June 26, 2025

June 26, 2025

Volume 55 - No. 26

ELDER ABUSE ON THE RISE

IN THE U.S. & WORLDWIDE!

By Friedrich Gomez Elder abuse is, without doubt, one of America’s most shameful and well-kept dirty secrets.

And tragically, it is not just a rising U.S. problem – it is now a growing worldwide concern.

Simply stated, physical and emotional trauma inflicted upon our vulnerable senior population is not an easy subject to write about – but this unspeakably sad saga must be given a voice so that we can address this

issue straight-on, instead of “sweeping it all under the rug” and pleading blissful ignorance while our seniors continue to silently suffer and even die from physical abuse.

Today, there is a frightening and unprecedented rise in actual elderly physical abuse: physical beatings that have seen seniors hospitalised with serious, sometimes fatal injuries, from family members.

This sudden surge nationwide -- and around the world -- is baffling social scientists who are now making

The Paper • 760.747.7119 online: www.TheCommunityPaper.com

email: thepaper@cox.net

a concerted effort to stop this unspeakable record-breaking domestic violence which has often led to permanent disability, lifelong crippling, indelible emotional trauma, and a shortened life span leading to a premature and grisly death.

WHY IS THIS SURGE OF ELDERLY ABUSE HAPPENING? Why is this suddenly happening in record-breaking numbers across the United States?

And around the world?

And what must we do to reverse this terrifying trend and take care of our precious senior citizen population which, in their twilight years, are vulnerable and defenceless?

And totally dependent on us to help them; they are the very generation that raised us; clothed and fed us; and protected and loved us during our formative, growing-up years.

ELDER ABUSE RESEARCH BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION SHOWS A MOST TERRIFYING REALITY.

Abuse

See Page 2

The Paper • Page 2 • June 26, 2025

Abuse from page 1 According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), physical beatings and abusive violence towards our elderly population is skyrocketing for people in the U.S. aged 60 years and older.

And shockingly, this elder abuse is nothing new!

It has been trending upwards for several years now in record-breaking statistics!

RESEARCH STUDIES REVEAL ELDERLY ABUSE HAS INCREASED A WHOPPING 84%.

In regards to the rising ‘epidemic’ of elder abuse cases, emerging evidence indicates a most astounding and incredulous reality: “The prevalence of (physical) abuse of older people in both the community and in institutions have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic.”

One U.S. study suggests that serious physical assaults on seniors by family members as well as within some care facilities may have increased by as much as 84%.

That is a most intoxicating increase that staggers the human imagination: 84% increase in (serious

Give Us This Day Our Daily Chuckle

physical, emotional, or neglectful abuse) upon seniors by what is termed “elder abuse.”

This was corroborated by a June 2024 follow-up report just last year!

(Source: The World Health Organization (WHO), https://www.who. int >Newsroom.Fact sheets>) And to reiterate, the shocker is that this ugly upward trending is not confined only in America, but, this surge in physical elder abuse has silently gone global . . . across our planet.

So, what is happening?

And why is this happening?

WHAT IS THE “CAUSATION” BEHIND THE PHENOMENAL RISE IN ELDER ABUSE AROUND THE WORLD TODAY? What has changed in the human heart and mindset -- now globally -- which is now driving this unspeakable trending which is adversely affecting our precious senior citizens being abused in record numbers everywhere, including in so-called “civilised” countries?

Is it financial stress, political anger,

Dyslexics have more Nuf. *** Brilliant. Art of saying a lot without revealing your cards.What a Statesman he was!

Winston Churchill was once asked about his position on whisky.

Here’s how he answered:

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

At my age, when I say I’m picking up a hottie at the club it means I’m getting a rotisserie chicken at Costco. *** Just got a job at Old McDonald’s Farm. I’m now the CIEIO. *** Be thankful it’s not snowing outside. Can you imagine shoveling snow in this heat? ***

“If you mean whisky, the devil’s brew, the poison scourge, the bloody monster that defiles innocence, dethrones reason, destroys the home, creates misery and poverty, yea, literally takes the bread from the mouths of little children; if you mean that evil drink that topples men and women from the pinnacles of righteous and gracious living into the bottomless pit of degradation, shame, despair, helplessness, and hopelessness, then, my friend, I am opposed to it with every fiber of my being.”

“However, if by whisky you mean the oil of conversation, the philosophic wine, the elixir of life, the ale that is consumed when good fellows get together, that puts a song in their hearts and the warm glow of contentment in their eyes; if you mean good cheer, the stimulating sip that puts a little spring in the step of an elderly gentleman on a frosty morning; if you mean that

marital discontent, employment frustration, loss of employment, or a general feeling of helplessness in a divisive, uncertain, and angry society?

Social scientists are giving us viable feedback which may be key components in answering this upheaval in our close knit nucleus which we call “our senior family members: – be it our aging parents or grandparents – we must find the answers for rectification.

ELDERLY ABUSE IS TRENDING TOWARDS A “RECORD HIGH” GLOBALLY. Studies and organisations are now reporting that -- while it is difficult to definitively state if it’s an “alltime record high” globally -- the evidence suggests a most worrying trend in that direction.

Keep in mind, this is not a new social decay -- it has been brewing for several years and is now careening out-of-control, both here and internationally.

Yes, you read that correctly: elderly abuse is now of global concern from Russia, to Communist China and even in Japan where “respect for Japanese elders” was once thought to be an immovable cultural fact.

drink that enables man to magnify his joy, and to forget life’s great tragedies and heartbreaks and sorrow; if you mean that drink the sale of which pours into our treasuries untold millions of pounds each year, that provides tender care for our little crippled children, our blind, our deaf, our dumb , our pitifully aged and infirm, to build the finest highways, hospitals, universities, and community colleges in this nation, then my friend, I am absolutely, unequivocally in favor of it.

“This is my position, and as always, I refuse to compromise on matters of principle.” *** Medical Advice Q: Doctor, I’ve heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true?

A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that’s it... don’t waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that’s like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer?

Take a nap.

Q: Should I cut down on meat and

Yes, Japan, where it was once said that: In Japan, seniors are at the top of social hierarchy. It’s a long and richly unbroken tradition that has led to a national holiday dedicated solely to the elderly to honor their contributions to society.

And yet, by Japan’s own official and shocking admission, via their own scientific studies, research programmes, etc., their official findings seems surreal and the product of a “Bizzaro World” or alternate universe, with Japan’s own shocking headline (translated from original Japanese): “ELDERLY ABUSE A GROWING PROBLEM IN AGING JAPAN.” The startling Japanese report goes on to boldly and candidly say: “Certified cases of abuse against elderly persons reached a record high in fiscal 2017 according to the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, rising year-onyear by 4.2% to 17,078 in total.

“Among the elderly, the overwhelming perpetrators of the abuse Abuse continued on page 3

eat more fruits and vegetables?

A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat?

Hay and corn. And what are these?

Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken.

Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?

A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!

Q: How can I calculate my body/ fat ratio?

A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me Chuckles continued on page 6

The Paper • Page 3 • June 26, 2025

Abuse from page 2 were sons at 40.3% followed by daughters at 17.4%. The following main reasons for abuse were cited in the MHLW survey (multiple answers allowed) as: exhaustion and stress from caring for their elderly mother or father (24.2%), mental issues of the abuser (21.8%), personal problems with the victims prior to abuse (14.2%), dementia of the victim which caused caregiver stress(13.7%).

“The second-most common kind of case, affecting 30.6% of the victims, was psychological abuse, such as abusive language, followed by16.9% who were subjected to severe neglect and insufficient care.

“The main underlying factor of such abuse, in 60.1% of cases, was built-up stress, worn-down patience and inability to control their emotions (as caregivers) and built-up stress in carrying for their aging mother or father.”

(Sources: Compiled by Nippon. com and data from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare. https://www.nippon. com>japan-data>elderly-abuse-a also https://www.nippon.com/en/ japan-data/h00428/elderly-abusea-growing-problem-in-aging-japan.html ) So, why is all this happening?

And why aren’t we hearing about this on our television newscasts or reading of it in our daily newspapers?

After all, it’s affecting all of us, everywhere, and may eventually affect you, personally!

Even Japan is reeling in disbelief and knocked back on their psychological heels. Elder abuse is an obscene contradiction to their cultural reputation and belief system regarding their long-held and cherished ancient tradition of forever honouring their elders.

This moral and ethical decay in the form of elderly abuse is spreading and – statistically speaking – we seem no longer trustworthy guardians and caregivers of our own flesh-and-blood parents and/or grandparents during their twilight years.

SHOCKING REPORT: IN EUROPE “ELDER ABUSE” NOW LEADS TO 2,500 HOMICIDES EACH AND EVERY YEAR! All of Europe united during this month of June 2025 to embrace “International Elder Abuse Awareness” and the Council of Europe, the European Commission, AGE Platform Europe, and the European Network of Human Rights In-

stitutions – all convened in a joint conference during which European newspaper headlines printed their resolve against elder abuse, as quoted below: “Reaffirm everyone’s right to age in dignity and to be protected against all forms of elder abuse.”

During the last few years, the taboo topic of elder abuse has started to gain visibility across Europe, and its dramatic consequences for individuals, families and the broader society are being increasingly acknowledged.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports now reports that the abuse of older people leads to an estimated 2,500 homicides every year in Europe! Furthermore, as many as one in four older people needing high levels of support may be victims of mistreatment.

