May 14, 2026

May 14, 2026

Volume 56 - No. 20

Gratitude Improves Lives

by R.L. “Pete” Peterson Lizzo says it made her realize a musical career was possible. Super Star Tom Cruise credits it for remaking him. It helped Lynn W. Shaffer of Altadena, CA muster the strength to continue living after his showcase home, three beloved dogs and classic car collection were destroyed by a wild fire in January 2025.

Is the ‘it’ we’re talking about a magical elixir, or newly-discovered fad that will soon fade away?

No, this is a proven idea that existed when Adam and Eve cavorted in the Garden of Eden (though they might not have known it!). No need to visit a website to learn about it, and yes there’s an app for it, the benefits are yours when you’re ready. So what is it that we’re talking about?

If you promise to not snicker, hiss or boo, I’ll whisper it to you. Deal?

We’re bragging about gratitude.

Yeah, as in being thankful. I’m kidding, right? No, I’m serious as rattlesnake.

The Paper • 760.747.7119 online: www.TheCommunityPaper.com

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Scientific studies show that by regularly expressing gratitude for the events in our life, many positive benefits result.

Why is this? Let’s find out.

Gratitude For the Famous and Not So Famous In an April 2026 appearance on Public Broadcasting’s Finding Your Roots, hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., singer-song writer and feminine advocate, Lizzo stated her gratitude

to rock icon Prince for his mentoring early in her career. “He told me to ditch the slutty, negative songs and replace them with songs of possibility and empowerment.” She added, “My mother said if you think negative things, sing about negative things, then negative things will appear in your life. She’s right. When I stopped complaining and began to be grateful, possibilities emerged.

For the first time I realized success as an entertainer was possible. I know it sounds weird, but when I’m grateful for the things in my life, I

Gratitude See Page 2

The Paper • Page 2 • May 14, 2026

Gratitude from page 1

sion with thoughts of suicide.

invariably have more to be grateful for.”

Tom Cruise? He’s quoted as saying, “Early on I struggled, failing to get call backs on casting calls.

A wise person told me, ‘To be successful you have to think success.’

That resonated with me. I began expressing gratitude for the good and the bad in my life. This changed me from the negative person I was to the positive person I am today.”

Triumph of Gratitude California’s Palisades fire in early January 2025, burned thirty-seven square miles of landscape, destroyed 6,837 structures, resulting in twelve tragic deaths and over a billion dollars in damage.

Lynn Shaffer’s showplace home was one that went up in smoke, along with his classic automobile collection and three family dogs, sending Shaffer into a deep depres-

“Marilyn and I were among the first residents allowed back into our burned out housing development,” Shaffer said. “The devastation was overwhelming. Scorched trees. Smoldering ashes. The smell of burned flesh. No birds or pink and yellow roses. Just gray fireplaces standing like ghosts amid the ashes. I wanted to die. I was seventy-three; my wife seventy.

Our entire life’s work gone. If I’d had a gun, I’d have shot myself.

“When videos of the fire scene showed extensive destruction, I tail-spinned into a deep depression, crying most all the time. Couldn’t sleep. Couldn’t eat,” Shaffer said.

“All we’d worked for virtually evaporated in minutes. Why live?

I sat in the car while Marilyn walked gingerly through the ashes and rubble of our former home. After a few minutes she returned with a brass plaque. I scraped off the ashes: 7346 Morningside Avenue.

‘Isn’t this great,’ she said.

“Ancestry” site some Give Us This Day Iinfosentonthat my family tree. They sent a pack of seeds and suggested Our Daily me I start over.

Chuckle ***

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

Husband: “The nerve of that doctor! He insults my age by referring me to an archeologist.”

Wife: “Audiologist, dear. can’t hear worth a damn!”

You

*** Did a push-up today. Well, actually, I fell down. But I had to use my arms to get back up so . . you know, close enough. I need chocolate. *** The worst part about being self employed and working from home is the absence of sexual harassment. *** Since we are all going to die, if there is someone out there who is secretly in love with me, now is the time to speak up.

‘Your age and how long we’ve lived here. We have so much to be grateful for.’

“Her positive take triggered my survival instinct. Suddenly, I was embarrassed to have wasted time on the pity pot. The Altadena police force had rousted us from sleep seven days earlier, shoved us into our car as hungry flames jumped two fires breaks to begin devouring our patio.

We drove off in our pajamas, carrying our cat, Queen Fredrica. Sirens from neighboring cities police cars wailed as we whipped around burning tree limbs, past destroyed cars, thick smoke making it hard to breathe, to see. Our lives’ changed forever.

“Marilyn’s remarks triggered memories of the over forty years we’d lived in our dream home.

True, we’d lost three irreplaceable dogs, but the best way to get over a lost pet is to care for another one.

Yes, my prized car collection was lost, but ultimately cars are just steel, tin, plastic and glass, so why the tears?

I took Marilyn’s hand and said a silent prayer. “We’ll be back stronger than ever,” I said.

Shaffer’s actions agree with a recent Pew Center Survey, which found 91% of Americans report feeling a strong sense of thankfulness several times yearly; 62% report they express gratitude weekly; some 81% of respondees say they ponder the meaning and purpose of life. Eighty per cent say they feel a deep sense of wonder concerning their lives and role in the Universe.

She was right. We had much to be grateful for. We were fully insured.

Both of us were healthy gym rats.

Gratitude continued on page 3

eat more bananas than a monkey.

people) have fought many battles, many wars, just so you could have the freedom to eat Italian food and spill it all over yourself . . . or to laugh at others, less fortunate than you, who occasionally, whilst trying to carry on an earnest conversation, occasionally spill a slight amount of pasta and/or meat sauce on their shirt, their bib, or their table.

I can’t remember ever eating a monkey. ***

Yesterday my daughter again asked why I didn’t do something useful with my time.

Drinking one gallon of water every day avoids other people’s drama because you are too busy peeing.

Talking about my “doing something useful” seemed to be her favorite topic of conversation. She was “only thinking of me” and suggested I go down to the senior center and hang out with the guys. I did this and when I got home last night I decided to teach her a lesson about staying out of my business. I told her that I had joined a parachute club.

Stay hydrated my friends.

She said, “Are you nuts? You’re almost 74 years old and you’re going to start jumping out of airplanes?”

I proudly showed her that I even got a membership card.

To: Mr. Tim Cunning From: lyle e davis Re: Spaghetti

I hope you have a very nice day and don’t spill anything on your shirt.

I would like to call to your attention that:

Most sincerely, Himself

She said to me, “Good grief, where are your glasses! This is a membership to a Prostitute Club, not a Parachute Club.”

“I’m in trouble again, and I don’t know what to do... I signed up for five jumps a week.” I told her. *** My wife is singing in the house.

I’m sitting outside, on the porch, so the neighbors don’t think I’m hitting her. *** A new study shows that humans

*** When a guy says he’ll do anything for a woman, he means fight bad guys and dragons; not doing laundry or vacuuming. ***

a. I just ate a complete bowl of spaghetti (leftovers of evelyn’s from Tuesday evening at Fillippi’s. b. I did not spill one strand of spaghetti or one drop of meat sauce on my clothing or chest or anywhere else. c. Always organized and prepared, I had removed my shirt just in case of spillage. That was not necessary per para (b) above. Didn’t spill a thing. d. It is not nice to make fun of elderly people when they eat. Particularly spaghetti. They (elderly

e. I hope you are very proud of me for finishing the spaghetti in such an exemplary manner. f. I hope you feel really, really lousy for having laughed at elderly people. Just think, someday you, too, will be elderly. Then I will laugh at you.

*** A giraffe’s coffee would be cold by the time it reached the bottom off its throat. .

Did you ever think of that?

No. You only think about yourself. ***

Chuckles continued on page 14

The Paper • Page 3 • May 14, 2026

Gratitude from page 2 Spiritual Studies Confirm Gratitude’s Benefits Loyola Marymount University professor Mark Waldman and Dr. Andrew Newberg of Jefferson University Hospital are world-wide leaders in neuroscientific research specializing in spirituality and consciousness. Waldman’s latest book, “Neuro Wisdom: The New Brain Science of Money, Happiness and Success,” was released in November 2025, illustrating those individuals who deliberately identify and express gratitude regularly enjoy an amazing ray of benefits, such as improved sleep, better physical health, fewer depressions and less worries, and some study participants reported enhanced self-esteem, improved social connections, increased empathy, and better problem solving abilities, benefits that stay with us over the years.

The researchers have their students complete several exercises daily – one is to list three good things that happened that day, why these ‘wins’ are important, and to be thankful to themselves for these victories. After this, they then write three things they’d like to change about their day to improve the outcome. Even though participants stop this procedure after ten days, an unexpected result is that a majority of them restart the process on their own, reporting that in as few as three days they feel more in control of life’s challenges, with a more positive attitude on life.

The More Gratitude, The More Benefits Life is a remarkable gift. Spiritual leaders have long felt we each possess the resources to heal from serious illness and accidents, stay well, and thrive. The Science of Gratitude is just now being isolated and measured, causing a scientific dilemma. If scientists focus solely on the spiritual benefits of this process, they ignore the physiological benefits and vice versa. Case studies show that physical benefits of grateful living are as transformative as psychological.

Have you ever felt anxious, your heart pounding? Thank you, vagus nerve. This nerve also determines fight or flight response and notifies us to seek safety in life threatening situations. In extreme cases it may cause us to freeze or shut down when facing a threat. When we express gratitude, the vagus nerve generates our bodies’ response, be it enhanced perspective, stronger social bonds, greater appreciation of ourselves and others, and a deeper sense of the meaning of life.

