unleashed from the belly of the celebrated B-29 bomber, the Enola Gay.
The world’s second atomic bomb, which was dropped three days later on Nagasaki, Japan, had a Top Secret code name of “Fat Man” and was even more powerful than its predecessor.
Unlike Little Boy, Fat Man’s top secret formula was a plutonium based “implosion” which flattened Nagasaki within a microsecond amidst a blinding shaft of light, after being cascaded down from a B-29 Superfortress named Bockscar.
It is near impossible for today’s generation to truly comprehend how stunned and thunderstruck the world was in the wake of these two super advanced bombs.
US vs Russia continued on page 7
statement on the environment ever made.
Chief Seattle’s Message:
How can you buy or sell the sky, the warmth of the land? The idea is strange to us. If we do not own the freshness of the air and the sparkle of the water, how can you buy them?
Every part of this earth is sacred to my people. Every shining pine needle, every sandy shore, every mist in the dark woods, every clearing, and every humming insect is holy in the memory and experience of
page 7
Man About Town continued on
5th District Supervisor • Jim Desmond building a Home in san diego Has become Nearly impossible
We talk a lot about the housing crisis in San Diego, but here’s the truth: policies are making it worse.
One of the biggest barriers is something called Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) — a state mandate,
supported by my colleagues at the Board of Supervisors, that forces homebuilders to pay massive fees if people living in their new homes might drive “too much.”
It sounds bureaucratic, and it is.
These rules punish builders who want to construct homes in rural or suburban communities — places where land is more affordable and families could actually live.
If you want to build a home in places like Ramona, Alpine, or Valley Center, you’re hit with VMT mitigation fees that can range from $10,000 to $22,000 per mile. That’s per mile of driving. That’s a cost that gets passed directly to homebuyers and renters.
It’s no wonder San Diego is one of the most expensive places to live in the country.
I speak to people all the time who want to build workforce hous-
ing for teachers, firefighters, and young families — but they simply can’t afford to, because the cost of compliance is too high.
Here’s what’s happened because of VMT:
• New housing in rural areas has dropped from a projected 18,000 units to less than 6,000.
• Projects are stuck in court or tied up in red tape.
• Affordable housing is nearly impossible to build.
• More people are being forced out of San Diego — or out of the dream of homeownership entirely.
It’s time to stop punishing people for wanting to build a home, raise a family, and live the American Dream.
San Diego County District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond, 1600 Pacific Highway, #335, San Diego, CA 92101, United States http:// www.supervisorjimdesmond.com/
Vista Mayor • John Franklin End Parole for sexually Violent Predators
One in every three Sexually Violent Predators (SVPs) released in California ends up in San Diego County—more than anywhere else in the state.
That’s outrageous. San Diego should not be a dumping ground for SVPs. This endangers our families, our neighborhoods, and our children.
We must stop the early release of sexually violent predators. These individuals should never be granted early release. They should serve their full sentence, Period.
Liberal, soft-on-crime policies—championed by Sacramento politicians—have made things worse. Early release programs and lenient parole standards are putting dangerous predators back on our streets. These laws prioritize criminals over victims and pub-
lic safety. We’ve seen the consequences: repeat offenses that devastate children’s lives and tear families apart.
The facts speak for themselves (California State Auditor, 2024):
• An SVP is someone who has been convicted of a sexually violent offense (e.g., rape or child molestation) and has a diagnosed mental disorder making them a danger to others.
• 1 in 5 of SVPs re-offend after being released from state hospitals.
• Monitoring and housing an SVP on conditional release costs taxpayers.
• $1.7 Million annually per SVP.
• About 70% of SVPs released into California communities have been returned to custody for violating their release terms.
• There are over 900 individuals who are identified as SVP’s in California.
Too many women and children have been violently victimized by SVP’s who did not serve their full sentence. These numbers represent real victims and preventable tragedies enabled by policies that weaken our justice system.
Sacramento has failed to act. Now it’s up to us. A statewide ballot initiative to permanently end parole and early release for SVPs—and keep the worst offenders locked up where they belong—is the solution to the crisis Sacramento created.
California State Assembly District 75 Carl DeMaio
There are Flaws in Governor Newsom’s budget
CA State Assemblymember Carl DeMaio proposes a comprehensive plan to reform California’s costly and fraud-ridden welfare programs. DeMaio’s plan would save taxpayers billions while helping the poor lift themselves out of dependency and into self-sufficiency.
Californians are fair-minded people – willing to provide welfare assistance to those who are down on their luck and need help. But DeMaio says welfare cannot become a permanent program for anyone –and that the state must insist that individuals become self-sufficient.
DeMaio’s approach is simple:
1) Reduce fraud by ensuring that only eligible individuals (and only citizens) are able to receive welfare;
2) impose paid and volunteer work requirements on welfare recipients in exchange for the assistance they receive.
Unfortunately, CA politicians are going in the opposite direction of what DeMaio is proposing.
This week Sacramento Democrats passed SB 119 – a bill that guts welfare work requirements and expands handouts to people who don’t even qualify, including illegal immigrants.
DeMaio says SB 119 rewards fraud, destroys accountability, and fuels a sick cycle of dependency that is bankrupting our state.
DeMaio continued on page 7
US vs Russia from page 5
No human had ever imagined such power outside of Biblical revelation.
A MOMENT IN HISTORY: WHEN AMERICA TRULY COULD HAVE RULED THE ENTIRE PLANET!
And yes, during that moment in human history, America could have easily, and unequivocally, ruled the entire world as every nation on Earth looked upwards at us from the shadows as we stood alone as the only nuclear armed nation on this third planet from the Sun.
Yet we chose not to.
WORLD’S FIRST NUCLEAR SUBMARINE ABLE TO LAUNCH NUCLEAR MISSILES WHILE STILL SUBMERGED & UNDETECTED!
Once again, the United States startled the entire world when we produced the world’s first-ever nuclear submarine. Specifically, the USS Nautilus (SSN-571) which was launched in 1954.
America also produced history’s first nuclear sub that was able to launch nuclear warheads undetected and without having to sur-
DeMaio from page 6
SB 119 dismantles the welfare-towork rules in CalWORKs, California’s largest cash assistance program. Now, able-bodied adults can collect welfare without even pretending to look for a job. It’s the kind of policy that sends a clear message: don’t work, don’t contribute, just sign up and collect.
Californians, no matter politics, believe in giving people a hand up, not a handout. But this bill moves in the opposite direction, building a cycle of dependency.
This isn’t just bad policy, it is an assault on fairness. The bill greenlights billions in taxpayer-funded benefits for people who aren’t even eligible, including illegal immigrants.
This isn’t new; Sacramento already allowed $30 billion in unemployment fraud during the pandemic, then raised payroll taxes on small businesses to pay for it. SB 119 repeats the same mistakes, but this time in welfare.
Meanwhile, CalFresh has a 13.6% fraud rate, the WORST in the na-
face, all of which terrified the Soviet Union during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis during the Kennedy administration.
The United States has, repeatedly, stunned the military world over and over with ever-new advancements and totally new warfare concepts as no other nation on Earth has.
And no country on Earth has anything near or close to our electronic warfare capability. Our CIC shields are virtually impenetrable, and in the offence posture – virtually no ECM (electronic countermeasures or “jamming”) from any foreign nation has any viable affect against us.
Our ultra Top Secret CIC (Combat Information Centres), one each on every U.S. warship, as well as our Airborne EWAC radar defence shields are starting to bring science fiction to reality.
Even our current generation of nuclear powered submarines remain Top Secret, and are formidable in every degree. This conversation we’re now discussing is “declassified” and is within the public domain of knowledge.