This has to stop: NOW! EUROPE’S “HIDDEN SHAME” According to Anne-Sophie Parent, who is Secretary-General of AGE Platform Europe: “Recognising the urgent need for the EU and national governments to take concrete action and develop specific measures to fight elder abuse in the context of an ageing society, AGE Platform Europe wishes to send a strong message to policy makers to put an end to Europe’s hidden shame.”

MOST VICIOUS FORM OF AGE DISCRIMINATION. Ms. Parent further adds: “Every day we hear alarming news from all around Europe about older persons who are experiencing neglect, mistreatment and abuse. This is the most vicious form of age discrimination and is totally unacceptable.

A rights-based approach in ageing policies would help fight against widespread elder abuse in Europe and ensure that older persons can continue to enjoy their human rights until the end of their life.”

SURVEY OF 40 COUNTRIES ALL SHOW SHOCKING LEVELS OF ELDERLY ABUSE. As far back as 2017 a review of studies from over 40 different countries showed that all of them reported that 18% of people over age 60 were subjected to some form of (severe physical) elderly abuse.

And researchers claim this percentage is most likely vastly “underreported” due to the stigma and hidden shame that keeps family members from filing true accounts Abuse continued on page 5

Oodles!

Looking for things to do? Places to go?

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

Have an event you need publicized?

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

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

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

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

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

Free Parkinson’s Concert June 28th • 11am to 3pm The public is invited to join in for a special celebration as Tremble Clefs marks 31 years of music, community, and free weekly therapeutic singing classes for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners.

The Friends and Family event will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 11 am until 3 pm in the San Rafael Parish Hall.

Tremble Clefs San Diego will present the “Together We Grow” concert and sing-along event to celebrate the joy it continues to bring to so many amazing people.

Tickets are free and a free lunch is included, but donations are greatly appreciated. Please reserve your tickets by visiting https://bit.ly/ TCwegrow25 Event activities include lunch, concert provided by Tremble Clefs, silent auction and a live auction where you may find treasures such as plants, artwork, jewelry, gift baskets, gift cards and more. Cash, credit cards and checks will be accepted. *** Antique Tractor Show Saturday & Sunday June 28th & 29th from 9:00am - 4:00pm Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum 2040 N. Santa Fe Ave. Vista, CA 92084 Join us for two unforgettable weekends at the Antique Tractor Show, where we’re Keeping History Crawling! This year we are celebrating the power, grit, and 100 year legacy of Caterpillar — the machines that reshaped America’s fields and roads.

• Crawler and wheeled tractors in motion • Live demonstrations of steam & gas engines • Blacksmithing, weaving, and sawmill in action • Tractor parades and Live music • Great food, vendors, and family fun!

Bring the whole family and experi-

ence the sights, sounds, and stories of America’s mechanical past, still alive and crawling at AGSEM! $10 per person, ages 6 & under Free For more information, visit www.agsem.org *** Friends of Daley Ranch Learn All About Snakes July 13th • 11am Join the Friends of Daley Ranch and Tom from Tom’s Snakes and Rattlesnake Rescue on Sunday, July 13, at 11 am to learn more about the snakes found in San Diego! Tom has trained several people, such as firefighters, rangers, and outdoor educators, on how to safely identify, capture, and release rattlesnakes keeping both people and the snake safe. The presentation is free and will be at the Ranch House. Water will be available as well as a light snack provided by Jimbo’s.

This free quarterly Daley Ranch Discussions With Friends is sponsored by FODR to offer the community interesting and informative topics that relate to the 3000 acre Daley Ranch Preserve.

Guests may hike up to the Ranch House or take advantage of a free shuttle service starting at 9:30 from the La Honda parking area.

Please note that the shuttle will have a new step up for easier access. RSVP’s are required. Visit https://daleyranch.org/rsvpdaleyranchdiscussion/ *** Chess at Park Avenue Community Center Wednesdays & Fridays Home of Escondido Senior Center, 210 Park Avenue, Escondido, 760839-4688.

Chess players of all skill levels are welcome every Wednesday AND NOW EVERY FRIDAY in the shuffleboard building from Noon – 3 p.m. Friendly games with large boards and pieces provided. No fees or reservations. Follow the signs or ask at the front desk for directions.

The Paper • Page 4 • June 26, 2025

With regards to John Van Zante’s Critter Corner article in the June 19th edition: His ‘expert’ friend Martha could not be more wrong about a rattlesnake’s striking distance. The average rattler can strike approximately two thirds the length of it’s body. So a six footer can strike about four feet. In addition, rattlesnakes do not jump.

And to say they can jump twice the Length of their body is quite hilarious. C’mon John, do some research before you write this stuff….

Read The Paper Online www.thecommunitypaper.com

This new, upstart young editor/ publisher was going to visit, and write about, a visit to a nudist resort!

Scandalous!

Not really. Here’s an account from “way back when . . .”

Terra Cotta Inn

Man About Town by lyle e davis 25 years ago, when I first purchased the San Marcos News Reporter, it had a circulation of around 4000.

It was a boring, black and white, very conservative paper, serving a very conservative market.

I decided to make a few changes and let the readership know there was a new Sheriff in town and change was here.

I added color pages, featured a front page cover story every week, illustrated in color. The artwork and subject matter, I felt, would attract the eye and cause the reader(s) to turn to the jump pages. I added a “Chuckles” column on page 2, a “Man About Town” column on page 4, and developed a stable of interesting, sometimes controversial, writers. Today, we have over 30,000 weekly readers and have been welcomed and embraced by North San Diego County.

When ready to launch the new product I decided to break with a cover story that would immediately catch the attention of our existng readership and to attract new readers.

The cover story?

We’ve just arrived back from a brief trip to a Palm Springs resort known as the Terra Cotta Inn. It is a clothing optional resort.

Fantastic!

Top reviews for the facility, the staff, the guests, the weather. Everything was just perfect. We would have like to have stayed for both Friday and Saturday but were only able to manage Friday as we booked it on short notice and only Friday was available.

For those of you who have had thoughts of visiting such a place, let me encourage you to go! It’s an absolutely neat experience.

The Terra Cotta Inn is the location where JFK bedded down Marilyn Monroe during one of their trysts (when it was known as The Monkey Tree Inn). It is a walled community with some 17 spacious and well furnished hotel rooms surrounding the pool, patio and spa area. Landscaped with tall palm trees, bouganvillea and many other plants and flowers, soft music playing throughout the day, breakfast served from 8 to 10 am, wine and cheese and appetizers from 4 to 7 pm. . .several areas for barbecues or just lounging around and chatting.

The clientele range in age from as young as early 30’s to mid to late 60’s. . .possibly as old as 70 (we didn’t get to interview all the guests). Lots of Mercedes’, Cadillacs, Lexus, etc. in the parking lot.

These were people of comfortable means who had visited either the Terra Cotta Inn or similar facilities

Terry Hardy Escondido

for several times, sometimes in the Caribbean, sometimes in Europe, quite often here at the Terra Cotta Inn. They all rated it as one of the top resorts. Reason? Primarily the friendly atmosphere and outstanding service.

It was quite hot when we were there; 108 degrees Friday and 105 degrees Saturday (we left about 4 pm Saturday, following a Taco Surprise at 1 pm and an Ice Cream Social at 3:30 - both of which were well attended and very popular).

There is another ‘naturist’ resort not so far away known as Desert Shadows. It is a bit more posh, has about twice the number of rooms, and is quite attractive. We have visited it but had not stayed there.

Frequently, guests we interviewed at the Terra Cotta Inn indicated they had stayed at Desert Shadows and didn’t care for it. It was too ‘cliquish’. . if you weren’t part of the crowd you probably wouldn’t enjoy it.

On Friday there was a tremendous wind but it was a warm wind and it was rather nice lying on the chaise lounges, looking up and watching the wind blow through the palm fronds high above. We didn’t get the brunt of the wind as the walls surrounding the place acts as a natural windbreak. Still, there was the feeling and sound of movement. . .not unlike the comfortable feeling of being inside, snug and warm, during a rainstorm. Rather romantic, actually.

This is the gut feel we got when we first visited there but hesitated to prejudge it until we had spent a day or two there to judge for ourselves.

Still, these were veteran nudists that we visited with and the verdict was consistent.

Tom and Mary Clare, the husband and wife team that own and operate the Terra Cotta Inn, couldn’t be more helpful. Tom in particular is a smiling gent who goes out of his way to see that you are properly attended to. They have built an atmosphere of amiability that makes it very easy to quickly start chatting with other guests, many of whom have come back again and again to Terra Cotta, largely because of this friendliness but for the service and comfortable facilities as well.

Another facility reasonably close by is the Morningside Inn. It has only about 10 rooms, is also a walled, gated community. We visited this site as well earlier in the year but there were no guests there, only one staff member and she wasn’t a great deal of help, nor was she particularly interesting. The facility had a fairly pedestrian look about it but I wouldn’t mind staying one evening just to get a feel for the place when it was occupied with guests.

They have water misters that are on daily through the heat of the day and this helps cool both the air and your hide.