Living gratefully results in increased longevity and decreased mortality, since feelings of satisfaction lower stress and negative thinking which in turn improves cardiovascular health, often decreasing mortality by as much as 10%. Amazing, huh?

The Social Benefits of Gratitude The daily practice of gratitude rewires our brain, making it more open to connection with others.

Stated scientifically, expressed gratitude changes our neural pathways, often leading to increased enjoyment of people by creating a more charitable viewpoint toward others; continued practice of gratitude builds tolerance, patience, and compassion, as we recognize the contributions of others in our life, building appreciation for such intangible actions as well prepared meals, clean sheets, wellkept clothing, which lead to more meaningful relationships.

A number of ‘truths’ arise when we express gratitude to others. One is that those we show gratitude to, almost invariably, respond by providing greater service or demonstrating their appreciation in some way. When we thank the person who parked our car, he or she notes this and subconsciously performs better, returning our kindness in the process. Such actions build a sense of belonging, increased kindness, leading to friendliness, empathy and understanding.

It’s long been recognized that an individual’s ability to live a meaningful life corresponds to one’s mind-body connection; each of us has a biological superhighway running from the stem of the brain to the gut - the vagus nerve - which strengthens our mind-body-spirit connection when we activate it by expressing gratitude for conditions in our life.

A key finding is that practicing gratitude reduces fear and anxiety to a great degree. It’s well-known our perspective shapes our attitude. When we recognize the good in others and note this with a positive comment, doors are opened for reciprocal actions. Case studies found that expressed gratitude plays a crucial role in emotional, cognitive, and social functioning.

As we form new neural pathways, we have less room for our thoughts to perceive and react to fear; gratitude changes our brain by decreasing anxiety, increasing feelings of well-being and motivation.

The vagus nerve is a major component in how we perceive and respond to the world around us.

Gratitude continued on page 4

Oodles!

Looking for things to do? Places to go?

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

Have an event you need publicized?

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

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

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

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

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

Play Chess !!

San Marcos Senior Center 111 Richmar Ave, San Marcos (760) 744-5535 www.sanmarcosca.gov/seniors Mondays 12:30 to 3:30 Adults of all skill levels are welcome. *** North County Melody Makers Cruisin & Groovin & Movin May 31st • 3-5pm On Sunday afternoon May 31 from 3-5 pm, join the North County Melody Makers as they take you on a tour of classic hit songs from the 1950’s, 60’s, and 70’s. From romantic ballads and rock-n-roll tunes through the British Invasion / Woodstock era to the folk-rock and dance songs, the Melody Makers are sure to strike a chord within you through their love of singing.

This show is at the Grand / Ritz Theater, 301 E. Grand Avenue, Escondido. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at https:// checkout.square.site/merchant/ M L 3 Y RV S 0 K H M 7 2 / c h e c k o u t / RW F 2 Q 3 3 X T S 5 X L L 4 5 RXRAQZ5M The North County Melody Makers are an adult chorale (18 years and older) based in North San Diego County. Their mission to enrich, educate, and entertain the community by providing opportunities to individuals who enjoy singing in an adult group setting. As a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, the chorale’s purpose is to support music education in the greater communities.

More information about the Melody Makers is available at northcountymelodymakers.com. ***

The Good LIFE at MiraCosta College Oceanside Campus Meetings will be held in person at the MiraCosta College, Oceanside Campus, at 1:00 pm in the Board Room, of the Administration Building (Building 1000) and by the Internet Application ZOOM. May 8 1:00 Stories of San Diego’s Food Community Katie Stokes, Publisher/Chief Editor “Edible San Diego” Learn how informational media is produced which is featured in print magazines, e-newsletters, and ediblesandiego.com.

May 8 2:30 The US Roots of Central American Migration David Hollingsworth Adjunct Professor, Palomar College David Hollingsworth will educate us about how United States policy in Central America helped create the modern refugee crisis.

May 15 1:00 The Mysterious Oarfish/Scripps Marine Vertebrate Collection Ben Frable, M.Sc Scripps Institution of Oceanography Oarfish are rarely known around the world as living sea-serpents and creatures out of folklore. Two rare specimens washed up on San Diego beaches in 2024. Both ended up in the Scripps Marine Vertebrate Collection, where scientists studied and preserved them. Learn more about these rarities and the collection that houses them.

May 15 2:30 Why Psychedelics Matter Jacob Tell ONIRACOM GLOBAL CEO Jacob Tell explores why psychedelic mushrooms are re-entering public conversation through neuroscience, medicine, and emerging Oodles continued on page 14

The Paper • Page 4 • May 14, 2026

Gratitude from page 3 Gratitude is like a muscle that can be trained through practice.

Expressing gratitude occasionally, when you feel like it, or when conditions are just right, will not produce changes in your life. To produce long-lasting results, gratitude must be practiced regularly which forms new neural pathways.

Some folks use the Stop, Look, Go Method to build the gratitude muscle. When they feel anxious or fearful they Stop and acknowledge these thoughts and feelings. Then, they Look for a life experience that challenges these feelings. Go, is to revisit your observations. In most cases you’ll find your perspectives have changed.

As athletes know, practice isn’t about reaching completion or perfection, it’s how we acquire skills.

We become more resilient, experience greater wholeness, live more blissfully, when we deliberately practice gratitude. This leads to more living in life and more positive experiences.

Like most good ideas, this boils down to a simple idea - being thankful for that which we have, physically or mentally.

A Personal Experience My friends and associates know I’m a sober drunk – some 53-plus years of continuous sobriety.

However, my first boozeless years were difficult particularly in the financial department. In my first month of sobriety, I was fired from a well-paying job. I threw myself into finding new employment by mailing out resumes, completing applications, going on endless job interviews, taking psychological tests, submitting credit histories.

After nine months I was still unemployed.

Desperate, I took a straight commission sales position only for that company to go bust leaving me hanging for sales made. A series of costly out of town, yet encouraging interviews, drained my resources even more, but lo and

caine and went downhill fast. He became addicted, got to be just a step short when going after a ball, a little slower on bringing the bat around, and was a step slower running the bases. In time, he was cut from the team . . . but he still hung with ‘the beautiful people,’ and cocaine. His weight dropped, he became a shadow of himself. When he died, he weighed little more than 100 lbs.”

Man About Town Fame by lyle e davis Driving around running errands one afternoon and Evelyn and I got to talking about a variety of issues.

At one point she asked, “I wonder why all of these celebrities get involved with alcohol and drugs and just ruin their lives.”

“I have some experience in that,” I said. “Alan Wiggins, the great San Diego Padre baseball player always used to come up and fish at Dixon Lake. Handsome kid. Very athletic. Very amiable. He got into the fast lane with ‘the beautiful people’ and it happened that plenty of alcohol, grass, and cocaine was always available. He got into co-

That cocaine is powerful stuff. He was making millions as a baseball star . . . and he blew it all for that white powder.

Things happen when you become ‘a celebrity.’

I tasted a bit of it when I went to work for KFMB. I became a minor celebrity. I met a lot of people . . . attended parties with the fast crowd . . ‘the beautiful people.’

I noticed people I used to call on when I was a radio sales rep and who barely gave me the time of day, now wanted to chat with me and were all smiles . . . all because now I was ‘somebody.’ I was on the air in morning and afternoon drive time . . . I did the traffic reports for KFMB and developed my own personality . . . from time to time, when traffic was slow, I’d read “lyle poems.” They became rather popular. At KFMB’s “I Love You, San Diego,” parties, I would meet more and more ‘beautiful people’ . . . and they would meet me.

Plenty of alcohol, and drugs, if you wanted them. And plenty of warm and willing women who wanted to

behold, I was promised a job. In three months.

Depressed and disheartened, I was a nabob of negativity, quickly pointing out the negative in every situation. A sober friend suggested a new approach. “Stop complaining about what you don’t have.

Be grateful for the money you’ve earned in the past. You’re still that person. Be grateful for your good health. Your sobriety. Hell, even your divorce. Gratitude changes your life for the better when you use it.”

Yeah. Sure. Be a country bumpkin searching for frost on the pumpkin.

But desperate people do desperate things. I followed my friend’s advice with an added step. A sober alky with a new roofing company had several projects lined up; he needed workers who could wait two weeks to be paid. I needed money now, but what the hell? I showed up ready to work. My alky friend again explained the pay situation.

“I’m just grateful for the opportu-

meet and be with even a minor celebrity ... which I had become.

In time, Scruff Evans, Terry Miller and I (Scruff was the afternoon prime time air personality), Terry was kind of a ‘camp follower’ who liked to hang out with radio people . . . we started smoking dope . . . or at least they let me smoke with them. They had been smoking if for some time . . . I had only just started. Danuta, the blonde with only one name, who did “Sun Up San Diego” on TV and also did the news for the radio station . . . introduced me to grass. She had a beautiful condo in Coronado and drove a Porsche.

We spent a lot of time at her condo. We were a couple for about six months. Probably the most diverse and fascinating woman I had ever known. She taught me a lot of things . . . one of which was the smoking of marijuana, which I had never done before. I was funny and made her laugh. But, people who are stoned tend to laugh pretty easily.

