The Paper 04-08-21

April 08, 2021

Volume 51 - No. 14

By Sam Lowe

Two females – one young, one old – observed immediately that I was a fake, and both made statements to that effect, even in the face of snorts of derision from their male companions.

This created a most difficult situation because I could not defend myself against their accusations without proving them correct. So I remained calm and steadfast while they questioned The Paper - 760.747.7119

website:www.thecommunitypaper.com

email: thepaper@cox.net

my impassive sincerity.

We all met, in a rather odd way, one hot summer day at the Tombstone Bar Exhibit in the Royal London Wax Museum, a delightfully funky institution that once stood on the corner of Fifty-Second Street and Van Buren in east Phoenix. They were tourists. I was a dummy.

Actually, I wasn't just a common, everyday dummy. I was a wax

dummy. Or, more accurately, I was impersonating a wax dummy.

Lest there be some unjustified snickering as this account unfolds, it is imperative that I digress here to emphasize this singular point:

Being a wax dummy is hard work.

During

a

45-minute

guest

Dummy for a Day Continued on Page 2

appearance that day as a bartender in the establishment's saloon tableau, I was forced to remain completely immobile and go without inhaling, exhaling, breathing, blinking, scratching, swallowing, sweating, coughing, sneezing and twitching for as long as five minutes in a row so my true identity as a newspaper columnist seeking something to write about wouldn't be exposed.

Despite that, I don't think I

The Paper

Dummy for a Day Cont. from Page 1

fooled very many people. I admit this even though I at least looked like a wax dummy – proper height, proper build and dressed nattily in a bola tie, striped vest and felt derby. Nobody else in the scene even bore vague resemblance to a good wax dummy.

Instead, they looked like cheap mannequins rescued from the reject pile. Wyatt Earp's hat was several sizes too small, perched atop of his head like a humpbacked devil ray. Doc Holliday's mustache was an inch longer on the left side than on the right and he stared aimlessly into space like a deer in the headlights of a pickup truck adorned with antlers.

The saloon girl, obviously interjected into the scene as a sex symbol, was overweight and crammed into a frilly dress that had been involved with three Kansas tornadoes and a street brawl.

Although shackled with such an inferior supporting cast, I soldiered on and awaited the throngs that would arrive to inspect me and my partners in this faux western representation.

Soon they came and I immediately became aware that they were less than six feet away from

Give Us This Day Our Daily Chuckle This week, a compendium of wit, wisdom and neat stuff you can tell at parties. Enjoy!

Dear friends:

I know you all are very caring people: I am a very sick little boy. My mother is typing this for me, because I can't. She is crying.

Don't cry, Mommy! Mommy is always sad, but she says it's not my fault. I asked her if it was God's fault, but she didn't answer, and only started crying harder, so I don't ask her that anymore.

The reason she is so sad is that I'm so sick. I was born without a body.

It doesn't hurt, except when I go to sleep. The doctors gave me an artificial body. My body is a burlap bag filled with leaves. The doctors said that was the best they could do on account of us havin' no money or insurance. I would like to have a body transplant, but we need more money.

Page 2 • April 08, 2021

me as I pretended to dispense fake liquor from empty bottles.

This was a problem because at that close range, even the slightest movement would be grounds for a refund because wax museum patrons want their dummies to be non-active so they can make snide remarks about their lack of resemblance to the real thing without being subjected to possible withering glances and blistering retorts from the objects of their scorn. Nobody, for example, wants a wax dummy yelling at them and saying that they can't help it if they don't look exactly like Wild Bill Hickock.

And here's something else about wax museum aficionados: Their anti-dummy barbs are always done in loud whispers, like they want to share their disbelief with fellow attendees but don't want the dummies to hear them and react negatively. So they speak in these loud whispers that can easily be heard by anyone standing less than fifty yards away.

The first couple came around the corner after viewing the Cleopatra on the Nile Being Bitten by a Rubber Thing That's Supposed to be a Snake scene and affixed their glances to Wyatt, Doc, the floozie and me.

Mommy doesn't work because she said employers don't hire crying people.

I said, "Don't cry, Mommy," and she hugged my burlap body.

Mommy always gives me hugs, even though she's allergic to burlap, and it chafes her real bad.

I hope you will help me. You can help me if you forward this message.

Dr. Van Nostrand from the clinic said if you forward this message then Bill Gates will team up with AOL and do a survey with NASA. Then the astronauts will collect prayers from school children all over America and take them up to space so that the angels can hear them better. Then they will go to the Pope, and he will take up a collection in church and send the money to the doctors.

The doctors could help me better then. Maybe one day I will be able to play baseball. Or maybe just use my lungs and heart, when the doctors make them.

The doctors said that every time you forward this letter, the astronauts can take another prayer to the angels.

Please help me. Mommy is so sad, and I want a body. I don't want my leaves to rot before I turn 10.

If you don't forward this message, that's OK. Mommy says you're a

One was a little girl; the other was her father. She knew instantly that something wasn't right and she tugged on her dad's sleeve until she got his ear down to her level.

“The bartender's moving,” she said in a loud whisper.

“No, he isn't,” her father snorted. “He can't move. He's a dummy.”

She insisted and finally got her dad to stand still with her so they could check me out in silence. I was like a rock. My last breath, unwillingly confined to my lungs and struggling to escape, pleaded with me to set it free, but I rose to the occasion and for a full minute remained absolutely motionless.

“See, he isn't moving,” the father said. “I told you he's not real.”

The little girl wasn't convinced, but she reluctantly allowed her dad to drag her to the next viewing area. It gave me a mini-second to exhale and ingest another portion of musty wax museum air. But I knew the girl wasn't buying her dad's opinion, so I instantly resumed my frozen stance, much to the dismay of my breathing apparatus. It was a

mean heartless doodyhead who doesn't care about a poor little boy with only a head. What kind of person are you that you can't take five friggin' minutes to forward this to all your friends so that they can feel guilt and shame for the rest of their day, and then maybe help a poor, bodiless nine-year-old boy?

Please help me. This really sucks. I try to be happy but it's hard.

I wish I had a puppy. I wish I could hold a puppy.

Thank You.

Billy 'Smiles' Evans, The boy with just a head.

And a burlap sack for a body.

••••• Even though I'm getting on in years I take great comfort in knowing Evelyn still finds me attractive . . . particularly my Greek God type of body.

Why, almost every time I walk by her she says, "what an ass!"

••••• You know, if you keep a glass of wine in each hand you can’t accidentally touch your face.

You’re welcome.

••••• No woman has ever shot a man while he was washing dishes.

••••• “YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN!” – Factory workers at a cannery.

wise move because as they were leaving my presence, she whirled around for a sneak look, undoubtedly assuming that I'd relax when they left. She did that twice more before heading for the next scene.

Cautiously, I took a gulp of air and a quick swallow, but did not move. I knew she'd come back, and she did. Three more times.

She stuck her head around the entry and looked directly at me, just to make certain. Each time, I was ready. I was solid. I was cast in steel. A suspicious little girl was no match for a breath-sucking wax dummy imitator.

Finally, the game ended. She came back into the room alone, approached the exhibit and leaned over the railing that guarded me and my wax buddies from souvenir hunters. Then she whispered in a real whisper, not one of those phony expulsions used by her elders, “I know you're real because I could see the way the lights reflected off your eyes.”

During the next 40 minutes, nine more groups toured and inspect-

Dummy for a Day Cont. on Page 3

NATIONAL SARCASM SOCIETY

Like we need your support.

••••• U.S. Government To Save Billions

By Cutting Wasteful Senator Program ••••• Fame . . . and, now, Fortune . . .

As you know, I'm about as humble as humble gets.

It's hard enough to remain humble when you're as damned good looking as I am . . . but I have managed over the years to retain that simple, down home, easy going character that so many have come to know and love.

Now, however, I don't know just how I'm going to maintain that humility.

Already I have about six different television stations and network broadcasters outside, setting up their satellite dishes . . . I have every major newspaper and news service from throughout the world, setting up tents, sleeping bags, everything imaginable, all on our front lawn . . awaiting my appearance and a few words describing how I feel about having won the $640 million Mega Jackpot (or whatever they call it. I don't pay much attention to these things).

I've already spoken to Governor

Chuckles Cont. on Page 10

Social Butterfly

The Paper • Page 3 • April 08, 2021

The

first cooking show.

A graduate of two universities with degrees in home economics, Agnes became the first employee in the newly-established Home Service Department of Washburn Crosby, the company that made Gold Medal flour. Today, it is known as General Mills.

Evelyn Madison The Social Butterfly Email Evelyn at:

thesocialbutterfly@cox.net

Discovering the Real "Betty Crocker" - This month is the 100th anniversary of the debut of the fictional cooking icon Betty Crocker who, in true life, was home economist Agnes White of Valley Center.

To mark the event, the Valley Center History Museum is turning the spotlight on a major exhibition and has posted images and information on its web site.

In 1921, Agnes was the first person hired by a flour mill company that had just created the fictitious cooking expert Betty Crocker. She set up the company's first test kitchen, gave the first cooking demonstration, and authored cookbooks. A couple of years later, Agnes became the national voice of Betty Crocker on the NBC nationwide broadcast of "The Betty Crocker Cooking School of the Air, " the country's

Dummy for a Day Cont. from Page 2

ed me and my non-drinking cronies. I suspect that most thought I was an imposter but each had a different method of confirming their suspicion.

Many were children who stood absolutely still, apparently assuming that if they didn't move, I would. I faked most of them out. Others caught me catching a breath and stagewhispered to everyone in their group to watch my stomach move in and out.

For the most part, they just looked, surmised and moved along. But some had rented the tape recorders that gave a running commentary on each scene.

I shared the fake saloon with several other figures and the recorder gave a detailed history of each, down to where they were born, what kind of whiskey they preferred, how many brawls they'd participated in, and whether or not they had captained their high school chess team.

Of course, having paid an additional fee for the rental unit, the would-be historians demanded their money's worth so they refused to leave until they'd

An NBC publicity photo shows Agnes White of Valley Center as Betty Crocker.

In Valley Center, Agnes lived with her husband, engineer William Tizard, in an historic Victorian Gothic home, and cooked until her death in 1979 at age 83. She is buried in Valley Center Cemetery with a grave marker that simply states only her name with no indication of the role she played in culinary history. A survey conducted in 1942 by Fortune magazine, found that Betty Crocker was the second most admired person in the United States (First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was first).

heard it all. Every word. Every stinkin' last word. None exhibited any tenderness toward the red-faced bartender now showing signs of implosion.

Then came The Phoenix Gazette photographer assigned to record this breathless act of deception for the next day's editions, if not for posterity. He arrived at the same time as a bunch of teenage girls, who giggled and moved closer every time he fired his strobe light directly into my face so they could see if I blinked. It was a bit like being subjected to police interrogation during a rock concert or disco dance.

About 40 minutes after this selfimposed ordeal began, the other female fake-finder arrived with her husband. They stopped, gawked, commented in the usual 14-decibel whisper, then almost got into an argument. The woman said she thought the bartender was a real person. Her husband scoffed at the mere idea that anyone would try to pull a stunt like that on an unsuspecting audience that had paid to see real wax dummies, not imitations.

She persisted.

He insisted.

She noted that the bar-

The Valley Center History Museum is open with safety restrictions. For more information on the cooking icon, visit the museum web site at vchistory.org and click Historical Sites. A photo of Agnes Whites' home appears with more data on her life. To visit the museum, advance reservations are required for groups of six or fewer related persons.

Information: email museum@vchistory.org or call (760) 749-2993.

San Marcos Writers' Critique Group Meetings - The San Marcos Writers’ Critique Group used to have weekly meetings at the North County Library. Active for over 20 years, it’s maintained a top-notch protocol that has produced many published authors. Because of the pandemic, a select group now meets on Zoom every Tuesday for 3 hours to critique one another's writings.

We have room for a new member, purpose-driven enough to dedicate time, money and energy to join with us.