Naturally, a good deal of time is spent cooling off in the pool and this is where a good deal of chatting takes place.

There is no hanky panky (though I assume the couples may have felt free to play in the privacy of their own rooms). Hitting on someone, even your spouse or significant other, is frowned upon.

People who visit clothing optional and nude resorts should know first off that it is not a sensual holiday.

Sex is not the primary focus on such a visit. Sounds crazy, I know.

Trust me.

Once you visit you’ll know what I mean.

You quickly learn that most of us at such a resort are not Greek God’s or Goddesses. There were, perhaps, three women who were beautiful of both face and form; a great many more were quite pleasMan About Town continued on page 14

The Paper • Page 5 • June 26, 2025

Abuse from page 3

(globally) due to rapidly aging populations.

of their parental or grandparents’ abusive injuries when they are admitted for medical treatments or even at hospital emergency rooms.

ELDERLY ABUSE FACTS Institutional Settings Rates of physical abuse are particularly high in settings like nursing homes and long-term care facilities, with 2 in 3 staff members, themselves, reporting having committed abuse in the past calendar year.

Under-Reporting It’s estimated that only 1 in 24 cases of physical abuse are reported to authorities. This is a most shocking “under count.” In King’s English: for every case of physical abuse reported – it is suspected there are 23 other cases that were NOT reported!

Consequences Elder abuse can lead to serious physical injuries, long-term psychological issues, increased hospitalisation, and premature death.

Future Projections Elder abuse is predicted to increase

SOME FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO INCREASED RISK OF ELDER ABUSE Social Isolation Older adults who are socially isolated are more vulnerable.

Mental Impairment Cognitive decline, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, can also increase vulnerability.

Caregiver Stress Stressful family dynamics and caregiver burdens can contribute to abuse.

EFFORTS TO COMBAT ELDERLY ABUSE: Organisations like the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the National Council on Aging (NCOA) are working to combat elder abuse by raising awareness, advocating for policies like the Elder Justice Act, and promoting research and prevention strategies.

Also, appeals to the print and visual media to spread awareness is crucial, such as with television newscasts and popular mainstream publications, such as with Es-

condido’s publication, The Paper, which you are now reading -- and which is proudly doing its part, especially in lieu of the fact that The Paper is widely read well beyond San Diego County, even well beyond California, with subscribers as far away as Colorado, Texas, Kentucky, East coast and beyond, including an online following which extends in parts of Europe where Elder Abuse issues are currently – in real time -- being acknowledged and stringently addressed.

IS THERE A LAW IN THE U.S. FOR ELDER ABUSE? Yes. The U.S. Federal Government, U.S. states, commonwealths, territories, and the District of Columbia, all have laws designed to protect older adults from elder abuse and guide the practise of adult protective services, agencies, law enforcement agencies, and other such organisations.

These laws vary considerably from state to state.

LAWS & DETECTING ELDER ABUSE & NEGLECT: “ELDER ABUSE SUSPICION INDEX” There are various laws and modes of detection tests in place to help identify and treat suspected elderly abuse cases, such as with the “Elder Abuse Suspicion In-

dex” (EASI), which includes five patient-answered items, plus one physician question that can identify patients who are at risk.

At least one “yes” response to questions 2 through 6 on the EASI form indicates a need for further assessment.

(Source: Assessment & Intervention – American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). (See https://www.aafp. org>publications>aaf>issues) ELDER ABUSE, PHYSICAL OR OTHERWISE, CAN CAUSE THE DOJ (DEPT. OF JUSTICE) TO GET INVOLVED. Elder physical or emotional abuse along with financial exploitation would be grounds for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to get involved in any warranted investigation. This is indicative of just how serious DOJ prosecutors take in regards to addressing elderly abuse.

(Source: https://www.justice.gov >elderjustice>prosecutors>) WHAT INJURY IS MOST INDICATIVE OF ELDER ABUSE? Victims of physical elder abuse Abuse continued on page 7

Problem Solved

by Christopher Elliott

Amex denied me a credit because I was $3.47 short.

Why can’t it have a heart?

Cole Juchems thinks he’s earned a $350 credit from American Express after meeting the spending requirement on his platinum card. But Amex says he’s $3.47 short and refuses to give him the credit. Is he out of luck?

Q: American Express offered me a promotional credit when I renewed my Amex Platinum card annual fee in July 2024. The offer was for a $350 credit, roughly half the $695 annual fee, if I spent $4,000 on the card over the next 90 days.

At the end of 90 days, I added my spending and found that I’d met the minimum amount required. I reached out to Amex again to inquire about the credit, only to be told that I’d figured incorrectly and was $3.47 short.

I understand the calculation error was mine, but I find it surprising that Amex wouldn’t make an effort to retain a loyal cardmember

in good standing by waiving the last $3.47 and awarding the credit. I’ve made upwards of $25,000 in purchases since opening my account in June 2023 and am disappointed that the company values my loyalty at less than $3.47.

I don’t expect Amex to make an exception in my case, but I would appreciate it if your team could inquire on my behalf, if for no other reason than to see how Amex responds. Any help you can offer is appreciated. ~ Cole Juchems, Pekin, Ill. A: Amex should have considered letting the $3.47 slide, or given you a way to make up for it. You spent nearly $4,000 on your card in just three months -- and over $25,000 in a little over a year. I think you’ve more than proven your loyalty to the company.

But that’s the problem with cred-

it card companies. They push you to spend more, which may be good for Amex, but not necessarily for you.

I would carefully reconsider bonus offers like these, because you could easily overextend yourself and end up in debt. You were smart to keep close track of your spending.

If you hadn’t made an error, you would have received the $350 credit while meeting the minimum spending requirement.

You did the right thing by contacting Amex to inquire about the credit. You also kept a detailed paper trail of your correspondence.

You could have also appealed to an executive at Amex. I list the names, numbers, and emails of the American Express executives on my consumer advocacy website, Elliott.org.

I contacted American Express on your behalf. A representative acknowledged the unusual circumstances of your case and agreed to issue the $350 credit to your account.

“I appreciate very much the help that you and your team provided,” you said. “I doubt that I’d have gotten a positive result by working within Amex’s internal customer service structure. It’s obvious that your team’s inquiry on my behalf led to this timely, positive resolution.”

Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy (https:// elliottadvocacy.org), a nonprofit organization that helps consumers solve their problems. Email him at chris@elliott.org or get help by contacting him at https:// elliottadvocacy.org/help/ © 2025 Christopher Elliott.

The Paper • Page 6 • June 26, 2025

Opinion

5th District Supervisor • Jim Desmond

Our Veterans Fought for Us - Now It’s Time We Fight for Them Too many veterans in San Diego County are sleeping on the streets they sacrificed to protect. That’s unacceptable.

As a U.S. Navy veteran, this issue isn’t just professional—it’s personal. At our next Board of Supervisors meeting, I’m bringing forward a Board Letter that aims to expand emergency housing and support services targeted specifically for homeless veterans.

It’s a step forward, and one I believe is long overdue.

San Diego is home to more than 240,000 veterans—yet far too many are struggling to secure stable housing, access mental health care, or reconnect to the support systems they need to thrive. While we’ve made meaningful progress, including a 26% drop in veteran homelessness this year, we cannot let up now.

That’s why I’m proposing a pilot program to dedicate more Regional Housing Assistance Program (RHAP) beds to veterans, along with enhanced funding for case management and rental support. This initiative is about cutting through red tape, delivering real help, and honoring the service of those who’ve worn the uniform.

When someone risks their life for this country, we owe them more than a handshake—we owe them a lifeline. That’s what this proposal delivers.

Thank you for standing with me as we continue the fight to ensure no veteran is left behind.

Vista Mayor • John Franklin San Diego’s Inflation Rate is the Highest in the Nation ability to buy a house in San Diego County. Families work their entire lives to achieve the dream of homeownership. But with inflation this high, that dream is slipping further out of reach for working families and first-time homebuyers. High housing costs don’t just impact those trying to buy a home. As home prices rise, rents increase, too. Higher rents force businesses to raise wages to attract workers, which drives up the cost of goods and services for everyone.

The same applies to gas prices. Fuel is a core cost of doing business, and when prices at the pump go up, those costs are passed down the line—ultimately to consumers. High gas prices mean higher prices on everything we buy.

We must address the rising cost of living by cutting taxes and making housing more affordable for working and middle-class families. Here’s how do it: 1) Oppose Gas Tax Increases and the Vehicle Mileage Tax 2) Oppose Sales Tax Increases 3) Oppose the Housing Sales Tax (Transfer Tax) We all feel it—prices are up across the board. But now the data backs up what San Diegans are experiencing 4) Protect Proposition 13 every day: inflation here is the highest in the nation.

California’s sky-high tax rates drive up the cost of In fact, San Diego recorded the highest inflation rate living—raising prices on gas, utilities, groceries, and in the country last month for the second month in a housing for both renters and homeowners. I strongly row. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, our oppose new taxes because they fall hardest on workinflation rate was 3.8% in May—higher than New ing families, shrinking paychecks and eroding purYork and more than six times higher than Dallas, chasing power. which saw just 0.6%.

