Rodriguez, Superintendent, Pajaro Valley Unified School District Travel Troubleshooter: Can I get a refund for my canceled hotel stay in

FEATURED COLUMNIST Travel Troubleshooter

Can I get a refund for my canceled hotel stay in Mexico?

By Christopher Elliott

Bernadette Cieslak’s spring break trip is washed out by the pandemic. But her allinclusive hotel won’t give her a refund, and her online travel agent is powerless to help. Is her $844 lost forever?

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Q: I booked a week at the Senses Riviera Maya by Artisan in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, for spring break. The pandemic happened and we had to cancel our vacation.

I contacted Expedia and it helped me get a refund for my flights. But the hotel will not issue a refund. An Expedia representative said I should get a refund for the hotel, too. But the hotel will not give me my money back.

Interestingly, my brother had reservations at the same hotel. The hotel refunded him.

I tried to dispute the charges on my credit card, but my bank sided with the hotel. Can you help me get my $844 back? — Bernadette Cieslak, Hamilton, Ohio •••

If the hotel refunded your brother, it should also have refunded you. Actually, it should have refunded anyone who had to cancel because of COVID-19. On the day you were supposed to fly, the State Department issued a “do not travel” advisory, urging Americans to stay home. You did the right thing by canceling. Most hotels offered a no-questions-asked refund after that, but some tried to keep their customers’ money. At a time like that, you can and should lean on your travel agent to help. But even Expedia was having some trouble persuading Senses Riviera Maya by Artisan to return your money.

Why did the hotel refund your brother, but not you? The answer may lie in its current refund policy. It offers the ability to cancel on certain (more expensive) rates but not on all of them. It’s possible that your brother had booked a different rate, which the resort considered refundable. I like your idea of a credit card dispute and am sorry that didn’t work. A credit card dispute is typically the last resort for getting a refund. I’d say you were there. (By the way, I think it’s time for you to find a new credit card. Your bank is definitely not on your side.)

You could have reached out to an executive at Expedia. I publish the names, numbers and email addresses of Expedia’s customer service managers on my consumer advocacy site, https:// www.elliott.org/ company-contacts/ expedia-customerservice-contacts/

The next time you make hotel reservations, I encourage you to pay attention to the cancellation terms. If you think you might have to call off your trip, consider a travel insurance policy that will cover your loss.

I contacted Expedia on your behalf. It reached out to the Senses Riviera Maya by Artisan. But the hotel still refused to return your money. Expedia refunded your $844. n

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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 © 2021 Christopher

Valentine’s Day

ACROSS

1. “You’re the ____!” 5. Horse color 8. Interesting person, acr. 11. *Feeling of the heart 12. Nevada city 13. City in Belgium 15. Use a whisk 16. Greek H’s 17. *Popular Valentine’s

Day delivery, pl. 18. *”Love means never having to say you’re sorry” movie 20. Ballpark calls 21. Strong adhesive 22. Greek letter N, pl. 23. Lord’s subordinate 26. Given to drinking 30. Ovine mom 31. Old storage medium 34. Fairy-tale beginning 35. Politician Pelosi 37. Tokyo, once 38. Bone hollows 39. Sky bear 40. Fitted with a name tag, e.g. 42. “Ever” to a poet 43. With more seeds 45. Attic 47. Summer sandwich? 48. Fraternity letter 50. Medieval headdress 52. *Only day more popular than

Valentine’s for card giving 56. Like blue sky 57. Walk the Pacific Crest

Trail, e.g. 58. Samoan money 59. *Dionysus’ pipeplaying companion 60. Affirm 61. Give off 62. Plays for pay 63. *Color of Valentine’s

Day 64. *Lovers’ reunion

DOWN

1. Cry like a baby 2. Canyon sound 3. Convict’s weapon 4. Conical dwellings 5. Get on juice diet, e.g. 6. Opposite of binary 7. Like a gossipmonger 8. Exterminator’s target 9. Change for a five 10. Part of T.G.I.F. 12. Like an abridged classic 13. Tiler’s paste 14. *”I Will Always Love

You” singer 19. Stupefied 22. Us, in Mexico 23. *Cupid’s mother 24. In the know 25. Common thing? 26. Smoke plus fog 27. Lay to rest 28. Rocks at mountain base 29. *Symbol of