However, even President Donald Trump was held spellbound and shocked beyond belief at our nuclear sister subs.
tion. The federal government has warned California to clean up the corruption or face penalties, but SB 119 does nothing to fix it.
Let’s be clear: SB 119 proves that Sacramento Democrats have turned their backs on working families.
• No reforms, just more handouts with fewer rules.
• Billions wasted on ineligible recipients while cutting services for law-abiding citizens.
• No action to reduce waste, fraud, or abuse.
• Taxpayers are stuck paying more while fraudsters cash in.
• A growing culture of dependency that weakens California’s future.
DeMaio is committed to continue exposing the corruption, fraud, and failed policies coming out of Sacramento.
DeMaio says welfare reforms are needed to break a cycle of dependency and restore accountability, before California’s taxpayers are bled dry and we create an entire generation of people looking for handouts.
EVEN DONALD TRUMP WAS COMPLETELY SHOCKED OVER OUR NUCLEAR SUBS TO WHERE HE COULD NOT CONTROL HIMSELF!
During his first term of office, even President Donald Trump was so stunned and amazed at our nuclear submarine capability that he once breached security by openly speaking of just how close our nuclear subs can approach any enemy Russian or Chinese nuclear submarine without them even being able to detect us via any of their advanced electronic sensors and or any sonar technology which they may have!
Trump couldn’t contain himself nor his excitement as he spoke of this to laypersons who were guests at his Mara-a-Lago residence – civilians who had no security clearance.
If anything, our potential enemies must’ve been in total disbelief that such technology was even conceivable – let alone possible!
That, in itself, is a most powerful deterrent.
WORLD’S FIRST OPERATIONAL STEALTH “INVISIBLE” AIRCRAFT.
Our advancements seem endless,
About
from page 5
my people. The sap which courses through the trees carries the memories of the red man.
The white man’s dead forget the country of their birth when they go to walk among the stars. Our dead never forget this beautiful earth, for it is the mother of the red man. We are part of the earth and it is a part of us. The perfumed flowers are our sisters; the deer, the horse, the great eagle, these are our brothers. The rocky crests, the juices in the meadows, the body heat of the pony, and man -- all belong to the same family.
So, when the Great Chief in Washington sends word that he wishes to buy our land, he asks much of us. The Great Chief sends word he will reserve us a place so that we can live comfortably to ourselves. He will be our father and we will be his children. So we will consider your offer to buy our land. But it will not be easy. For this land is sacred to us.
This shining water that moves in the streams and the rivers is not just water but the blood of our ances-
such as with the Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk, which entered service in 1983, and was the world’s first operational stealth aircraft used in actual warfare.
The F-117 was designed to evade radar detection, making a quantum leap of advancement in military aviation ‘dream technology.’
Because of these uncanny and milestone events within our American military arsenal -- which seems forever full of historic surprises –all of our global adversaries today are suspicious, cautious, and frightened at what else we may have “up our military sleeves” and fully ready to unleash into the world . . . if we are fully provoked.
Time after time we have unleashed into the world a new startling Top Secret futuristic weapon.
We must stay strong to protect and be a deterrent against possible adversaries.
SUMMATION: Here’s a breakdown of why the US military is considered so powerful:
High Military Spending:
US vs
continued on page 13
tors. If we sell you land, you must remember that it is sacred, and you must teach your children that it is sacred and that each ghostly reflection in the clear water of the lakes tells of events and memories in the life of my people. The water’s murmur is the voice of my father’s father.
The rivers are our brothers, they quench our thirst. The rivers carry our canoes and feed our children. If we sell you our land, you must remember, and teach your children, that the rivers are our brothers, and yours, and you must henceforth give the rivers the kindness you would give any brother.
We know that the white man does not understand our ways. One portion of land is the same to him as the next, for he is a stranger who comes in the night and takes from the land whatever he needs. The earth is not his brother but his enemy, and when he has conquered it, he moves on. He leaves his fathers’ graves and his children’s birthright is forgotten.
He treats his mother, the earth, and his brother, the sky, as things to be
Man
Town
Russia
Man About Town continued on page 9
by Christopher Elliott
Why Your Hotel Stay Feels Like a Rip-Off
Should your hotel room include air conditioning? Victoria Holtz thinks so. Her resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, did not.
“The air conditioning in my room didn’t work,” recalls Holtz, a professional speaker based in Houston. “It was hot, humid, and uncomfortable.”
When she called the front desk, a representative said they couldn’t fix the AC in her room immediately, but that they could upgrade her to a suite -- for a fee.
“I felt like a hostage,” she says.
Fortunately, most hotel rooms in the United States include the basics like air conditioning, heating, electricity and running water. But her experience comes at an interesting time. There’s a debate happening now in a post-resort-fee era, about what should be included in your room, and what shouldn’t.
So what happened to Holtz? She was in South Florida to give a keynote speech, and the thought of sweating through three days was just too much. She spent the extra $120 a day on the upgrade.
Holtz says that wasn’t the worst “gotcha” she’s encountered in her travels. Once, when she was staying at a chain hotel in South America, the elevator broke down. Before they let her out of the elevator, she says a hotel employee demanded a $25 fee.
“I agreed to pay it because I had to give a keynote speech,” she remembers. “And I was already late.”
So what should your hotel room include? To get a clear answer, we have to take a closer look at how we got here. It turns out there are things your room should absolutely include, and some sneaky fees hotels have started charging. But fortunately, there are also ways of avoiding a surprise hotel rip-off.
What should be included in your hotel room?
Before we go there, let’s hit the rewind button on hotel fees.
For the last decade, many hotels have automatically charged “resort” fees to guests to cover amenities like daily newspapers, bottled water, and use of exercise facilities. Hotels believed these fees, often added after the initial price quote, were fair. Customers begged to differ. Some argued that they didn’t use all of the amenities. Others said the resort fees should
have been disclosed sooner, and not at the end of the transaction, which made the room look cheaper than it was. Eventually, the government stepped in and ordered hotels to disclose the fees sooner.
The result: Now these fees must be part of the room rate initially quoted by the hotel. Experts believe hotels will shift to an a la carte model of pricing to make up for the revenue lost by quoting a higher rate. Which brings us to the debate about what should be included in a hotel room. And it’s a big question mark.
Before you say, “Yeah, Chris, that example about the air conditioner is over the top!,” let me assure you, it isn’t.
I stayed in a vacation rental in Hawaii a few years ago where the air conditioner was locked down. For an extra fee, the owner said she would enable it. (I refused.) As I write this, I’m in an apartment in Sydney with no air conditioning, and it’s getting hot in here! Go to Europe this summer and you’ll find plenty of hotel rooms without A/C.
Far from being an extraneous discussion, the question of what is -and isn’t -- included in a room may prove to be the defining debate of 2025, at least in the travel industry.
What Every Hotel should give You -- No Questions asked
When you book a hotel room, I believe there are certain things you should never have to pay extra for. I’m not including electricity, heat and running water (and also, hot water) since a vast majority of hotels already include these.
Here are the basics -- the non-negotiables that make your stay comfortable and functional.
Reliable Wi-Fi
necessity. Whether you’re traveling for work or streaming a movie to unwind, a strong internet connection should be a given. “Charging for Wi-Fi feels like a money grab,” says Steve Torres, a travel advisor. “It’s especially frustrating when budget hotels include it for free, but higher-end properties don’t.”
Daily Housekeeping
Post-pandemic, many hotels scaled back housekeeping to “on-demand” services. But let’s be real: most guests expect their rooms to be cleaned daily. It’s OK to incentivize guests to decline daily housekeeping by giving them points or an amenity, but charging them extra to clean the room is wrong. “Daily housekeeping is a must,” says Sylvia Lebovitch, a travel advisor with OvationNetwork. “For most of my clients, it is not about the actual dollar cost, but more about the feeling of being nickel and dimed.”
