The Farsider
Oct. 1, 2015
Bill Mattos, Editor and Publisher <bilmat@comcast.net>
Leroy Pyle, Webmaster <leroypyle@sjpba.net>
The Farsider is an independent publication that is not affiliated with the San Jose Police Benevolent
Assn. The SJPBA has allowed the Farsider to be included on its website solely for the convenience
of the retired San Jose Police community. The content of this newsletter does not represent or reflect
the views of the San Jose Police Benevolent Association's Board of Directors or its membership.
DAVE BRIDGEN UPDATE
Thursday, Oct. 1st
Dave had a pretty good week overall. A good friend who saw him yesterday said that he
seems to be doing a little better every day. A professional caregiver will be coming in
on Monday thru Friday mornings starting today (Oct. 1) to help Dave with his personal
needs and with his physical therapy exercises.
He developed a rash last week covering his lower abdomen and back that resulted in a
doctor prescribing some ointment, but because it hadn’t fully healed he will be going
back today for a follow-up.
Visits are still appreciated. Dave loves talking to his friends from the PD and his eyes
always light up when someone comes by.
On behalf of Dave and Betty Ruth, thanks so much to one and all for the support he has
received.
Gary Johnson <gj1901@comcast.net>
ABOUT CLARENCE
If there was going to be a local funeral/memorial service — which there won't be — I
would have been proud to speak a few kind words about Clarence. We were friends for
nearly 60 years. A few highlights that can be told in mixed company include the
following:
Clarence was a collector of military "memorabilia." At one time his collection included a
2 1/2 ton military truck (deuce and a half); a half-track capable of mounting quad .50
cal machine guns or quad .20 or .40 mm anti aircraft guns; and a "Peep" (amphibious
jeep).
Currently, his collection consisted of a WW II Army jeep and an Army command sedan
said to have been General MacArthur's car in Hawaii. Clarence kept all of this military
hardware at his house off of Fruitdale Ave. at the time, just a few blocks from the
assisted care facility where he passed away.
During his 22-year career at the PD, Clarence and his best friend, Dave Pollock, now a
retired/deceased PD Lieutenant, marched to "different drummers." Once when
assigned to the Paddy Wagon in the late '50s, Clarence approached William Street Park
from the hill on S. 16th St. with his lights out. He then activated his outside speaker
and rather solemnly announced to the multitude of college kids who were "making out"
in their cars, "This is God...aren't you ashamed of yourselves." Suddenly there was the
roar of engines starting followed by headlights coming on and a quick exodus from the
park along 16th St. (It should be noted that this was before Lumpy Lundberg moved
into the neighborhood and brought "police blight" to the area.)
In Korea, Clarence was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division. Later in life I discovered
that my 17th Infantry was next to Clarence's. Attached to Clarence's outfit was an
Ethiopian Battalion, and he had learned to speak the language. Later during Clarence's
police career, he stopped a speeder on S. Market St. near Reed. This was when San
Jose Ford was located at Market & Auzerais, and new car sales personnel would let
customers take new cars on a test drive on S. Market and S. 1st. The speeder was a San
Jose State student of Ethiopian descent. While Clarence was writing the citation, the
offender muttered in his native language that Clarence "was the son of an
uncircumcised pig." Without missing a beat, Clarence replied in the offenders native
tongue "I s- -t in your grandfather's wine cup!" (This was said to be among the most
felonious comments one could make to another in Ethiopian.) Clarence's immediate
reply caused the speeder to go ballistic, and he had to be physically restrained by his
companion and the car salesman.
There are numerous other stories in the "jungle about the late sergeant." Clarence was
one of a kind, and he was a great guy with a "heart of gold."
Rest in peace buddy...
Bob Moir <robillard1045@gmail.com>
FORMER OFFICER MICHAEL SCHNEICKERT
This is an addendum to the Mail Call item in the Aug. 13th Farsider
<http://www.sjpba.net/Farsider/081315.htm> about the passing of former SJPD
Officer Michael Schneickert, who served from 1985 through 1987. The Mail Call item
included THIS link to Michael’s obituary. The information below was received on
Monday of this week from Officer Tammy Kimbrel who publishes the Insider.
Memorial Mass for former San Jose Police Officer Michael Schneickert #2468. He was
an officer with us from 1985 to 1987. He passed away on July 1, 2015.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial mass and reception on Wednesday,
Oct. 7, 2015 at 4:30 p.m. at Bellarmine College Prep, Leontyne Chapel. Reception to
follow inside Liccardo Hall which is located next to the chapel.