Basic requirements: a functional computer with video, audio and internet and a long term commitment to participate every week. We read our piece and listen to the others critique our writing, then do the same for them. This is not an English class, so we expect good grammar and sentence structure. It beats paying big bucks for a development and/or copy editor. If interested, meet our talented crew; see us in action. Let’s get your poem, short story, or Best Seller novel

tender was sweating.

He countered that by pointing out that the hot lights illuminating the scene often caused the wax to melt.

She said if you watched closely, you could see the veins in my temples throbbing while keeping time with the western music piped in to give the scene authenticity.

By this time, the husband was anxious to move on and view the other exhibits, especially the notorious Tarzan of the Apes Surrounded by Real Wax Gorillas and Somebody That's Supposed to Be Jane but Looks More Like the Durango Kid in Drag. So he put an end to the discussion by angrily declaring: “Of course he's a dummy! You can tell because his head's too big for the rest of his body!”

The Author, Sam Lowe

written and published. Contact: rmdellorfano@gmail.com.

North County DAR Chapter Honors Local Veteran; Karolyn Smith Receives American History Award - The Rincon del Diablo Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution honored Army Veteran and author, Karolyn Smith, with the 2020-2021 Women in American History Award. This distinguished national award is presented to powerful American women who have left their mark on history through notable contributions to their community in the areas of education, religion, social, scientific or cultural innovation.

The life altering events of 9/11 inspired Smith to abandon her dream as an Olympic competitor in velodrome cycling to enlist in the U.S. Army. Her 300th combat mission in Iraq as a machine gunner changed her life. A roadside bomb sent her home, disabled with severe spinal injuries and PTSD. After undergoing ground-breaking biotech surgery, Karolyn was inspired to likewise “fix” others, starting with creating a 3-D printed prosthetic for an amputee kitten, Sophia.

Today Sophia serves as the official ambassador to the San Diego Humane Society. Smith is the author of Sophia the Bionic Cat, a true children's book about Sophia and Karolyn's extraordinary jour-

Social Butterfly Cont. on Page 6

Letters to the Editor are always welcome.

Try to keep them to 250 words or less.

Email them to: thepaper@cox.net

Local News

The Paper ESCONDIDO CITY COUNCIL APPOINTS NEXT CITY MANAGER

Last year, current City Manager Jeffrey R. Epp announced his retirement, which launched the search for his replacement. Mr. Epp agreed to continue his tenure while the City Council conducted the nationwide search for a successor. The search concluded, and the Escondido City Council unanimously voted to appoint Sean McGlynn. He has been serving as the City Manager for the City of Santa Rosa for the past six years.

Sean McGlynn, new Escondido City Manager

While making the announcement to the City employee team, Mr. Epp shared, “Sean was described by his references as energetic and intelligent, with a ‘big picture’, inclusive and collaborative leadership style and yet it was noted that he is not afraid to make decisions. I have had the pleasure of getting to know him recently, and will also tell you that he is simply a really nice guy. I am

Man About Town

The Madison household is, it appears, getting a bit of a makeover.

Not so long ago, Evelyn bought a brand new washer and dryer. I recalled at the time the era when one could buy a washer and dryer for, maybe, $400.

Those days, it seems, are gone. $2500.

True, top of the line, computerized, all the bells and whistles . . . but still a pretty penny.

She doesn't like them.

I've told her and, yesterday, her son, Marty, told her . . . "send 'em back."

Marty said, "look, you're gonna have them for 20 years. If you don't like them now, you won't like them then. No sense in keeping something you don't like.

You got them from Sears and they're good about taking merchandise back.

They'll come out and pick 'em up tomorrow." And he's right. (Though I pointed out that while the machines may be here 20 years from now, I'm not sure his mom and I will still be here).

Page 4 •

so thrilled to hand the baton to him as Escondido continues to move forward.”

Mr. McGlynn has served in local government for 18 years. Prior to his leadership at the City of Santa Rosa, he was the Deputy City Manager of El Paso, TX. Mr. McGlynn spent time at the New York Opera as the Associate Director of Education Programs.

He is community-focused and a strong supporter of collaboration and leadership development. Sean led the City of Santa Rosa through the Tubbs Fire response in 2017. He made a documentary film, Last October, recognizing the heroic efforts his team demonstrated during and in response to the wildfires.

In addition, he was named the 2020 City Manager Foundation’s “City Manager of the Year.” Mr. McGlynn holds a BA in History from the University of Pittsburgh and a MA in Theater from UCLA. San Marcos school board trustees face campaign finance investigations

Two San Marcos Unified School District board members face investigations for allegedly failing to report sizable campaign contributions from a local teachers’ union during the 2020 election season.

Sarah Ahmad and Jaime Chamberlain won seats on the school district’s board of trustees last November.

Marty was at the house as he agreed to become our Vice President in charge of plumbing. At least for one day.

He worked all day and removed three old commodes and installed three brand new ones. We now not only have indoor plumbing but it's modern, upto-date, state of the art plumbing. Not computerized. That hasn’t happened yet, I don't think. But three top of the line commodes. We may arrange neighborhood tours, showing all three commodes and, as a bonus, showing our new washer/dryer that we don't like and are gonna send back.

By the time we paid for all three commodes and paid Marty to install them, we had gone through $1000. $1000 for new commodes, $2500 for new washer/dryer combo . . . what's next?

Probably new flooring in the master bedroom, followed by new window and door fixtures . . . the new modern type. By the end of summer we'll be broke, most likely.

It's amazing, watching Marty work.

He's a master craftsman, knows what he's doing, has things organized, all the tools, and he's quick and efficient. I, on the other paw, am the world's worst handyman. I can't even change a lightbulb if it's located at any heigth (arthritic right shoulder won't let me raise my right arm above my shoulder and it's hard to screw anything in, lefthanded). I'd get measurements wrong, cut the merchandise the wrong size, have to make a dozen trips to the hardware store, wouldn't have the tools I need, and the job would simply be botched.

I can scribble all day long and enjoy it . . . but give me the slightest mechanical task and I fall apart.

April 08, 2021

The Fair Political Practices Commission, or FPPC, which administers state campaign finance law, opened investigations into both officials, following complaints filed in November and February.

The PAC made “independent expenditures” of more than $15,000 supporting Chamberlin and more than $13,000 supporting Ahmad during 2020, according to compilation of filings.

PAC may spend money favoring or opposing a candidate, independent of a campaign, without the candidate necessarily becoming liable to report it. For example, a PAC might endorse a candidate or oppose a candidate’s rival in a mass mailer, without the candidate’s permission or knowledge. Such spending is commonplace.

But if the candidate participates, the expenditure no longer counts as independent, and the candidate must report it. For example, a candidate becomes liable if he or she discusses “the content, timing, location, mode, intended audience, distribution, or placement of [a PAC’s campaign-related] communication,” according to an FPPC disclosure manual.

FPPC’s opening of an investigation does not indicate or imply a finding of guilt, but only that sufficient evidence warranted looking into the matter more deeply. Cases with guilty findings may result in fines up to $5,000 per violation or administrative warning letters.

Example: I recently bought a bottle of Blue Listerine mouthwash. Could not open the cap. Gave it to Evelyn and asked her how to open it. Took her three seconds and the cap was off.

(You have to squeeze the cap in order for it to turn and then be removed).

Example: Bought a bottle of liquid antiseptic hand gel. It had a plunger that was supposed to squirt the hand gel into your hands so you could cleanse your hands easily. Could not get the plunger to work. I called evelyn. Three seconds . . . she had the plunger loose and working. Still don't remember exactly how she did it but no matter. Next bottle I'll just hand to her to make it work.

Letters to the Editor The Eiffel Tower in Escondido?

Dear Evelyn and Lyle,

Wow! This is great news! This is a good opportunity to give the Statue of Liberty back to France, since it has outlived its purpose, according to the new leaders we have.

We will now have open borders for anyone that wants to live in America. Since France is giving us the tower we can also give them the statue, We can also pay for shipping and handling.

This should make Biden, Pelosi,

Letters to the Editor Cont. on Page 10

The Pandemic’s Collateral Damage Evelyn and I decided to pop in for lunch at one of our favorite eateries, Sorrento’s, in San Marcos, home of some of the best Italian food you’ll ever find and also home to the diminuitive (about 4’ tall) Rita D’Elia, the owner,). We were greeted by both Rita and her sister, Nancy, but, sadly, we were unable to dine in-room. Reason?

Even though the county had authorized 25% capacity for in-room dining that amounted to only two tables in this small, intimate and delightful restaurant. The economics of staffing and serving only two tables just didn’t work. So only takeout or deliveries were available.

Example: I have this beautiful oil painting that evelyn bought me when we first became a couple. It is highlighted by three floodlights.

Floodlights sometimes burn out.

Guess who changes the floodlights?

Remember about my arthritic shoulder? Evelyn climbs up on my desk, changes the light bulbs with no problem. I, being the thoughtful and caring gentleman that I am, help her down from my desk.

You want someone to write you a story? I'm you're man.

You want someone to fix something mechanical? Evelyn's your . . . um, person.

Thus ends the report of the household activities at the Madison Mansion for today.

•••• Now comes another day. What adventures await? (Aside from my naps, I mean).

Rita D’Elia, owner of Sorrento’s, San Marcos

This is such a shame! Rita and Nancy work long, hard hours to present the best in fine food and service, yet they

Man About Town Cont. on Page 9

The Paper

Page 5 • • April 08, 2021

use his new doorbell. But surprisingly, after only a few tries he was ringing to go in and out. Oh, the power he had!

Max seemed to like his bell, and never scratched at the door again.

FOR WHOM THE DOORBELL TOLLS

By Michele Ivy Davis

Give animals a way to tell you what they want, and they will. One of our dogs would whack his metal dishes across the kitchen floor if the water was gone or he was hungry, ignoring the clatter of the bowls as they banged against the cabinets. He would look up at us expectantly.

“How about some water!” he seemed to say.

Maxwell was the second dog we owned. He looked like someone had thrown the parts of several dogs in a bag, shook it, and put them back together without regard to how they fit. He was the size and had the spots of a Dalmatian, but his stiff, unruly fur stuck out in all directions, giving him a wild, rowdy appearance.

Nobody could tell Max what to do.

He was an original; the poster child for a determinedly independent renegade.

When we bought our old house on the hill, my husband and I saw definite signs that the previous rental tenants had owned several large dogs; there were deep toenail gouges near the bottoms of all of the doors. The dogs had wanted to go in—or out—but no one had listened.

We carefully repaired the doors, but knowing Maxwell, we worried that it wouldn’t take him long to destroy them again. And with the living room located a good distance from the kitchen in the back of the house, we thought we might not hear him if he did scratch on the door to go out.

However, if you give an animal the ability to communicate, he may communicate more than you anticipated. It seemed like Max was constantly wanting to go out…or in… or both. We often got tired of our treks to the back door, and wondered which of us was really being trained by the bell. Sometimes we took our time answering.

“I’m coming,” we’d yell to him as we finished up what we were doing.

Meanwhile the dog would continue to ring.

One day, the back doorbell rang as usual. Max wanted to come in.

“I’m coming,” I called as I picked up scattered toys the living room.

The doorbell rang again.

Then, “ding-ding.”

“I said I’m coming.”

“Ding-ding-DING.”

The back bell continued to chime, more and more impatiently.

I finally dropped the toys I had gathered and marched into the kitchen, muttering and wondering if we had created a monster with our clever bell.

Imagine my chagrin when I opened the door and found a neighbor standing there, Maxwell at her side.

The woman was flustered. Her face reddened as she repeated over and over, "I didn't do it! Really! I didn't do it! The dog rang the bell!" She didn’t seem to believe her own words.

I looked down at Max. His face was innocent, but as he turned away I know I detected a fleeting, satisfied smirk.

“He needs his own doorbell,” my handy-man husband said.

He set to work, designing two wooden foot pads the perfect size for Max’s front paws. The pads were fitted with springs and wired into the doorbell, which normally rang twice for the front door and once for the back door. When pressed, the new wooden pads chimed once, until pressed again.