San Diegans deserve policies that lower costs and exThe primary drivers? Skyrocketing housing and gas pand opportunity—not more taxes, more barriers, and prices. That’s why elected officials have to concen- more broken dreams. trate on fixing these two problems. *** High housing costs affect everyone. I’m concerned about this generation’s, and the next generation’s,

Vista Mayor John Franklin www.johnfranklin.org

Chuckles from page 2 from getting a little soft around the middle?

A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?

A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable! It’s the best feel-good food around!

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?

A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.

Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

And remember: Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming ‘WOO HOO, What a Ride’ *** For those of you who watch what you eat, here’s the final word on nutrition and health. It’s a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.

1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

5. The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

CONCLUSION: Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you. *** Paddy the Painter An Irish painter by the name of Chuckles continued on page 7

The Paper • Page 7 • June 26, 2025

Abuse from page 5 commonly have injuries on upper extremities, head, and neck.

Suspicious circumstances and injury patterns may be identified and are commonly present when victims of physical elder abuse are presented with “purportedly” accidental injuries.

WHAT IS ONE WAY TO PREVENT ELDERLY ABUSE? One effective way to prevent abuse is through education and support for parents and caregivers.

This can involve providing them with resources like “parenting classes,” mentoring programmes, and respite care to help them manage stress and develop healthy parenting practises.

WHAT AGE DO YOU SCREEN FOR ELDER ABUSE? Answer: 60 years of age and above.

According to evidence, all healthcare providers should screen patients older than 60 years, routinely, to help identify victims of abuse and provide them with appropriate medical and psychosocial care and referrals.

Chuckles from page 6

Paddy Murphy, while not a brilliant scholar, was a gifted portrait artist.

Over a short number of years, his fame grew and soon people from all over Ireland were coming to him in the town of Doolin, County Clare, to get him to paint their likenesses.

One day, a beautiful young English woman arrived at his house in a stretch limo and asked Paddy if he would paint her in the nude.

This being the first time anyone had made such a request, Paddy was a bit perturbed, particularly when the woman told him that money was no object; in fact, she was willing to pay up to $10,000.

Not wanting to get into any marital strife, Paddy asked her to wait while he went into the house to confer with Mary, his wife.

In a few minutes he returned.

“T’would be me pleasure to paint yer portrait, missus,” he said “The wife says it’s okay.”

HOW CAN WE FIGHT ELDERLY ABUSE? Listen and believe the abused person to let them know they are not alone. Encourage her/him to seek support through a confidential hotline to connect with a professional in the field. Express concern for him/her, show support, and offer referrals to available resources.

HOW DO I REPORT ELDER ABUSE IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY? “I live in Escondido, so do I call the Elder Abuse number for San Diego County?”

Yes, Escondido, CA, as part of San Diego County has access to resources and hotlines for reporting and preventing elder abuse. The San Diego County Office of Aging and Independent Services has an Adult Protective Services (APS) hotline for those who suspect any type of elder abuse.

The phone number for the Adult Protective Services (APS) in San Diego County is (800) 339-4661.

This hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is available for ALL cities within San Diego County including all North San Diego County cities such as Escondido, Valley Center, San Marcos, Vista, Oceanside, etc.

“I’ll paint ya in da nude all right.

But I has to at least leave me socks on so I has a place to wipe me brushes.” *** Great Quotes from the Sports World . . .

I’m working as hard as I can to get my life and my cash to run out at the same time. If I can just die after lunch Tuesday, everything will be perfect.

Doug Sanders, professional golfer All the fat guys watch me and say to their wives “See, there’s a fat guy doing okay. Bring me another beer.”

Mickey Lolich, Detroit Tigers Pitcher Last year we couldn’t win at home and we were losing on the road.

My failure as a coach was that I couldn’t think of anyplace else to play.

Harry Neale, professional hockey coach When it’s third and ten, you can take the milk drinkers; I’ll take the whiskey drinkers every time.

Max McGee, Green Bay Packers receiver

NOT JUST “ELDER” ABUSE: BUT ABUSE & NEGLECT OF THE “DISABLED.”

APS website.

The Adult Protective Services (APS) in San Diego County wish to promote greater public awareness that their APS phone number extends to also include protecting “dependent” adults aged 18 and older who are “disabled” and may be suffering from physical, emotional, sexual, or neglectful abuse or any other kind of abusive treatment.

Elder abuse should be reported to local law enforcement or Adult Protective Services.

NOTE: The public can also make reports online through the Aging & Independence Services website: Aging & Independence Services website .

HOW DO I ANONYMOUSLY REPORT ELDER ABUSE? In California: To make an anonymous report or suspicion to Adult Protective Service Agency, call (833) 401-0832 or visit the APA website for a list of County APS contacts.

For those readers outside of San Diego County (e.g. Los Angeles, San Francisco, etc.) each California County has an Adult Protective Services (APS) agency to help elder adults (60 years and older) and “dependent adults” with “special needs” (18 and older) who are “disabled,” so visit and become familiar with your respective County

I found out that it’s not good to talk about my troubles. Eighty percent of the people who hear them don’t care and the other twenty percent are glad you’re having trouble.

Tommy LaSorda, LA Dodgers manager My knees look like they lost a knife fight with a midget.

E. J. Holub, Kansas City Chiefs linebacker regarding his 12 knee operations My theory is that if you buy an icecream cone and make it hit your mouth, you can learn to play. If you stick it on your forehead, your chances aren’t as good.

Vic Braden, tennis instructor Blind people come to the ballpark just to listen to him pitch.

Reggie Jackson commenting on Tom Seaver When they operated, I told them to put in a Koufax fastball. They did but it was Mrs. Koufax’s.

Tommy John N.Y. Yankees recalling his 1974 arm surgery I don’t know. I only played there for nine years.

Walt Garrison, Dallas Cowboys fullback when asked if Tom Landry ever smiles

REPORTING

Note: This information is for general knowledge and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with a legal professional for specific legal guidance.

WHAT IS CONSIDERED ELDERLY ABUSE IN CALIFORNIA? General Overview In California, elder abuse encompasses any act or omission that causes harm or distress to an individual aged 65 or older, including physical, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect and abandonment.

TYPES OF ELDERLY ABUSE Physical Abuse: Any act that causes bodily harm, injury, or emotional/ psychological pain.

Neglect: Failure to provide necessary care or services, leading to harm or suffering.

Financial Abuse: Unauthorised or Abuse continued on page 12 We were tipping off our plays.

Whenever we broke from the huddle, three backs were laughing and one was pale as a ghost.

John Breen, Houston Oilers The film looks suspiciously like the game itself.

Bum Phillips, New Orleans Saints after viewing a lop-sided loss to the Atlanta Falcons When I’m on the road, my greatest ambition is to get a standing boo.

Al Hrabosky, major league relief pitcher The only difference between me and General Custer is that I have to watch the films on Sunday.

Rick Venturi, Northwestern football coach I have discovered, in twenty years of moving around the ball park, that the knowledge of the game is usually in inverse proportion to the price of the seats.

Bill Veeck, Chicago White Sox owner Because if it didn’t work out, I didn’t want to blow the whole day.

Paul Horning, Green Bay Packers running back on why his marriage ceremony was before noon.

The Paper • Page 8 • June 26, 2025

Hey travelers, what are you afraid of this summer?

by Christopher Elliott Jan Howell is afraid of the water levels this summer.

She’s booked on a Danube riverboat cruise, and she’s concerned that the water won’t be high enough for the ship. That could turn her cruise into a bus tour -- or even cancel it. Months of careful planning would go down the drain.

“That’s my biggest worry,” says Howell, a nurse from Spokane, Washington.

This summer, travelers are afraid of a lot of things. A recent survey

by Aon Affinity Travel Practice suggests travelers are concerned about getting sick and not being able to travel (28 percent), having a cancellation or delay because of bad weather or a natural disaster (26 percent) and concerns about the impact of global conflicts (19 percent). Half of the respondents have purchased travel insurance to protect their trip.

“The excitement of summer travel comes with a heightened awareness of potential risks,” explains Beth Godlin, president of Aon Affinity Travel Practice. “For many,

Illustration by Dustin Elliott it’s not just about making memories but also helping ensure their financial investment, health and belongings are protected while they’re on vacation.”

Antique Tractor Show Saturday & Sunday June 21st & 22nd & June 28th & 29th 9:00am - 4:00pm

Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum 2040 N. Santa Fe Ave. • Vista, CA 92084

• Crawler and Wheeled Tractors in Motion • Live Demonstrations of Steam & Gas Engines • Blacksmithing, Weaving, and Sawmill in Action • Tractor Parades and Live Music • Great Food, Vendors, and Family Fun

$10 per person Ages 6 & Under Free www.agsem.org

So what are you afraid of this summer? What should you be afraid of? And how do you allay those fears?

Travelers Have A Lot to Fear this Summer These fears are not irrational. A recent study commissioned by AXA Partners found only 30 percent of travelers reported having a completely trouble-free trip.

“It can shake a traveler’s confidence,” says Susan Sherren, who runs the travel design company Couture Trips. “When my clients leave home, they embark on a risky journey, and many unpredictable scenarios can lead to anticipatory anxiety. Safety concerns, loss of control, and travel complexities may make someone think twice about leaving home.”

Howell, the nurse from Spokane, had heard about the low river levels and researched the problem.

Usually, the Danube’s levels are fine in late spring, with the runoff from melting snow, but they can sometimes drop quickly during the summer.