Leontyne Chapel
960 West Hedding Street
San Jose, CA, 95126
Please remember Michael and all members of the Schneickert family in your thoughts
and prayers. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor could be made to the Karen and
Michael Schneickert ’76 Financial Aid Endowment or Christian Service Endowment.
Visit: <www.bcp.org/give> and indicate a specific fund in the comment section.
SJPOA NEWS
Sept. 24th
Note: The Retirees Assn. issued a Billy & Spanner update on Sept. 25 with information
that mirrors this POA Membership Alert.
Medical Plan Changes for 2016 - Update
We received several questions regarding recently announced changes to the City of San
Jose medical plan offerings for 2016.
We emphasize that any changes scheduled to occur to medical plans in 2016 were NOT
triggered by the Measure B Settlement Framework. Any such changes resulted from
pre-existing City policies and labor agreements. Changes to medical benefits agreed to
in the Settlement Framework (which will affect retirees only) are unlikely to be
implemented until at least 2017. We will provide much more information on any such
changes before they occur.
The City's decisions on proposed plan changes were not made final until earlier today,
Thursday September 24, 2015 and the final rate sheets for current active members
were distributed after 4 p.m. today. The City will send side-by-side comparisons of
rates for 2015 and 2016 to all employees in the coming days. Retirement Services has
not yet sent us the final rate sheets for current retirees.
Click HERE to see the premium rate changes for actives in 2016.
We are painfully aware that healthcare costs are continuing to significantly rise,
particular for non-Kaiser plans. This is true in other jurisdictions as well. Even larger
plans with much greater buying power than San Jose, such as CalPERS Heath, will
experience significant premium increases for their Blue Shield and Kaiser plans in 2016.
Participants in non-Kaiser plans will experience larger cost increases. The current
healthcare cost split requires the City to pay 85% of the low cost, non-high deductible,
plan for actives (currently the Kaiser $25 Copay) and 100% of the low cost plan offered
to any city employee (currently the Kaiser $1500 high deductible). The Kaiser $1500
high deductible plan is not currently offered to active POA or Fire members but it is
offered to other city employees and retirees. Several years ago when the City
introduced the Kaiser high deductible plan, it essentially required all retirees to pay to
upgrade to the Kaiser $25 plan or higher, because the Kaiser $1500 plan does not
provide some members with sufficient medical coverage. The POA faught that change
but unfortunately lost, thus ending the days of "free" healthcare for retirees.
The City's Human Resources Department will review the current health care insurance
plan offerings for active employees and retirees in anticipation of Open Enrollment.
The Human Resources Department may change these offerings as the experience
ratings and cost of the plans are adjusted.
The reduction in medical plan options available to both active employees and retirees,
coupled with the increased cost is a major concern for both the POA and Local 230and
Federated bargaining groups, in addition to the POA and other bargaining groups, have
not up until now been part of the process in selecting and negotiating medical plans.
The POA believes changes to medical plan offerings are becoming significant enough to
trigger meet and confer obligations.
Consequently, we have asked the City to meet with us to discuss new procedures for
addressing plan offerings and costs going forward. While we will not be able to
effectuate any changes before the open enrollment period beginning October 28th
and ending on November 13th, tackling these escalating health care costs is going to
be a major priority for us going forward. This will include ensuring that we have a seat
at the table going forward to assist in future plan selections. It will also include us
seeking to initiate a labor/management working group, including the POA and Local
230, to explore all options to mitigate the rising cost of healthcare and reduced plan
offerings for our members and retirees.
The City has expressed a willingness to meet. Both sides recognize that it is critical to
ensure price competition between providers and to prevent too much migration of
employees into Kaiser.
Here is a summary of changes being made for 2016. The rates for retirees are pre-65
rates and were taken from the rate sheet estimates distributed at the benefits review
forum and may change slightly, as these rates were estimates. Retirees have 4-tier
health plan choices depending on family coverage status. Actives have a choice of
single or family.
Click HERE to view estimate rate sheets that include rates for retirees.
Kaiser
61% of POA members are in the Kaiser $25 Copay plan and will see rates go up
approximately 4%.
Single active from $85 to $87 a month
Family active from $209 to $217 a month
Single retiree from $99 to $103 a month
Family retiree from $298 to $309 a month
There are no other changes to the Kaiser plans currently being offered. Costs for nonKaiser plans are going up significantly more.
Blue Shield HMOs
16% of POA members are in the Blue Shield HMO $25 Copay plan. As you can see,
premiums will increase very significantly for this plan.