My husband then painted them and with confidence, attached them at dog height to the rear door frame— one on the inside and one on the outside.

Remembering Maxwell’s past stubbornness, I was prepared for an allout war of wills in teaching him to

Above, Max, with stick.

Below, the author, Michele Ivy Davis an Escondido resident whose stories and articles have appeared in a variety of magazines, anthologies, and newspapers.

PROBLEM SOLVED

BY CHRISTOPHER ELLIOTT

Can I get a refund for my broken NordicTrack?

When the console on Suzanne Kailey's NordicTrack stops working, the company tries to fix it. But it can't. Is a refund in order?

Q: I purchased a NordicTrack elliptical last year. While it was under warranty, the console stopped working. ICON Health & Fitness (NordicTrak's manufacturer) sent a technician to my home twice. They replaced the console. But the problem persisted.

I spent more than eight hours on the phone with ICON trying to get the console fixed. Yesterday, a manager told me it was a software problem they could fix. I had already spoken with the software department and had been told it was clearly not a software issue.

Today, I sent a detailed email to ICON's director of customer service and its vice president regarding the issue. I requested a full refund and stated I would file a complaint with the BBB as a last resort if I could not get a satisfactory resolution.

I would like a full refund of my $2,277, which covers the purchase price plus shipping and setup.

Earlier, I would have been happy with a replacement, but I never want to have to deal with this company again. -- Suzanne Kailey, Welches, Ore.

A: ICON should have fixed your NordicTrack promptly. It looks like it tried, and tried, and wanted to keep trying. But you'd had enough.

Your case raises an interesting question: How long do you give a company to fix something under warranty? How many attempts do you give them before throwing in the towel and asking for a refund?

I think you were plenty patient.

ICON had sent two technicians to replace the console, and it still wasn't working. By the way, it's not clear if ICON would have been obligated to refund the elliptical. <a href="https://www.nordictrack.com /warranty-terms-and-conditions">

Have a look at the warranty. It says the decision to repair or replace is "at ICON’s discretion." In other words, it doesn't have to give you a refund if it doesn't want to.

I think you might have given the managers you contacted a little more time to get back to you. And that was my recommendation for your problem -- give the ICON folks a little more time to respond to your appeal.

Written appeals can work wonders.

I think a brief, polite request would have been effective, minus the threat about contacting the BBB. Threats, and especially legal threats, can send your complaint to the company's legal department, where it languishes until you file a

lawsuit.

By the way, here are the <a href="https://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/icon-healthfitness/">executive contacts at ICON Health & Fitness from my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org.

I should note that you got those contacts from my site, and I'm happy you found the information helpful.

An ICON representative contacted you and offered to replace your NordicTrack elliptical. You accepted the offer.

TRAVEL TROUBLESHOOTER

BY CHRISTOPHER ELLIOTT

Please help me get a $1,443 refund from Pacific Holidays

Pacific Holidays canceled Helene Rosenthal's tour of the Baltic after the COVID-19 outbreak. But months later, the refund it promised hasn't shown up in her account.

Q: In 2019, I booked a tour of the Baltics through Pacific Holidays, a tour operator. Pacific Holidays canceled the trip because of COVID-19 in March 2020. In July, a Pacific Holidays representative promised me a full refund.

I have since developed metastatic breast cancer and can no longer travel. I have contacted Pacific Holidays numerous times, but so far I have not received a refund. I've paid $1,443 for services charged and not received. Please help me and intervene in this dispute. Thank you for your help. -- Helene Rosenthal, Bedford, Mass.

A: I'm so sorry to hear about your health challenges and hope you are on the road to recovery. But your medical issues have nothing to do with this refund. If Pacific Holidays promised a refund, you should receive a refund -- no matter your personal circumstances.

Your situation is a little complicated. According to the correspondence you shared with me, Pacific Holidays postponed your Baltic trip to October, and you accepted the new itinerary. But then when you developed health problems, you asked for a refund. Pacific Holidays granted you a refund in writing.

After three months of silence, you decided to dispute the charges on your credit card. Unfortunately, under the Fair Credit Billing Act, you only have 60 days to dispute a charge, and those 60 days started in September 2019. Banks may make an exception, but yours didn't. And that brought you to my doorstep.

I think you handled this by the book. You kept your correspondence in writing and saved all of your emails. You might have appealed your case to a company

Travel Troubleshooter Cont. on Page 7

The Paper

Page 6

Late Breaking News!

Violence Breaks Out on East Coast!

Military Units Ambushed

by Para-Military Units 72 Killed! Over 200 injured!

Boston – National Guard units seeking to confiscate a cache of recently banned assault weapons were ambushed by elements of a Para-military extremist faction.

Military and law enforcement sources estimate that 72 were killed and more than 200 injured before government forces were compelled to withdraw.

Speaking after the clash, Massachusetts Governor Thomas Gage declared that the extremist faction, which was made up of local citizens, has links to the radical right-wing tax protest movement.

Gage blamed the extremists for recent incidents of vandalism directed against internal revenue offices. The governor, who described the group’s organizers as “criminals,” issued an executive order authorizing the summary arrest of any individual who has interfered with the government’s efforts to secure law and order.

The military raid on the extremist arsenal followed wide-spread refusal by the local citizenry to turn over recently outlawed assault weapons.

Gage issued a ban on military-style assault weapons and ammunition earlier in the week. This decision followed a meeting in early this month between government and military leaders at which the governor authorized the forcible confiscation of illegal arms.

One government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, pointed out that “none of these people would have been killed had the extremists obeyed the law and turned over their weapons voluntarily.”

Government troops initially succeeded in confiscating a large supply of outlawed weapons and ammunition. However, troops attempting to seize arms and ammunition in Lexington met with resistance from heavily-armed extremists who had been tipped off regarding the government’s plans.

During a tense standoff in the Lexington town park, National Guard Colonel Francis Smith, commander of the government operation, ordered the armed group to surrender and return to their homes.

The impasse was broken by a single shot, which was reportedly fired by one of the right-wing extremists.

Eight civilians were killed in the ensuing exchange.

Ironically, the local citizenry blamed government forces rather than the extremists for the civilian

deaths. Before order could be restored, armed citizens from surrounding areas had descended upon the guard units. Colonel Smith, finding his forces over matched by the armed mob, ordered a retreat.

Governor Gage has called upon citizens to support the state/national joint task force in its effort to restore law and order. The governor also demanded the surrender of those responsible for planning and leading the attack against the government troops.

Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, and John Hancock, who have been identified as “ringleaders” of the extremist faction, remain at large.

And this fellow Americans, is how the American Revolution began, April 20, 1775.

On July 4th, 1776 these same "right wing anti-tax extremists" signed the Declaration of Independence, pledging to each other and their countrymen their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor. Many of them lost everything, including their families and their lives over the course of the next few years.

Lest we forget …

Social Butterfly Cont. from Page 3

ney together. A resident of San Diego, Smith was named 2014 California Veteran of the Year for the 71st District.

She is a Homeland Security Cyber Policy expert and a motivational speaker.

The Rincon del Diablo Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is located in north inland San Diego County, California. Our chapter was organized in 1954, and has nearly 200 active members who reside in the adjacent communities of Escondido, Rancho Bernardo, Poway, San Marcos, Ramona, Julian, Temecula, and Valley Center. We participate in many NSDAR projects including the DAR Good Citizens program, support of Native American women in crisis, DAR schools, scholarship programs, local JROTC units, historic preservation, San Diego area libraries, and aiding veterans and active duty military personnel.

Area residents interested in membership may reach the Rincon del Diablo Chapter via Facebook or online at

Social Butterfly Cont. on Page 7

April 08, 2021

EDD: The Crisis Continues

The Employment Development Department (EDD) has been mired in crisis for more than a year now.

The massive backlog in unemployment claim processing hasn’t really budged, millions of daily calls go unanswered, fraud is rampant -estimated at $11 to $31 billion, and appeals can take over three months; the failure list is long.

There’s plenty of blame to go around too. Former Governor Jerrry Brown ignored a 2011 audit that pointed out EDD’s shortcomings, and new directives from the Governor have proven to be inadequate and ineffective. So, what can be done to fix this mess?

I recently met with newly appointed EDD Director Rita Saenz to discuss these issues. Naturally, she is attempting to make needed changes, something that’s always difficult during an ongoing crisis.

She needs help, and for our part, the Legislature is stepping up. I have introduced AB 24, which will ensure that EDD claimants receive decisions about their applications within 30 days. I’ve also joined Senator John Laird (D – Santa Cruz) to co-author SB 390, which requires EDD to prepare and implement comprehensive plans for

increased benefit claims during recessions. Other legislation will establish better oversight and accountability at EDD, along with stringent anti-fraud measures, including requiring EDD to stop posting full social security numbers in mailings to claimants. And benefits would be made available by direct deposit, instead of through insecure debit cards.

Thousands of businesses have shut down, many permanently, and millions of workers are unemployed due to state-mandated closures. The inability of EDD to meet its responsibilities and provide timely unemployment benefits is unconscionable. Legislative fixes work, but even bi-partisan bills take months to pass and more months to be implemented. EDD needs to be fixed now, but only the Governor can take immediate action regarding agencies under his direct authority.

Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron, R-Escondido, represents the 75th Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes the communities of Bonsall, Escondido, Fallbrook, Hidden Meadows, Pala, Palomar Mountain, Pauma Valley, Rainbow, San Marcos, Temecula, Valley Center and Vista.

5th District Supervisor

Jim Desmond

More Progress

We continue to make great progress in our fight against COVID-19. San Diego County expects a strong supply of vaccines to arrive over the next few weeks, which has allowed those 50 and over to become eligible for the vaccine. On April 15, those 16 years of age and over will be eligible to receive the vaccine!

This is great news as we make progress in our fight against COVID-19. We've administered over 1.7 million vaccines to San Diegans and that number continues to climb.

The County of San Diego has also opened up three more COVID-19 vaccination clinics, including one in North County. A new clinic will be administering vaccines from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at the North Inland First United Methodist Church, 341 Kalmia Street in Escondido.

Appointments are required for the clinic which will have the capacity to vaccinate 250 people daily.

I’m also hopeful that over the next couple weeks, we will be in the orange tier, which will allow 25% for indoor gyms/yoga studios, 25% capacity for amusement parks, 33% capacity for outdoor sports & con-

certs, 50% capacity for indoor dining, 50% capacity for houses of worship and 100% capacity for retail.

We are making progress and I know together we will get through this, San Diego!

To contact

North County Office – by appointment only 325 S. Melrose Ave., Suite 5200 Vista, CA 92081 Mon.-Fri., 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Website: www.supervisorjimdesmond.c om Email: Jim.Desmond@sdcounty.ca.g ov

News for the Social Butterfly?

Send your press releases to: thesocialbutterfly@cox.net

The Paper

Travel Troubleshooter Cont. from Page 5

executive. They're pretty easy to find online. All email addresses at Pacific Holidays are firstname@pacificholidaysinc.co m.

A brief, polite appeal to one of them might have fixed this for you.

I contacted Pacific Holidays on your behalf. It refunded your tour minus a $600 cancellation fee.

Why? Since you accepted the rebooked tour and then canceled because of your illness, a cancellation fee would apply. The fee "covers our many hours and many weeks arranging this trip," a Pacific Holidays representative told you.

I reviewed your correspondence with the company, and it looks like Pacific Holidays promised you a refund for your tour -- but not a full refund. That leaves some room for cancellation fees. I've seen this before. When Pacific Holidays initially canceled your tour, you could have asked for a full refund.

But when you accepted the rescheduled tour, the usual terms applied. But a partial refund is much better than none.

Christopher Elliott's latest book is “How To Be The World’s Smartest Traveler” (National Geographic).

Get help by contacting him at http://www.elliott.org/help Christopher Elliott is the chief advocacy officer for Elliott Advocacy.

Email him at chris@elliott.org or get help with any consumer problem by contacting him at http://www.elliott.org/help © 2021 Christopher Elliott.