Potable Water
You know, I thought this one was settled, but apparently not. Make sure your guests have drinkable water. It doesn’t have to be Fillico Jewelry Water, just clean water that you can drink. That’s especially important when the tap water is undrinkable. Ellen Flowers recently stayed in a Las Vegas resort with “over the top” amenities. But the bottled water cost extra. “I couldn’t help but feel frustrated when I found that water wasn’t included in the room rate,” says Flowers, the travel editor for a fashion website.
Basic Toiletries and Towels
Soap, shampoo, and towels should never cost extra. “Some things in a hotel room should just be a given,” says Darragh McGillicuddy, managing director of McGillicuddy Hospitality, a consulting firm. “They’re what I’d call the hygiene factors.”
What about the rest?
As you can probably imagine, that leaves a lot of things that hotels could charge you for. And some are likely to annoy you.
Like parking fees. Edward Winrow, a retired city worker from Calabasas, Calif., has noticed them pop up in all kinds of places, including some mid-range chain hotels. He thinks they’re wrong, especially when you have a disability. But repeated emails sent to the hotels have yielded the same response: We charge for parking whether you have a disability or not.
“There should be no charge for handicap spaces, or at least a discounted cost,” he says. “There is no extra charge for an accessible room, why then an accessible parking space?”
Then there’s tea and coffee, which has typically been included in the room. But when Andy Ellis checked into a luxury hotel in Glasgow recently, it wasn’t.
“When I checked out, they handed me a bill for tea, coffee, milk, and sugar,” recalls Ellis, a managing director for a shower manufacturer in Morecambe, England. “I was absolutely shocked.”
The point is, hotels are getting creative about their surcharges. Parking and hot beverages are just two examples of what hotels could start charging for. And some already are, which is why your hotel stay may feel like a real rip-off this summer.
The fix? Assume nothing is included in the hotel rate you pay, except the basics like electricity or running water. Always ask before you help yourself to the tea, coffee or the contents of the minibar. Check for a “Complimentary” sticker on the bottle of water to make sure it doesn’t cost extra.
This summer, hotels are trying to make up for the revenue they lost when they had to start telling the truth about their prices. And if you’re not careful, you could end up paying a high price for it.
Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can email him at chris@elliott.org.
Illustration by Dustin Elliott
by Jim Ellis Escondido Coin & Loan
This discussion has come front and center in the precious metals business. Historically Platinum has nearly always held more value than Gold. From jewelry trade to mining to something as simple as a club or credit card membership. Are you a Bronze, Silver, Gold or PLATINUM member? Platinum was always superior.
So what happened in the metals world as of late? A couple major factors have lightened the demand
Man About Town from page 7
bought, plundered, sold like sheep or bright beads. His appetite will devour the earth and leave behind only a desert.
I do not know. Our ways are different from your ways. The sight of your cities pains the eyes of the red man. But perhaps it is because the red man is a savage and does not understand.
There is no quiet place in the white man’s cities. No place to hear the unfurling of leaves in spring, or the rustle of an insect’s wings. But perhaps it is because I am a savage and do not understand. The clatter only seems to insult the ears. And what is there to life if a man cannot hear the lonely cry of the whippoorwill or the arguments of the frogs around a pond at night? I am a red man and do not understand. The Indian prefers the soft sound of the wind darting over the face of a pond, and the smell of the wind itself, cleansed by rain or scented with the pine cone.
The air is precious to the red man, for all things share the same breath: the beast, the tree, the man, they all share the same breath.
The white men, they all share the same breath. The white man does not seem to notice the air he breathes. Like a man dying for many days, he is numb to the stench. But if we sell you our land, you must remember that the air is precious to us, that the air shares its spirit with all the life it supports. The wind that gave our grandfather his first breath also received his last sigh. And if we sell you our land, you must keep it apart and sacred, as a place where even the white man can go to taste the wind that is sweetened by the meadow’s flowers.
So we will consider your offer to buy our land. If we decide to accept I will make one condition. The white man must treat the beasts of this land as his brothers.
Is Gold The New Platinum
for Platinum therefore affecting the supply/demand pricing structure. Platinum is a great catalyst. Commonly used in catalytic converters and industrial scrubbers etc. We’ve seen its demand slump in automobiles due to the increased market share of EV’s. Industrial volatility in the United States has also taken a toll on Pt. So what happens next?
As Gold seems to be building a new base above $3000/oz Platinum is struggling to get back to a dominant position. A few weeks ago Pt was bouncing around $1000/oz.
I am a savage and I do not understand any other way. I have seen a thousand rotting buffaloes on the prairie, left by the white man who shot them from a passing train. I am a savage and I do not understand how the smoking iron horse can be more important than the buffalo that we kill only to stay alive.
What is man without the beasts? If all the beasts were gone, man would die from a great loneliness of spirit. For whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to man. All things are connected.
You must teach your children that the ground beneath their feet is the ashes of our grandfathers. So that they will respect the land, tell your children that the earth is rich with the lives of our kin. Teach your children what we have taught our children, that the earth is our mother.
Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand on it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.
Even the white man, whose God walks and talks with him as friend to friend, cannot be exempt from the common destiny. We may be brothers after all. We shall see. One thing we know, which the white man may one day discover -- our God is the same God. You may think now that you own Him as you wish to own our land; but you cannot. He is the God of man and his compassion is equal for the red man and the white. This earth is precious to him, and to harm the earth is to heap contempt on its Creator. The Whites, too, shall pass; perhaps sooner than all other tribes. Contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste.
But in your perishing, you will shine brightly, fired by the strength of the God who brought you to this
Today it’s approaching the halfway point to gold. That’s correct – you can buy 2 ounces of Platinum with 1-oz of Gold. This 2/1 ratio was 3/1 just weeks ago (as mentioned). In our opinion this recent trend will continue to close the gap between these 2 giants. Talks of nuclear ship building along with potential sanctions on Russia leave us to believe there’s more to come.
One thing to keep your eye on is China. They are betting big on Platinum. Importing 11.5 tons in a single month this year, China is retooling parts of their jewelry trade
to accommodate the difficulties associated with manufacturing this material. Platinum melts at 3215 degrees Fahrenheit. Gold requires far less heat at 1948 degrees. Making the switch in manufacturing requires major upgrades including lasers, high temp molds, job training etc. Long story short, if China is making the investment, it’s safe to assume Platinum will continue to rise. Add in potential tariffs and ship building and what do we have? A volatile and very exciting market!
Good luck to all!!
continued on page 16
Man About Town
The Pastor says . . . Where are They?
I was sitting by the bedside of a friend who had not spoken or shown signs of active life for months, despite the family’s desire for a response that the person could hear and understand. But nothing. I just had the funeral of my cousin, who was in this condition for over ten years. The question is often asked: Where are they? They don’t seem to be conscious or alive to life as we know it. There is a body usually kept alive with forced feeding and medicines. Is there a soul and spirit in that body, or are they somewhere else? When death occurs, traditionally, all known living aspects cease. Some are saying today that there is a third dimension between life and death. Still, that conclusion deserves more study and analysis. Even those who are not responsive and seem to be in a comatose state don’t give evidence of awareness, whether it be in a state of dementia or just the loss of mind or memory. Death is quite evident when there is no breath, or there is a physical impairment with the loss of blood, or destruction of the body. It is more a question of whether the body has some function. When is there still a living human being, and where is that person?
We know that there is life. Just how conscious the person is remains a mystery. There is a response at times. They seem to be waiting for something, but what and how much?