Her solution was to self-book her hotels through her credit card, which offers cancellation insurance. And to address any potential illnesses or injuries, she also made sure her medical insurance covered her for international travel and then picked up a medical evacuation policy through Medjet.

“Being stuck alone in a foreign

hospital wouldn’t be great,” she adds.

Put it all together, and Howell says she feels reasonably confident that her river cruise will go off without a hitch.

What to be Afraid of this Summer & What to Do About it How about you? What are you afraid of, and what should you be afraid of? Let’s do a lightning round of travel phobias.

Disruptions Travel advisors say they’re seeing increased anxiety levels when it comes to delays and cancellations.

“It’s probably among travelers’ most common fears, especially during the busy summer season,” says Mercedes Zach, a travel expert at ASAP Tickets. “Weather, strikes, aircraft maintenance delays and staffing shortages can cause significant problems across the travel industry, resulting in thousands of missed flights.”

What to do about it: Book tickets that offer flexible change policies and consider a travel insurance policy that covers long delays and cancellations.

Natural Disasters The Los Angeles fires in January have made everyone hyperaware Afraid continued on page 9

The Paper • Page 9 • June 26, 2025

Silver to Gold Ratios

by Jim Ellis Escondido Coin & Loan Ahh the important ratio factors and what they could mean going forward. The gold-to-silver ratio, which represents how many ounces of silver it takes to buy one ounce of gold, has fluctuated significantly throughout history. In ancient times, the ratio was often fixed at 12:1 or 15:1, but in the modern era, it generally oscillates between 50:1 and 80:1. Extreme readings have occurred, such as a peak near 105:1 during the 2025 market turbulence and a low near 20:1 in 1980. Where will it go next??

Our guess is we’re about to see a significant reset. With historical averages in the 50-80:1 range, we are likely to see something in the higher part of that range in the near future. I’m a buyer of silver at anything in the +80:1 range. Our thought here is that gold is either overpriced – or silver is underpriced. As with most investments you’ll want to recognize your risk/reward etc. Currently gold is trading at $3365.00 with silver at $35.97 or 93.55:1 With the advancements of A.I. as well as robotics, solar panels, batteries and cell phones/smart de-

Afraid from page 8 that Mother Nature could be a wild card this summer. “I’ve had a surge of people inquiring about natural disasters,” says Sunil Gupta, the co-founder of a tour operator in India. “Even the wildfires have shown us that even the most sought-after destinations aren’t untouchable.”

What to do about it: Get a good travel insurance policy and work with a travel advisor who can help you avoid the most disaster-prone areas like the Caribbean during hurricane season.

Politics It’s no exaggeration to say we live in uncertain times, politically speaking. No one knows where that will leave us this summer, but you don’t have to be a political scientist to be afraid of the possible fallout.

What to do about it: Don’t call off your overseas travel plans just yet.

Be discreet. “I’m going to pretend to be Canadian,” says John Hedtke, a technical writer from the Seattle suburbs. Well, he’s close.

Illness People get sick when they travel.

It happened to Tiffany Banks, a real estate agent from Reno, Nevada, on a flight from Rome to San Francisco, and with all the viruses going around this year, she’s afraid it will happen again. She’s headed to Greece soon. “I’m following all the travel guidelines,” she told me. That includes packing her own food and bringing antinausea medication.

What to do about it: Take sensible precautions and make sure you have a medical insurance policy with a generous evacuation benefit -- just in case.

Are you afraid of the wrong thing this summer?

My greatest travel fear this summer is ending up in a crowd with no way out. I’m headed back to Europe on assignment and may be in places that are overrun with tourists. I’ve been hearing about the crowding problem, and I’m not sure there’s anything more I can do than worry.

But experts say there is.

“What should really worry people is lack of preparation,” says James Shaffer, managing director with the website Insurancepanda.com.

“Choosing nonrefundable tickets.

Ignoring insurance. Or booking through a third-party site without researching their policies. These choices can trap you.”

In other words, instead of worrying about your summer trip, do something about it before you leave.

Find a flexible ticket. Get a travel insurance policy. Book through a reliable agent, or do your research and then book the trip yourself.

“I expect the unexpected,” Shaffer told me. “I only buy refundable airfare. Of course, it costs a little more -- but it does give you peace of mind.”

Ah, peace of mind. Couldn’t we use a little more of that this summer?

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.

vices, silver has the potential of significant gains in the coming years. Unfortunately there’s no way of knowing if these gains will equate to a price higher than the current. Meaning – will we see a gain in value via a lower ratio? Or will we see this in a gain of value from the current market price?

Time will tell. Ultimately, it’s not unreasonable we’d see both! With talk surrounding $5000 gold, even at today’s 93.55 ratio, that puts silver near $54/oz. If gold stays at/

near $3400 and we see 50:1 silver jumps to $68. The math is easy!

Predictions.. not so much. Good luck on your trades!

Please feel free to stop in during our 10-3 Monday through Friday business hours to discuss how to add precious metals to your portfolio. No purchase necessary! No commission-based sales!

Family owned since 1964. Serving the community since 1959.

The Paper • Page 10 • June 26, 2025

The Pastor Says . . .

Make My Day Some people immortalize certain statements, and one of them is Clint Eastwood, a famous movie actor who, in the movie “Dirty Harry,” confronted a gangster with whom he had an altercation with the words “Make My Day,” with the threat of killing him. I think of these words in relation to the way our days unfold, which, in many ways, is shaped by us as individuals. We can make our day the way we want it to be.

In Proverbs 23:7, it says, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.”Our thoughts shape our reality. One could say that they determine our outlook and character. The question, then, is, what kind of day do we want Pastor Huls to make for ourselves? Paul, an Apostle, gives us a list of things to consider to shape our day in Philippians 4:8-9. The question is whether we can make our day one with happiness, confidence, peace, love, generosity, kindness, optimism, and joy. It seems to me, and I include myself in this, that this doesn’t just happen by itself. There are many pessimistic views of life. The old saying, “Misery loves company,” is so true, and there are plenty of people around us just waiting to share it. As we begin the day, we are open to our own mental and physical maladies, which often take over with pain, depression, yesterday’s ills, and bad memories. The question we must ask is whether all of our yesteryears filled with negativity will dictate our day. Or is it possible that we have something to do to make our day a better day? Jesus speaks of a world that we face every day and helps us to have a better day or to make a better day for ourselves. He says in John 16:33, “In the world you have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

There is no easy way to personally make your day always filled with positivity, happiness, confidence, and strength. As Jesus said, in this world, you will have tribulation. There is a spiritual answer even amid a very material world, which often beckons us to drugs, alcohol, psychiatry, and even suicide. Even Clint had a force greater than his words and belief to make his day. God offers Himself as the answer to our emptiness, struggles, and needs. In Jesus, He said, “Come unto me, cast your burden on me, learn of me, follow me, and I will give you rest.”

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

I try to make my day by being in control of it rather than letting others control it. That control is rejecting what I cannot change. It is accepting my world as it is. Then, I surrender my day to God and let Him give me what I need, accepting the day He gives me. In this way, I make my day.

Oceanside 572 Airport Road

Pastor Huls

San Diego 5480 Gaines Street

Pet Parade

Pet of the Week

Georgie

Tank Goliath

Georgie is pet of the week at Rancho Coastal Humane Society. He’s a 10-year-old, 8-1/2-pound, male, Shih Tzu / Poodle mix.

Georgie was surrendered when his owner was no longer able to take care of him.

He’s been living in foster care where he spent most of his time napping.

His $75 adoption fee includes medical exam, neuter, vaccinations, microchip, and a one-year license if his new home is in the jurisdiction of San Diego Humane Society. No fee if his adopter is 60 or older.

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.

Meet Tank Goliath, a gentle giant with a heart as big as his name! This seasoned sweetheart is irresistible and a joy to be around. Tank has reached the age of preferring a drama-free lifestyle, so he’s looking for a home where he can be the only dog and soak up all your attention. Tank would thrive in a peaceful environment where he can share unconditional love and pawsitive vibes!

Come meet him today! Tank Goliath (245487) 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=245487

The Paper • Page 11 • June 26, 2025

Anybody out there want a computer business?

Our target is to get out by year end. Here’s where we are today.

The Computer Factory 845 W. San Marcos Blvd.

760-744-4315 thecomputerfactory.net

Retirement is when you quit doing what you have to do and start doing what you like to do. By that standard Nome and I left careers in the corporate world behind and retired to The Computer Factory back in 1995. Making friends, helping folks by sharing what we know and learning along the way has been a great adventure.

Today we’re both well into our eighties and healthy as hogs but it’s time to pass the torch. We want to spend more time with our kids, grandkids and great-grand kids. We’re in no great hurry and more than willing to stick around to help with a smooth transition.

AI (artificial Intelligence) enhanced, high speed broad-band Internet arrived in the early years of the 21st century. Soon the demand for performance enhanced “stand alone” PCs began to fade.

The “need for speed” in PCs was over. The vast majority of business and home PCs were network connected. Networks servers were much faster and more capable than even the most powerful PCs. The PC was no longer a stand alone computer. It had become simply a “terminal” on the IW (Intelligent Web) with limited stand alone functions. ”The focus of technological innovation was no longer on PCs. PC “junkies” like HAM radio and classic car enthusiasts were retro-tech hobbiests.