I remember one day Scruff told me he had some coke and he and Terry and I would try it. I tried it . . . but it didn’t do anything for me. Thank God whoever sold the coke to Scruff had ‘stepped on it’ (cut it with baby powder, etc.) so often that it wasn’t very strong.

Had it been medical grade cocaine I would likely have become addicted and God only knows where I would have wound up as a result.

I never tried coke again . . . but I smoked grass for, probably, about

nity to be of service,” I said.

Here’s where things get weird. At noon the first day, I opted for tacos from a chain restaurant though I was virtually in Tap City. At the door of the café, two ladies in blue aprons stopped me and three other guests. “We’re selecting diners to eat and comment on new dishes we’re considering adding to our menu. The food’s free, if you fill out our questionnaire.”

She had me at free food. “I’d be delighted to give my opinion.”

Later, sweeping the work site, a twenty dollar bill was on the sidewalk. I happily tucked it into my pocket, tears of gratitude spilling down my cheeks. Twenty bucks would feed me for a week.

When the work day ended, I was exiting the parking lot when I noticed a couple standing next to Gratitude continued on page 5

six-nine months. Several times I went on the air while stoned . . . no one ever knew the difference. One time I got off the air and asked Danuta how the traffic reports went.

“Fine. You did well and . . .” and she looked in my eyes and said . . “oh, my God, you’re stoned” And began laughing. But the audience never knew.

I have not smoked grass in, probably, 35 years. I left broadcasting in 1982 and ran “Lyle’s at Dixon Lake” and “Lyle’s at Moonlight Beach” for 27 and 17 years respectively. Don’t regret having tried grass . . .but have no desire to try it again.

I well remember how little ol’ lyle davis, a regular guy, turned into a guy that women began to covet and chase and make suggestive offers to . . . I was still the same guy, but now I was on the radio. I was ‘somebody’.”

So, I told Evelyn, that’s how it happens. “Entertainers, broadcasters, athletes, they all meet and run with ‘the beautiful people’ and, suddenly, they’re one of the ‘beautiful people’ . . . to maintain their image they agree to partake in alcoholic sprees . . . and to experiment with marijuana and cocaine. Some survive. Some don’t. Alan Wiggins didn’t. I did.”

And so, today, I’m, once again, plain old ordinary lyle . . . but if you’re a beautiful woman and want to throw yourself at me . . .

I’m very shy . . . a little backward about coming forward, but I can probably be had.

The Paper • Page 5 • May 14, 2026

Official Ballot Drop Boxes Open for June Gubernatorial Primary

By County News Center, County of San Diego Communications Office

How to Vote in Person In-person early voting is available at the Registrar of Voters office in Kearny Mesa at 5600 Overland Ave., San Diego. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Registered voters can now return their mail ballot for the June 2 Gubernatorial Primary Election to any of the more than 150 official ballot drop boxes around the county.

Vote centers open in stages:

What do official ballot drop boxes look like?

• May 23: Select vote centers open daily, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Registrar of Voters has official ballot drop boxes that are red, white and blue and feature the Registrar’s logo along with the County seal. All boxes are labeled “Official Ballot Drop Box” and are made from high grade, heavy gauge stainless steel.

Each official ballot drop box is designed to prevent physical damage and unauthorized access to mail ballots. The boxes feature double-locking access doors, anti-pry door jambs and other antitheft construction measures. The Registrar’s ballot retrieval team is responsible for collecting ballots inside the box.

How to Return Ballots by Mail After marking their selections, voters should:

Gratitude from page 4 their car in obvious distress.

“What’s the problem?”

“We locked ourselves out.” (This was before you could dial a number and your car door opened magically.) I grabbed a clothes hanger and in a matter of minutes they had their key.

“Can we buy you a burrito,” the man asked.

“I accept with gratitude,” I said.

They were friendly people. The wife worked for a building maintenance company; her husband sold ice cream to retail stores. “We always need good help,” she said, handing me her card. It read, Vice President, Finance. “If you’re interested, call.

Tell Fred you’re Juliette’s friend.” I was hired on the spot.

From that day to this, the practice of gratitude has been an important component in my life. My Bride of Sweet Summers and I start each day with a spiritual reading, expressing gratitude for our many blessings, this time made all the more pleasant with hot coffee and fresh-baked ciabatta rolls.

• May 30: All vote centers open daily, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• June 2, the final day of voting: All vote centers, official ballot drop boxes and the Registrar’s office are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Take advantage of early voting to avoid long lines.

• Seal the ballot in the postagepaid return envelope.

• Date and sign the envelope. Voter signature is required for their vote to count.

• Return the ballot by mail or drop it off at any of the Registrar’s official ballot drop boxes around the county.

Gratitude Grows Blessings Reverend Doctor Andriette Earl in her Science of the Mind Magazine column December 2025, quotes the disciple Matthew: “Whoever has gratitude will be given more and will have an abundance.” This echoes Lizzo’s comment, “When I’m grateful for the things in my life, I invariably have more to be grateful for.”

Rhonda Byrne’s book, The Magic, suggests a unique way to build our gratitude muscle. She writes on a sticky note, “Thank you for all the $$ I’ve received in my life.” She attaches this to a dollar bill in her wallet. “Every time I open my wallet, I’m reminded of my financial blessings.

I’ve done this for years and I always have money for my needs and some to share.”

Dave Birge, of Point Loma, retired after twenty-eight years as a Computer Assisted Design repairman for Thirty-second Street Naval Base. Having proper tools was a necessity in his work.

When a new technician came aboard, Dave was asked to share his tool box. When John borrowed a tool he was slow to return it, causing delays in needed repairs. Dave good-naturedly asked John to more

Mailed ballots must be postmarked on or before June 2 and received by the Registrar of Voters no later than seven days to be counted. Ballots returned at official drop boxes or vote centers must be dropped off by 8 p.m. on June 2.

Voters returning ballots by the U.S. Postal Service can sign up for ballot tracking.

promptly return borrowed tools.

John vowed he’d improve, but that didn’t happen. Dave spoke to John’s boss. Promises were made yet the tool problem remained.

Frustrated, Dave unloaded his frustration at a weekly Mastermind meeting.

“Practice gratitude,” he was told.

“When you loan a tool, say ‘I do so with gratitude, since I know you’ll return it promptly on completing the job.” The amazing thing Dave says is, “John didn’t suddenly start returning his borrowed tools, but my life changed drastically. A lady I’d dated in high school reentered my life and got married. As a wedding gift, a friend offered to sell me a car I’d long coveted at a bargain price. As an added bonus, my daughter moved from Alaska to San Diego.”

“What about John?”

“He quit after maybe 8 months,” Davy laughs. “Problem solved.”

Gratitude living works in mysterious ways.

Start Your Journey Here “Okay, you say, I’m convinced.

How do I start?’’ The University of Minnesota Center for Spirituality and Healing suggests six simple beginning steps:

If you plan to vote in person, prepare ahead of time by reviewing your voter information pamphlet and marking your selections on the sample ballot. When you enter the voting booth at the vote center, you may refer to your marked sample ballot to easily transfer your selections to the official ballot.

Visit sdvote.com or call 858-5655800 or toll-free 800-696-0136.

1) Recall three good things from your day, write them down and if you wish, record them in your gratitude journal; 2) Take a gratitude inventory – list five things you’re thankful for at this moment; 3) Write three friends – particularly those you’ve had little or no contact with recently, and tell them how grateful you are to know them; 4) Notice the good and beauty in your surroundings – remember how the limbs on the tree outside your window curve, the smell of star jasmine. Record these sensations so you can recall them later; 5) Thank those who are important in your life; let them know they’re appreciated; 6) Look for the good in difficult situations – bad news might not be as foreboding as it first sounds.

Newberg and Waldman have studied the neurological effects of prayer, gratitude living and meditation since the late 1990s. One of their pioneering experiments involved inserting radioactive dye Gratitude continued on page 7

The Paper • Page 6 • May 14, 2026

5th District Supervisor • Jim Desmond The County Is Not the City’s ATM as writing a $2.75 million blank check to bail out a city that refuses to do its own job.

This week my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors voted 3 to 1 to spend $2.75 million in County taxpayer dollars on a brand-new arts bureaucracy and a pile of giveaways aimed largely at the City of San Diego.

I was the one no vote.

Here is what the board majority just approved. A $1.5 million General Fund giveaway for a “direct grant program” to individual artists and “cultural workers,” designed for what the proposal calls “lowbarrier and timely distribution.” A quarter million dollars to embed artists inside county departments to come up with “artist-led solutions” to government problems.

Half a million dollars sent to one single neighborhood inside the city of San Diego. Another quarter million for “binational creative economy” projects nobody on the dais could clearly define.

New staff. New grant programs.

New designations. A sizable chunk of it walking straight across the County line and into City Hall.

Mountain View, who showed up?

The County did. We opened the shelters. We cut the checks. We bailed the city out because the city could not do its own job.

And now we are doing it again. This time with $2.75 million pulled out of the same General Fund that pays for our deputies, our fire prep, our mental health beds, and our roads in North County.

Here is What That Money Could Have Done More deputies on patrol in Fallbrook, Ramona, and Valley Center. Fire breaks cut before the next wildfire tears through our backcountry. Psychiatric beds for the fentanyl crisis killing our kids.

Defibrillators on every youth sports field. Pothole crews that actually show up.

Let me say this up front. I love the arts. I think they make our communities richer, our kids smarter, and our neighborhoods more vibrant.

The back-to-school events we host every year in District 5 are full of music, dance, and local artists, and I would not have it any other way.

