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August/September 2025
Anyone who knows me knows I’m an avid reader (and listener these days, as I enjoy audiobooks and podcasts). My love of books started with my mom and dad. Growing up, we always had books around the house, and there was only one rule. We could read whatever we wanted; we just had to read. Aug. 9 is National Book Lovers Day, and for me, it’s a reminder of how much literature has shaped who I am. Whether it’s the entertaining history of a sport I love, an empathic look at someone’s life, or something thought-provoking on language or good habits, books have always been a way for me to learn, reflect, and understand the world. As a kid, I gravitated to sports books and still enjoy titles like “The Baseball 100,” which is an incredible journey through the history of America’s favorite pastime and how legendary players rose to fame. When I got older and was in school, we, of course, had a lot of textbooks we were required to get through. Even though reading was a school task, it was something I still wanted to do and explore on my own. I loved learning about history and why things are the way they are with every page I turned. One of my favorite topics to read about is how language develops over time and how languages can die out. If you’re a fan of linguistics like me, one of the best authors on the subject is John McWhorter, a true expert. His stories, such as “The Power of Babel,” “Pronoun Trouble,” “The Story of Human Language,” and many more, illuminate fascinating aspects of human communication while keeping things fun. Books can educate, entertain us, and inspire greater empathy and new habits. Many of the books I love center around real human stories about people who have done incredible things. To this day, every time I prepare chicken, I think of Jeannette Walls’ “The Glass Castle.” Her memoir details her dysfunctional childhood marked by poverty and perseverance. One of the most graphic images in my mind was when she would debone a chicken down to the last little piece of meat; because their family was so hungry, they ate every bit. I still hate to waste any chicken with that in my mind. Just Read Something HOW BOOKS SHAPE US
Books can help us change the way we live and view the world. Another of my favorites is James Clear’s popular “Atomic Habits.” It gives you a step- by-step process for transforming your habits by making small changes that build upon each other over time. It’s a life-changing mindset switch when you realize you can change anything if you just take one step at a time. Anytime you gain knowledge, you also gain meaningful insight into other people’s thoughts. You may not like or agree with other people’s opinions or what they put to paper, but if you can listen, there is at least a grain of truth worth hearing. Hearing all sides and different perspectives is crucial to making better and more informed decisions. As an attorney, I must understand what my clients, the prosecution, and other attorneys are thinking. Maybe books were part of the building blocks of my ability to navigate that all these years later. Books are powerful tools that connect us on a deeper level, get us curious about the world, and inspire us. They feed you and give you valuable insights about how others think and why things are how they are. This month, I encourage you to follow the same rule my parents set for me. Read a book, whichever book you want (or listen to it in audio form). All that matters is that you just read something.
–-Elliott Kanter
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Law Office of Elliott Kanter, APC | (619) 231-1883
HOW TO USE PLANTS AND SCENTS TO REPEL INSECTS Nature vs. Nature
USE NATURAL AROMAS Many bugs have super-sensitive noses, and certain scents repel them. Essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, and lemongrass are natural bug repellents. You can make your own spray by mixing a few drops of any of these scents with water and a carrier oil (like witch hazel or coconut oil), then spritzing it on your skin or clothes. Just make sure you’re cautious with essential oils around pets and kids. SMOKE THEM OUT Burning herbs like sage or rosemary in your campfire or fire pit not only smells amazing but also helps keep mosquitoes and gnats at bay. Bugs hate the smoke from these plants, and it’s an easy, low-effort way to keep them off your picnic table.
There’s nothing quite like summer. Backyard barbecues, evening hikes, and late-night stargazing. All of it is magical — until bugs crash the party. Mosquitoes, gnats, and ticks don’t need an invite, and before you know it, you’re scratching your ankles and swatting at the air. But you don’t have to douse yourself in strong sprays and chemicals to keep them away. Here are five natural ways to repel bugs this summer — no chemicals required. CHOOSE LOOSE CLOTHING Believe it or not, your outfit can make a big difference. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing is less attractive to mosquitoes and helps prevent them from biting through fabric. Covering up exposed skin is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself. It’s specifically helpful to wear long sleeves and pants at dusk and dawn, when bugs are most active.
WATCH YOUR SCENTS Surprisingly, it’s not just about what repels bugs — it’s also about avoiding what attracts them. Fragranced lotions, perfumes, and even certain soaps can lure bugs to you. In summer, it’s smart to go unscented when heading outdoors. KEEP YOUR SPACE CLEAN If you have standing water on your property, it’s a mosquito’s favorite breeding ground. Make sure you dump water from flower pots, birdbaths, or kiddie pools regularly. And if you’re entertaining outside, clean up food scraps and trash — flies and ants will sniff that out fast.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY FUN AROUND SAN DIEGO THIS FALL Cooler Nights, Warmer Vibes
ART AFTER DARK If you love art, the city has plenty to see and won’t drain your bank account. Every second Saturday of the month, galleries in Barrio Logan open their doors for the Barrio Art Crawl. This free, self-guided tour lets you check out exhibits, open studios, outdoor murals, live music, and more, highlighting Chicano art and culture. If cinema is more your style, the city’s free Summer Movies in the Park series runs through November. You can enjoy one of many family-friendly films in the beautiful fall weather at a different park each week.