Today the “troika” of IW terminals are PCs, smart phones and voice activated DA (digital assistant).

The IW supports our everyday lives allowing us to become the smartest and best informed humans that ever lived. The majority of our customers today are over 40 year old DI (Digital Immigrants).

Many are are small business owners and all are home IW users. Many have important “stand alone” functions and files on their PCs. We service and repair Windows based PCs (desktop, laptop, All in One and micros), and we sell IW connection devices and reconditioned commercial level Windows 11 PCs (8th gen and up Intel and 3 rd gen and up AMD processors) We also schedule onsite work using in house or independent contractors.

Nearly 250 million PCs were sold last year in the USA and 95% of American homes have one.

There doesn’t seem to be any near term alternative to the PC as the primary Internet home and small business connection device.

Technology is rapidly changing us and the way we live. Our IW connection is key to staying technologically and socially abreast.

It appears that PCs are going to be part of our lives for at least the forseeable future and somebody’s got to keep em running. So if you understand home and business PC hardware and operations and enjoy helping people we should probably get together. Give us a call and lets set up an appointment. We’re ready.

1000 Square Feet of “Granny’s Closet” Tuesday-Friday 9-5 • Saturday 9-1

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

When Is It Okay to Break Into a Car to Save a Person or Pet? demo 6/26/2023”.

After two minutes, it was 131 degrees. It peaked at 148 in half an hour. If you believed that chart and left your dog or baby in the car for an hour, you were too late.

California has a “Right to Rescue” law. Right to Rescue does NOT give the right to do dumb things.

Many charts and posters have false information. One says if it’s 90 degrees and you leave your dog in the car, it can reach 100 degrees in an hour.

HOGWASH! That’s false and it can kill a person or pet.

Two years ago, I shot a video demonstrating how hot it can get in a closed vehicle on a sunny day and how fast it happens. It went from 75 to 118 degrees in one minute and twelve seconds. Watch it on YouTube. Search for “Hot car

A woman who worked at an animal shelter (and should have known better) said, “If you leave the windows open a couple inches, it’ll be okay.” We opened the car, let it cool off, and started over with each window open three inches. Instead of 140, it only got up to 135. She was right, but any dog or person left in the car would have died in an hour.

Before breaking a window or prying open a door:

What can you do if you see an overheated dog or person in a hot car?

photos.

• Check to see if the police are nearby.

• Take whatever action you feel is necessary…and you can live with.

This could include breaking a window.

• Call out to see if the owner is nearby. If you’re at a store, ask them to make an announcement.

• Call 9-1-1.

• Get a witness. Shoot video or

I asked an animal control officer if this was accurate. She said, “Yes, but you better have proof the dog or person was in danger before you break in.”

If you take your dog for a walk instead of a ride in the car, hold your hand to the ground, it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

• Is the door unlocked?

• Is the window open far enough for you to reach in?

• Is the air conditioning on?

The Paper • Page 12 • June 26, 2025

Abuse from page 7 improper use of an elder’s financial resources for personal gain.

Sexual Abuse: Any unwanted sexual contact or activity imposed without consent.

Abandonment: Desertion or willful forsaking of an elder by someone with care-giving responsibility.

Emotional/Mental Abuse Acts that cause mental anguish, distress, or fear.

Abduction: Taking an elder against their will.

highly deceiving (viz., most cases of elder abuse are NOT reported).

DOES NORTH KOREA HAVE ELDER ABUSE?

Nevertheless, despite various methodologies, and other variables, most studies consistently point to specific countries and regions with higher prevalence rates of elder abuse.

Evidence suggests that elder abuse, particularly in the form of neglect and financial exploitation, exists in North Korea.

One must recognize differences in elder abuse, for example, studies seem to consistently point to China as having a higher prevalence of elder abuse HOWEVER, China’s elder abuse is mostly confined to “emotional and financial” elder abuse, while India has reported higher levels of “physical and neglectful” abuse.

Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported in 2022 that elderly North Korean veterans had been found malnourished and suffering from COVID19 symptoms, indicating potential neglect.

Additionally, North Korea’s limited pension system provides minimal financial assistance to the elderly, making it difficult for many to cover basic living expenses and hindering retirement plans.

Withholding medication.

1. China 2. Iran 3. Nigeria 4. Israel 5. India 6. Japan 7. Mexico 8. United States 9. Canada

Intentionally leaving an elder alone without support.

DOES RUSSIA HAVE ELDERLY ABUSE?

INCREASE IN ELDER ABUSE IS PROJECTED:

GLOBAL STATISTICS ON “AGGREGATED” ELDER ABUSE.

Yes, elderly abuse occurs in Russia although it’s often under-reported and not as widely discussed as it is in some other countries. Studies have shown that neglect and abuse, including physical, emotional, and financial mistreatment, do occur, and that psychological and emotional abuse may be particularly prevalent in Russia.

The number of elder abuse cases is projected to increase significantly due to rapidly aging populations worldwide. The global population of people aged 60 and above is projected to reach 2 billion by 2050, potentially leading to 320 million victims of elder abuse.

Isolation (examples): Preventing an elder from receiving mail, phone calls, or visitors.

Failing to provide food, clothing, or shelter.

Reliable data on the top 10 countries with the highest rates of elder abuse is challenging to obtain due to variations in defining and measuring elder abuse, varying methodologies, different reporting standards, as well as “under-reporting” which, as previously mentioned, is

GENERAL STATISTICS Worldwide: Around 1 in 6 older adults (60 years and older) experience some form of abuse in community settings. This translates to approximately 141 million seniors globally.

***

SPECIAL THANKS Once again, I wish to give proper thanks and credit to all my loyal and rabid fans for continuing to furnish me with new cover story ideas, such as this one. Also, thank you all for following me online, conversing with me, making me laugh, and in many cases we have shaped wonderful, personal friendships – which have greatly enriched my life! Also, special thanks to my editor and publisher of The Paper, lyle e. davis, who has given us the forum to make special public announcements for worthy causes such as the rising levels of elder abuse here in America and around the world. He is a U.S. military veteran who has proudly served our country – twice! – once as a U.S. Army solder and also as an official U.S. war correspondent for the news media.

Friedrich Gomez

Travel Troubleshooter

by Christopher Elliott

Princess canceled my cruise and unfairly charged a $3,718 cancellation fee -- can it do that?

Douglas Berry books a Princess cruise online and pays for the fare and travel insurance with his credit card. But then Princess cancels his cruise -- and then charges him a $3,718 cancellation fee. Can it do that?

number, but only reached voicemail with no option to leave a message.

At 12:24 a.m. the next morning, I received a “cancellation notification.” When I called Princess, a representative said the reservation was canceled and couldn’t be reinstated. Princess also charged me a $3,718 cancellation fee.

Q: I booked an 11-day coastal cruise on the Majestic Princess from Seattle to San Diego. I made the reservation online and gave Princess my credit card information for the fare and travel insurance.

Princess confirmed my booking, charging my card for the fare but not the insurance. The next day, I received a “shortfall notice” that the travel insurance charge must be paid by the end of the day. Since it was 10 p.m., I called the provided

I disputed the fare charge with my credit card company, but Princess contested the chargeback. Can you help me get this fee removed? ~ Douglas Berry, Sumner, Wash.

Illustration by Dustin Elliott

Cruise continued on page 13

The Paper • Page 13 • June 26, 2025

MIGHTY MOJO APPLIANCE REPAIR

PRINTING

Washer & Dryer Repair

ALOHA PRINTING

Kenmore • Whirlpool • Roper Estate • Maytag • Admiral

760.274.4766

HNL Appliance Repair Cruise from page 12

about to make a big purchase that could potentially get flagged.

A: Princess Cruise Lines shouldn’t have canceled your reservation and charged you a cancellation fee.

I think you did everything right by providing your credit card information for both the fare and the insurance. It seems their system failed to process the insurance payment.

That’s not your fault.

You could have appealed to a manager at Princess. I have a list of contacts for Princess Cruise Lines executives on my website, Elliott. org.

You followed the instructions in the shortfall notice but were unable to reach anyone because the cruise line’s office was closed. It’s unacceptable for the cruise line to cancel your reservation just a few hours later, without giving you the chance to rectify the situation.

When you disputed the charge with your credit card company, Princess unfairly contested the reversal, claiming you had canceled the reservation. How absurd.

What went wrong? It looks like Princess was trying to process your card but couldn’t. Credit cards use sophisticated but fallible fraud detection algorithms to pick up any problematic charges. It’s possible that your credit card allowed the first Princess charge but blocked the second one, believing it was fraudulent. You can ensure that doesn’t happen by calling your bank to let them know that you’re

I contacted Princess Cruises on your behalf and it agreed to waive the cancellation fees and refund your money.

So what happened? Although the cruise line wouldn’t tell me, you heard from a representative who offered you a few details. “When they finally looked at what happened with our reservation, it was obvious the problem was their automated reservation system,” you told me.

It’s a shame that it took my intervention to get Princess Cruises to do the right thing. If this ever happens to you, don’t accept a cancellation fee. Escalate your case to a supervisor or executive and stay with it until they return your money.

Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps consumers solve their problems. Email him at chris@elliott.org or get help by contacting him on his site. © 2025 Christopher Elliott.

First, I Discovered America, Then I Discovered The Paper Ever since I can remember I’ve had the burning desire to discover new places, new adventures.

Because of this, I set out to discover a new country . . . and I was successful. I even ventured inland a great many miles where I discovered a place I called Minnesota. “This,” I thought, “would be a great place for Scandinavians.” So I headed back to Norway to recruit settlers. While I was gone, some clown named Columbus claimed he discovered America. Life ain’t fair. Except life also 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

SOLAR & ROOFING

Top Grade Printing of All Types BROCHURES • LETTERHEAD POSTERS • BANNERS BUSINESS CARDS

(760) 471-1006

Advertise Your Business & Services 760 747-7119

COINS & LOANS

760-745-1697 Escondido Coin & Loan, Inc. 241 E. Grand Avenue

www.escondidocoin.com Coins•Gold•Silver•Vintage Watches

SEWER & DRAIN CLEANING

Sewer & Drains Cleaning Main Sewer Line • Hydro Jetting Camera Inspection • Clogged Toilet Kitchen Drain • Shower Drain and many more!

(760) 274-5595

The Paper • Page 14 • June 26, 2025

Man About Town from page 4 ant looking in the face, but had a few more pounds than they would have preferred, a few bumps here and there that they’d rather not have. There were some amply endowed women, some with rather flat chests. It was not and is not particularly important what your body looks like. Similarly, there were about three or four men who had the body of an Adonis . . . most of the rest of us were regular, government-issue men with about the same size of equipment. Once we all got over that initial hang-up everything proceeded well. It took, maybe, five minutes to achieve this state of grace.

Terra Cotta Inn is a clothing optional resort that we preliminarily researched several months ago when doing a cover story on Palm Springs. We will do a follow-up cover story on clothing optional and nudist resorts. What’s the difference?

Just as the name implies. At a clothing optional resort you may, if you wish, keep your clothes on (though few do). At a nudist resort you are required to be nude if you attend for more than a brief tour of the facilities. In short, there is little difference other than a legal one addressed by city ordinances.

There are three primary resorts of this nature that serve the Palm Springs straight market and many more that cater to the male gay market as well as the female gay market. Though the Terra Cotta Inn is generally known for catering to the straight crowd there was one lesbian couple there during our visit. I watched them in the pool early Friday evening, by themselves, talking, chatting, laughing. I thought it was a rather touching scene. Here were two people who obviously cared for one another and behaving just like any of the other couples there. Why they chose to come to the Terra Cotta Inn rather than one of the facilities that cater to

gay women I have no idea - but it really didn’t matter.

I sprayed Mary with SP30 strength sun block on her face, torso, legs and feet. She got a nice burn that will tan well but the skin is not hot to the touch nor is she uncomfortable. Not so on her backside. Her butt is bright red. Seems Mr. Davis had to ensconce himself in a hotel room and watch the NebraskaNotre Dame game (Nebraska won in a squeaker) and she didn’t want to disturb him to have him spray the sun block on her backside. She paddled around the pool on a mat, backside greeting the smiling sun.

So she is suffering now. . .but only a little bit.

Perhaps I’ll see you there?

Epilogue: Sadly, the Terra Cotta Inn is no more. Well, it is, but is now operating under a different name and is no longer a nudist resort.

It was an absolutely great visit; my only regret is that we couldn’t have stayed for Saturday night as well.

But, we’re exactly 96 miles from my front door to the front door of the Terra Cotta Inn - about an hour and a half drive.

We shall return. Soon.

LEGALS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9010051 The name of the business: The Davidson Group Realty, located at 1350 San Pablo Drive, San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, Plan.It.Health Inc, 1350 San Pablo Drive, San Marcos, CA 92078.

This business is operated by a Corporation.

First day of business: 1/15/1999 /s/ Janice C. Davidson, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/21/2025 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9010397 The name of the business: Working Wisely LLC, located at 2415 TurnBridge Gln, Escondido, CA 92027. Registrant, Working Wisely LLC, 1835A S. Centre City Pkwy, Unit 1010, Escondido, CA 92025. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company.

First day of business: N/A /s/ Charlotte Romero, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/28/2025 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9010270 The name of the business: Slow Yo’ Rollz, located at 864 Fulton Rd., San Marcos, CA 92069.

Registrant, Taste Bud Brands, 864 Fulton Rd., San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company.

First day of business: N/A /s/ Amber Nicole Rumer, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/27/2025 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9007728 The name of the business: Ramona Lisa Pizza, located at 23670 San Vicente Rd., Ramona, CA 92065. Registrant, Pine Palace Inc., 23670 San Vicente Rd., Ramona, CA 92065. This business is operated by a Corporation.

First day of business: 7/1/2016 /s/ Sarine Bidoyan, CFO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/18/2025 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9010276 The name of the business: Quotemoto, located at 197 Woodland Pkwy, Ste 104 #1025, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, Road Shield LLC, 197 Woodland Pkwy, Ste 104 #1025, San Marcos, CA 92069 . This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company.

First day of business: N/A /s/ Oscar Rosas with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/27/2025 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9009478 The name of the business: Caddy Mart #2, located at 29105 Valley Center Rd., #105, Valley Center, CA 92082. Registrant, Thomas Dennis Hogan, 29105 Valley Center Rd., #105, Valley Center, CA 92082. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business: 4/1/2025 /s/ Thomas Dennis Hogan with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/14/2025 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9009296 The name of the business: Daniel Liegh Business Services, located at 609 Sabrina Way, Vista, CA 92084. Registrant, Daniel Liegh Fieser, 609 Sabrina Way, Vista, CA 92084. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business: 5/10/2025 /s/ Daniel Liegh Fieser with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/12/2025 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9009034 The name of the business: Next

Gen Constructors, located at 617 Spires Street, Vista, CA 92083.

Registrant, Orvelin Carachure Aviluz, 617 Spires Street, Vista, CA 92083, Eoras Carachure, 617 Spires Street, Vista, CA 92083, Eleuterio Carachure Aviluz, 617 Spires Street, Vista, CA 92083, Maurilia Parra, 617 Spires Street.

Vista. CA 92083. This business is operated by a General Partnership.

First day of business: N/A /s/ Orvelin Carachure Aviluz with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/7/2025 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9009678 The name of the business: Park Avenue Beauty Parlor, located at 314 Park Ave., Vista, CA 92084.

Registrant, Candice Leigh Earnhart, 314 Park Ave., Vista, CA 92084. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business: 5/8/2025 /s/ Candice Leigh Earnhart with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/16/2025 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9009398 The name of the business: Bloom, Bloom Boutique, located at 2653 Gateway Road, Suite 102, Carlsbad, CA 92009. Registrant, MadKat Couture, Inc, 2653 Gateway Road, Suite 102, Carlsbad, CA 92009. This business is operated by a Corporation.

First day of business: 7/24/2015 /s/ Rejane Wagner, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/14/2025 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9010225 The name of the business: Hildas Birrieria, located at 4227 Thomas St., Oceanside, CA 92056. Registrant, Christopher Bautista, 4227 Thomas St., Oceanside, CA 92056. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business: 5/27/2025 /s/ Christopher Bautista with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/27/2025 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9008335 The name of the business: Angelo’s Towing & Recovery, located at 301 West Del Sol Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262. Registrant, Alexandra Recovery Services, Inc., 501 Front Street, El Cajon, CA 92020. This business is operated by a Corporation.

First day of business: 4/28/2025 /s/ Louy Suliman, Secretary with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/28/2025 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9008590 The name of the business: Cali Comfort Homes, located at 2188 Foothills Dr., Vista, CA 92084.

Registrant, Francisco Vasquez, 2188 Foothills Dr., Vista, CA 92084. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business: N/A /s/ Francisco Vasquez with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/1/2025 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9009052 The name of the business: Rustiq Beauty Bar, located at 342 W. El Norte Pkwy, Suite 105 & 110, Escondido, CA 92026. Registrant, Daisy Valdovinos, 15419 Villa Sierra Rd., Valley Center, CA 92082. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business: N/A /s/ Daisy Valdovinos with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/8/2025 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9008742 The name of the business: DoorDash Laundry, located at 3372 Edgeview St., San Marcos, CA

92078. Registrant, Jessica Flores, 3372 Edgeview St., San Marcos, CA 92078, Lorenzo B. Arvizu, 3372 Edgeview St., San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by Co-Partners.

First day of business: 5/1/2025 /s/ Jessica Flores with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/2/2025 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9010479 The name of the business: Lucy’s Timeless Treasures, located at 765 Avenida Codorniz, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, Lucy Qun Yu, 765 Avenida Codorniz, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business: N/A /s/ Lucy Qun Yu with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/29/2025 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9010635 The name of the business: Nekter Juice Bar San Marcos, located at 133 S. Los Posas Rd., Suite 142, San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, San Diego Juice Bar LLC, 133 S. Los Posas Rd., Suite 142, San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company.