Arts and culture matter.

Look at the City of San Diego Right Now

That is what North County families pay their taxes for.

Streets that flood because storm drains went uncleaned for years. A budget deficit so deep the city is closing libraries and rec centers. Homeless encampments the city will not enforce against. A downtown most families will not visit after dark.

But loving the arts is not the same

When the floods hit Southcrest and

Instead, the board majority chose to start up a brand-new county arts agency to take over a program the City of San Diego has run since the 1980s. They voted to hire $250,000 worth of new staff to run it. They voted to send half a million dollars to a single city neighborhood. They voted for a $250,000 line item no-

San Marcos Mayor • Rebecca Jones Explore Parks, Nature and Family Fun at Junior Ranger Day Join us this Saturday, May 16, at Jack’s Pond Park & Nature Center for Junior Ranger Day. I invite families from across San Marcos to attend this community event and enjoy an afternoon focused on outdoor recreation and environmental awareness.

Junior Ranger Day helps encourage the next generation to appreciate and care for our parks, trails and open spaces that make “San Parkos” such a special place to live. Through hands-on activities, young explorers will learn about local wildlife, conservation and trail safety while earning their very own Junior Ranger badge.

In addition to outdoor exploration and hands-on activities, bike and e-bike safety continue to be an important focus in San Marcos as part of the city’s ongoing “Ride Right” safety campaign. Kids can bring their bikes and helmets to ride through a fun chalk bike course, get a quick safety check on their gear, and pick up some “Ride Right” materials to help them stay visible both day and night.

For more information, visit sanmarcosca.gov. Hope to see you there!

Junior Ranger Day Jack’s Pond Park & Nature Center 986 La Moree Road • San Marcos Saturday, May 16 2 to 6 p.m.

body could explain.

I will say it again, because I want there to be no confusion. I am not against arts and culture. I am against the County of San Diego serving as a bailout fund for a city that will not govern itself.

If the City of San Diego wants to fund artists, it can. If it wants a creative economy program, it can build one. What it cannot do, and what I will keep voting against, is reach into the pockets of families in Escondido, Vista, San Marcos, Oceanside, and Fallbrook to pay for services those families will never see.

North County deserves better. Public safety. Fire protection. Mental health beds. Roads. Basic services delivered competently.

I lost this vote 3 to 1. I will lose more like it before this term is over.

But I am not going to stop saying out loud what most taxpayers in this county already know.

We work for the people who pay the bills. Not for City Hall.

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

Stabbing in Escondido On Sunday, May 10th, at 2:25 pm, Escondido Police Dispatch received a 911 call regarding a stabbing incident in the 2400 block of Bear Valley Pkwy in Escondido.

When officers arrived, they located an adult who had been stabbed at the location. Escondido Fire Department personnel rendered aid to the subject and transported them to a local area hospital for medical care. They are in critical condition at this time.

Detectives responded to the scene to assist with the investigation.

There are no ongoing threats to the community.

Detectives are seeking any additional witnesses to this incident.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Escondido Police Department at (760) 839-4722 or Detective Sergeant Patrick Hall at (760) 839-4705.

The Paper • Page 7 • May 14, 2026

Supporting and Protecting Seniors During Older Americans Month

By Anita Lightfoot, County of San Diego Communications Office

quences to their mental and physical health like severe depression, anxiety, insomnia and intense feelings of shame or self-blame,” said Allison Boyer, Director of County Aging & Independence Services.

“Victims may suffer from higher blood pressure, accelerated cognitive decline, and even the inability to afford housing or medication.”

May is Older Americans Month, a time to promote healthy aging, highlight the challenges older adults face and celebrate efforts to enhance their quality of life. This year’s theme, “Championing Your Health,” encourages conversations and actions that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being at every age.

Fraud Prevention and the San Diego Scam Jam Tour The San Diego Scam Jam Tour is a series of free fraud-prevention events taking place in 12 cities across the county starting Thursday, May 7. Hosted by AARP and supported by the County of San Diego’s Scam and Fraud Education Support

Residents 85 years and older are the fastest-growing age group in San Diego County and protecting all older adults from fraud remains a top priority.

The San Diego Elder Justice Task Force reports that in 2025, the region saw about 1,800 victims of senior fraud, with losses exceeding $140 million. That figure does not

include cases that went unreported because of fear, shame and embarrassment.

Vista Mayor • John Franklin Vista Fire Station Grand Opening removing ignition sources that shouldn’t exist in dry wild land areas, like illegal homeless encampments, which are altogether more common in unincorporated areas than you might think is one obvious solution.

-Creating appropriate firebreaks: These need to be as wide as 300 feet, the length of a football field, in forested areas to keep fire from jumping. Fighting for appropriate firebreaks can often mean fighting radical ecofascists, who think there should be fewer humans and fewer homes for them to live in.

I will always put public safety first—that’s why I’m proud to welcome a new home for for Vista Fire and Rescue with the opening of Fire Station No. 3! We are fortunate to have such dedicated firefighters serving North County and I am incredibly thankful for their efforts to keep our families and neighborhoods safe.

As Mayor of Vista, I’ve expanded our firefighting force by 15% to decrease response times, purchased 7 new firetrucks, brush fire rigs, ambulances and other fire apparatus.

I don’t mean to brag, but I’m going to anyway. We’ve built the finest Fire and Rescue Department in Southern California. Our firefighters are nationally accredited and our equipment is first class. I know what it takes to protect people from the danger wildfires pose.

We can better prevent fires by

-Building adequate evacuation routes: This is especially important in rural and unincorporated areas of the County. These wide roads can also halt the progress of an advancing fire.

-Fiscally responsible government: What does fiscal responsibility have to do with fire preparedness?

Voters and elected officials care about fire preparedness during fire season, but critical public safety priorities are often the first to suffer when bloated government programs grow to consume essential budgets.

I will fight to ensure that residents in high-risk fire zones are not abandoned by insurers. We must press state regulators and the Insurance Commissioner to keep coverage accessible and affordable.

Vista Mayor John Franklin www.johnfranklin.org

“Fraud targeting older adults can be financially devastating, but there also are long-term conse-

Seniors continued on page 12

Gratitude from page 5 into the brains of both spiritual novices and experienced spiritual leaders - Franciscan nuns, Buddhist monks and evangelical Christians when they prayed.

“The thing so striking to me is just how rich and diverse spiritual experiences are, how they activate so many different parts of the brain,” Newberg says. “There isn’t just one part of the brain that makes us religious or spiritual, it’s our entire brain.”

In the radioactive dye experiment, Newberg and Waldman detected increased activity in the frontal lobes of the brain - that part of the brain that helps us focus, and, depending on the kind of prayer tested, increases activity in the language, visualization, emotional and motor centers of the brain, giving rise to the question, is there a difference between prayer and other activities that affect the brain?

Newberg says, “Spiritual activities seem to engage parts of the brain not typically used when solving a math problem or driving a car creating fundamentally different brain responses. It seems there is a distinct difference in brain activity depending on the function and it’s intensity.”

body, not just the existential part of our brain, but the whole Kit and Kaboodle, body, brain and soul.

“Being grateful regularly fosters a sense of inclusion and connection that does not occur in say, reading our phone or listening to music,” Newberg says. “And we don’t have to sit cross-legged for hours to reap the physiological rewards of gratitude, these occur when we regularly and repetitively express our thankfulness.”

Newberg adds this caveat. “Sincerity is an important part of expressing gratitude. If you or I, or the guy across the street, are serious about changing our life, we need to be sincere when we offer our gratitude.”

“Keep your mind on what you want and off of what you don’t want,” writes American philosopher, Napoleon Hill, in his best-selling book, Think and Grow Rich. “The more grateful we become, the more things we have to be grateful for.”

You’ve heard this before, right? Try it. Deliberately and repetitively expressing gratitude for your blessings will change your life. Try it.

You have nothing to lose and much to gain.

Why Express Gratitude Regularly?

What does this have to do with living a life of gratitude? Primarily, it proves that when we praise ourselves for our achievements or tell others we’re thankful for their behavior, we activate all parts of our

R.L. “Pete” Peterson

The Paper • Page 8 • May 14, 2026

American Airlines claims I voluntarily gave up my seat, but that’s a lie.

by Christopher Elliott American Airlines says Charles Shearer and his son voluntarily gave up their seats on a recent flight from Cleveland to New York.

Sherer says that’s a lie. He was on his way to Japan for his mother-inlaw’s funeral, and his wife, who was accompanying them, ended up staying on the flight.

What’s at stake? Well, American gave him a $500 voucher, and it says that’s all it will give him since he voluntarily gave up his seats.

Sherer says he’s owed more — a lot more — under federal law.

“American Airlines is claiming that, the day after my wife’s mother died in Japan, while we were en route, I decided to voluntarily let my grieving wife go on without us,” says. “And that now, I’m lying about it.”

Someone is lying, that’s for sure — and I have a pretty good idea who.

Welcome to the Orwellian world of airline bumping, where “involuntary” can magically transform into “voluntary” with a few keystrokes

Illustration by Christopher Elliott in an airline’s computer system.

It’s a neat trick that saves airlines thousands of dollars per incident.

And as Shearer discovered, it’s nearly impossible to prove otherwise after the fact.

This case raises several important questions about airline bumping practices and passenger rights: What’s the difference between voluntary and involuntary denied boarding, and why does it matter?

