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February/March 2026
When a Routine Repair Turns Risky THE GROWING THREAT OF CONTRACTOR SCAMS AGAINST SENIORS
It starts with an ordinary problem. Someone needs their heating and cooling checked before the weather changes, or needs a broken toilet repaired. They weren’t looking for trouble or a home remodel; they just needed help with something necessary. Next thing you know, the contracting company with official-looking gear and a helpful smile is quoting you, your parent, a loved one, or your grandparent thousands for contracting work you never requested, and may not actually need. Contracting scams often target older adults, usually when they are already dealing with a stressful home issue or are at their most vulnerable. These scams typically employ high- pressure sales and scare tactics to convince seniors to pay for unnecessary repairs or subpar work. Sadly, I’ve seen these fear-based, pushy techniques pay off for scammers because the victim is afraid for their safety if they don’t agree to an unnecessary home repair. These scams targeting seniors are prevalent, but there are laws in place to protect you and your loved ones if you become a victim. There are also major red flags to look out for when someone is trying to sell you work you don’t need. We’ve seen two cases of elder financial abuse recently where this happened. One person needed to have their heating and cooling system checked before winter, but ended up with a complete duct renovation costing $17,000. Another family needed their water
heater replaced. The company took it upon itself to replace all its water lines, along with additional work, and expected more than $100,000 in payment. While many of these companies get away with it, you have rights, and if a contractor violates them, they aren’t entitled to a single dollar. In California, there is a five-day cooling-off period for people 65 and older. It means you have five days after a contract is signed at your home to cancel it, unless the repairs are an emergency. If they start to do any work before that five-day period is over, or fail to provide a written Notice of Right to Cancel, you may be entitled to get your money back. Many people are unaware of this law and often don’t realize they are being overcharged. So, it’s incredibly important to be careful. If someone comes to you or your loved one’s home and wants to do more work than requested, take a closer look. If they begin quoting you high dollar amounts or want you to sign a contract quickly,
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it could mean trouble. They may offer you financing that’s too good to be true and could cause even more problems down the line. Remember, a legitimate contractor will respect your need to review a contract and take the time to make informed decisions about costly repairs. A dishonest one won’t. Protecting your home should never come at the cost of your financial security or peace of mind. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut, ask questions, and reach out to a professional if you need help. I’ve heard about too many situations like this where seniors were taken advantage of. Scammers can quickly turn a simple home repair into a devastating financial loss. I hope spreading awareness of this popular scam will help you recognize the warning signs and protect yourself and your loved ones.
–-Elliott Kanter Published by Newsletter Pro | NewsletterPro.com 1
Law Office of Elliott Kanter, APC | (619) 231-1883
Amid rising housing costs and a trend toward smaller families, many Americans are choosing smaller homes and apartments. When bulky sofas and expansive chandeliers are out of the question, homeowners seek stylish ways to make small rooms feel spacious. Here are four design hacks to transform your small living space into an alluring sanctuary. INVITE LIGHT An abundance of light helps create a living space that feels airy and open. Choosing a white, cream, or light gray decor reflects available light, but any pale pastel hue can achieve a similar effect. Glass, Lucite, or acrylic tabletops lend depth and reflect natural light. And don’t hesitate to play with mirrors. Placing them opposite windows, in an entryway, or on interior doors can amplify natural light coming in. EXPAND UPWARD Architects through the ages have reduced crowding by expanding living and working spaces upward. You can do the same by creating multipurpose floor-to-ceiling bookshelves for your small abode. Tiered DESIGN HACKS THAT MAKE ANY ROOM FEEL LARGER Small Space, Big Style
display shelves draw the eye upward and offer multiple options for storing or displaying books and decorative items. Also, floor-length, wall-to-wall curtains in light colors can create the illusion of high ceilings and make a room feel more spacious. USE FOLDING FURNITURE A clever way to increase potential uses for your living space is to invest in multipurpose furniture. A futon sofa bed can double as a comfy couch. A stylish ottoman can open up into a storage receptacle for magazines or linens. If you enjoy entertaining, consider an extendable drop-leaf dining table with storage shelves tucked inside, or nesting sets of two coffee tables that swivel into one. Additionally, while you may be tempted to push your furniture up against the wall to save space, this actually creates a cramped feeling. Choose pieces that rest on exposed legs rather than flat on the floor, and position furniture at a slight distance from walls. REDUCE CLUTTER Any room feels smaller when strewn with clutter. Take advantage of the many stylish storage options available today to make that mess disappear. Under-bed storage containers serve as sturdy hideaways, and a hanging shoe organizer can store other items, such as cleaning supplies.