Social Butterfly Cont. from Page 6

www.rincondeldiablodar.com.

Its members are descended from

Page 7 • • April 08, 2021

hours in communities throughout the world during the past three years. To learn more about the work of today's DAR, visit www.DAR.org or connect with DAR on social media at facebook.com/TodaysDAR, twitter.com/TodaysDAR and youtube.com/TodaysDAR.

9th Annual Lunafest Film Festival and Online Auction - The 9th Annual Virtual LUNAFEST® FILMFESTIVAL and Virtual Online Auction will be hosted by Soroptimist Oceanside Carlsbad.

The film festival will feature seven inspiring and thought-provoking short documentary films by and about women. Proceeds will benefit local women in pursuing their dreams. The schedule is as follows:

April 24th - 2pm - 3:30pm, 7 short documentary films by and about women.

3:30pm – 4pm, Livestream interview with award winning Filmmaker Holly Morris.

She has told, and championed, prowomen stories on the global stage for two decades. She is an internationally known filmmaker, author and presenter. Her works include “Adventure Divas” and “Global Trekker”. Holly’s newest feature film, a high stakes Arctic documentary called “Exposure”, will be released in 2021. https://www.hollymorris.com April 24th 2pm, until April 26th 2pm, 7 short documentary films will be available on demand with ticket purchase. For ticket purchases, visit the website at https://www.sioceansidecarlsbad.co m Online Auction: April 14th, 12 Noon and closes April 26th Midnight.

LUNAFEST is an annual fundraiser for Soroptimist International Oceanside-Carlsbad. SIOC is part of a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. This event has sold out at 200 people every year but now that we have gone Virtual, many more folks will be able to enjoy these thought-provoking and inspiring films produced by women, about women, and raising funds for women in North County.

Soroptimist International is celebrating their 100th Anniversary this October.

(Photo from left to right: Rincon del Diablo DAR Chapter member, Jenn Halter; Women in American History Award recipient, Karolyn Smith; Rincon del Diablo DAR Chapter First Vice Regent, Cindi Maher)

the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world's largest and most active service organizations. DAR members are committed to volunteer service having served more than 12.5 million

What's Up Downtown Oceanside - For information about any of these events, contact MainStreet Oceanside, website www.mainstreetoceanside.com or call

Social Butterfly Cont. on Page 8

Historically Speaking

by Tom Morrow

From Buffalo Hunter to Sheriff to NYC Sports Writer

The nickname “Bat” was given to him by boyhood companions while out on a hunting trip with the name coming from a popular character of the day. “Baptiste Brown,” or “Old Bat,” was a popular hunter and trapper well-known to the mid-1860s generation. It would be a nickname that Bartholemew William Barclay Masterson would make famous in the wild western frontier during the last quarter century of the 1800s.

After he recovered, Masterson returned to Dodge City in July of that same year where he became a lawman along with his friend Wyatt Earp. Appointed an under-sheriff by Ford County Sheriff Charles Bassett, that very same month brother, Ed Masterson became an assistant marshal of Dodge City. Another of his friends during that time was the notorious gambler and gunfighter John “Doc” Holiday, whom Masterson once described in a newspaper column as a “most picturesque character on the western plains.”

Those were the years Dodge City was known as a “wicked little town.”

Cattle drives had replaced the buffalo hunters as longhorn cattle were driven up from Texas along the western branch of the Chisholm Trail to the railroad. For the next 10 years, more than 5 million head were driven on the trail into Dodge City.

By the mid-1880s, Masterson moved on to Denver and established himself as a "sporting man,” which was a popular label for being a gambler. He took an interest in prize-fighting and became a leading authority on the sport attending almost every important match and title fight in the United States from the 1880s until his death in 1921. He became such an authority on prize fighting he refereed a number of important matches.

Masterson was one of the very few who lived during the lawless days of the Old West who wasn’t there to make a name for himself, or to count the notches on his gun. He was said to be “a genuine and honest man” who didn’t have a reputation for violence, but, was loyal to the end defending his friends.

“Bat” Masterson, born Nov. 26, 1853, was a buffalo hunter, U.S. Army scout, lawman, professional gambler, and popular newspaperman known for his exploits in the late 19th and early 20th-centuries. He was one of the most colorful characters of the Old West. During his boyhood years, he became an expert in the use of firearms and accompanied expeditions that went out to hunt buffalo. In the Fall of 1871, 18-year-old Bat headed west with his 19-year-old brother Ed. They camped with other buffalo hunters working along the Salt Fork River in the present-day Kansas counties of Comanche and Barber. During visits to other buffalo hunting camps, the Masterson brothers met a number of men who also would become legends in western history. This group included: Wyatt Earp, Billy Dixon, Tom Nixon, and “Prairie Dog” Dave Morrow, who as far as research has gone, is not clinging onto any branch of this author’s family tree.

Masterson was born to a workingclass Irish family in Quebec, Canada, but he moved to the western frontier as a young man and quickly distinguished himself. He earned fame as a gunfighter and sheriff in Dodge City, Kansas during which time he was involved in several notable shootouts On Jan. 24, 1877, Masterson became embroiled in an argument with Army Cavalry Sgt Melvin A. King over a game of poker and a dance hall beauty named Mollie Brennan. The argument quickly led to gunplay and King was left dead. Before falling, King got off a shot that passed through the woman’s body, killing her, and hitting Masterson in the pelvis. The injury caused Masterson to walk with a limp for the rest of his life.

Bat Masterson inn his later years, in New York City

In 1902, Masterson moved to New York City and spent the rest of his life there as a reporter and columnist for the The Morning Telegraph. His column covered boxing and other sports, and it frequently gave his editorial opinions on crime, war, politics, as well as other topics such as his experience in the Old West. During Masterson’s years in New York City he became a close friend of President Theodore Roosevelt and was one of his so-called "White House Gunfighters" who received federal appointments from the president along with other frontier lawmen Pat Garrett and Ben Daniels.

By the time of his death on Oct. 25, 1921, Masterson was known throughout the nation as a leading sportswriter and celebrity. He is remembered today for his connection to many of the Old West's most iconic people, places, and events, and his life and likeness are frequently depicted in American folk culture, including a popular television series during the 1950s, starring actor Gene Barry.

The Paper

Social Butterfly Cont. from Page 7 760.754.4512.

Oceanside Museum of Art Reopens to the Public, ThursdaysSundays, Oceanside: OMA welcomes you back inside the museum galleries!

They have newlyinstalled exhibitions ready to be seen in person from noon to 5 p.m.

Thursdays through Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. OMA members have access to exhibitions one hour earlier than visitors.

Timed tickets are required for all and must be reserved in advance.

COVID-19 protocols including masks will be in place.

Spring Into Reading Challenge for Youth, Through April 30, Oceanside: Youth ages 0-18 are encouraged to join the Oceanside Public Library's spring reading event. Kids and teens can earn a prize bag with books and a craft activity as well as complete fun optional activities relating to Earth Month. All participants who are registered are automatically entered in a weekly prize drawing for a gift card.

Earth Month: Mayor's Challenge for Sustainability, Through April 30, Oceanside: Mayor Esther Sanchez is challenging the Oceanside community to take the pledge to be more sustainable. It takes only 60 seconds to pledge plus you’ll be eligible to win excit-

Page 8 • • April 08, 2021

ing prizes, including a daily raffle where you could win money towards your utility bill!

Additionally, by completing sustainable activities in your home and neighborhood, you can earn the City points in the Wyland National Mayor's Challenge.

Earth Month: "One Planet. Take Action." Kits, Through April 30, Oceanside: The Green Oceanside team is here to help you take action and earn points in your community with their Green Oceanside “One Planet. Take Action.” kit! Kits are available for free for Oceanside families (one per household, while supplies last) and are offered in both English and Spanish. Each kit contains activity cards and tools to help you take action for the planet.

Chocolate, Cigars & Wine Pairing, April 10, Beach House Winery: Next Saturday from noon to 4 p.m., enjoy five artisan chocolates by So Rich Chocolates, custom-made to pair with five delicious wines while experiencing a premier Southern Draw Cigar. Tickets are $25 for chocolate and wine only, or $42 for chocolate, cigar and wine.

Prepayment is required by April 9.

This event has limited seating and will practice current COVID-19 protocols.

Ocean Friendly To-Go, Ongoing, Oceanside: Ordering takeout and protecting our ocean should not be mutually exclusive. Surfrider Foundation of San Diego offers a new and free program for local

restaurants, customers and our ocean to help build a movement for zero waste takeout. Visit their website to learn the measurable impacts of the program and find local participating restaurants.

April Alliance Meetings - The Alliance for Regional Solutions April meetings coming up include North County Works Meeting, April 13th, from 9am-10:30am; North County Food Policy Council Meeting, April 21st, 9am-10:30am; and Bridge to Housing Committee Meeting, April 29th, 9am-10am.

Rental Assistance Program Information: The County’s 2021 Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) helps eligible households in qualifying areas who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provides payment assistance for renters who need help with rent and utilities.

City of Encinitas Proposal: The City of Encinitas is soliciting proposals from qualified service providers to provide a full-time case worker who will utilize a traumainformed approach to outreach to unsheltered homeless in the City of Encinitas, assessing each individual and/or family's circumstances through case management services.

The goal is to serve families, seniors, and other vulnerable homeless populations with an identified housing plan.

Hiring - Contact us to see a list of their open positions. Alliance for Regional Solutions, www.regionalsolutions.net. 550 W Washington Ave, Escondido, CA 92025.

San Marcos Chamber April Events - The Chamber is located at 251 North City Drive #128, San Marcos, CA 92078.

Sunday, April 11, 2021; 10am 4pm, San Marcos Artisan Market, "Spring Fling" - Shop this special edition Market to discover new items from featured artisans, crafters, specialty packaged food items, natural bath and beauty products, custom home decor, spring gifts, and decorations. 251 North City Drive, San Marcos, off Twin Oaks Valley Road.

Coffee Connections, Wednesday, April 21st, 8am-9am.

Coffee Connections gives businesses the chance to expand, strengthen and build stronger business relationships in the City of San Marcos.

Chamber Happy Hour Mixer, On Thursday, April 22nd, 5pm--6pm, via Zoom. Together with the Encinitas Chamber and Solana Beach Chamber, we'll be taking a behind the scenes tour of Dos Desperados Brewery while enjoying a custom beer tasting variety pack (with paid registration).

Federal Stimulus Package Updates;

Community Resource Center is

Over 35 years o of experience serving servving the community communitty

Social Butterfly Cont. on Page 9

Se Habla Español

SPRING INTO

THE NEW

2021 YEAR

24 Hour Emergency Dentist

San Ma M rcos Dent C enter Dental

Caldl ay!

To

MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED AC Ɣ ),1$1&,$/ 3/$16 $9$,/$%/(

(760) 734-43 311

162 S. Rancho ho Santa Fe Rd., San Marco os, CA 92078

NO INSURANCE NO PROBLEM M

)8 //< 9$& &,1 $7 (' 6 7$ ) ) NEW P PA ATIENT TIE ENT SPECIAL LS

$89 9

For Cleaning with Re egistered Hygenist & Denta al Exam For new patients only for first time use. No insurance and cash patients only. Restrictions ma ay apply. Must present flyer at the beginning of the appo ointment. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires in 2 weeks.

PREMIUM DENT TAL AL IMPLANT P PACKAGE ACKAGE ed Limit fer f O Time

$ $1995 $54 Starting At

/m monthly

On Approved Cred dit with up to 60 month financing. g.

Includ des Implant Fixture, Custom Implant Abutment, and d Solid Zer Zerconian Crown. New Patient Limited Time e offer. of Restrictions may apply ply. Must present flyer.

ALL C COSMETIC CR ROWNS

$2 200 Off New Patients Only New Cosmetic Crown.

Cr Save $200 on new cosmetic crowns. Restrictions ons may apply. apply Must present flyer at the beginning of the appointment. intment. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer expires in 2 weeks.