At times, medical personnel or family members ask to squeeze a hand and even to respond to a question by blinking their eyes. In the case of my cousin, who hadn’t spoken in years, the caregiver would often whisper expressions to her. In the last month of her life, the caregiver told her how much she loved her. The response was amazing, with tears running down her cheeks. There was even a noticeable smile, and then it was all over and back to a lifeless expression until, finally, it was only a lifeless body.
As a clergyman, one who purportedly knows about such things of life and death, and who is often asked, “Where did they go?” My question is often a response: “Where do you think?”
A traditional religious view is the belief in heaven or hell, depending on belief or behavior. For many religions, such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, life after death is a reward from God for righteous acts, faith in Jesus’ atoning work, and a life dedicated to Allah. Other religions are based on good deeds and good thinking. Even in this conscious life, there is a question as to where it all ends up. While there is a question about whether human beings are alive, in the worst case of dementia, there is still an unknown as to where they are, not unlike the question as to where and in what form we are after we die. The presumption is that if a person is a believer in Jesus at the time of death, they go to be with Him. The
Pastor Says continued on page 14
Pet Parade
Brotato is pet of the week at Rancho Coastal Humane Society. He’s a 4-year-old, 42-pound, male, American Bulldog mix.
A nice family took him in when they found him stray. He got along great with them and their dog. Brotato was transferred to Rancho Coastal Humane Society through Friends of County Animal Shelters (FOCAS).
His $145 adoption fee includes medical exam, neuter, vaccinations, microchip, and a oneyear license if his new home is in the jurisdiction of San Diego Humane Society.
Visit Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas or log on to www.SDpets.org. Open 11 to 4 every day but Tuesday. Summer Hours. RCHS is open until 6:00 PM Thursdays. Final showings begin at 5:15.
San Diego Humane Society is supporting families and their pets who need a little extra help.
Through the Community Pet Pantry, anyone can visit our campuses to pick up a bag of dog or cat food, and other supplies, as available.
No appointment is needed for this service. Hours are Tuesday-Sunday from 10am to 6pm.
El Cajon 373 N. Marshall Ave.
Escondido 3500 Burnet Drive
oceanside 572 Airport Road
san diego 5480 Gaines Street
Pet of the Week
merlin
Meet Merlin, the happy-golucky guy with a heart full of love! With a solid home history, Merlin comes house trained and crate trained, so much of the hard work is already done. He’s great with other dogs, though sometimes his enthusiasm can be a bit much for new canine friends. Merlin would be the perfect addition to an active family, ready to join you on hikes, runs and outdoor adventures. Merlin is a bit of an escape artist and will need a secure, structured environment to prevent his adventurousness getting the better of him! If you’re looking for a dynamic, high-energy pal, grab a leash and collar and come meet Merlin today! Merlin (911876) is available for adoption at San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido Campus at 3500 Burnet Dr. If you have questions about the adoption process, you can visit sdhumane.org/adopt or call 619-299-7012. Online profile: https://www.sdhumane.org/adopt/available-pets/animal-single.html?petId=911876
Pastor Huls
The Computer factory
845 W. san marcos blvd. 760-744-4315 thecomputerfactory.net
Last week we summarized Homo Sapiens (humans) 300,000 year journey from caves of Africa to the 21st century arrival of the IW (Intelligent Web). The cave dwelling Homo Sapien was the smartest creature on the planet. His huge brain stored the events he observed and their cause and effect relationships. Man exceeded all the living creatures in his ability to analyze and observe cause and effect relationships and to apply his observations to novel situations. If he saw an egg fall on a rock and break he would reason that a rock could be used to also break open a coconut. From these humble beginnings grew the vast store of cause and effect relationships that created man’s modern world. In the beginning human progress was
John Conlee’s song “Common Man” says, “I’m a common man, I drive a common van. My dog ain’t got a pedigree.” That’s a perfect introduction for this Critter Corner. We’ll observe National Mutt Day on July 31st.
What is a Mutt? Google says it’s a “dog of doubtful pedigree.” Like the dog in John Conlee’s song, a mutt ain’t got a pedigree.
National Mutt Day celebrates the great mixed breed dogs who make life so great.
The Evolution of Today’s iW ~ Part 2 of 3
limited to the observational experience and the cognitive power of an individual. As time passed humans learned to share observations and acquired skills. The mutual sharing of knowledge and skills allowed humans to combine their individual knowledge and skills and multiply their productivity.
As years rolled by humans learned to pass information by word of mouth from generation to generation. Then came written language and libraries that allowed us to store information indefinitely. Schools and universities were institutions that provided an efficient means to transfer data and technology to human minds. In the 19th and 20th centuries universal access to educational institutions became a principle of modern society and technology blossomed. Transportation, medicine, science, food production and nearly all modern technologies experienced ever accelerating product and information cycles. Technical obsolescence that once took centuries was now measured in years. Modern humans still relied primarily on memory and internal reasoning powers for problem solving. Researching external data bases to find the information to feed man’s internal problem solving resources requires considerable time and effort. Wouldn’t it be great if there was an easier way? In September of 2001 we found an easier way. We combined high speed Internet with AI (artificial intelligence) and the IW (Intelligent Web) was born.
Until the arrival of the IW, the Internet was basically mankind’s “known fact” warehouse. It could only answer questions that had been previously been asked, resolved and the answers recorded. The “Internet” couldn’t figure things out for you. It could only provide prerecorded answers. It could tell you that Adolph Hitler’s dog Blonde was a gift from Martin Bormann but if you asked it to add the number of elephants in So.Africa to the number of Monkeys in Uganda and divide by Pi, the old Internet would have been stumped because it had no intelligence. The modern AI stoked IW might ask you for clarification but it would be able to provide an answer.
The difference in function and per-
formance between the WWW of the 20th century and the IW of 2025 is profound and amazing. If you are over 45 and a typical PC and Smart Phone user, you are probably only dimly aware of the incredible power, reach and potential of the IW. If you are 30 years or younger you grew up with ubiquitous PC and “smart phone” access to the IW. You very likely have lost a couple of IQ points and some amount of social skills due to your reliance on the IW for problem solving and social contacts.
In Part III of this series next week we’ll speculate on the impending extinction of we DIs in this century and the future fate of mankind as the DNs become the latest iteration of Homo Sapiens.
1000 square feet of “granny’s Closet”
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Full sized (6 x 3 foot) bank safe, wet suits, sleeping bags, back packs, seat cushions, luggage, suit bags, spray paint kits, periodicals, stuffed animals, hard cover/paperback books, china, dishware, glassware, National Geographics, speakers, commemorative platters, wine kits, SLR film cameras and lenses, wifi/cordless phones, umbrellas, onyx animals, music and game CDs/ DVDs, insulated drinking cups, flower vases, LED lanterns, desk top files, art glass, camp chairs, cots, tote bags, fridge magnets, wooden shoes, lanterns, and lots more. Come and get yours before somebody else snatches it!
Repairs, Upgrades & Components • Since 1995 845 W. SAN MARCOS BLVD • 760-744-4315 www.thecomputerfactory.net
John Van Zante’s Critter Corner
Not all, but some dogs end up in shelters because they don’t have the right combination of pedigrees. If the dog’s description says it’s a Mastiff / Terrier mix, but for some reason you don’t like one of these breeds, you pass it by.
I always thought a dog had to be 100% one breed to be considered purebred. Nope.
Why mutts matter
Humanepro.org says, “This category recognizes a majority of one specific breed in your dog’s DNA (61%-99%). A dog will only report with a Level 1 breed if they have a high match percentage to this single breed in their DNA.”
Why are mutts so Important?
* Dogs love us for who we are. Your dog loves you in a way that
can’t be expressed in words. Mixed breed dogs have just as much love to give.