How can passengers protect themselves when airlines mischaracterize an involuntary bumping as voluntary?

What compensation are passengers legally entitled to when they’re bumped from an oversold flight?

When Volunteering isn’t Voluntary Shearer, his wife, and son arrived at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport with plenty of time before their flight to New York. From there, they’d connect to Japan for his mother-in-law’s funeral. They checked in at the gate and received paper boarding passes.

Then they waited.

When their boarding group was called, they got in line behind Shearer’s wife. But when they

reached the gate agent, something went wrong.

“The gate agent said that we didn’t have assigned seats,” Shearer recalls. “So they pulled us out of line.”

What happened next is where American Airlines’ version of events diverges sharply from the Shearer family’s experience.

According to Shearer, the gate agents told them only one seat remained available. They protested.

The agents insisted finding two more seats was impossible. Shearer’s wife boarded alone, leaving her husband and young son behind as the gate door closed.

“Some time after the gate door had closed, one of the agents said something like ‘We can give you $500 for giving up your seat,’” Shearer recalls. “I know it wasn’t voluntary, but we can give it to you.”

That last phrase is the smoking gun.

The gate agent verbally acknowledged the bumping was involuntary — but offered the voucher anyway.

Shearer accepted the $500 vouchInvoluntary continued on page 9

The Paper • Page 9 • May 14, 2026

Involuntary from page 8 ers. At that moment, he wasn’t thinking about compensation. He was thinking about how to get his distraught son to Japan for his grandmother’s funeral.

denied boarding isn’t just semantic hairsplitting. It’s the difference between a few hundred dollars in restricted vouchers and thousands in cash.

They finally arrived in Japan more than seven hours late. To make matters worse, American Airlines had left their luggage at JFK.

When an airline oversells a flight — which is legal and happens regularly — it has to first ask for volunteers. The Department of Transportation defines volunteers as “passengers who respond to the carrier’s request to give up their seat willingly and accept the carrier’s compensation in exchange for relinquishing a confirmed reserved space.”

“At the time, I wasn’t concerned about compensation but about how to get to Japan,” Shearer says.

After the funeral, Shearer researched federal regulations and discovered something troubling.

Under federal law, passengers who are involuntarily denied boarding and arrive more than two hours late are entitled to 400 percent of their one-way fare, up to $2,150 per passenger. For him and his son, that meant $4,300 in cash compensation — not $1,000 in vouchers with restrictions and expiration dates.

He wrote to American Airlines requesting cash compensation.

The airline’s response was a form letter dripping with sympathy but offering only an additional $100 travel credit for each passenger.

When Shearer pushed back, citing the specific federal regulation, American Airlines’ tune changed completely.

According to the airline’s records, Shearer and his son had “volunteered” to give up their seats.

Therefore, they weren’t entitled to the federally mandated compensation.

Case closed.

“Our records indicate that you and Alan both volunteered to relinquish your seats for the Trip Credit compensation in the amount of $500 each prior to leaving the airport,” an American Airlines customer relations representative wrote.

But Shearer had evidence. He sent American Airlines screenshots of text messages he’d exchanged with his wife and father immediately after the incident. In one, his wife chided him for yelling at the gate agents. (“I was indeed furious,” Shearer admitted. “My wife was sobbing and my kid was panicking and confused.”)

Not exactly the behavior of someone who’d volunteered.

American Airlines didn’t budge.

The Voluntary Versus Involuntary Distinction Understanding the difference between voluntary and involuntary

you’re watching your crying wife board a plane to her mother’s funeral without you, you’re not thinking about federal regulations.

You’re thinking about damage control. And when a gate agent offers you something — anything — you might accept it just to move forward with your life.

That acceptance becomes the airline’s get-out-of-jail-free card.

Protect Yourself from Being Bumped without Compensation

The key words: “request” and “willingly.”

Protecting yourself requires presence of mind that’s difficult to muster in crisis situations. But it’s possible.

If not enough passengers volunteer, the airline can bump passengers involuntarily. But that triggers strict federal compensation requirements that went into effect in early 2025.

If you’re pulled from a boarding line, don’t panic. Ask explicitly: “Am I being involuntarily denied boarding?” Make the gate agent say it. If possible, record the interaction on your phone.

For flights originating in the US that arrive at their destination more than two hours late, that’s 400 percent of the one-way fare, capped at $2,150 per passenger. The airline must pay this compensation immediately — at the airport, on the day of the flight. If the airline can offer substitute transportation that leaves before it can pay, it has 24 hours. Here’s more information on what your airline owes you when you get bumped.

Document everything immediately. Send yourself emails. Text family members describing what happened. Take video, if possible.

The contemporaneous nature of these communications makes them powerful evidence later.

The compensation for voluntary bumping? Whatever you negotiate.

Could be $200. Could be $2,000.

Could be a bag of peanuts. The government doesn’t regulate it because you’re supposedly entering into a voluntary agreement.

This creates a powerful incentive for airlines to characterize every bumping as voluntary, even when it clearly isn’t.

“When a flight is oversold, we ask for volunteers at the gate to relinquish their seats voluntarily in exchange for compensation,” an American Airlines representative wrote to Shearer. “If we do not get enough volunteers, it may become necessary to involuntarily deny boarding, which under federal regulations, requires that we provide compensation for those impacted.”

But here’s what the airline didn’t mention: Sometimes airlines pull passengers out of boarding lines, tell them there’s no room, offer them a token voucher, and then document the transaction as “voluntary” in their systems.

The practice exploits passengers’ ignorance of their rights and their emotional vulnerability. When

Don’t accept anything at the gate

without understanding what you’re giving up. Ask: “If I accept this voucher, am I waiving my right to denied boarding compensation under federal law?” If the agent can’t or won’t answer clearly, don’t accept the offer.

Collect information. Your boarding pass. The gate information board. Any written offers from the airline. These documents can be crucial when the airline’s version of events contradicts yours weeks later.

Finally, know that accepting a voucher under duress doesn’t necessarily waive your rights to compensation. The regulation requires that passengers willingly accept the compensation. Being told “this is all we can offer” or “we can give you this since you got bumped” doesn’t constitute a voluntary, informed agreement.

But proving you didn’t volunteer?

That’s the hard part.

What Compensation Passengers are Really Owed For Shearer and his son, who arrived Involuntary continued on page 12

The Paper • Page 10 • May 14, 2026

The Pastor Says . . .

A Miracle In Your Own Backyard When we define a miracle, it usually includes a divine or other-than-worldly power. The Bible, especially in the days of Jesus, has numerous references to miracles, and almost without exception, these events are attributed to Jesus.

Even others who performed miracles derive their ability from Jesus. Therefore, it is believed that miracles occur through God’s supernatural power. The Hebrew part of the Bible, known as the Old Testament, contains references to miracles, such as Moses splitting a rock to provide water and dividing the Red Sea so the people of Israel could escape the Egyptians pursuing them. Even Pastor Huls today, some believe God performs miracles in the lives of people who pray and seek his help. These claims are in situations of sickness where miraculous cures occur. Many in combat, where an impending disaster is occurring, pray for a miracle of deliverance, such as the WWII Dunkirk experience, where the fleeing British were saved from German slaughter with heavy fog.

The sensational is always exciting. Imagine, however, a miracle in your own backyard. Jesus lived in the first century, a time like ours. People were worried. There was economic uncertainty. War was constant throughout the Roman-occupied world. Taxes were always increasing. There was a wide disparity between the rich and the poor. Great differences socially divided the people. Society was constantly looking for God’s miracles in the expected messiah. Religion was experienced with keeping the laws of the Bible, but little solace in God’s intervention.

Into this world of anxiety, fear, need, and stress, Jesus, the Christ, comes. It was much like living with the request of a friend I recently shared with, living with the query. She asked, “How do I overcome all my anxiety?” Our solutions are pills, psychiatrists, nervous breakdowns, and even suicide. Many would love a miracle.

Even churches, which often claim the answers, leave people wondering what is actually being offered.

I remembered reading a book years ago, ‘Acres of Diamonds’. It told of those who were seeking diamonds everywhere, but not in their backyard. This reminds me of how we fail to see the miracles occurring in our backyards every day. Jesus asked if people were anxious and worried. “Are you concerned about what you will eat, wear, and live? You have a backyard filled with flowers, birds, and the activities of nature. Don’t you know that God is your Father and knows what you need?” You are of more value than the birds and flowers.

The miracle is in knowing that God is involved in all of it. In fact, every living thing in the backyard is God’s creation and has a place in our world, including not only the birds and flowers but also the grass, trees, and even the weeds. Each of these is a miracle in itself. We appreciate all of this when science discovers the amazing qualities in all living things. It is all in your own backyard.

Pastor Huls

San Diego Humane Society is supporting families and their pets who need a little extra help.

Through the Community Pet Pantry, anyone can visit our campuses to pick up a bag of dog or cat food, and other supplies, as available.

No appointment is needed for this service. Hours are Tuesday-Sunday from 10am to 6pm.

El Cajon 373 N. Marshall Ave. Escondido 3500 Burnet Drive Oceanside 572 Airport Road San Diego 5480 Gaines Street

Pet Parade

Pet of the Week

Hogarth

Sophie

Hogarth is a 1-year-old, 10-pound, male, Domestic Shorthair cat with a Red Tabby coat. He was lost.