* One coupon per customer. For new patients only fo or first time use. No insurance and cash patients only. Restrictions may apply. Must present flyer at the beginning of the he appointment.

C Cannot be combined with any other offfer fe er. Expires in 2 weeks. Call for more dettails.

ONE OF THE E FIRST PRACTICES IN SAN DIEGO TO O OFFER MEDICAL INSURANCE COV VERAGE FOR SOME DENT TAL AL PROCEDURES DURES INCLUDING IMPLANTS. CALL L FOR DET TAILS. AILS.

The Paper

Man About Town Cont. from Page 4

wind up being punished by the draconian imposition of restrictive hours and space that prevent them from even breaking even. It’s heartbreaking to see these and other restaurateurs have to undergo these sometimes insurmountable challenges (60% of restaurants in San Diego County have closed their doors forever due to the pandemic).

I can’t imagine a world without Sorrento’s and the smiling faces of Rita and Nancy, eager to serve their adoring public.

So, if you get the ‘hongries’ - give Sorrento’s a call for some takeout or delivery. They are at 760,727.4091.

Tell them lyle and evelyn sent you.

•••• Another element of ‘collateral damage’ due to the pandemic was that we were unable to have coffee with our old friend, Charlie Mitich, owner of Charlie’s Restaurant in Escondido.

Charlie’s daughter, Suzie, and her husband, Bill, have pretty much taken over the day to day operations of Charlie’s and Charlie has been very safe and cautious in wearing his mask and staying in his office most of the time. That’s unusual for Charlie as he loved to meet and chat with many of his customers.

The Pandemic brought that to a screeching halt.

Page 9 • • April 08, 2021

Speaking of fascinating people (and I just was) . . . I’d be hard pressed to find a more creative and enterprising person than Greg Hurt, one of the world’s most outstanding dentists.

Dr. Hurt has not only been a wonderful client for a number of years but he has become a close personal friend.

He’s not only one of the best dentists I’ve ever known he is always a bright, bubbly, cheerful guy with a smile that just makes you feel good.

That personality is reflected in his staff as well. Always a warm, friendly welcome at the San Marcos Dental Center, 162 S. Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos.

And they know how to have fun!

This Easter for example, they all got together and, in a burst of creative energy, came up with a “feel good” photo that also officially welcomed spring.

(See below, front and back views)

chants are learning how to smile again!

It’s the beginning of a good feeling.

(‘Course the downside is, with the return of cars patronizing the downtown merchants, you may have some problems finding curbside parking. No worries, lots of great parking lots downtown to accommodate you - and it’s a short, pleasant walk to one of your favorite downtown restaurants).

•••• Looking forward to meeting Escondido’s new City Manager, Sean McGlynn, who comes to us by way of Santa Rosa, CA. When I first moved to California from Chicago I came very close to accepting a job offer from KSRO, the Santa Rosa radio station.

Instead, I joined Alan Skuba’s team at KOWN in Escondido. No regrets.

We’ve had a happy life in Escondido but I was so impressed with Santa Rosa. It’s a beautiful city and I still remember how kind Frank McLauren, the KSRO station manager was. Just one more wonderful town in Paradise!

Welcome Sean!

Presenting the Tale of the Easter Bunny Tails at San Marcos Dental Center

Charlies Mitich, owner of Charlie’s Restaurant

It used to be that Evelyn and I would have coffee with Charlie and, invariably she and I would collapse in laughter as Charlie entertained us with his dry, droll, wit and storytelling abilities.

We really missed that . . . and then, and then . . . one day last week, my ex-wife, Mary, and I, stopped in for lunch and lo! There was Charlie! In living color!

He still had his mask on but he came out of his office, into the main dining room, and favored us with a wonderful visit. Just like old times. He looked good and sounded good (though with a some)what muffled voice, thanks to his mask. And his crackling wit was just as solid as ever!

Like you, I’ll be so glad when this damned pandemic is over and we can get back to living a near-normal life!

(For those rare people who are not familiar with Charlie’s Restaurant, it’s located in Escondido at 210 N. Ivy St. You can also call them at 760.738.1545. If you drop in for a visit you just might get to meet Suzie, one of the world’s most beautiful women and even when wearing her mask you can still recognize one of the Seven Wonders of the World. That Bill Meleka . . (Suzie’s hubby), what a lucky guy! (Bill is also a fascinating story. One day I shall tell it to you.).

the Oceanside Morning Farmers Market.

MainStreet Oceanside is partnering with Green Oceanside in celebration of Earth Month. The City of Oceanside and Mayor Esther Sanchez are challenging the community to take action for the planet this April and help Oceanside win the 2021 Mayor’s Challenge for Sustainability.

This national competition, hosted by the Wyland Foundation, encourages mayors across the country to promote sustainable action amongst residents and communities.There are two ways to participate: Take the pledge and take action. Read more about this and other Oceanside Earth Month programs and events below. For updates, follow Oceanside Water and City of Oceanside Water Utilities.

City of Oceanside Mayor's Challenge for Sustainability April 1-30 Residents can earn the City points by taking a 60-second pledge to be more sustainable at mywaterpledge.com and by completing sustainable activities in your home and neighborhood.

Green Oceanside “One Planet. Take Action.” Kits April 1-30 Take action and earn points in your community with the Green Oceanside “One Planet. Take Action.” kit!* Kits are available for free for Oceanside families and are offered in both English and Spanish.

Harvest Oceanside April 17 Residents can mark their calendars for an Oceanside favorite! From 8 a.m. to noon, residents can bring their excess fruit and backyard bounty to the El Corazon Senior Center to feed our community.

And the friendly faces of the San Marcos Dental Center Staff (even when properly and sately clothed and masked)

A couple positive signs, in spite of the pandemic . . .Spring has arrived!

What beautiful weather we’ve been having . . and have you noticed the birds singing as they seek out mates to start new families?

•••• Yesterday, my youngest son, Kenny, pointed out that the orange and lemon trees on the side of our house are filled with blossoms. Fresh fruit again this year! We are only now just finishing up the harvest from last year’s orange trees and they are juicy and tasty!

Another positive sign is taking a drive down Grand Avenue in Escondido and taking notice of all the cars parked at the curbs. Business has returned to downtown Escondido and our mer-

Social Butterfly Cont. from Page 8

PPP2, Self-employed and Tax Topics: PPP New Rules for Sole Proprietors; deadline extended to May 31. The US Small Business Administration updated the PPP rules and extended the recent deadline. Those who file a tax Schedule C can take advantage of the beneficial new rules and still apply.

Take Action During Earth Month in Oceanside! Visit Green Oceanside to learn more about the Mayor's Challenge for Sustainability Thursdays in April at

Virtual Creek to Bay Cleanup April 24 Join thousands of volunteers from 9 a.m. to noon for the County-wide effort to cleanup litter in neighborhoods, which is the largest in San Diego County during Earth Week.

Visit creektobay.org to participate.

$100 for 100 Years Fundraiser Soroptimist International; A global voice for women for one hundred years. This year Soroptimist's all around the globe are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of Soroptimist!

Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland are asking people and companies to each donate $100, one dollar for every year of our

Social Butterfly Cont. on Page 10

The Paper

Letters to the Editor Cont. from Page 4

Schumer, and our laughing vice president, Harris, along with all the Trump haters very satisfied.

I would like to make a small suggestion on the placement of the tower, I think a better location would be at the Daley Ranch, at Dixon lake. The area has a great atmosphere and sharks in Dixon lake.

From that elevation it would be seen all the way to Mexico which would attract more people to come to America from all the Central American countries and beyond.

Wouldn’t that be great? /s/ Angelo Caruso, San Marcos, Ca Hi Lyle,

Problems?

I received a phone call from a person that I have not been in contact with for some time.

He seemed to be extremely upset about the crises at our Southern border, our nations economy, and according to him the ruination of our nation by the current administration.

He stated that it was time to impeach and remove Biden and Harris for knowingly doing all they can to crush our nation and turn the people into mask wearing slaves.

I wonder what your readers thoughts might be regarding his suggestion ? /s/ George L. Beitner Sr. San Marcos

For a great GIFT idea anytime of the year Give a gift subscription to The Paper!

Call 760.747.7119

Page 10 • • April 08, 2021

Chuckles Cont. from Page 2

Newsom. He called to congratulate me and ask if he might float a small loan. (I think he may have been joking). I'm told that President Biden is on the other line, waiting to speak to me. I'll be with him in just a minute or two, after I finish this humble message.

Basically, I just wanted each of you to know that, no matter what, I shall always remain the simple, humble, (though really good lookin') guy you've always known and that I cherish all the good times we've had together.

Social Butterfly Cont. from Page 9

existence. Your donation will go towards our Live Your Dream Education and Training Awards for women. These are cash awards given out each year to qualifying women who are the main source of support for their families, who have overcome obstacles such as teen pregnancy and domestic abuse, are enrolled in college or trade school, and need financial assistance.

Photos must be sent as attachments in either jpg or pdf format; Embedded photos will not be considered.

Have items for The Social Butterfly?

Send your press releases to: thesocialbutterfly@cox.net

What wonderful memories.

I am, however, leaving soon.

Probably for Tahiti.

Maybe Norway. Who knows? I'll probably just hire someone to run the paper for me and I'll 'phone it in' as we media types say.

Looking forward to many hours of fun and relaxation.

And before you ask . . . sorry, I'm not in the banking business. I don't make loans.

Unless, of course, you've got very attractive collateral.

I will remember you always, with great affection.

Your friend and mine, lyle

••••• Just saw a bunny out in our back yard.

Ever notice how a cute tail attracts a lot of attention?

••••• Went to church for the first time in a long time and someone passed me a bowl full of money. I’m gonna start goin’ to church more often!

••••• I never called you stupid. But when I asked you to spell ‘orange’ and you asked if it was the fruit or the color you kinda caught me off guard.

Convention

A man boarded an airplane and took his seat.. As he settled in, he glanced up and saw the most beautiful woman boarding the plane.

He soon realized she was heading straight towards his seat ... As fate would have it; she took the seat right beside his.

Eager to strike up a conversation he blurted out, "Business trip or pleasure?"

She turned, smiled and said, "Business. I'm going to the Annual Nymphomaniacs of America Convention in Boston".

He swallowed hard. Here was the most gorgeous woman he had ever

Chuckles Cont. on Page 11

Pet Parade

One look at Paxton's happy face and you will be in love! Paxton was a great dog in his previous home!

Paxton would do best in a dog savvy home with adults or older children (12+). If you are looking for a fun loving, energetic companion, Paxton may be the right guy for your family! He is available for adoption at San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido Campus at 3500 Burnet Drive. To learn more about making him part of your family, please make an appointment online at sdhumane.org/adopt or call 619-2997012.

Online profile: https://adopt.adopets.com/pet/be7212 ad-3bc5-448b-bbe1-7fd0bb569a90

Pet Parade

Capri is pet of the week at your Rancho Coastal Humane Society. She’s an 8 year old, 55 pound, female, Pit Bull mix.

Capri was rescued from poor conditions in Sonora before being rescued and taken to a shelter for treatment. She was transferred to Rancho Coastal Humane Society through the FOCAS (Friends of County Animal Shelters) program.

She’s happy and friendly.

The $145 adoption fee for Capri includes medical exam, spay, up to date vaccinations, registered microchip, and a one-year license if her new home is in the jurisdiction of San Diego Humane Society’s Department of Animal Services. For information about Adoption by Appointment or to become a Virtual Foster log on to www.SDpets.org or call 760-753-6413.

For Advertising Information or to subscribe, Call (760) 747-7119

The Paper

• Page 11 • April 08, 2021

A Weekly Message from the Mayor of Your Community published in the belief that it is important for elected leaders to communicate with their constituents and that constituents have a means of hearing from their elected leaders.

San Marcos • Mayor Rebecca Jones

Vista • Mayor Judy Ritter

Spring Clean Household Hazardous Waste From Your Home

Spring cleaning is a time to tidy up our homes and yards, dust off the winter cobwebs, collect dust bunnies and remove household hazardous waste (HHW) from your home. HHW includes a variety of materials such as paint, household cleaners, pool chemicals, automotive products and pesticides typically found in your garage or under the sink. HHW items often have labels including: caution, warning, danger, toxic or flammable. These hazardous waste items must be properly disposed of and cannot be thrown away in household trash or poured down the sink.