For single active from $239 to $350 a month
Family active from $653 to $939 a month
For single retiree from $237 to $334 a month
For family retiree from $713 to $1033 a month
There will be a new full network $45 copay HMO plan available in 2016. Rates are not
yet available for actives as this new plan offering is still being evaluated. Rates for
retirees are:
For single retiree $255
For family retiree $765
Due to the large increase in cost to the current HMO full network plans, the City will be
offering new SaveNet $25 Copay and $45 Copay HMO plans that have the same
coverage but smaller networks of doctors. 70% of those covered by the existing $25
HMO plans will be able to keep their current physicians if they switch to the SaveNet
$25 or $45 HMO plans. SaveNet Premiums are much less than the full network plans.
Please read the below information from the City completely to fully understand the new
SaveNet plans.
Single active SaveNet $25 will be $240 a month
Family active SaveNet $25 will be $657 a month
For single retiree SaveNet $25 will be $239 a month
For family retiree SaveNet $25 will be $717 a month
Blue Shield PPOs
The Blue Shield POS and $3500 Deductible PPOs will no longer be available in 2016.
These plans have very low enrollment and, come 2018, are likely to be subject to the
Affordable Care Act's "Cadillac tax"-a 40% tax on the amount of any premium costing
more than $800 per month.
There are currently 5 active POA members in the POS plan and 6 in the $3500 plan.
There are 30 combined police and fire retirees enrolled in both the POS and $3500
plans.
3% of POA members are enrolled in the $100 PPO plan. The $100 plan will now be the
only PPO option available in 2016 and will see the following cost increases.
Single active from $394 to $435 a month
Family active from $1051 to $1158 a month
Single retiree from $435 to $478 a month
Family retiree from $1305 to $1434 a month
Healthcare choices are becoming more complicated and costly. Please read the
explanation of proposed healthcare changes from the City of San Jose Human
Resources Department carefully. The POA is actively engaged on this issue and will
have additional information as it becomes available.
Below is the communication sent by the City to all active employees explaining changes
to 2016 medical plan offerings.
Dear City of San José Employees:
Medical Plan Changes for 2016
Open Enrollment this year will start with the annual Benefits Fair on October 28, 2015
from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the City Hall Rotunda and run through November 13,
2015. This letter is the first of a series of communications to come regarding benefits
for the 2016 plan year.
Following is important information regarding the medical plan offerings for 2016
What's New?
With the rising costs of healthcare, premiums continue to increase. In an effort to keep
the premium increases as low as possible, several plan options were evaluated for
2016. After consideration, two new Blue Shield HMO plans will be available for 2016.
They are the SaveNet $25 HMO and the SaveNet $45 HMO. These two plans provide the
same coverage levels as the existing $25 HMO and $45 HMO plans; the main
differences being that they have a narrower network of physicians and have a much
smaller percentage rate increase than the existing HMO plans for 2016. Please note:
employees and their dependents must live in California to be able to enroll in a SaveNet
plan; however, there are a few exceptions: If you have a dependent who is out of state,
you will need to call Blue Shield's Customer Service at 800-872-3941 to see if you
qualify for an exception.
Is my current Blue Shield HMO Provider a SaveNet Provider?
The City completed an analysis and found that approximately 70% of covered lives in
the existing $25 HMO and $45 HMO plans will be able to keep their current physicians
if they switch to the SaveNet $25 and $45 HMO plans. Approximately 50% of the
physicians in the existing HMO plans are included in the SaveNet plans. The majority of
physicians in the Sutter Health and Palo Alto Medical Group are not included in the
SaveNet plans; however, a small number of physicians from each medical group is
represented.
Are there any other Medical Plan Changes for 2016?
Another consideration in the plans evaluation process was the new Healthcare Reform
excise tax effective for 2018 (also known as the "Cadillac tax") on high premium plans.
Two of the current plan offerings, Blue Shield POS and $3500 Deductive PPO, will reach
the threshold triggering the 40% Excise Tax liability in 2018. This, along with low
enrollment and high premiums, resulted in the decision to discontinue these plans
effective January 1, 2016.
The existing Blue Shield $25 and $45 HMO plans, as well as the $100 deductible PPO
plan will continue to be offered for 2016. There will be no changes to the Kaiser Plan
offerings; the existing plans will continue to be available in 2016.
What are the Premium Rates for 2016?