When nobody came for him, Hogarth was transferred to Rancho Coastal Humane Society through Friends of County Animal Shelters (FOCAS). He likes when people pet him, but he can be overwhelmed. Hogarth will tell you when he’s had enough by flattening his ears against his head, swishing his tail, or rippling his skin while you stroke his fur.

The $100 adoption fee for Hogarth includes medical exam, neuter, up to date vaccinations, and registered microchip.

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

Sophie is pure sweetness with a kind, gentle spirit! She can be a bit shy initially, but once she warms up she is a playful, energetic pup.

She would thrive with plenty of opportunities for exercise and enrichment, so she can channel her energy into positive outlets! Some of her favorite things are fetch, long walks and positive reinforcement training sessions that include lots of treats. If you’d like to meet the spirited Sophie (982433), come speak with an adoption counselor today at San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido Campus at 3500 Burnet Drive. If you have questions about the adoption process, you can visit sdhumane.org/adopt or call 619-299-7012.

Online profile: https://sdhumane.org/adopt/available-pets/animalsingle/?petId=982433

The Paper • Page 11 • May 14, 2026

“Times, They Are a-Changin” Part II AI (artificial intelligence) to create the IW (intelligent web). The IW’s knowledge base is infinitely greater than that of any human, and continues to grow. AI’s intelligence dramatically exceeds the abilities of man in parsing these large data bases. It is capable of calculating answers and solutions free of human bias and we are continually expanding its intelligence, reliability and reach.

The Computer Factory 845 W. San Marcos Blvd.

760-744-4315 thecomputerfactory.net

Sometime between the mid 20th century and beginning of the 21st century we entered a new age called the IA (Information Age).

Radio, television and the Internet had come along in the mid 20th century. In 2001 the internet and AI (artificial intelligence) were combined to complete the IW (intelligent web). In 2026 the IW celebrates its 25th birthday.

The difference between humans and earth’s other life forms reside in what we call intelligence.

Intelligence consists of memory combined with reasoning ability.

Humans have a far greater ability to store, analyze and share information than earth’s other creatures. We combine the data stored on 75 million internet servers with

The 21st century marks the time when everything began to change.

Historians will marvel that man was able to build devices and form civilizations before IW/AI. Those born in the 21st century grow to adulthood in the ubiquitous presence of the AI/IW. They have difficulty visualizing a world without it. The IW offers instant access to virtually all human knowledge and its imbedded AI can process it for answers and solutions. The IW/ AI has created division in American society. The younger DNs (30 and under) who grew up under the influence of IW/AI have been exposed to it throughout their lives.

IW/AI users (40 yrs and older) who achieved adulthood prior to the advent of the IW are called DIs (digital immigrants). “Tweeners” between 30 and 40 might be DNs or DIs depending on their exposure to the IW. Many DIs use the latest IW/AI technology, but there are significant differences in the way DIs and DNs use it. The DI views AI generated information as an external source of data subject to internal

verification. The DN considers the IW/AI as an internal source and accepts its results without need for internal review. This generational difference in the use of IW/AI data is a short term issue that will end when the last DI exits the planet later this century.

It is a fact that IW/AI information, answers and solutions are more reliable than those from our internal memory and cognitive powers. IW information is based on a much larger data base and uncluttered by irrational human bias. A result of the use of IW/AI as a substitute for internal cognition in generating answers and solutions by the young DNs has been a three to five point drop in DN IQ test scores based on the “use it or lose it” principal.

By using IW/AI as a substitute for internal resources DNs get a better answer with a lower expenditure

of energy. Is the loss of IQ points important? Maybe, only time will tell.

It appears likely that the efficiency and intelligence of man made devices will continue to improve to the point where they eventually accommodate all of our life needs. Our machines will feed, clothe, medicate and accommodate our every desire. They will even maintain, repair and replicate themselves. This may not happen for many years but what will we do when it happens? Will we elevate ourselves to achieve continued success in a world we cannot yet imagine? Will we become shallow self indulgent dandies living in the comfort of a world maintained for us by our machines? Will our own machines rise up, snuff us, and take over our world? It could happen!

Only time will tell!

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John Van Zante’s Critter Corner

I’m Not Sure But I Think It’s a Kitten a cotton ball and it looked more like a mouse than a kitten. The woman said she saw a cat carry something into her bushes then leave. She figured the cat had abandoned the whatever-it-was, so she called RCHS because “You know all about animals.”

mal Services and received permission to keep the kittens through our FOCAS program.

• The mommy cat was moving her newborn kittens from where they were born to a palace where she thought they would be safe. They probably would have been okay if the woman would have left them alone.

It was a kitten. As close as we could tell, it was three hours old.

It was the summer of 2007 when a woman called Rancho Coastal Humane Society and said she found an abandoned animal in her yard.

“I’m not sure, but I think it’s a kitten.”

An hour later she got to the shelter, carrying a box big enough to hold two bowling balls. When she opened it, at first, we didn’t see anything.

Then we spotted a brownish-gray ball of fur. It was about the size of

• The foster care provider didn’t get much sleep, but she saved two lives. Both kittens survived and they were adopted when they were eight weeks old.

One of our experienced foster volunteers accepted the challenge of bottle feeding and round the clock care for this baby, even though its chances of survival were slim.

By the time we delivered the kitten and all the supplies it would need to the foster home, the woman returned with another kitten “abandoned” under her bushes.

The foster said, “I’m not going to be able to sleep anyway. Bring me the other one.”

What we need to know:

Animal rescue isn’t always easy.

Sometimes it means being brave enough to stay awake all night to save the lives of tiny babies who may or may not survive.

• Once an animal becomes lost or strayed (or abandoned) it becomes the property of the county. RCHS contacted the Department of Ani-

Sometimes it means leaving a mommy cat alone while she does what she needs to do to keep her newborn babies safe.

The Paper • Page 12 • May 14, 2026

Involuntary from page 9 in Japan more than seven hours late after a domestic connection, the math was clear: $2,150 each, or $4,300 total was due them.

But there’s a catch. Well, several catches.

First, if you volunteer — truly volunteer, not “volunteer” in the way Shearer allegedly did — you’re entitled only to what you negotiate.

That’s why gate agents love volunteers. They’re cheap.

Second, the regulations contain exceptions. Small aircraft with 60 or fewer seats are exempt for operational or safety reasons. If you don’t follow the airline’s contract of carriage requirements (missing checkin deadlines, being disruptive), you forfeit your rights. And if the airline denies you boarding for passport or documentation issues, even mistakenly, the rules get murky.

Third — and this is the biggest loophole — the airline gets to decide whether your bumping was voluntary or involuntary. Sure, you can file a DOT complaint and you can appeal to executives. But the airline’s contemporaneous records at the gate carry enormous weight.

“After a review of the flight information, it was revealed that the compensation you both were given for Denied Boarding was accurate,” American Airlines wrote.

“We’ve reviewed our reports thor-

We Love Your Letters!

oughly, and we see you were both documented as volunteers.”

The DOT receives thousands of bumping complaints each year. In 2023, American Airlines involuntarily denied boarding to only 568 passengers out of millions transported — a rate so low it’s almost negligible. Either American has cracked the code on inventory management, or a lot of “involuntary” bumpings are being documented as “voluntary.”

Given the financial incentives, it’s not hard to guess which explanation is more likely.

Will they ever get their compensation?

After the DOT complaint went nowhere, Shearer reached out to our advocacy team. We reviewed his paper trail, including those damning text messages, and agreed to contact American Airlines on his behalf.

Our advocate, Dwayne Coward, sent a message to American’s executive customer service team, flagging the discrepancy between Shearer’s communications and the airline’s official records.

Then we waited. And waited.

The airline initially confused Shearer’s case with another passenger’s issue. Then it promised to look into it. Then it went silent for two weeks while Shearer followed up, wondering if he’d ever see resolution.

“As such, I’ve sent each of you a $2,150 check via postal mail to the address on file,” an airline representative wrote.

The total: $4,300. Exactly what federal law required. Plus, the airline let Shearer keep the $1,200 in vouchers it had already issued.

Victory? Absolutely. But it took two months, a DOT complaint, and intervention by a consumer advocacy organization to get an airline to comply with federal law.

And here’s the uncomfortable truth: Most passengers in Shearer’s situation don’t fight back. They accept the vouchers, internalize the airline’s version of events, and move on with their lives, thousands of dollars poorer than federal law intended.

It’s a risk-reward calculation that makes perfect business sense, even if it makes terrible ethical sense.

The DOT could fix this easily. Require gate agents to explicitly inform passengers whether they’re being involuntarily bumped and what compensation they’re entitled to before offering any vouchers.

Require airlines to provide written notices at the gate, not just verbal offers in the chaotic moments before departure. Impose fines when airlines mischaracterize involuntary bumpings as voluntary.

Will it? Probably not.

Until then, you need to know your rights and stand firm. If an airline employee pulls you aside at the gate, or tells you there’s no seat available, you’re probably being involuntarily denied boarding — no matter what the gate agent calls it.

Don’t let them tell you otherwise.

And definitely don’t let them compensate you otherwise. ***

The system works this way by design. Airlines have discovered that most involuntary bumpings can be converted to “voluntary” ones with the right combination of pressure, confusion, and nominal compensation. The odds of getting caught are low. The penalties for getting caught are negligible — they just pay what they should have paid in the first place.

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.+

pendence Services launched the Aging Roadmap, a regional guide designed to support older adults through personal care, affordable and age-friendly housing, accessible transportation and opportunities for social connection.

disabilities. Specialists also take reports of suspected elder and dependent adult abuse.