* Mixed breeds have better health. The smaller the gene pool, the less healthy the genes. Your mutt has a sampling from all over, adding to it’s overall lifespan.
* Some people think mixed breed dogs are more likely to end up in shelters. That’s only because there are
more mixed-breed dogs than purebreds in America. Shelters have purebreds, mixed breeds, and Heinz 57’s.
Does YOUR “Pedigree” make you better?
Unless you’ve taken a DNA test, you’re probably not certain about your pedigree. Even if you know where your ancestors came from it doesn’t mean they were good people.
People and pets are made up of the traits of their ancestors. A genetic flaw generations ago could be passed along to the “purebred” dog who cost you a small fortune.
How much does your dog’s DNA really matter? For most of us….it doesn’t.
We want a dog to love….and a dog who will love us back.
Will of James V. Valenti
I, James V. Valenti, a resident of the State of California, San Diego, declare that this is my will. My Social Security number is 076-302321.
I revoke all wills and codicils that I have previously made.
I am married to Barbara E. Valenti
I have the following children now living: Ashleigh C. L. Valenti, Gregory V. Valenti, Liza M. Valenti, Matthew C. Valenti and Scott J. Valenti.
I have the following grandchildren now living: Eric J. Valenti.
If I do not leave property in this will to one or more of my children or my grandchild named above, my failure to do is intentional.
All beneficiaries must survive me for 45 days to receive property under this will. As used in this will, the phrase “survive me” means to be alive or in existence as an organization on the 45th day after my death.
All personal and real property that I leave in this will shall pass subject to any encumbrances or liens placed on the property as security for the repayment of a loan or debt.
If I leave property to be shared by two or more beneficiaries, it shall be shared equally be them unless this will provides otherwise.
If I leave property to be shared by two or more beneficiaries, and one of them does not survive me, I leave his or her share to the others equally unless this will provides otherwise for that share.
“Entire estate” means all property I own at my death that is subject to this will.
I leave my entire estate to my wife Barbara E. Valenti. If my wife Barbara E. Valenti does not survive me, I leave my entire estate to Scott J. Valenti, Matthew C. Valenti, Ashleigh C. L. Valenti, Carver L. Pugh, Mark Nichols, Carlee D. Pugh, Gregory V. Valenti, Eric J.Valenti, Grace Episcopal Church – San Marcos, CA, Kathleen E. Hutson, Patricia L. Hornbach, Teresa A. Hutson, Martha E. Nichols and Donna Lee Wegemer in the following shares: Scott J. Valenti shall receive a 1/8 share, Matthew C. Valenti shall receive a 7/32 share. Ashleigh C. L. Valenti shall receive a 1/16 share. Carver L. Pugh shall receive a 1/8 share. Mark Nichols shall receive a 1/32 share. Carlee D. Pugh shall receive a 3/32 share. Gregory V. Valenti shall receive a 1/32 share Eric J. Valenti shall receive a 3/32 share. Grace Episcopal Church – San Marcos, CA., shall receive a 1/32 share. Kathleen E. Hutson shall receive a 1/32 share. Patricia L. Hornbach shall receive a 1/32 share. Teresa A. Hutson shall receive a 1/32 share. Martha E. Nichols shall receive 1/32 share. Donna Lee Wegemer shall receive a 1/16 share.
Beneficiaries and Trustees
All property left in this will to Carlee D. Pugh
first,
LEGALS
shall be held in a separate trust for Carlee D. Pugh until he or she reaches age 25. The trustee of the Carlee D. Pugh trust shall be Carver L. Pugh. If Carver L. Pugh is unwilling or unable to serve, the trustee shall be Matthew C. Valenti.
Administration of an Individual Child’s Trust
The trustee of an individual child’s trust shall manage and distribute the assets in the trust in the following manner.
Until the trust beneficiary reaches the age specified for final distribution of the principal, the trustee may distribute some or all of the principal or net income of the trust as the trustee deems necessary for the child’s health, support, maintenance and education. Education includes, but is not limited to, college, graduate, postgraduate and vocational studies and reasonable living expenses.
In deciding whether or not to make a distribution to a beneficiary the trustee may take into account the beneficiary’s other income resources and sources of support.
Any trust income that is not distributed by the trustee shall be accumulated and added to the principal.
An individual child’s trust shall also be governed the General Trust Administration.
Provisions in this will
Termination of an individual child’s trust
An individual child’s trust shall terminate as soon as one of the following events occur:
a. The beneficiary reaches the age stated above in which case the trustee shall distribute the remaining principal and accumulated net income of the trust to the beneficiary.
b. The beneficiary dies, in which case the principal and accumulated net income of the trust shall pass under the beneficiary’s will, or if there is no will, to his or her heirs, or
c. The trust principal is exhausted through distributions allowed under thee provisions.
General Administration Provisions
All trusts established in this will shall be managed subject to the following provisions:
a. Bond: No bond shall be required of any trustee.
b. Court Supervision. It is my intent that any trust established in this will be administered independently of court supervision to the maximum extent possible under the laws of the state having jurisdiction over the trust.
c. The interest of any beneficiary of all trusts established by this will shall not be transferable by voluntary or involuntary assignment or by operation of law and shall be free from the claims of creditors and from attachment, execution, bankruptcy, or other legal process to the fullest extent permitted by law.
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 give 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
Powers of the Trustee
In addition to the other powers granted a trustee in this will, a trustee shall have the power to:
1. Invest and reinvest trust funds in every kind of property and every kind of investment, provided that the trustee acts with the care, skill, prudence and diligence under the prevailing circumstances that a prudent person acting in a similar capacity and familiar with such matters would use.
2. Receive additional property from any source and acquire or hold properties jointly or in undivided interests or partnership or joint venture with other people or entities.
3. Enter, continue or participate in the operation of any business, and incorporate liquidate, reorganize or otherwise change the form or terminate the operation of the business and contribute capital or lend money to the business.
4. Exercise all the rights, powers and privileges of an owner of any securities held in the trust.
5. Borrow funds, guarantee or indemnify in the name of the trust and secure any obligations, mortgage pledge or other security interest, and renew extend or modify any such obligations.
6. Lease trust property for terms within or beyond the term of the trust.
7. Prosecute, defend contest or otherwise litigate legal actions or other proceedings for the protection or benefit of the trust; pay, compromise, release, adjust or submit to arbitration any debt, claim or controversy and insure the trust against any liability with respect to other people.
8. Pay himself or herself reasonable compensation out of trust assets for ordinary and extraordinary services and for all services in connection with the complete or partial termination of this trust.
9. Employ and discharge professionals to aid or assist in managing the trust and compensate them from the trust assets.
10. Make distributions to the beneficiaries directly or to other people or organizations on behalf of the beneficiaries.
Severability
The invalidity of any trust provision of this will shall not affect the validity of the remaining trust provisions.
Forgiveness of Debts
I wish to forgive all debts specified below plus accrued interest as of the date of my death:
Ashleigh C. Valenti
January 1, 2015
$6000
Gregory V. Valenti
January 1, 1982
$2200
Executors
I name Matthew C. Valenti and Carver L. Pugh to serve together as my joint executors. If Matthew C. Valenti or Carver L. Pugh are unwilling or unable to serve as executor, the other executor shall continue to serve.
If Matthew C. Valenti and Carver L. Pugh are both unwilling or unable to serve as executor, I name Martha E. Nichols to serve as executor.
No executor shall be required to post bond.
Executor Powers
I direct my executor to take all actions legally permissible to have the probate of my will done as simply and as free of court supervision as possible under the laws of the state having jurisdiction over this will, including filing petition in the appropriate court for the independent administration of my estate.
I grant to my executor the following powers to be exercised as he or she deems to be in the
best interest of my estate:
1. To retain property without liability for loss or depreciation.
2. To dispose of property by public or private sale, or exchange, or otherwise, and receive and administer the proceeds as a part of my estate.