Fall evenings in San Diego are a wonderful time to get outside with loved ones and enjoy the cooler weather without breaking the bank. From free outdoor movies and farmers markets to scenic sunset spots, there are plenty of affordable and fun ways to make the most of the season here. Whether you’re visiting America’s Finest City or a local looking for a budget-friendly autumn adventure, here are three of the best ways to make the evenings unforgettable and still have money to spare. Let the fall fun begin! SUNSET STROLLS With the cooler nights, one of the best ways to enjoy San Diego’s fall evenings is by taking a scenic stroll through one of the city’s many visually appealing areas. There are beautiful beaches for a seaside walk where you can glimpse a sunset over the Pacific and catch people surfing or enjoying the waves. The Seaport Village has unique restaurants and shops and offers a nice free walk if you just want to take in the sights. Balboa Park is
an excellent option for sightseeing, or you can explore the lush plants of the San Diego Botanical Garden for under $20 a person.
FARMERS MARKET FUN The city has many farmers markets
showcasing the area’s farms and artisans. Though most of these are morning and afternoon events, in the fall, some markets stay open into the evening, making them the perfect place for an inexpensive stroll and a snack. For example, the Ocean Beach Certified Farmers Market is open until 8 p.m. through September and 7 p.m. from October to March.
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Law Office of Elliott Kanter, APC | www.enkanter.com
Published by Newsletter Pro | www.NewsletterPro.com
HAVE A LAUGH
As the school year kicks back into gear this August, classrooms aren’t the only places buzzing with activity. Our roads will also get busier, and if you have a teen driver in your family, they must prioritize safety when they are behind the wheel. As parents, you can play a vital role in keeping responsible driving habits front and center for your children, modeling good behavior, and teaching them about the dangers of distracted driving. Buckle up and use these tips to help your teen build smart road habits that stick from the first bell to the drive home. STEERING WITH CLEAR TERMS Before they head to class, talk to your teen about the risks and responsibilities of driving, and set clear expectations for when they are behind the wheel. If you notice they are engaging in unsafe driving habits, like looking at their phone or getting distracted by passengers, address it so they can correct the behavior. You can set the rules of the car — things like no more than one friend at a time, or that they need to keep things tidy and organized. You can have them sign a parent-teen driving contract that spells everything out. There are several premade contracts online, or you can create your own. BLOCK THE BUZZ Distracted driving is one of the most significant risks for young drivers, especially since they take their smartphones everywhere. Ensure your teen uses do not disturb mode when driving so they don’t receive any texts or calls that can take their attention off the road. If their car does not have GPS built in, make sure they have a phone mount to set up GPS before they are in motion. Some apps will notify you if your teen is engaging in risky behaviors like speeding, and others share their location with you. Your teen can start the school year off on the right foot by making safe driving a daily habit. With your guidance and clear expectations, they can stay focused and confident in the classroom and behind the wheel. Back to School, Back to Safety Steering Teens Toward Smarter Driving Habits
Inspired by ThePioneerWoman.com
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
INGREDIENTS
• • •
1 pt strawberry ice cream 1/4 cup strawberry preserves
•
1 5.25-oz package crispy sugar cookies 1 0.8-oz package freeze-dried strawberries
1 pt vanilla ice cream
•
DIRECTIONS
1. Stir strawberry ice cream in a large bowl until spreadable. Fold in preserves until evenly streaked throughout. 2. Stir vanilla ice cream in a separate large bowl until spreadable. 3. Spoon 1 1/2 tbsp of the strawberry mixture into the bottom of 8 (1/3-cup) popsicle molds. Spoon 1 1/2 tbsp of the vanilla mixture on top of the strawberry mixture into the molds. Repeat, alternating the 2 mixtures, until each mold is full. 4. Place sticks into the popsicles and freeze until solid, 4–6 hours. 5. In a large zip-lock bag, crush sugar cookies with a rolling pin until pieces are rice-size; pour into a shallow dish. 6. Repeat with freeze-dried strawberries and stir the pieces together. 7. Run the ice cream molds under warm water to release popsicles from molds. 8. Coat bars evenly with cookie mixture. 9. Eat immediately or place on a cookie sheet and freeze.
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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
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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PAGE-TURNERS AND LIFE LESSONS
THE NATURAL WAY TO FIGHT OFF SUMMER BUGS (NO HARSH SPRAYS NEEDED!)
AFFORDABLE AUTUMN ADVENTURES AWAIT
STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE ICE CREAM BARS
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CLASS IS IN SESSION, SO IS ROAD SAFETY
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WHY PETS BEAT PAY RAISES
THE $100K REASON TO GET A PET New Study Says Pets Are Worth Plenty
Most pet owners already know their furry friends make life better, but according to a new study, the value might be higher than anyone realized. Some researchers say it’s close to $100,000. Researchers in the U.K. aimed to measure how much happiness dogs and cats bring to people’s lives. Using data from more than 700 people, they found that owning a pet can boost life satisfaction as much as getting married or landing a massive raise. In economic terms, it’s the emotional equivalent of earning nearly $93,000 more per year. To determine whether pets actually improve happiness, rather than the opposite — happy people are more likely to have pets — the team factored in things like age, income, personality traits, and family size. They also used a clever workaround: They asked people whether
they look after their neighbor’s house while they’re away. That behavior is linked to pet ownership but not directly to happiness, which helped researchers isolate the impact of pet ownership. It’s not just a fun fact, either. Experts say findings like this could affect everything from housing laws to public health programs. If pets fight loneliness and lift people’s moods, it might make sense to rethink rules that prevent pet ownership in some apartments and assisted living facilities. While the researchers focused only on cats and dogs, the message came through clearly. Pets matter, maybe even more than we thought. And if you already live with one and know how they benefit your well-being, the science now backs you up. That wagging tail or soft purr might be worth more than you ever guessed.
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Law Office of Elliott Kanter, APC | www.enkanter.com
Published by Newsletter Pro | www.NewsletterPro.com
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