Seniors from page 7 Team (SAFEST), the three-month tour offers interactive learning sessions led by fraud experts.

Participants will learn about common tactics used by scammers and practical steps older adults can take to avoid becoming victims.

To submit a letter to the editor, please email thepaper@ cox.net. Please be respectful, limit your letter to a maximum of 300 words and include your full name, email address, town, and a valid phone number where you can be reached. Letters will not be published anonymously. Letters are subject to editing. Please no hand written letters.

Finally, two months after our team took the case, Shearer received an email from American Airlines that began with genuine contrition. After “further review” — interesting how these reviews keep finding new information — the airline acknowledged what should have been obvious from the start.

The County urges older adults and family members to download the Don’t Get Hooked Toolkit available in multiple languages. The toolkit includes tips for identifying scams, instructions on how and where to report fraud, and steps to protect yourself and loved ones.

The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office also offers resources, including its “Stop. Hang Up. Tell Someone.” campaign and detailed information on the most common types of scams targeting older adults.

County Programs Supporting Older Adults In 2019, County Aging & Inde-

Key County programs include: • Meals and Senior Dining: Hot, nutritious meals for adults 60+ at nearly 30 locations, many with transportation options.

• In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): Household and personal care assistance for eligible older adults and individuals with disabilities.

• Feeling Fit Club/Tai Chi: Inclusive fitness programs that support physical health, connection and independence.

• AIS Call Center: A central resource for information on AIS services, community programs and assistance for older adults, caregivers, and people living with

• Volunteer opportunities: Older adults can participate in the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) or serve in the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which advocates for residents in longterm care facilities.

Aging & Independence Services (AIS) supports older adults, people with disabilities and the caregivers who help them. AIS offers nutrition programs, in-home support, fitness and social activities, protective services and longterm care advocacy.

AIS connects people with resources that help them stay safe, independent and engaged in their communities. *** More information about these and other AIS programs is available through the County Aging & Independence Services Call Center at 800-339-4661 or by visiting its website www.sandiegocounty.gov

The Paper • Page 13 • May 14, 2026

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760-877-4050

First, I Discovered America, Then I Discovered

The Paper

Ever since I can remember I’ve had the burning desire to discover new places, new adventures. Because of this, I set out to discover a new country . . . and I was successful. I even ventured inland a great many miles where I discovered a place I called Minnesota. “This,” I thought, “would be a great place for Scandinavians.” So I headed back to Norway to recruit settlers. While I was gone, some clown named Columbus claimed he discovered America. Life ain’t fair. Except life also gave us The Paper. I read it whenever and wherever I go exploring and only buy from those who advertise in The Paper. It’s a Viking thing.

Your friend, Eric the Red

SOLAR & ROOFING

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

(760) 471-1006

Advertise Your Business & Services 760 747-7119 SEWER & DRAIN CLEANING

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

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The Paper • Page 14 • May 14, 2026

Oodles from page 3 scientific research.

May 22 No Classes – College closed for Memorial Day May 29 1:00 Moonlight Theatre Steve Glaudini Artistic Director, Moonlight Theater Walk down memory lane with a look to the past and the future of this beloved Vista treasure. Vista’s Moonlight Amphitheatre is an outdoor theater that has Broadway quality shows in our own backyard.

May 29 2:30 Miracosta College Scholarship Recipients Tori Fishinger, Moderator MCC College Students Three distinguished scholars will join a conversation on the impact LIFE Scholarships play in student success.

To join a Zoom meeting, LIFE must have your email address in order for you to receive the invite link. Meetings will start at 12:45 pm (you can join 15 minutes earlier) and the speaker will start at 1:00 pm. *** Table Tennis at the Park Avenue Community Center Calling all seniors age 50 and over, join us every Monday and Wednesday 1-3 pm. Everyone welcome – beginning to advanced level players. No sign-ups, no registration, just show up, play for free, and have fun!!

Park Avenue Community Center 210 E Park Avenue Escondido, 92025 *** East Valley Parkway Business Association Meeting 2nd Wednesday • 2pm May 13th , June 10th, July 8th, and August 12th. At Elote Restaurant, 1760 E. Valley Pkwy, Escondido.

Visit www.evalley-parkway.com for more information. *** Chess at Park Avenue Community Center Home of Escondido Senior Center 210 Park Avenue, Escondido 760-839-4688 Adults of all skill levels are welcome. Drop in anytime Wednesday OR Friday noon-3pm to play or watch in the shuffleboard building.

Follow the signs or ask at the front desk for directions. Friendly games with large boards and pieces provided. No fees or reservations.

Chuckles from page 2

*** Senior Anglers of Escondido Second Friday of Each Month The Senior Anglers of Escondido meet the second Friday of each month at 9:30am at the American Legion Hall 230 E Park Ave, Escondido, CA 92025.

The group enjoys freshwater and saltwater fishing, camping, boating, and environmental conservation.

New members always welcome.

Guest speaker Friday, May 8 is Christine Grasinski, California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The department manages and protects the state’s wildlife, wildflowers, trees, mushrooms, algae, and native habitats. The department is responsible for regulatory enforcement and management of related recreational, commercial, scientific, and educational uses. Join us to ‘Fish and Play the Senior Anglers Way!’ ***

Looking for things to do?

Check Out Oodles Each Week

Morning: Tired Afternoon: Desperate for a nap.

Night: Can’t Sleep. *** I think I’m losing my mind.

But as long as I can keep the part that tells me when I gotta pee I should be all okay.. *** A Texan, A Floridian, and a Californian all die and go to hell. While there, they spy a red phone and ask what the phone is for.

The devil tells them it is for calling back to Earth.

The Texan asks to call Dallas and talks for 5 minutes. When he is finished, the devil informs him that the cost is a million dollars, so the Texan writes him a check.

Next the Floridian calls Miami and talks for 30 minutes. When he is finished, the devil informs him that the cost is 6 million dollars, so he writes him a check.

Finally the Californian gets his turn he calls Sacramento and talks for 4 hours. When he is finished, the devil informs him that the cost is $5.00.

When the Texan hears this, he goes ballistic and asks the devil why the Californian got to call Sacramento

so cheaply.

The devil smiles and replies, “Since Gavin Newsom took over, the state has gone to hell, so it’s a local call”. *** The officer said, “you drinking?”

I said, “you buying?”

We laughed and laughed and laughed.

Anyway, I need bail money. *** Sad news: The inventor of Autocorrect collapsed in the street today.

He was taken by ambience to the nearest horse piddle. *** That awkward moment when you sit on the floor to do sit-ups and realize you can’t do sit-ups. And now you can’t get up off the floor either. *** If everyone jumped off the docks I would too. I’m a sucker for pier pressure. ***

The Paper Owned & Operated by a Veteran lyle e davis US Army, Entertainment Director 1957-1959 Brooke Army Hospital, Fort Sam Houston, Texas War Correspondent South Vietnam 1967-68 Assimilated Grade/Rank Lt. Colonel, MACV (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam)

“The state of Texas was never invaded while I was on duty at Fort Sam. You could look it up!”

The Paper • Page 15 • May 14, 2026

LEGALS

FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9007874 The name of the business: Mira Terra Travel Photography & Services, Mira Terra Images, Mira Terra Travels, Mira Terra Travel Services located at 2033 San Elijo Ave., #223, Cardiff by the Sea, CA 92007. Registrant, Kymri Wilt, 2033 San Elijo Ave., #223, Cardiff by the Sea, CA 92007. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business 8/20/2015 /s/ Kymri Wilt with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/8/2026 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9007364 The name of the business: Cash First Express Wholesale, located at 2132 Willow Ave., Apt F, Oceanside, CA 92058. Registrant, Lamont Grove, 1035 E. Vista Way, PMB 1431, Vista, CA 92084. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business 3/9/2026 /s/ Lamont Grove with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/1/2026 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9007757 The name of the business: Farrar & Farrar, Farrar and Farrar, located at 16787 Bernardo Center Drive, Ste 7, San Diego, CA 92128. Registrant, Consolidated Collaborations, 16787 Bernardo Center Drive, Ste 7, San Diego, CA 92128. This business is operated by a Corporation.

First day of business N/A /s/ Eric Farrar, Vice President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/7/2026 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9007811 The name of the business: Agile Metalworks, located at 2450 Cherimoya Dr., Vista, CA 92084. Registrant, David John Kreisher Mr., 2450 Cherimoya Dr., Vista, CA 92084. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business 2/2/2026 /s/ David John Kreisher Mr. with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/7/2026 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9008602 The name of the business: The Paper, located at 3643 Grand Ave., Ste A, San Marcos, CA 92078.

Registrant, The Community Paper LLC, 739 N. Citrus Ave., Escondido, CA 92027. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company.

First day of business 3/15/1999 /s/ Lyle E. Davis, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/17/2026 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9007949 The name of the business: ITAN Franchising Inc., EverSun Beauty & Wellness, located at 1784 La Costa Meadows Drive, Ste 101, San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, EverSun Brands, 1784 La Costa Meadows Drive, Ste 101, San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by a Corporation.

First day of business 10/7/2025 /s/ Faraje Kharsa, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/9/2026 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9007689 The name of the business: El Clamatazo, located at 4659 Calle

Del Palo, Oceanside, CA 92057.