3. To vote stock, to exercise any option or privilege to convert bonds, notes, stocks or other securities belonging to my estate into other bonds, notes, stocks or other securities, and to exercise all other rights and privilege of a person owning similar property.
4. To lease any real property in my estate.
5. To abandon, adjust, arbitrate, compromise, sue on or defend and otherwise deal with and settle claims in favor of or against my estate.
6. To continue or participate in any business which is a part of my estate and to incorporate, dissolve or otherwise change the form of organization of the business.
The powers, authority and discretion I grant to my executor are intended to be in addition to the powers, authority and discretion vested in him or her by operation of law by virtue of his or her office, and may be exercised as often as is deemed necessary or viable without application to or approved by any court.
Payment of Debts
Except for liens and encumbrances placed on property as security of the repayment of a loan or debt, I want all debts and expenses owed by my estate to be paid in the manner provided for by the laws of California.
Payment of Taxes
I want all estate and inheritance taxes assessed against property in my estate or against any beneficiaries to be paid out of all the property in my taxable estate, on a pro-rata basis.
No Contest Provision
If any beneficiary under this will contests this will or any of its provision, any share or interest in my estate given to the contesting beneficiary under this will is revoked and shall be disposed of as if that contesting beneficiary had not survived me.
Severability
If any provision of this will is held invalid, that shall not affect other provisions that can be given effect without the invalid provision.
I, James V. Valenti, the testator, sign my name to this instrument this 28th day of October 2018 at San Marcos, CA. I declare that I sign and execute this instrument as my last will, that I sign it willingly, and that I execute it as my free and voluntary act. I declare that I am of the age of majority or otherwise legally empowered to make a will and under no constraint or undue influence.
S James “V. Valenti
Witness:
We, the witnesses, sign our names to this instrument, and declare that the testator willingly signed and executed this instrument as the testators’s last will.
In the presence of the testator, and in the presence of each other, we sign this will as witnesses to the testator’s signing.
To the best of our knowledge, the testator is of the age of majority or otherwise legally empowered to make a will, is mentally competent and under no constraint or undue influence.
We declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct, this 28th day of October 2018, San Marcos, CA.
Witness #1: Signed Matthew C. Valenti, residing at 929 Riverview Drive,, Morgantown, WV
Witness #2: Signed Martha E. Nichols, 57 Grozier Rd., #2, Cambridge, MA 02138
US vs Russia from page 7
The U.S. consistently spends the most on its military, dwarfing the spending of other nations. In 2023, we spent $820 billion on national defence. This allows for significant investments in advanced technology and equipment and experimentation.
Advanced Technology:
The U.S. military is at the forefront of technological development, particularly in areas like aerospace, cyber and electronic warfare, Combat Information Centre technology, and space and satellite capabilities.
Global Presence:
The U.S. military maintains a vast network of military bases and alliances around the world, giving us the ability to project power and respond to threats globally.
Air Force and Navy:
The U.S. Air Force is the world’s largest and most advanced, and the U.S. Navy possesses the largest fleet of aircraft carriers and submarines.
Special Operations Forces:
The U.S. military also boasts some of the world’s most capable special operations units, trained for a wide range of missions.
Logistics and Training:
The U.S. military’s logistics and training capabilities are also considered among the best in the world, ensuring its forces are wellequipped and prepared for combat.
MIGHTY MOJO
SPECIAL DEDICATION: To my U.S. Navy military buds who worked with me in CIC (Combat Information Centre) on various warships in the 7th Fleet. John Rosenstiel, Gary Johnson, Louie Vasquez, luv taking liberty with you guys at various ports of call. Remember Pearl (Oahu), the Philippines, Japan, Hong Kong? Remember how the ‘Old Man’ (ship’s captain) would come into CIC during war games (Zula 13) and actually work with us when we were conducting simulated drills? Remember ‘mail call’ when a chopper would lower a cargo net on ship’s deck and we’d all celebrate with letters from home, which always brought tears to our eyes. There’s something about being in the military, at sea, or in a foreign port and receiving mail from home. Always seemed more emotional, and we’d all become quiet and homesick. We’d read our letters over and over again. Dunno know why. We just did.
Remember how we were all proud Americans abroad? We looked after each other. And how we seemed to love our Country even more . . . whenever we were on foreign soil far, far away. God bless you guys, forever and a day.
san diego Humane society urges adoptions of Tiny Pets
San Diego Humane Society is bursting with small pets and is nearly out of space for its smallest residents.
With 121 Guinea pigs, 52 rabbits and 12 rodents (hamsters, mice and rats), the organization is encouraging the public to consider adopting a small pet or two. For most small pets, adopting in pairs is highly recommended due to their social na-
ture and need for companionship.
“Small pets make wonderful companions — and right now, we have so many who need loving homes,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of San Diego Humane Society. “If you’ve ever thought about adopting a rabbit or guinea pig, now is the time.”
All adoptable rabbits have been spayed/neutered and vaccinated against Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type 2. Adopters can also access expert care guides for each species — including rabbits, Guinea pigs, hamsters and rats at sdhumane.org to make sure they’re ready to meet the unique needs of these animals.
San Diego Humane Society’s campuses in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside and San Diego are open for adoptions:
• Tuesday–Friday: 10 am–5 pm
• Saturday–Sunday: 10 am–7 pm
To see adoptable animals and learn more about adopting, visit: sdhumane.org/adopt.
Enter Humane society’s Photo fundraiser Contest
San Diego Humane Society’s 33rd annual Photo Fundraiser invites pet lovers to submit their favorite photos for a chance to be featured in the 2026 SDHS calendar.
• Upload a photo of your adorable pet to sdhumane.org/photocontest
• Ask friends and family to vote — the more, the better!
• Contest runs through August 31st
Top vote-getters can win amazing prizes, including:
• A full-page feature in the 2026 SDHS calendar
• A two-night stay at Loews Coronado Bay Resort
• Tickets to SDHS’s Fur Ball
Every photo with at least five votes is guaranteed a spot in the calendar or on the collage pages.
Proceeds from the Photo Fundraiser support San Diego Humane Society’s critical work, including adoptions, humane law enforcement, veterinary care and the rescue and rehabilitation of injured or orphaned wildlife through its Project Wildlife program.
LEGALS
NoTiCE of PETiTioN To admiNisTEr EsTaTE of sharon Yaeko Takabayashi
Case No. 25PE001929C
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO
1100 Union Street San Diego, CA. 92101
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate or both, of Sharon Yaeko Takabayashi. A Petition for Probate has been filed by Mark Ishida in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA. 92101 Central Courthouse. The Petition for probate requests that Mark Ishida be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act.
(This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.)
The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.
A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows:
Date: 8/28/2025
Time: 1:30 pm
Dept: 503
Address of court: Same as noted above.
If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. you may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.
Attorney for Petitioner: Suzan A. Colgan, Esq. Vanguard Legal Group, P.C. 16935 W. Bernardo Dr., #155 San Diego, CA 92127
888-995-6014
DOP: 7/24, 7/31, 8/7, 8/14/2025
NoTiCE of PETiTioN To admiNisTEr EsTaTE of alexander Jitsutaro Takabayashi Case No. 25PE001957C
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO 1100 Union Street San Diego, CA. 92101
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate or both, of Alexander Jitsutaro Takabayashi. A Petition for Probate has been filed by Mark Ishida in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA. 92101 Central Courthouse. The Petition for probate requests that Mark Ishida be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.
A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows:
Date: 8/20/2025
Time: 1:30 pm
Dept: 502
Address of court: Same as noted above.