San Marcos residents can dispose of these items free of charge at the Vista or Poway HHW collection facilities on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Vista HHW Collection Facility is located at 1145 E. Taylor St., Vista, and the Poway HHW Collection Facility is located at 12325 Crosthwaite Cir., Poway. Thank you for your cooperation to properly dispose of these items!

Escondido • Mayor Paul “Mac” McNamara Greetings Escondido,

I hope by now you’ve seen or heard that we hired a new City Manager -Sean McGlynn. It was a unanimous vote by the council. I have high hopes for him, and for what he can do for the city.

I would ask you to take time to look into his resume. I found it a rather unique journey to the City Manager position. But what is most impressive to me is that he had three positions that prepare him for the challenges of this city. That is a rare find, and I suspect that is why my colleagues and I all agreed relatively quickly.

Our outgoing City Manager, Jeff Epp, has left in place a great leadership team at the Department Head level. What that means in practical terms is that the “new guy” can focus more on the vision for the city.

That is often tough to do because of the daily challenges cities’ face.

Sea Change : Seatrec Moves to Vista

Welcome to Seatrec, a new business in our city.

Yi Chao, Founder and CEO, and his team of engineers and scientists relocated to Vista from Los Angeles in hopes of expanding Seatrec’s technology and footprint and taking advantage of the region’s building wave of bluetech companies.

Chao developed a renewable energy solution to power underwater power robots used to measure deep into the ocean for NASA, which motivated him to establish Seatrec. Attracting a company like Seatrec will help position Vista as a bluetech center and the city will further benefit from the ‘Blue Economy,’ including green and blue job creation and critical sustainable solutions for our region and beyond.

News from Pala Casino

The Garth Guy Show – Tribute to Pala Casino just continues to add to Garth Brooks its reputation as a top venue for Saturday, April 17 | 8PM | $10 great entertainment!

General Admission

Just look at some of the great Yachtley Crew – The Titans of Soft Tribute Artists that they have Rock appearing: Friday, April 23 | 8PM | $20 General This Friday Night!

All events will be held at the Yesterday – Tribute to The Beatles Events Center, with reduced capacFriday, April 9 | 8PM | $10 General ity, increased cleaning, and addiAdmission tional safety measures.

Tickets are on sale now, with no service charge, at the Pala Box Office, www.palacasino.com and 1-877-WINPALA (1-877-9467252). Tickets are also available at www.etix.com and 1800-514-3849.

While I have a lot of thank yous for Jeff Epp, I’ll save them for a future article.

Stay informed, Be Kind, Remember your neighbor, and Stay safe!

Semper Fi, Mac Paul P. McNamara Mayor of Escondido pmcnamara@escondido.org

Chuckles Cont. from Page 10

seen sitting next to him, and she was going to a meeting of nymphomaniacs.

Struggling to maintain his composure, he calmly asked, "What's your business role at this convention?"

"Lecturer," she responded. "I use information that I have learned from my personal experiences to debunk some of the popular myths about sexuality."

"Really?" he said. "And what kind of myths are there?"

"Well," she explained, "one popular myth is that African-American men are the most well-endowed of all men, when in fact it is the Native American Indian who is most likely to possess that trait. Another popular myth is that Frenchmen are the best lovers, when actually it is men of Jewish descent who are the best.

I have also discovered that the

lover with absolutely the best stamina is the Southern Redneck."

Suddenly the woman became a little uncomfortable and blushed. "I'm sorry," she said, "I shouldn't really be discussing all of this with you. I don't even know your name."

"Tonto," the man said, "Tonto Goldstein, but my friends call me Bubba."

••••• City Of Chicago To Modernize Outdated Graft Programs ••••• Answering the phone with “Sheriff ’s Department, Fraud Division,” sure has cut down on the telemarketer calls.

••••• 1. My goal for 2021 was to lose 10 pounds. Only have 14 to go.

2. Ate salad for dinner. Mostly croutons & tomatoes. Really just one big round crouton covered with tomato sauce, and cheese. FINE, it was a pizza.... OK, I ate a pizza! Are you happy now?

Elmer Armstrong’s Tribute to The Platters Friday, April 16 | 8PM | $10 General Admission

Pick up

Restaurant Guide Delivery

Escondido

Dominic’s Gourmet Restaurant

760.480.1704 dominicsgourmetrestaurant.com Open 7 days a week for curbside pick-up or delivery via door-dash.

Check our menu, call us. We’ll give great food and service! And now, Dine Outside with Street Side Dining

Escondido Mike’s BBQ

760.746.4444 1356 W Valley Pkwy Escondido, CA mikesbbq.us Check our menu at our website, or just call. We’ll bring the food to your car!

Open T-Thu 11am-7pm,

Fri/Sat from 11am to 8pm

The Paper

Page 12 • April 08, 2021

goods manufacturers are beginning to follow suit. Prices are predicted to rise throughout 2021.

Paul & Nome Van Middlesworth, The Computer Factory

www. thecomputerfactory.net "San Diego's Best Computer Store 2015-2020" Union Tribune readers poll

Will you, your family or your business need another PC this year?

If you anticipate needing to replace or add a computer in your home or business this year, you need to know what’s happening in the computer industry. Smart phones, tablets, desktop and notebook PCs prices are just beginning to show the effect of a worldwide shortage of semiconductor components. Empty shelves, out of stock notices and shipment delays are becoming common in the Big Box retail stores as well as among Internet retailers. With scarcity come price hikes and China, the largest producer of semiconductors, has recently upped pricing by 15-20%. Finished

Many factors contributed to the semiconductor shortfall and pricing pressures, but a brief summary goes like this. Semiconductor fabrication plants take years to plan and build. Because of economic uncertainties, the industry has been reluctant to begin construction on new fabrication facilities in recent years. In 2020 Covid 19 World wide “stay at home” orders spiked demand for computer and communications equipment quickly depleting existing semiconductor inventories. Demand in 2021 continues to exceed semiconductor production causing product rationing and price increases.

In December we purchased components to support our build schedule for high end workstations. Today’s prices for those same components reflect current pricing trends. CPU’s are up 12%, RAM 37% and “gamer” style video cards 200% to 400%. In December we could build a fairly decent gaming or video encoding PC for $1200-$1500. That same PC today will cost $2000 to $2500 and prices are still climbing. For the 90% of users who don’t benefit from special purpose, high function PC components, the price increases have been less dramatic but still significant.

Some Internet E-retailers as well as brick and mortar stores like Wal-Mart and Best Buy are reacting to the short supply and price hikes in PCs by promoting refurbished PCs (refurbs.) The

The Appraiser’s Corner Wedgwood Pottery

By Jeff Figler

Anyone looking for quality pottery will no doubt come across the likes of Wedgwood pottery. Its high quality makes it a much desirable household décor, and very appropriate wedding and special events gifts.

However, it is interesting how Josiah Wedgwood, a Brit, developed the pottery that is known around the world. First, it always helps when you are born into a family that are potters, which is what happened with Josiah. He was a sickly child, which actually provided him additional time to learn the craft.

After entering into a partnership with the prominent English potter at the time, Thomas Whieldon, he married a distant cousin, another Wedgwood.

Wedgwood’s first development in the pottery field was that of Queen’s Ware, which was a creamcolored, lead-glazed earthenware.

This was very durable and mixed flint and white clay. It got its name after Wedgwood had provided a tea service in the material for the wife of King George III, Queen Charlotte. She was so pleased with the tea service that she allowed him

to call it Queen’s Ware, and to call himself the “Potter to Her Majesty.”

That turned out to be Wedgewood’s big break, and soon his name was spread all across Europe.

A few years later he developed a fine black porcelain, and called it Black Basalt. With this stoneware he was able to produce copies of Etruscan pottery from Italy. With this new development, his factory would not keep up with the demand for tableware, medallions, and even candlesticks.

However, it was another development that of Jasper Ware, for which Wedgwood may be most remembered. Jasper Ware has been called the most important invention in the history of ceramics since porcelain was first discovered. Even though Jasper can be almost any color, the most popular ones are pale or dark blue, or white. The new material that was developed by Wedgewood can be used in a great many objects, and often in imitation of the classical Greek styles. The Jasper Ware is still very popular today, two hundred years after it was first introduced.

After all these years, Josiah Wedgwood’s greatest contribution to European ceramics is the pearlware, which is an extremely pale creamware with a bluish tint to its glaze.

retail buyer needs to be alert because there are two types of refurbs, “commercial or enterprise refurbs” and “retail refurbs.” Retail stores don’t distinguish between these two very different “refurbs” so it’s up to the buyer to figure it out. There is a huge difference.

Commercial or “enterprise refurbs” are high quality PCs that come from corporations, governments and schools as part of replacement cycles that typically span at least the three year warranty period. The specifications for “enterprise refurbs” were developed by the professional ITs responsible for maintaining computer networks. These PCs have Windows 10 Pro, high quality components and cost two to three times more than their retail cousins when purchased new.

Retail “refurbs” are cheaply built Windows 10 Home computers sold in Big Box stores and returned for malfunction or customer dissatisfaction.

They are forwarded to a repair center, marked as refurbished and returned.

Retail “refurbs,” are cheap but high risk.

Enterprise “refurb” desk top and notebook PCs are our best selling products. We install brand new solid state drives, reload the Win 10 Professional OS and thoroughly test them. With SSDs, these commercial quality PCs are virtually ‘immortal” with only the fans as moving parts. “Enterprise Refurbs” are better in quality, reliability and performance than new “retail” models and about half the price.

845 W. San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos, CA. 760.744.4315

As collectors know, a Wedgwood piece is highly coveted, and is widely regarded as a real treasure. Of course, some pieces are actually used by collectors, while others are merely displayed. However, suffice it to say that Wedgwood piece is a high quality item, and being so, it is quite costly. Any Wedgwood piece that is auctioned usually results in a competitive bidding war much to the delight of auction houses.

and center with collectors, and with the vast array of diversified pieces available, it would appear that they will be available for years to come.

If you are, or want to be, a Wedgwood collector you should first have an idea of what you want to collect and what your budget will allow. Wedgwood pieces keep their value.

Here are a few auction sales of Wedgwood items. A Wedgwood Rosso Antico Sphinx was auctioned for $3107 in a Heritage auction in 2011. In the same auction, two Wedgwood porcelain bowls sold for $3000 each, and a bust of Leonardo da Vinci went for $2250.

A pair of very rare porcelain medallions of George Washington and Benjamin Franklin sold for over $3200, while an English art pottery bowl went for nearly $4200.

Likewise, a pair of covered English figured earthenware vases fetched over $6500. The pair had Sphinx head covers as well as a band depicting the signs of the Zodiac.

Of course, not every Wedgwood piece costs thousands of dollars.

Take, for example, a Wedgwood English fairyland lustre porcelain bowl. In a 2014 Heritage auction it went for a little over $800.

Whatever your taste may be, it is likely that a piece of fine Wedgwood will suit you.

Wedgwood items have been front

Jeff Figler is a professional certified appraiser. His latest book The Picker’s Pocket Guide to Baseball Memorabilia has been #1 on Amazon. He can be reached at info@jefffigler.com or at 877-472-3087.

SERVICE DIRECTORY The Paper

• Page 13 • April 08, 2021 CABINETS

Cabinets by Archie 760.594.0838

New or Repair, cabinets, drawers, countertops Formica, solid surface, refinish or paint, Senior Discount.

Reface or New. Lic. #445779 Call Now! 760.594.0838

Cleaning Services ANNA’S HOUSECLEANING • Free Estimate • Great References • 20 years Experience Call 760.738.7493

JUNE, THE CLEANING LADY “When all you want is a thoroughly clean house”

Many years experience Excellent Long Term References 760.735.5852

Home Maintenance Improvements

JOHN the GOLD HANDYMAN I am good at Painting, Plumbing, Dry Wall Repairs, Pergo, Carpet and Tile and lots more - 27 years experience.