Registrant, Jose Luis Bernal, 4659 Calle Del Palo, Oceanside, CA 92057. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business 7/26/2017 /s/ Jose Luis Bernal with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/6/2026 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9008282 The name of the business: Gleeson Civil Construction, located at 603 Seagaze Dr., #235, Oceanside, CA 92054. Registrant, Patrick J. Gleeson, 603 Seagaze Dr., #235, Oceanside, CA 92054. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business 4/6/2026 /s/ Patrick J. Gleeson with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/14/2026 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9007667 The name of the business: Jami Viet Catering, located at 1805 Oak Hill Dr., Escondido, CA 92027.

Registrant, Jessica Diep Ho, 1805 Oak Hill Dr., Escondido, CA 92027. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business 4/5/2026 /s/ Jessica Diep Ho with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/6/2026 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9005262 The name of the business: The Gathering North County, The Gathering NC, located at 762 Hatfield Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078.

Registrant, Patrina Reed, 762 Hatfield Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078, Bryant Reed, 762 Hatfield Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by a Married Couple.

First day of business 3.6.2026 /s/ Patrina Reed with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/6/2026 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9007178 The name of the business: Petite Pet Parlour, located at 544 South Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, Banafsheh Beihaghi, 544 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road, San Marcos, CA 92078.

This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business 11/21/2016 /s/ Banafsheh Beihaghi with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/30/2026 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9007548 The name of the business: Unlost Therapy, located at 663 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd., #657, San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, Yesenia Cortes, 663 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd., #657, San Marcos, CA 92078.

This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business N/A /s/ Yesenia Cortes with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/3/2026 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9007438 The name of the business: PDB Expo, located at 2120 W. Mission Rd., Ste 240, Escondido, CA 92029. Registrant, PDB Expo, LLC, 2120 W. Mission Rd., Ste 240, Escondido, CA 92029. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company.

First day of business 2/9/2026 /s/ Marylee P. Reasonover, Managing Member with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/2/2026 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14/2026

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME: 2026-9007444 Enrique’s Dent Repair, located at 545 Lands End Way #200, Oceanside, CA 92058. The Fictitious Business Name referred to above was filed in San Diego County on 8/14/2025 and assigned file no.

2025-9015670.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IS BEING ABANDONED BY: Enrique Lopez, 545 Lands End Way #200, Oceanside, CA 92058.

This business is conducted by an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1000). /s/Enrique Lopez This statement was filed with the San Diego Recorder/County clerk on 4/2/2026.

4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9006498 The name of the business: M&A Firearm Care & Accessories, located at 15 Quintard St., Chula Vista, CA 91911. Registrant, Donald Mabery Wilburn, 15 Quintard St., Chula Vista, CA 91911, Nikki Ann Wilburn, 15 Quintard St., Chula Vista, CA 91911. This business is operated by a Married Couple.

First day of business N/A /s/ Donald Mabery Wilburn with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/20/2026 3/26, 4/2, 4 /9, 4/16/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9008561 The name of the business: Thometz Construction Forensics, located at 3698 Camino De Las Lomas, Vista, CA 92084. Registrant, Thometz Project Management Inc., 3698 Camino De Las Lomas, Vista, CA 92084. This business is operated by a Corporation.

First day of business N/A /s/ Paul Thometz, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/17/2026 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9008972 The name of the business: Shadowridge Family Vision Center of Optometry, located at 741 Shadowridge Dr., Vista, CA 92083.

Registrant, Molina Optometry Corp., 741 Shadowridge Drive, Vista, CA 92083. This business is operated by a Corporation.

First day of business 4/1/2026 /s/ Albert Lopez, Treasurer with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/21/2026 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9008562 The name of the business: Slvr Pynx, located at 7 Larry Ln., Escondido, CA 92025. Registrant, Tiara P. Gonzalez, 7 Larry Ln., Escondido, CA 92025. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business 6/17/2025 /s/ Tiara P. Gonzalez with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/17/2026 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9008134 The name of the business: The Meadowlark Apartments, located at 233 W. San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, Providence II Meadowlark Apartments, LLC, 183 Calle Magdalena, Suite 100, Encinitas, CA 92024.

This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company.

First day of business 4/19/2021 /s/ Andrew C. Louback, Vice President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/13/2026 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9007955 The name of the business: Bravik, located at 5640 Shasta Daisy Trl, San Diego, CA 92130. Registrant, Robert Joel & Co LLC, 5640 Shasta Daisy Trl, San Diego, CA 92130. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company.

First day of business N/A /s/ Robert Shapiro, Member with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/9/2026 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9009425 The name of the business: Above Parity, Above Parity Advisors Inc., located at 516 Peach Way, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, Above Parity Advisors Inc., 516 Peach Way, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by a Corporation.

First day of business 4/27/2026 /s/ Christina Ellis, President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/27/2026 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9008570 The name of the business: Bark & Mane of Oceanside, Bark & Mane of San Marcos, Bark & Mane of Vista, Bark & Mane of Oceanside and San Marcos, located at 3758 Via Baldona, Oceanside, CA 92056. Registrant, Good Boy Grooms, 3758 Via Baldona, Oceanside, CA 92056. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company.

First day of business N/A /s/ Delaney Howells, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/17/2026 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9008582 The name of the business: Black Car Limo San Diego, located at 8896 Centaurus Way, San Diego, CA 92126. Registrant, San Diego Corporate Town Car, LLC, 8896 Centaurus Way, San Diego, CA 92126. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company.

First day of business 4/17/2026 /s/ Youness Hansoli, CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/17/2026 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9008134 The name of the business: The Meadowlark Apartments, located at 233 W. San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, Providence II Meadowlark Apartments, LLC, 183 Calle Magdalena, Suite 100, Encinitas, CA 92024.

This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company.

First day of business 4/19/2021 /s/ Andrew C. Louback, Vice President with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/13/2026 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9009334 The name of the business: Wholesale Flowers, located at 1714 Countryside Dr., Vista, CA 92081.

Registrant, Javier Hernandez, 1714 Countryside Dr., Vista, CA 92081.

This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business 8/10/2018

Advertise Your Legal in The Paper 760 747-7119 /s/ Javier Hernandez with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/24/2026 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9009559 The name of the business: El Clamatozo, located at 4659 Calle Del Palo, Oceanside, CA 92057.

Registrant, Jose Luis Bernal, 4659 Calle Del Palo, Oceanside, CA 92057. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business 4/1/2026 /s/ Jose Luis Bernal with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/28/2026 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9009313 The name of the business: Angels Mobile Auto Detailing, located at 112 Christen Way, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant, Angel Cordova Ramirez, 112 Christen Way, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business 1/1/2016 /s/ Angel Cordova Ramirez with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/24/2026 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9009215 The name of the business: Zamora Remodeling, located at 747 Mission Rd., Fallbrook, CA 92028.

Registrant, Donaciano Zamora Prado, PO Box 234, Fallbrook, CA 92028, Elisabeth Zamora, PO Box 234, Fallbrook, CA 92028. This business is operated by a Married Couple.

First day of business 10/31/2023 /s/ Donaciano Zamora Prado with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/23/2026 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9006616 The name of the business: Zero Engage, located at 1423 N. Broadway Unit C, Escondido, CA 92026.

Registrant, Dana William Taylor, 1423 N. Broadway Unit C, Escondido, CA 92026. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business N/A /s/ Dana William Taylor with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/23/2026 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9009579 The name of the business: Honu Surf Designs, located at 932 La Sombra Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant, Brian Dezember, 932 La Sombra Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business N/A /s/ Brian Dezember with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/29/2026 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28/2026

Advertise Your Legal in The Paper 760 747-7119

FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9005370 The name of the business: Redeemed Roots Landscape And Design, located at 1855 Sycamore Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069.

Registrant, Craig Stephen Schuck Jr., 1855 Sycamore Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business N/A /s/ Craig Stephen Schuck Jr. with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/9/2026 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9009693 The name of the business: Voltedge Power, located at 1719 Redwing St., San Marcos, CA 92078-5134.

Registrant, Iman Joharzadeh, 1719 Redwing St., San Marcos, CA 92078-5134. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business N/A /s/ Iman Joharzadeh with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 4/29/2026 5/14, 5/21, 5/28, 6/4/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9010406 The name of the business: Monique And Roland Weyl People’s Academy Of International Law, located at 3792 Goldfinch St., San Diego, CA 92103. Registrant, Marjorie Faye Cohn, PO Box 3866, San Diego, CA 92163. This business is operated by an Individual.

First day of business 5/4/2026 /s/ Marjorie Faye Cohn with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/8/2026 5/14, 5/21, 5/28, 6/4/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9010247 The name of the business: E-Bike Roadside, located at 1268 Bellingham Dr., Oceanside, CA 92057. Registrant, Brand Name Fame LLC, 1268 Bellingham Dr., Oceanside, CA 92057. This business is operated by a Limited Liability Company.

First day of business N/A /s/ Damien J. Pearson, Managing Member with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/6/2026 5/14, 5/21, 5/28, 6/4/2026 FICTITIOUS Business NAME STATEMENT 2026-9010549 The name of the business: Tryska Construction, located at 930 Martin Dr., Unit B, Escondido, CA 92026.

Registrant, Tryska Construction Inc., 930 Martin Dr., Unit B, Escondido, CA 92026. This business is operated by a Corporation.

First day of business 7/27/2021 /s/ Pavel Tryska, P.T. CEO with Jordan Z. Marks, SD County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 5/11/2026 5/14, 5/21, 5/28, 6/4/2026

The Paper • Page 16 • May 14, 2026