First day of business: 6/2/2025 /s/ Joseph Hanna, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/2/2025 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9008411 The name of the business: Andrew Marin Law, located at 304 Kalmia St., San Diego, CA 92101. Registrant, Andrew Vincent Marin, 304 Kalmia St., San Diego, CA 92101. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business: 3/19/2020 /s/ Andrew Vincent Marin with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/29/2025 6/12, 6/19, 6/26, 7/3/2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9009386 The name of the business: Scholar 4.0 Contracting Handyman Services, located at 989 Rose Mountain Rd., San Marcos, CA 92069.

Registrant, Mariusz Bezak, 43538 Savona St., Temecula, CA 92592.

This business is operated by an Individual. First day of business: 5/13/2025 s/ Mariusz Bezak with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/13/2025 5/22, 5/29, 6/5, 6/12/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9011014 The name of the business: Hyperion Home Remodel & Contracting, Hyperion Home Remodel Design & Build, located at 251 N. City Drive, San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, Hyperion GRP LLC, 2541 N. City Drive, San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company. First day of business: 4/20/2023 s/ Brian Amodio, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/6/2025 6/12, 6/19, 6/26, 73/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9010540 The name of the business: Kelly Kaitson LCSW, located at 1000 E. San Marcos Blvd., #400, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, Kelly Kaitson Psychotherapy, Inc., 100 E. San Marcos Blvd., #400, San Marcos, CA 92069.

This business is operated by a Corporation. First day of business: 7/25/2018 s/ Kelly Kaitson, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/30/2025 6/12, 6/19, 6/26, 7/3/2025 CASE NUMBER: (Numero del Caso): 25CU000127N SUMMONS (CITACION judicial) NOTICE

TO

DEFENDANT:

The Paper • Page 15 • June 26, 2025

LEGALS

(AVISO AL DEMANDADO): Kristi J. Courtois and and DOES 1 through 10, inclusive.

YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (LO ESTA DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): Grove Unit Owners Association.

NOTICE! You have been sued.

The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online SelfHelp Center (www.courtinfo. ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court.

There are other legal requirements.

You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service.

If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online SelfHelp Center (www.courtinfo. ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case.

AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 dias, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su version. Lea la informacion a continuacion.

Tiene 30 DIAS DE CALENDARIO despues de que le entreguen esta citacion y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefonica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta.

Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y mas informacion en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte. ca.gov) en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede mas cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentacion, pida al secretario de la corte que le de un formulario de exencion de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podra quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin mas advertencia.

Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remision a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte.ca.gov) o poniendose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados

locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperacion de $10,000 o mas de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesion de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso.

The name and address of the court is: (El nombre y direccion de la corte es): SAN DIEGO COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT, 325 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081.

The name, address and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney is: (El nombre, la direccion y el numero de telefono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): Craig L. Combs, SBN 229438, 7955 Raytheon Rd., Ste A, San Diego, CA 92111-1606 Date: (Fecha) January 2, 2025 Clerk (Secretario): I. Ledesma 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9011071 The name of the business: Modern Beauty by Joy, located at 1425 Foothill Dr., Vista, CA 92084. Registrant, Irene Joy Faciones, 1425 Foothill Dr., Vista, CA 92084. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business: N/A /s/ Irene Joy Faciones with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/9/2025 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9011146 The name of the business: Poway-Rancho Bernardo-Penasquitos, Poway Rancho, Legal Eagles,located at 1175-64 La Moree Rd., San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, alan Douglas Seldon, 1175-64 La Moree Rd., San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business: 1/1/1982 /s/ alan Douglas Seldon with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/9/2025 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9011419 The name of the business: The Joy of Jewels, located at 14520 Maplewood St., Poway, CA 92064. Registrant, Gioia Mariam Bowser, 14520 Maplewood St., Poway, CA 92064. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business: 6/10/2025 /s/ Gioia Bowser with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/12/2025 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9011546 The name of the business: Chief Patricia Photography & Creations, located at 1118 Calle Emparrado, San Marcos, CA 92069.

Registrant, Patricia Ann Rabago, 1118 Calle Emparrado, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business: 4/4/2025 /s/ Patricia Ann Rabago with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/13/2025 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9011310 The name of the business: Together Press, located at 163 Chapala Ct., Solana Beach, CA 92075. Registrant, Richard B. Stevens, 163 Chapala Ct., Solana Beach, CA 92075. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business: 6/10/2025 /s/ Richard B. Stevens with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on

6/11/2025 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9010918 The name of the business: Dynamic Painting & Repair, located at 1120 N. Escondido Bvd., Apt Q203, Escondido, CA 92026.

Registrant, Daniel Cisneros, PO Box 115, San Marcos, CA 92079.

This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business: N/A /s/ Daniel Cisneros with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/5/2025 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9010959 The name of the business: Old Proz Embroidery & Sportswear, Seafine Embroidery, located at 2525 Pioneer Ave., #4, Vista, CA 92081. Registrant, Lawerence Jeffrey Peterson, 2130 S. Santa Fe Ave., #60, Vista, CA 92084.

This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business: 5/5/2004 /s/ Lawrence Jeffrey Peterson with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/5/2025 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9011110 The name of the business: O’Carroll Financial Planning, located at 1786 Savannah Way, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, O’Carroll Investment Management, Inc., 1786 Savannah Way, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by a Corporation.

First day of business: 2/3/2023 /s/ Robert O’Carroll, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/9/2025 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9010704 The name of the business: Crowned With A Purpose, MW Transports, located at 590 W. Richmar Ave., #109, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, Hezekai Essentials LLC, 590 W. Richmar Ave., #109, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company.

First day of business: N/A /s/ Felicia Meadows, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/3/2025 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9011173 The name of the business: Direct Prints, located at 3435 Capalina Rd., Unit 49, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, Jose Rodriguez, 3435 Capalina Rd., Unit 9, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business: N/A /s/ Jose Rodriguez with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/10/2025 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9016203 The name of the business: Avilez Auto Service, located at 2475 Paseo De Las Americas, Apt 3753, San Diego, CA 92154.

Registrant, Cristian Uriel Avilez Bernal, 2475 Paseo De Las Americas, Apt 3753, San Diego, CA 92154. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business: 1/1/2022 /s/ Cristian Uriel Avilez Bernal with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/27/2025 5/1, 5/8, 5/22, 5/30/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9011706

The name of the business: Pathways Real Estate Company, located at 1337 Meredith Rd., Fallbrook, CA 92028. Registrant, Norberto Cipriano Frietze, 1337 Meredith Rd., Fallbrook, CA 92028. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business: 2/11/2014 /s/ Norberto Frietze with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/17/2025 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9010865 The name of the business: Premier Medical Group, located at 603 Via Del Caballo, San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, Ronald LeRoy Gertsch, 603 Via Del Caballo, San Marcos, CA 92078.

This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business: 6/4/2025 /s/ Ronald LeRoy Gertsch with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/17/2025 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9010660 The name of the business: Elite Fix Handyman, located at 3615 Via Colina, Oceanside, CA 92056. Registrant, Michael Jason Holbrook, 3615 Via Colina, Oceanside, CA 92056. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business: 6/2/2025 /s/ Michael Jason Holbrook with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/2/2025 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9011620 The name of the business: Catalina’s Sparkle And Shine DBA Forte Of San Diego, located at 253 Avenida Marguarita, Oceanside, CA 92057. Registrant, Irene Quintanar, 253 Avenida Marguarita, Oceanside, CA 92057.

This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business: N/A /s/ Irene Quintanar with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/16/2025 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9011162 The name of the business: SD Attorney Services, located at 3737 Via Baldona, Oceanside, CA 92056. Registrant, Marco Dino Curione, 3737 Via Baldona, Oceanside, CA 92056. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business: N/A /s/ Marco Dino Curione with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/10/2025 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17/2025 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

6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9011607 The name of the business: Ryon’s Socal Rub & Spice, located at 955 Lake Ridge Drive, San Marcos, CA 982078. Registrant, Ryon McGuire, 955 Lake Ridge Drive, San Marcos, CA 92078.

This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business: N/A /s/ Ryon McGuire with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/16/2025 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9011835 The name of the business: Trident Security International, located at 1637 E. Valley Parkway, #300, Escondido, CA 92027. Registrant, Doug Rosendahl, 1637 E. Valley Parkway, #300, Escondido, CA 92027. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business: 6/18/2025 /s/ Doug Rosendahl with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/ Recorder of San Diego on 6/18/2025 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9011569 The name of the business: Jammx, located at 2043 Rue De La Montagne, Oceanside, CA 92054.

Registrant, Michael D. Ottewell, 2043 Rue De La Montagne, Oceanside, CA 92054. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business: 6/12/2025 /s/ Michael D. Ottewell with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/13/2025 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9010919 The name of the business: A.M. Handy Man of California, located at 882 Vine St., Apt 86, Oceanside, CA 92054. Registrant, Manny Avalos, 882 Vine St., Apt 86, Oceanside, CA 92054. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business: N/A /s/ Manny Avalos with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/5/2025 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9011324 The name of the business: ReForm Performance Ball, LLC, located at 1120 Mulberry Drive, San Marcos, Ca 92069. Registrant, Re-Form Performance Ball, LLC, 1120 Mulberry Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company.

First day of business: 2/22/2021 /s/ Philip Wilson, Manager with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 6/12/2025 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17/2025 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

Advertise Your Legal In The Paper 760 747-7119

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

The Paper • Page 16 • June 26, 2025