Valentine’s Day 32. Infantry’s last row 33. Roulette bet 36. *Chocolatier, pioneer of the heart-shaped box 38. ____ apple 40. Risk something 41. Between eggy and eggiest 44. Feeling worse than before 46. Gave away 48. Thin piece 49. Annoyed 50. Russia’s alternative to caesar 51. Aries or Taurus, e.g. 52. Burn to a crisp 53. MADD member, colloquially 54. Climbed down, as from a carriage 55. Fill beyond full 56. Pharaoh’s cobra

Disciples, Adepts and the New Group of World Servers (NGWS) all know the secrets and cycles, timing and movements of planets and stars. This is the Royal Path of Yoga which offers us explanations and knowledge about our life experiences. The study of the Science and Art of Astrology makes it possible for us to experience the twelve Sun Signs (lights), the planets, stars and the lunar constellations reflected in our bodies, encountering the whole universe within ourselves.

One major planetary cycle or movement is that of Mercury, which, three to four times a year, retrogrades (appears to move backward from our Earth perspective). Retrogrades offer humanity a time to reflect upon the last months and year, attend to things unfinished or not understood, and a time to eliminate what is no longer useful in preparation for the new information to be received in the upcoming months.

This year, Mercury will retrograde in air signs — Aquarius, Gemini and Libra. Air signs are related to communication, the development of ideas and plans, interactions with and among people and the kingdoms. This first Mercury retrograde begins Saturday, January 30 and ends February 20 (26 back to 11 degrees) in the sign of Aquarius, this month and the new Age. As our Sun enters the field of Aquarius, we are moving from darkness to light, thus the great battle occurring between the two forces (dark & light.

The last time Mercury retrograded in Aquarius was February 2020. What occurred at that time for each of us? We know it was before the Covid virus was released upon humanity. We will return during the next three months to pre-Covid times, attempt to pick up the pieces that were lost and fell to the wayside. And endeavor to recreate and restructure our lives into a semblance of regularity and beauty once again.

When Mercury is retrograde it acts like Virgo, sign of detail, order and organization. Mercury retrogrades are helpful, supportive, beneficial to our growth and well-being. They are also, especially in Aquarius, experimental times. We learn what was left out this past year, we learn to incorporate what is needed for our wholeness and well-being. Mercury retrograde times are both magical and mysterious. So, returning to last year’s tasks, bringing them up to date ...

ARIES

As you recognize the vital and initiating work you will bring forth, it’s time to learn how to participate in groups with both intelligent and heart-felt alignment. You are to construct part of the new world, culture and civilization. Is this in your awareness? Are you conscious of what this takes and the needs of humanity? You’re called to awaken again, to plan and lead boldly, take risks and see into the future, working with both heart and mind. Initiators will be summoned. Prepare.

TAURUS

The architecture of your participation in life is changing. Previously you dreamed big dreams, pondered upon many realities, not concerned with what took shape. Now you’re competently leading and facilitating groups, preparing the components of the new world era. Taurus has an illumined and enlightened mind, able to see humanity’s future needs. You are aware that, in the breakdown phase, seeds of the new must be sowed. You’re to gather the seeds, put up the greenhouse while synthesizing all realities so others can participate.

GEMINI

Many forces are at work in your life. As a Gemini you always attempt to resolve polarities — higher with lower, Soul with personality. This is a vital and difficult task accomplished by, 1) the proper cultivation of the mind principle (which soothes the emotions), and 2) the right course of study that dissipates all illusions, distortions and maya. Later, on the Path of Ascent, Aquarius calls you to develop all seven levels of your mind. Begin now. Can you define the Soul yet?

LEO

You’ve entered a time where relationships are vitally important yet at times you feel disconnected to anything or anyone. You’re in a place of balancing and choosing, an interlude state. Your inner reality concerning relationships and how you function in them is being modified so that you can display Right Relations while still expressing your unique creativity. Hold opposing forces in balance. A greater awareness emerges. Your love then flows once more. Love is your gift.

VIRGO

Very new revelations stream into your mind concerning how to structure daily life. How we function within our daily life prepares us to function within the new dimensions and structures slowly emerging in our new world. Have dedication and devotion to detail, write down all ideas impressed upon your mind. Be aware if weariness occurs. You then must rest which soothes, calms and changes your perspective.

LIBRA

Although, under the veil of Libra’s charm, you’re a strong and powerful force, a greater level of Love/Wisdom must begin to express itself through you. You can do this with intention. It begins with gratitude for everyone and everything (small and great) offered to you. Follow this up with these words, “Love expresses itself through me always and Wisdom follows.” Then your life and relationships proceed with protective healing care.