Any of these strategies can help make your living space feel larger, easing that cramped feeling and freeing you to enjoy it to the max!
SAN DIEGO HISTORY YOU DIDN’T KNOW EXISTED Step off the Beaten Path
VILLA MONTEZUMA MUSEUM Just outside the downtown area, you can see a classic and unusual example of Victorian- era architecture that the city is still known for. The Villa Montezuma was built in 1887 for a famous musician and author named Jesse Shepard. The mansion, now a museum, features beautiful stained glass windows, gargoyles, and maybe even a few ghosts. It’s an interesting peek into the eccentric artist’s life and work. SUNNY JIM’S SEA CAVE California’s only sea cave accessible by land is where water and history converge. Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave was hand-dug by smugglers during the prohibition era. The tunnel in La Jolla takes visitors down 145 steps from a gift shop, leading to a small cave with a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean coastline. Although it was discovered in the early 1900s, it gained its name later from Frank Baum, the author of “The Wizard of Oz,” who believed the cave’s
San Diego is home to fascinating history, whether it’s the cultural gems in Balboa Park or the Coronado Bridge, a true marvel of engineering. But if you take a step off the beaten path, the city’s lesser-known gems of the past may be even more intriguing. From one of the oldest carousels in America to the stylish Victorian architecture of the Villa Montezuma Museum, these sites from California’s yesteryear are still worth a look. LOOFF CAROUSEL Tucked among the popular shops and restaurants of Seaport Village is a piece of history that spins circles around other ordinary attractions. The Looff Carousel is one of the oldest of its kind in the U.S., first built in 1895 for families in Texas to enjoy. The wooden structure is one of the only surviving pieces by “the father of carousels,” Charles Looff. The ride arrived in San Diego in 2004, and you can ride on one of the 40 colorful animals for just $5.
silhouette resembled the mascot of a popular British cereal of the same name.
Beyond the beautiful beaches and world- renowned attractions of San Diego are pieces of history you’ve never heard of before. Whether you are a first-time visitor to the city or a lifelong local, these historic sites off the beaten path are unlike any other.
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Law Office of Elliott Kanter, APC | enkanter.com
Published by Newsletter Pro | NewsletterPro.com
HAVE A LAUGH
During spring break, one of the safest things you can do if you’re out celebrating is to call Uber or Lyft for a ride. Though this is a safe option that can help prevent drunk driving, rideshare accidents can happen. From verifying your driver’s details to sharing your trip with a trusted friend or family member, here’s what you can do to stay protected when you’re ordering a ride on the apps. What Every Passenger Must Know Before Getting In Rideshare Risks
VERIFY DRIVER AND VEHICLE Before setting foot in a rideshare vehicle, verify the driver and car’s details. The make, model, and license plate number should match all
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the information displayed in the app. You should also make sure the driver’s profile picture clearly matches the person behind the wheel. If any of this doesn’t look right, don’t enter the car and cancel the ride. GUARD YOUR INFORMATION Although pleasant chit-chat with your driver and friends is fine during your ride, be cautious not to share anything too personal or revealing. When you share sensitive information, it can lead to serious issues or crimes like identity theft. Stay friendly, but avoid discussing topics that reveal your schedule or financial details. SHARE YOUR TRIP One of the best safety features you can utilize with both Lyft and Uber is sharing the details of your trip with family or friends. This not only ensures a loved one knows you are taking a rideshare somewhere, but it also allows them to track your location in real time and confirm you’ve arrived safely at your destination. It’s even better if you can take a rideshare together with someone you trust. TRUST YOUR GUT If something doesn’t feel right or your driver is making you uneasy, trust your instincts. You can ask the driver to stop in a public area so you can exit in view of other people. You can report your driver to the app if they have violated traffic laws or broken any safety rules. And just like you would buckle up in your own car, make sure you wear your seatbelt as a rideshare passenger.