CALL NOW FOR FREE ESTIMATE 760.738.7493

Home Maintenance Improvements

HOME GENERAL MAINTENANCE REMODELS Bath/Kitchen Designs, Tile Installation, Electrical, Paint, Fences, Concrete. Lic#33509 760.484.1302 760.529.1239

Home Care

FAMILY DAY CARE

Family Day Care openings for ages 0-5 preschool program possibilities for school age spots lic. # 372012584 call: (760) 743-3470

The Paper pretty much sells itself! You have fascinating cover stories, brilliantly illustrated. You have great columns with a broad spectrum of information from Paul Van Middlesworth of the Computer Factory, famed columnist, Tom Morrow, the latest in state-of-the-art dentistry from Dr. Gregory Hurt . . . Weekly Letters from the Mayors of Escondido San Marcos, and Vista . . . weekly observations of local gossip by the area snoop, “The Man About Town,” . . . and, of course, The Social Butterfly.

PLUMBING SERVICE

,W¶V DQ 2QOLQH $XFWLRQ

3UHVHQWHG E\ 7KH .LZDQLV &OXE RI (VFRQGLGR )RXQGDWLRQ %HQHILWWLQJ WKH &KLOGUHQ RI (VFRQGLGR

-RLQ XV $SULO WK WKURXJK WKH WK RQ \RXU FRPSXWHU RU VPDUW SKRQH DW %LGGLQJ2ZO FRP .LZDQLV&OXERI(VFRQGLGR)RX WR VKDUH LQ WKH IXQ 3HUXVH D YDULHW\ RI LWHPV IURP OLYH SODQWV WR ZLQH EDVNHWV WR 3DGUH 7LFNHWV $OO GRQDWHG IXQGV EHQHILW WKH ZRUN RI WKH .LZDQLV &OXE ORFDOO\ LQ (VFRQGLGR 2XU FOXE VXSSRUWV WKH (VFRQGLGR &KLOGUHQ¶V 0XVHXP 6FKRODUVKLSV IRU .H\ &OXE 0HPEHUV IURP (VFRQGLGR DQG 2UDQJH *OHQ +LJK 6FKRROV ,QWHUIDLWK DQG PRUH 7R MRLQ RXU FOXE DQG VHH PRUH RI ZKDW ZH GR YLVLW RXU IDFHERRN SDJH DW .LZDQLV &OXE RI (VFRQGLGR 6HH \RX RQ $SULO WK DW 6HH \RX RQ

KWWS ELGGLQJRZO FRP NLZDQLVFOXERIHVFR

Subscribe to The Paper!

Call 760.747.7119

Dalati Plumbing 24/7 Services

Water heater, piping, fixtures, replacements. Camera inspection & leak locators are available. Sewage and drain unclogging & remodeling.

Licensed & bonded. #1072920.

In business since 1947.

Call 858.248.5820 Very competitive prices

The Mighty Mojo Page The Paper • Page 14 • April 08, 2021

Coins & Loans

760.745.1697 Escondido Coin & Loan, Inc. 241 E. Grand Avenue

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

FENG SHUI READINGS

Birthday reading for health, career, personality and compatibilities.

Align and activate your space to welcome opportunities and prosperity (home/business floor plan required). http://www.northwindfengshui.com,

Lyn’s Cell (760) 224-3186.

Handyman

YOUR COMPLETE HANDYMAN Specializing Electric & Plumbing, Ceiling Fan Special. Home Repairs. Free Estimates.

760.799.5963

Home Care Services 6SULQJ $KHDG ZLWK D

CONCIERGE CARE PLAN IURP

2̆HULQJ &RPSDQLRQ &DUH 3HUVRQDO &DUH &KLOG &DUH 6XUJHU\ 5HFRYHU\ 0HDO 3UHSDUDWLRQ 7UDQVSRUWDWLRQ 3HUVRQDOL]HG 6HUYLFHV (UUDQGV DQG 025(

760.990.4289

Insurance

Legal And Real Esate Services Lawyer Makes House Calls Free Consultation Trusts, Wills, Estate Planning, Very Reasonable Prices

Brian Fieldman, Esq. 20 Years Plus Experience (Waiting too Long is Dangerous to Your Loved ones) 760.807.1932 As a Real Estate Broker we will include a free estate package with any listing.

If you have an item for The Social Butterfly, please email details to: thesocialbutterfly@cox.net

Don Darrock Berkshire Hathaway Homes CA. Properties

Pool Service

Restaurants

http://dondarrock@bhhscalifornia.com 760-807-5131 CAL DRE #02029946 No.1 Brokerage Nationwide

“Perfection is the Start”

J&M’s Family Restaurant

888.769.9144

Where homestyle cooking is just the beginning…

Call TODAY for a FREE Quote!

Visit us online at:

MurrEllsServices.com

Printing

1215 E. Valley Parkway Escondido

760.745.3710

Solar and Roofing

ALOHA PRINTING

Top grade printing of all types, brochures, letterhead, posters banners, business cards.

(760) 471-1006

Only the Bold, the Best, and the Brightest, read The Paper

Editor’s Note: Recently, we received yet another note from a contented reader.

He was in between trips but asked that we relay his thoughts and feelings to you, our reader.

He, too, has been a long time reader and claims the reason is because it makes him a more rounded person. He collects jokes from the Chuckles Column and is a hit at the parties he attends, usually after conquering a village or town . . .

No wonder he is so bold!

&DULQJ)RU1RUWK&RXQW\ FRP Trained • Experienced • Insured • Bonded

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 gives 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 lÉâÜ yÜ|xÇw? XÜ|~ à{x exwA thing.

Letters to the Editor? We love ‘em!

Our Readers do as well!

Send them to: thepaper@coxnet

REAL ESTATE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #2021-9004618 The name of the business: Freebird Beauty Bar, located at 4192 Oceanside Blvd., Oceanside, CA. 92056.

Registrant Information: Carina Maria Cisneros 4225 Calle Del Rio Oceanside, CA. 92057 This business is operated by an individual.

First day of business 3/3/21 /s/ Carina Maria Cisneros Filed with Ernest J. Dronenburg Jr., County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/03/2021 3/25, 4/01, 4/08 & 4/15/21

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #2021-9003334 The name of the business: Park Place Financial Group, located at 11622 El Camino Real Suite 100, San Diego, CA. 92130 Registrant Information: Mortgage Solutions FCS Inc. 2700 Ygnacio Valley Rd. Suite 255 Walnut Creek, CA. 94598 This business is operated by a corporation.

First day of business 1/02/21. /s/ Ramon Walker, President Filed with Ernest J. Dronenburg Jr., County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/03/2021 4/01, 4/08, 4/15 & 4/22/21

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #2021-9005015 The name of the business: Homes by Claudia Encinas; Brand Diversity Creatives, located at 1543 Northcrest Lane, Vista, CA. 92083 Registrant Information: Encinas + Hata Holdings, Inc. 1543 Northcrest Lane Vista, Ca. 92083 This business is operated by a corporation.

First day of business n/a. /s/ Claudia Encinas, President Filed with Ernest J. Dronenburg Jr., County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/15/2021 4/01, 4/08, 4/15 & 4/22/2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

Know What?

You could own this space. It’d be all yours. And over 20,000 readers each week would be able to read about what a nice person you are, and what a nice business you have.

It’d be a nice little investment.

Call us.

We’ll talk.

747.7119

STATEMENT

#2021-9004840

The name of the business: Polluted Video, located at 4164 Cherokee Avenue, Unit E, San Diego, Ca. 92104.

Registrant Information: Eric Michael Colona

4164 Cherokee Avenue, Unit E San Diego, Ca. 92104

This business is operated by an individual.

First day of business n/a. /s/ Eric Michael Colona

Filed with Ernest J. Dronenburg Jr., County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/13/2021 3/25, 4/01, 4/08 & 4/15/21

LEGALS

The Paper • Page 15 • April 08, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #2021-9003261 The name of the business: Coast Sport Cars, Inc., located at 572 Lynwood Dr., Encinitas, Ca. 92024.

Registrant Information: Coast Sports Cars, Inc. 572 Lynwood Dr. Encinitas, CA. 92024 This business is conducted by a corporation.

First day of business 1/01/2010. /s/ Susanna Medak Ahranjani, Secretary/Treasurer Filed with Ernest J. Dronenburg Jr., County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/03/2021 3/18, 3/25, 4/01 and 4/08/2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #2021-9003807 The name of the business: BD3 Woodworks, LLC, located at 1314 Cambridge Ct., San Marcos, CA. 92078.

Registrant Information: BD3Woodworks, LLC 1314 Cambridge Ct. San Marcos, Ca. 92078 This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

First day of business 1/05/2021. /s/ William C. Danic III, Manager Filed with Ernest J. Dronenburg Jr., County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/06/2021 3/18, 3/25, 4/01 and 4/08/2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #2021-9003303 The name of the business:The Rolling Scone, located at 1106 Red Hawk Way, Ssn Marcos, CA. 92078.

Registrant Information: Sascha Alexis Gershfeld 1106 Red Hawk Way San Marcos, CA. 92078 This business is conducted by an individual.

First day of business n/a. /s/ Sascha Alexis Gershfeld Filed with Ernest J. Dronenburg Jr., County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/03/2021 3/18, 3/25, 4/01 and 4/08/2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #2021-9003324 The name of the business: Real Estate Center, Integrity Funding, located at 810 Los Vallecitos Blvd., Ste 209, San Marcos, CA. 92069.

Registrant Information: Zip Code Properties Inc. 810 Los Vallecitos Blvd Ste 209 San Marcos, CA. 92069 This business is conducted by a corporation.

First day of business 1/1/2010. /s/ Marco Bernardino, CEO Filed with Ernest J. Dronenburg Jr., County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 03/03/2021 3/18, 3/25, 4/01 and 4/08/2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #2021-9004595 The name of the business: Estela Party Zumba, locatd at 320 Pomelo Dr. #110, Vista, CA. 92081.

Registrant Information: Estela Morales 320 Pomelo Dr. #110 Vista, Ca. 92081 This business is operated by an indiviudal.

First day of business 1/1/2021 /s/ Estela Morales Filed with Ernest J. Dronenburg Jr., County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/13/2021 3/25, 4/01, 4/08 & 4/15/21 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #2021-9003312 The name of the business: Comstock Bar and Grill, located at 316 W. Mission Ave., Ste 115, Escondido, CA. 92025.

Registrant Information: Delfo, Inc. 316 W. Mission Ave. Ste 115 Escondido, CA. 92025 This business is operated by a corporation.

First day of business 4/08/08. /s/ Norman Fletcher, Pres.

Filed with Ernest J. Dronenburg Jr., County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/03/2021 3/25, 4/01, 4/08 & 4/15/21

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #2021-9004305 The name of the business: Equine Veterinary Holistics; Holistic Veterinary Homecare, located at 6620 Camino Del Ray, Bonsall, Ca. 92003.

Registrant Information: Erica Claire Ancier, DVM 6620 Camino Del Ray Bonsall, CA. 92003 This business is operated by an individual.

First day of business 1/17/2021 /s/ Erica Clair Ancier, DVM Filed with Ernest J. Dronenburg Jr., County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/10//2021 3/25, 4/01, 4/08 & 4/15/21

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #2021-9003154 The name of the business: Ke Loko, located at 427 North Escondido Blvd., Escondido, Ca. 92025.

Registrant Information: Carlos Carrasco Perez 1302 Oak Hill Dr., #237 Escondido, CA. 92027 This business is operated by an individual.

First day of business7/16/16 /s/ Carlos Carrasco Perez Filed with Ernest J. Dronenburg Jr., County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/01//2021 3/25, 4/01, 4/08 & 4/15/21

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #2021-9004926 The name of the business: Abconnect Linen Service, located at 2102 Valley Rd., Oceanside, CA. 92056.