SAGITTARIUS

You should have a very good year, especially if you blend two realities – your personality and Soul. This produces harmony for a time. Then Divine Will enters harmonizing all levels of self. This may not be easy. Will is a fire. I see that your career will rise and make a big splash! In all of this up and downness, never be thoughtless. If you are, you’ll lose much. Remember as you go about life that “wisdom is knowledge gained through experience and implemented by love.” Ponder upon these thoughts.

CAPRICORN

Whatever it is you hope for, radiate it with Love from your heart (like pink spun sugar) and ajna (third eye, diamond) center. These are where love streams forth. Then new life will take root all around you, expressing itself as harmony, beauty and peace (a process). Your love eases disharmony and conflict when it abruptly arises. You do remember that Harmony comes after conflict and chaos, yes? It’s how humanity learns. As you send love forth, the higher level of harmony is released and comes forth.

AQUARIUS

This year you have great energy and potential, needed as new ways of living and sources of income are sought. You may also want to control impatience. Be aware when you are irritated or intolerant. You could end up being a bit thoughtless toward others. Remember to be courageous and kind, show sympathy to those who have less than you. A new self-identity continues to emerge. Be sure it includes goodness, generosity and love. We experience what we give.

CANCER

Always we feel some form of conflict. Know both conflict and chaos are useful. They provide us with the ability to observe tensions and to express needs, fears and trigger points. For some there is a great battle going on between the Soul and personality. The Soul calls us to Right Action and Right Service. Often so many don’t know what these words mean. Ask the Soul. We are in a great state of reorientation with new information released into your mind. Asking, we always receive.

SCORPIO

You will begin to have solitary times thinking things great and small. Create an environment that nurtures you at all levels of care – the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of yourself. Be in touch and talk with each of the kingdoms – Soul, human, animal, plant and mineral. Love combined with your great intelligence will form a foundation for the new life emerging. It begins where you live. Later you’ll be asked to teach these actions to others.

PISCES

You have begun the arduous task of understanding your feelings, thoughts, aspirations, actions and vulnerabilities. Much of your life has been treading the pathway of service and sacrifice, which you know well. A new beneficent cycle has begun, expanding your courage and strength of character. This may not be acceptable to some. Maintain privacy, walk away from disharmony, don’t believe criticism. A triangle of stars protects you and your work in the world. “PVUSD” from page 24

I witnessed as I came home for lunch. My daughter’s class is being yelled at, and

I mean yell at the top of his lungs to his class. This is verbal abuse! My daughter is here to learn and to be taught. If there is a student/students not listening, this should be brought up to that individual/Individuals, and parent conference. This is uncalled for. I get it, everyone is probably on edge. But my child is a child. This teacher is an adult. Do you have any training for these teachers to help them cope with stress or whatever they are dealing with their own issues at home?

Please know that we take all incidents seriously and this behavior is not the norm. We want to know about all incidents. We ask that when incidents occur that people communicate directly with site administrators for intervention.

This is a stressful time for all and we encourage any stakeholder whether they are a staff member, student or family member to request any needed additional resources through either Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance or the socioemotional counselor at your site.

When trying to enter into the weekly engagement log why don’t I see any codes when I open up Daily Participation?

If you don’t see any of the numerical codes when looking at the Daily Participation, it is most likely because you have reduced the size of your window or are zoomed in.

To fix this, maximize your window and make sure that your zoom is set to 100% or less. A quick tutorial on how to do this can be found here. If these suggestions do not resolve the issue, please call the Tech Support line at 786-TECH.

What do I do when my power goes out or

I lose connection to the internet? What should I be working on?

If you are unable to connect to your Google classroom due to a power outage or loss of internet, you should contact your school by phone if possible and let them know. With the current weather, we do recommend that you keep your computer fully charged and set up offline mode as you may have WiFi but not have electricity depending on your WiFi connection.

Below is the link to the section of the tutorials for students’ page that has how-to videos in Spanish and English showing how to set up offline mode and how to set the weekly planner and any other documents to be accessible offline.

https://sites.google.com/pvusd.net/ learnfromhomeresources/tutorials-forstudents?authuser=0#h.jac8r0mc7ght (tinyurl.com/PVUSD-offline-study)

Students will need to do this first while online, then they will have access in the event of a power or Internet outage. Once the weekly planner or any document is set to be available offline, the latest version will always be accessible.

That way, if a student does not have the ability to log in to Google Meet, they should complete any activities off of the weekly planner that they are able to. n