Only make this dish if you’re ready to add a new favorite to your weekly lineup. It’s that good! Honey Mustard Pork Chops
INGREDIENTS
• •
4 thick, boneless pork chops 3 1/2 tsp garlic and herb seasoning, divided
• • • •
1 tbsp avocado oil
1/4 cup stone-ground mustard
1/4 cup fresh honey
•
1 tsp sea salt
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. Pat pork chops dry before seasoning them with salt and 1 1/2 tsp of garlic and herb seasoning. 3. In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat avocado oil over medium heat. 4. Sear pork chops in hot oil for 1–3 minutes on each side. 5. In a medium mixing bowl, combine mustard, honey, and remaining garlic and herb seasoning while the pork cooks. 6. Remove pork chops from skillet. Add honey mustard mixture to the skillet and mix. 7. Place pork chops back in skillet and cover with sauce. 8. Place pan in oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until pork reaches 145 F. 9. Set oven to broil for the final minute to allow the tops to caramelize and enjoy!
If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, contact the Law Office of Elliott Kanter to schedule a free consultation.
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Law Office of Elliott Kanter, APC | (619) 231-1883
Law Office of Elliott Kanter, APC 110 W A St., Ste. 950 San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 231-1883
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
RED FLAGS THAT SIGNAL A HOME REPAIR SCAM
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CLEVER DESIGN TRICKS TO EXPAND YOUR SMALL SPACE
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CAROUSELS, CAVES, AND CASTLES
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HONEY MUSTARD PORK CHOPS
MAKE EVERY UBER TRIP SAFE
TRANSFORMATIVE HABITS THAT KICK-START YOUR DAY
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STOP RUSHING, START WINNING Own Your Morning Before the World Takes Over
herself moving as soon as she wakes up. By forcing herself into action, she avoids getting stuck in hesitation. The key idea is that action creates momentum, and momentum carries you through the day. BUILD EARLY WINS. Robbins also emphasizes small wins in the morning. Making your bed, tidying up, or drinking a glass of water might feel minor, but these small actions give your brain an early sense of accomplishment. Completing even a few simple tasks first thing can make the rest of the day feel more manageable.
your mindset, and start the day with a sense of confidence.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY FIRST. Before checking emails or scrolling on her phone, Robbins focuses on her body. She hydrates, does light exercises, and exposes herself to morning light. These small steps help wake up the body and mind without letting outside distractions take over. Starting the day with this buffer gives you control, rather than letting the world dictate your pace. Robbins’ routine shows that how you begin the day matters. Even adopting one or two habits from her morning routine, like moving immediately after waking or tidying your space, can change the way your day feels. By starting with small, deliberate actions, you set yourself up to approach the day with focus and clarity.
For many of us, the day starts with rushing around, checking our phones, or feeling groggy and unmotivated. But New York Times bestselling author Mel Robbins approaches mornings differently. Her routine goes beyond strict discipline or complicated rituals and, instead, ventures into taking control of her day from the moment she wakes up. Here are four of her best tips to try. START BEFORE YOU’RE READY. One of the biggest lessons from Robbins is that you don’t have to wait to feel motivated. She uses her “5-4-3-2-1” countdown to get
GIVE YOURSELF A MOMENT. A unique part of Robbins’ routine is
acknowledging herself in the mirror. She literally gives herself a high-five, which may feel a little strange at first. The point goes beyond just the gesture. It focuses on taking a moment to recognize yourself, determine
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Law Office of Elliott Kanter, APC | enkanter.com
Published by Newsletter Pro | NewsletterPro.com
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