If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a con-
Pastor Says from page 10
Apostle Paul says, “to be absent from the body is to be with Jesus.” This is comforting for those who believe it, but what about the billions who don’t?
One thing I do know is that it’s not wise to act with any definitive conclusion that a non-responsive person is unaware. As was true of my cousin, who knew whether she heard all that people were saying during those ten years? Are we the judges of what life is? The same applies to what we refer to as life beyond. In reply to my question about what kept my cousin alive for all those years, and we could ask, what keeps any existence viable, whether now or then, I share the words of my cousin’s caregiver, “It was love, just love.” The entire world of humanity exists with that same need, whether we live or die, as it says in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Belief, yes, but with whose definition?
Pastor Huls
tingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. you may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.
Attorney for Petitioner: Suzan A. Colgan, Esq. Vanguard Legal Group, P.C. 16935 W. Bernardo Dr., #155 San Diego, CA 92127
888-995-6014
DOP: 7/24, 7/31, 8/7, 8/14/2025
suPErior CourT of CaLLiforNia, CouNTY of saN diEgo 1100 Union Street San Diego, CA. 92101
Probate
Case Number 25PMOO1503C SPOUSAL PROPERTY
PETITION
Petitioner Barbara Ellen Valenti requests determination of property passing to the surviving spouse or surviving registered domestic partner without administration (Fam Code :297.6 Prog. Code : 13500).
Petitioner is surviving spouse of the decedent. Decedent died on 4/24/2025. Decedent was a resident of the California County named above. Testate and a copy of the will and any codicil is affixed as attachment 4(C). Decedent is not survived by a stepchild or foster child or children who would have been adopted by decedent but for a legal battle. (See Prob. Code :Sec 6454.)
Attachment 7b contains the legal description of the community or quasi-community property petitioner requests to be determined as having belonged under Probate Code sections 100 and 101 and Family Code section 297.5 to the surviving spouse or surviving registered domestic partner upon the deceased spouse’s or partner’s death, subject to any written agreement between the deceased spouse or partner and the suriviving spouse or partner providing for a non pro rata division of the aggregate value of the community property assets or quasi-community assets, or both.
The names, relationship, ages, and residence or mailing addresses so far as known to or reasonably ascertinable bh petitioner of (1) all lpersons named in decedent’s wlll and codicils, whether living or deceased, and (2) all persons checked in items 5 and 6 are listed below:
Name and relationship Age Residence or mailing address
Ashleigh C. L. Valenti age 32 5603 Madrid Road, Ap. 6, Isla Vista, CA. 23117
Gregory V. Valenti age 62
23286 S. Moonlight Road, Spring Hills KS 66083
Liza M. Valenti age 53
500 Redland Court, No. 204, Owikngs Mills, MD 21117
Matthew C. Valenti age 55
929 Riverview Drive, Morgantown, WV 26502
Scott J. Valenti age 65
23286 S. Moonlight Road, Spring Hills KS 66083
The names and addresses of all persons named as executors in the decedent’s will and codicils or appointed as personal representatives of the decedent’s estate are listed below:
Matthew C. Valenti, 929 Riverview Drive, Mograntown, WV 26502 Carver L. Pugh, 4667 Beechwood Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043
A petition for probate or for administration of the decedent’s estate has not been filed and is not being filed with this petition..
Date: 5/24/202
/s/ Alan L. Geraci, Esq. SBN 108324
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.
/s/ Barbara Ellen Valenti
Date: 5/24/2025
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2025-9011374
The name of the business: Walker Drafting, Walker Designs, located at 966 Maryland Dr., Vista, CA 92083. Registrant, Colin Walker Jones, 966 Maryland Dr., Vista, CA 92083. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 5/12/2011 /s/ Colin Jones with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 6/12/2025
7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24/2025
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2025-9012020
The name of the business: Roman Insurance Services, Roman Insurance Agency, located at 122 Civic Center Dr., 204, Vista, CA 92084. Registrant, VME Roman Inc, 1308 Summer Court, Vista, CA 92084. This business is operated by a Corporation.
First day of business: 6/10/2025
/s/ Gina Portiera Roman, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/23/2025
7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24/2025
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2025-9011547
The name of the business: Coastal Wine Storage, located at 4119 Avenida de la Plata, Oceanside, CA 92056. Registrant, Hilda Esther Barrion Partida, 5040 Calle Arquero. This business is operated by an Individual.
First day of business: 6/13/2025
/s/ Hilda Esther Barrion Partida with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/13/2025
7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24/2025
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2025-9012664
The name of the business: Pelican Water Restoration of North County San Diego, located at 1804 Sugarbush Drive, Vista, CA 92084. Registrant, Pelican Restoration LLC, 1804 Sugarbush Drive, Vista, CA 92084. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company.
First day of business: N/A /s/ Jared Sutton, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/2/2025
7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31/2025
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2025-9012545
The name of the business: HIPAA4U, located at 825 Laurelwood Cr., San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, John Andrew Zanazzi, 825 Laurelwood Cr., San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by an Individual.
First day of business: 6/30/2025
/s/ John A. Zanazzi with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 6/30/2025
7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31/2025
ordEr To sHoW CausE for CHaNgE of NamE 25Cu034814N
TO ALL INTERESTED PER-
SONS: Petitioner Relet Sienna Garcia filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: Relet Sienna Garcia to Proposed name Ashley Denise MillsGarcia. 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: August 15, 2025, 8:30 am, in Dept. 25 No hearing will occur on above date. Please see attachment The address of the court is: 330 West Broadway, San Diego, CA 92121. A copy of the Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the peti-
tion in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Marcos News Reporter, dba, The Paper, 845 W. San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, Ca. 92078. Dated July 2, 2025 /s/ Brad A. Weinreb, Judge of the Superior Court 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31/2025
ordEr To sHoW CausE for CHaNgE of NamE 25Cu034567N TO ALL INTERESTED PER-
SONS: Petitioner Macy Anne Fleishman filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: Macy Anne Fleishman to Proposed name Macy Bryant Murphy. 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: August 15, 2025, 8:30 am, in Dept. 25
No hearing will occur on above date. Please see attachment The address of the court is: 330 West Broadway, San Diego, CA 92121. 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 July 1, 2025 /s/ Brad A. Weinreb, Judge of the Superior Court 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31/2025
ordEr To sHoW CausE for CHaNgE of NamE 25Cu034868N
TO ALL INTERESTED PER-
SONS: Petitioner Sue Dee Miller filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: dorothy Sue Dee Miller to Proposed name Sue Dee Miller. 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: August 15, 2025, 8:30 am, in Dept. 25 No hearing will occur on above date. Please see attachment The address of the court is: 330 West Broadway, San Diego, CA 92121. 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 July 2, 2025 /s/ Brad A. Weinreb, Judge of the Superior Court 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31/2025
LEGALS
Estate of Elena marie mcdonald decedent 25PE001719C
Petition for Letters of Special Administration with General Powers
Publication will be in The Paper San Marcos.
Petitioner Tamara Ann McDonald requests that Tamara Ann McDonald special administrator with general powers and letters issue upon qualification. Bond not be required for the reasons stated in item 3e.
2549 E. Valley Pkwy., Apt., 10, Escondido, CA 92027 San Diego County
All heirs at law are adults and have waived bond.
Character and estimated value of the property of the estate: personal property $1,000. Total: $1,000. All heirs at law are adults and have waived bond.
Decedent died intestate.
Appointment of administrator:
Appointment of special administrator requested.
Proposed personal representative is a resident of California.
Decedent’s will does not preclude administration of this estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. no spouse as follows: divorced or never married. No child.
Decedent was not survived by a stepchild or foster child or children who would have been adopted by decedent but for a legal barrier.