Registrant Information: Cynthia Lucille Fultz 2102 Valley Rd. Oceanside, CA. 92056 This business is operated by an individual.

First day of business 3/08/2021 /s/Cynthia Lucille Fultz Filed with Ernest J. Dronenburg Jr., County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/15/2021 3/25, 4/01, 4/08 & 4/15/21 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #2021-9003786 The name of the business: Accurate Home Inspections, located at 541 Rockledge St., Oceanside, CA. 92054.

Registrant Information: Dustin Carl Black 541 Rockledge St. Oceanside, CA. 92054 This business is conducted by an individual.

First day of business 2/16/21. /s/ Dustin Carl Black, Owner Filed with Ernest J. Dronenburg Jr., County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/06/2021 3/18, 3/25, 4/01 & 4/08.2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #2021-9004051 The name of the business: Trevino Counseling & Wellness, located at 365 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd., Ste 204, San Marcos, CA. 92078.

Registrant Information: Trevino Family Counseling Professional Corporation 365 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road, Suite 204 San Marcos, CA. 92078 This business is operated by a corporation..

First day of business n/a. /s/ Diana Trevino, President Filed with Ernest J. Dronenburg Jr., County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/09/2021 3/25, 4/01, 4/08 & 4/15/21

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #2021-9005024 The name of the business: En Route Leak Detection and Plumbing; En Route Restoration, located at 3234 Mira Mesa Ave., Oceanside, CA. 92056 Registrant Information: Nicolas Roque IV 3234 Mira Mesa Ave. Oceanside, CA. 92056 This business is operated by an individual.

First day of business n/a. /s/ Nicolas Roque IV Filed with Ernest J. Dronenburg Jr., County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/15/2021 3/25, 4/01, 4/08 & 4/15/21

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #2021-9004116 The name of the business: Grande Vista Apartments, located at 941 Postal Way, Vista, CA. 92083.

Registrant Information: George Doan, Trustee of the Doan Family Trust, Tammy RicheyDoan, Trustee of the Doan Family Trust 14150 Rancho Vista Bend San Diego, Ca. 92130 This business is operated by a Trust.

First day of business 4/28/2011 /s/ George Doan, Trustee Filed with Ernest J. Dronenburg Jr., County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/09/2021 3/25, 4/01, 4/08 & 4/15/21

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #2021-9004922 The name of the business: MJL Real Estate Solutions, located at 638 Chesterfield Circle, San Marcos, CA. 92069.

Registrant Information: Mark J. Loscher 638 Chesterfield Circle San Marcos, CA. 92069 This business is operated by an individual.

First day of business n/a. /s/ Mark J. Loscher Filed with Ernest J. Dronenburg Jr., County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/15/2021 4/01, 4/08, 4/15 & 4/22/21 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #2021-9005453

The name of the business: Palomar

Pizzeria, located at 3265 Business Park Dr., Suite A, Vista, Ca. 92081.

Registrant Information: Suberbia, Inc.

1495 Beechtree Rd., San Marcos, Ca. 92078

This business is operated by a corporation.

First day of business 2/1/21. /s/ Zelko Milasanovic

Filed with Ernest J. Dronenburg

Jr., County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/20/2021

4/01, 4/08, 4/15 & 4/22/21

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #2021-9005756 The name of the business: House of Nails, locatd at 7024 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA. 91945 Registrant Information: Trang Huynh 8996 Scorpius Way San Diego, Ca. 92126 This business is operated by a Limited Partnership.

First day of business 3/08/2021 /s/ Trang Huynh Filed with Ernest J. Dronenburg Jr., County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/24/2021 4/8, 4/15, 4/22 & 4/29/2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #2021-9004455 The name of the business:Homes of America. located at 1010 East Bobier Dr. #96, Vista, CA. 92084 Registrant Information: Catherine Marie Thompson 1010 East Bobier Dr., #96 Vista, CA. 92084 This business is operated by an individual.

First day of business n/a. /s/ Catherine Marie Thompson Filed with Ernest J. Dronenburg Jr., County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/11/2021 4/8, 4/15, 4/22 & 4/29/2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #2021-9005355 The name of the business: HAFIDA Handcrafting, HAFIDA Candles, located at 1550 Kings Way, Escondido, Ca. 92027.

Registrant Information: Yousre Elhachimi 1550 Kings Way Escondido, CA. 92027 This business is operated by an individual.

First day of business 2/16/21 /s/ Yoursre Elhachimi Filed with Ernest J. Dronenburg Jr., County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/20/2021 4/8, 4/15, 4/22 & 4/29/2021k

NOTICE OF INTENDED DECISION (Administrative)

The Planning Division Manager of the City of San Marcos has considered the proposed project and does intend to APPROVE the Director’s Permit DP21-0002 on April 19, 2021.

Project No.: DP21-0002 Applicant: Home Builders Institute Request: A Director’s Permit to allow for a 9,697 square-foot construction industry vocational school within an existing industrial building in the Transitional (C&I/MU-3) Zone.

Environmental Determination: In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City of San Marcos did find the project categorically exempt (EX21003) pursuant to Section 15301 Class 1(a) of the California Code of Regulations (CCR), in that this is an existing facility with no expansion.

Location of Property: 1370 San Marcos Blvd., Suite 101, San Marcos, California, 92078, more particularly described as: Parcel B of Parcel Map No. 18591, in the City of San Marcos, County of San Diego, State of California, filed in the Office of the County Recorder of San Diego County, State of California, on December 1, 2000.

Assessor’s Parcel Number: 219-210-38-00.

Further information about this notice can be obtained from Norm Pedersen, Associate Planner, by calling 760-7441050 extension 3236, or via email npedersen@san-marcos.net.

Notice: Any interested person may appeal the decision of the Planning Division Manager to the Planning Commission provided the appeal fee is paid ($20 for residents; $1,155 for non-residents) and a written appeal is submitted to the Planning Division Secretary within ten (10) calendar days of the date of the decision (due no later than 5:30 PM on April 29, 2021. The written appeal should specify the reasons for the appeal and the grounds upon which the appeal is based. The City’s Planning Commission will then consider the filed appeal/s at a later public hearing. The Planning Division can be contacted at 760-744-1050, extension 3233 or Gjackson@san-marcos.net.

The City of San Marcos is committed to making its programs, services and activities accessible to individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodation to participate in any City program, service or activity, please contact the City Clerk’s office at 1 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069, or call 760-744-1050, extension 3145.

Phil Scollick, City Clerk, City of San Marcos.

PD: 04/08/21.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #2021-9004330 The name of the business: Legends BMW Automotive, located at 116 Azalea Dr., Suite E, Vista, CA. 92083.

Registrant Information: Michael Joseph Khayat 1215 Tower Dr. Vista, CA. 92083 This business is operated by an individual.

First day of business n/a. /s/ Michael Joseph Khayat Filed with Ernest J. Dronenburg Jr., County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/31/2021 4/8, 4/15, 4/22 & 4/29/2021k

NOTICE OF INTENDED DECISION (Administrative)

The Planning Division Manager of the City of San Marcos has considered the proposed project and does intend to APPROVE the Director’s Permit DP21-0002 on April 19, 2021.

Project No.: DP21-0002 Applicant: Home Builders Institute Request: A Director’s Permit to allow for a 9,697 squarefoot construction industry vocational school within an existing industrial building in the Transitional (C&I/MU-3) Zone.

Environmental Determination: In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City of San Marcos did find the project categorically exempt (EX21-003) pursuant to Section 15301 Class 1(a) of the California Code of Regulations (CCR), in that this is an existing facility with no expansion.

Location of Property: 1370 San Marcos Blvd., Suite 101, San Marcos, California, 92078, more particularly described as: Parcel B of Parcel Map No. 18591, in the City of San Marcos, County of San Diego, State of California, filed in the Office of the County Recorder of San Diego County, State of California, on December 1, 2000. Assessor’s Parcel Number: 219-210-3800.

Further information about this notice can be obtained from Norm Pedersen, Associate Planner, by calling 760-7441050 extension 3236, or via email npedersen@san-marcos.net.

Notice: Any interested person may appeal the decision of the Planning Division Manager to the Planning Commission provided the appeal fee is paid ($20 for residents; $1,155 for non-residents) and a written appeal is submitted to the Planning Division Secretary within ten (10) calendar days of the date of the decision (due no later than 5:30 PM on April 29, 2021. The written appeal should specify the reasons for the appeal and the grounds upon which the appeal is based. The City’s Planning Commission will then consider the filed appeal/s at a later public hearing. The Planning Division can be contacted at 760-744-1050, extension 3233 or Gjackson@san-marcos.net.

The City of San Marcos is committed to making its programs, services and activities accessible to individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodation to participate in any City program, service or activity, please contact the City Clerk’s office at 1 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069, or call 760-744-1050, extension 3145.

Phil Scollick, City Clerk, City of San Marcos.

PD: 04/08/21.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #2021-9005456 The name of the business: CIG Realty, CIG Mortgage, located at 334 Via Ver Cruz Ste 101, San Marcos, CA. 92078.

Registrant Information: Canaan Investment Group Corp.

334 Via Vera Cruz Ste 101 San Marcos, “a. 92078 This business is operated by a corporation.

First day of business n/a. /s/ Benjie Benas, President Filed with Ernest J. Dronenburg Jr., County Clerk/Recorder of San Diego on 3/20/2021 4/8, 4/15, 4/22 & 4/29/2021k

Baha’i

Baha’is have been described as a kind, gentle people. Would you like to know more? Call anyone listed here from your city/neighborhood.

www.bahai.org Baha’is Believe:

• all humanity was created by one God and is part of one human race • the purpose of life is to know and worship God, to acquire virtues, to promote the oneness of humankind and to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization • work performed in the spirit of service is a form of worship • the soul, created at the moment of conception, is destined

by God to reach the afterlife, where it will continue to progress until it attains the presence of God.

Be a guest of Bahai’s! Learn more about what we believe.

Visit one of our meetings. Call a Baha’i in your city for more information!

Rancho Bernardo -

Chris or Azar Weixelman 1.858.759.8075 Escondido Sandy Coleman, 760-747-0049 San Marcos Gary L. Veale 760.304.6924

Vista Judy Maddox 1.760.598.7240 Celia Taghdiri 1.760.727.6264

Oceanside Dick or Patty Yant 1.619.985.9977 or 1.760.433.4447 News for the Social Butterfly?

Send your press releases to: thesocialbutterfly@cox.net

The Paper

Page 16 • April 08, 2021

Concer e t Series

IN CONCERT Dooors Open 7pm | Showtime 8pm | Events Center

FRI, APRIL 9

The Beat e les Tr i b u t e b y

FRI, APRIL 16

The Platters Tr i b u t e b y

S AT, A P R I L 1 7

FRI, APRIL 30

Garth Brooks

Fra r nk Sinatra

Tr i b u t e b y

Tr i b u t e b y

Yeesterd r ay

Elmer Armstrong

Garth Guy

Sinnatra Big Band

SHOWTIME 8 PM • $10

SHOWTIME 8 PM • $10

SHOWT W IME 8 PM • $10

SHOWTIME 8 PM • $15

S AT, M AY 1

No Doubt Tr i b u t e b y

No Duh

SHOWTIME 8 PM • $10

Dooors Open 5ppm | Showtime 6pm | Events Center

Ɗ Ɗ Ɗ Ɗ

SUNDAY Y,, APRIL 11

SUNDAY D Y,, APRIL 25

LOS RIELEROS DEL NO ORTE

ENIGMA NO ORTENO

SHOWTIME 6 PM • $39

SHOWTIME 6 PM • $39

Pre-placed, sanitized seating foor o safee social distancing.

Ionizers that eliminate allergens and virus including COVID from the air..

Mandator o y masks along with san a itizer stations.

Non-evasive thermal scanners at all entrances.

11154 HW Y 76, PA ALA , CA 92059 | 1 - 877-WIN-PALA palacasino.com Please Gamble Respons bly. Gamb ng Hotline 1 - 800 -522-4700