Decedent was survived by a parent or parents who are listed in item 8.
Decedent had no predeceased spouse.
James Roy McDonald, father age 68, 2549 E. Valley Pkwy., Apt 10, Escondido, CA 92027
Tamara Ann McDonald, mother age 63, 2549 E. Valley Pkwy., Apt 10, Escondido, CA 92027
7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31/2025
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2025-9012408
The name of the business: The
Boujie Bakery, located at 1310 Santa Rita E #93, Chula Vista, CA 91913. Registrant, Manisha Williams, 1310 Santa Rita E #93, Chula Vista, CA 91913. This business is operated by an Individual.
First day of business: 6/14/2023
/s/ Manisha Williams with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/26/2025
7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31/2025
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2025-9011267
The name of the business: Stamos Chiropractic Inc., located at 330 Rancheros Drive, Suite 202, Lake San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, Stamos Chiropractic Inc., 330 Rancheros Drive, Suite 202, Lake San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by a Corporation.
First day of business: 10/15/2020
/s/ Alison Roberson, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/11/2025
7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8/7/2025
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2025-9013157
The name of the business: Warewoof House, located at 3793 Via Cabrillo, Oceanside, CA 92056. Registrant, Tanya Ware, 3793 Via Cabrillo, Oceanside, CA 92056. This business is operated by an Individual.
First day of business: 7/8/2015
/s/ Tanya Ware with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/9/2025 7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8/7/2025
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2025-9012176
The name of the business: Triple H Couriers, located at 862 Via La Venta, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, Akyla Shunta Burnette Halfacre, 862 Via La Venta, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by an Individual.
First day of business: N/A /s/ Akyla Halfacre with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 6/24/2025
7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8/7/2025
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2025-9012192
The name of the business: Casa De Los Guisos, located at 4659 Calle Del Palo, Oceanside, CA 92057. Registrant, Jose Luis Bernal, 4659 Calle Del Palo, Oceanside, CA 92057. This business is operated by an Individual.
First day of business: 6/24/2025 /s/ Jose Luis Bernal with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 6/24/2025 7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8/7/2025
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2025-9012648
The name of the business: Chavez Landscaping, located at 148 Carlann Dr., San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, Ricardo Chavez Perez, 148 Carlann Dr., San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by an Individual.
First day of business: 7/1/2025
/s/ Ricardo Chavez Perez with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/1/2025 7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8/7/2025
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2025-9011818
The name of the business: Weird Girl Media, located at 5582 Dalen Ave., San Diego, CA 92122. Registrant, Weird Girl Media LLC, 5582 Dalen Ave., San Diego, CA 92122. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company.
First day of business: N/A
/s/ Eliana Oliver, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/18/2025 7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8/7/2025
sTaTEmENT of abaNdoNmENT of usE of fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE: 2025-9013074
Aqua Clear Pool Services, located at 465 Vernon Way, El Cajon, CA 92020. The Fictitious Business Name referred to above was filed in San Diego County on 7/15/2021 and assigned file no. 2021-9015144. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME IS BEING ABANDONED BY: Aqua Clear Pool Services, 465 Vernon Way, El Cajon, CA 92020. This business is conducted by a Limited Liability Company. I declare that all information in this statement
is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the 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/Alexander Kalogianis, President This statement was filed with the San Diego Recorder/County clerk on 6/8/2025. 7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8/7/2025
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2025-9012014
The name of the business: Jybob Food Services, located at 1140 W. Mission Rd., San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, Jin Young Baik, 222 Mantle, Irvine, CA 92618. This business is operated by an Individual.
First day of business: N/A /s/ Jin Young Baik with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 6/23/2025
7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8/7/2025
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2025-9013696
The name of the business: Stalwart Beacon Security Solutions, located at 100 E. San Marcos Blvd., Suite 426, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, Elias Alexander Prieto, 100 E. San Marcos Blvd., Suite 426, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 2/14/2014 /s/ Elias a. Prieto with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 7/15/2025 7/24, 7/31, 8/7, 8/14/2025
fiCTiTious busiNEss NamE
sTaTEmENT 2025-9011934
The name of the business: Skillful Pro, located at 20270 Aguilera Ln., Escondido, CA 92029. Registrant, Artur Vasilikiv, 20270 Aguilera Ln., Escondido, CA 92029. This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: N/A /s/ Artur Vasilikiv with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 6/20/2025
7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24/2025
About Town from page 9
land and for some special purpose gave you dominion over this land and over the red man. That destiny is a mystery to us, for we do not understand when the buffalo are all slaughtered, the wild horses are tamed, the scret corners of the forest heavy with the scent of many men and the view of the ripe hills blotted out by talking wires.
Where is the thicket? Gone. Where is the eagle? Gone.
-- Chief Seattle, 1854
Now, my commentary.
As moving as the above piece is I regret to inform you that it is mostly a sham. Chief Seattle did make a speech in 1854 but he did not address environmental issues at that time, nor, as far as anyone knows, in any other speech.
On April 22, 1970, Ted Perry, a young professor of film at the University of Texas at Austin, attended a campus celebration for the first Earth Day. He heard a professor read a speech in which he told territorial officials that he would think about the government’s proposal to buy their land. His tribes would
consider giving up land peacefully, but the spirits of their departed ancestors would continue to roam it.
Perry had just recently been commissioned to write a documentary about pollution. He decided to create a fictitious version of Seattle’s speech to warn about environmental destruction. He had an unseen Native American narrate over pristine beaches and idyllic forests interspersed with ugly images of pollution. Perry used Seattle’s original speech as a building block. . .and he expanded the rhetoric.
When I first read it I was, like most Americans who have read it, quite moved. The only hint that something wasn’t right was my awareness that buffalo did not live in the Puget Sound area.
I wondered how Seattle could have seen rotting buffalo carcasses in an area where they did not live. What I did not pick up on is Seattle’s reference to the buffalos being shot by the white man from a moving train. It turns out that the railroad did not reach Seattle’s land until years after the speech. Further, the telephone was not invented until after Seattle had long since been dead. . .thus he would not have known about “the talking wires”.
Today Perry teaches at Middlebury
College in Vermont. He had assumed that viewers would assume the speech was fictitious when they saw his “written by Ted Perry” at the end of the film.
The film’s producer changed the credit to “Researched by Ted Perry” - - implying that Perry had merely verified the text, not written it.
In 1972 Perry watched the documentary “Home” on ABC tv. He wrote the producer complaining he had not given permission for the change. Producer John Stevens replied that he had decided the film’s “impact would be far greater if the emphasis of the words were placed on Chief Seattle rather than Ted Perry”. The lie lived on, to Perry’s frustration. The Southern Baptist Radio and Television Commission mailed out 18,000 posters with the bogus speech. Environmental Action magazine reprinted it as a letter from Chief Seattle to President Franklin Pierce (which is the copy I have and quote from in the above example). The speech has been published in Germany, Sweden, Holland, Italy, Portugal and Denmark, among others. (The Southern Baptist Radio and Television Commission no longer airs the documentary).
To his credit, Perry has tried to correct the impression.
His protestations fall on deaf ears.
Perhaps it would have been nice if Chief Seattle had said what he is purported to have said; perhaps it would have been nice if Chief Seattle had employed Ted Perry as a speechwriter (had he been alive then). But Seattle didn’t say the words attributed to him. Ted Perry did. As a fictional account based on fact. As a paid assignment for a documentary. The fact that it has touched a nation, several nations, the fact that it is a beautifully written piece notwithstanding---it is still a hoax. An unintentional one.
. . .but a hoax.
Try as he might to correct the error Perry has been unsuccessful. This appears to be a case where art does not imitate life but where art has *become* life---or, at least, the perception of life.
Man