Premium rates for all of the 2016 medical plans are being finalized with the providers
and will be posted on the Benefits website as soon as they are available in the coming
How Can I find out if my Doctor is in the SaveNet Network?
Your can check to see if your doctor is in the SaveNet network by either calling the Blue
Shield customer service 800 number or by going to the Blue Shield website.
Instructions on how to check to see whether your physician is in the SaveNet network
are as follows:
Blue Shield's Customer Service
To check to see if your physician is in the SaveNet network and for general questions
about the SaveNet plans, please call Blue Shield's Customer Service at (800) 872-3941.
If you are a current Blue Shield member, follow the instructions about your subscriber
number. If you are not currently a Blue Shield member, Press "0" to be connected to a
representative.
Blue Shield's Provider Website
To check to see if your physician is in the SaveNet network, use the following link:
<https://www.blueshieldca.com/fap/app/search.html?WT.mc_id=otccalnetworksavenet-2146>
This link will take you directly to the Access Plus HMO SaveNet Plans web page. Input
the Physician information in the "search by doctor name" box and press find now.
If there are questions about your medical plan that you need answered, active
members can contact City of San Jose, Human Resources at 408-535-1285
<HR_Benefits@sanjoseca.gov>
Retired members can call San Jose Retiree services at 408-794-1000 or 800-732-6477
<csj_retirement@sanjoseca.gov>
PENSION NEWS
If you think the pension issue has been frustrating for those of us who were targeted
by Chuck Reid, look at the frustration he and his cohort have been going through
because of AG Kamala Harris. You go girl…
Reed to Revise Pension Initiative
—Attorney general’s summary unfair, former mayor says—
By Ramona Giwargis <rgiwargis@mercurynews.com>
Mercury News — Sept 26, 2015
Former San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed and former San Diego Councilman Carl DeMaio plan
to revise and resubmit their proposed statewide initiative aimed at requiring voter
approval for new government pension plans in response to a summary by the attorney
general that they consider unfair.
Reed partnered with DeMaio to craft the Voter Empowerment Act, which requires
voters to approve traditional pensions for new government hires or increases in
retirement plans for current workers. The duo, who each authored pension reform
measures in their respective cities, are targeting the initiative for the November 2016
ballot. California Attorney General Kamala Harris’ office is tasked with drafting the title
and summary for all state ballot measures. Reed and DeMaio say her description of
their proposed 2016 measure is designed to derail their initiative with language
sympathetic to government employee unions.
This isn’t the first time Reed has taken issue with Harris’ description of his statewide
pension reform efforts. Reed sued Harris in 2013 over what he called a “misleading and
unfair” description of a pension initiative he crafted at the time that would have
allowed local governments to lower pension formulas for their workers’ remaining
years on the job.
Reed and his supporters withdrew the initiative after Harris described it in a way Reed
felt would unfairly undermine support. A judge ruled the description was fair.
For their current initiative, Reed and DeMaio sought to avoid changes to existing
workers’ pensions because California courts have bestowed ironclad protections that
effectively bar reductions in government workers’ pensions for the duration of their
careers, allowing changes only affecting new hires.
Harris’ summary stated the proposed initiative “eliminates constitutional protections
for vested pension and retiree healthcare benefits for current public employees,
including those working in K-12 schools, higher education, hospitals, and police
protection, for future work performed.” The state’s legislative analyst and union
lawyers have indicated that the proposed initiative would change current workers
pension rights.
DeMaio said Friday that “our lawyers have crafted a strategy that will allow us to
continue to advance pension reform.” He and Reed threatened another lawsuit against
the attorney general if their revised initiative is characterized as changing current
workers’ pension rights.
Each time Reed and DaMaio rewrite the initiative, Harris is required to write a new title
and summary. The duo then have 180 days to gather roughly 580,000 signatures to
qualify the measure for the ballot. The 180-day clock restarts with every revision,
according to the Secretary of State office, and there’s no limit to how many times Reed
and DeMaio can revise and resubmit the measure. But they must have their signatures
verified by June 30 to meet the deadline for the 2016 ballot.
Dave Low, chairman of Californians for Retirement Security, called it a “small move in
the right direction” but said the measure still won’t pass muster with voters. He said
the initiative is entirely flawed and polls show it’s destined to fail.
“The issue is not whether it impacts future or current workers,” Low said. “The issue is
they’re taking pensions away from teachers, nurses and firefighters. We feel very
confident that it’s going to be defeated no matter what they do.”
THE TRIALS & TRIBULATIONS OF SAN JOSE AND THE SJPD
Looks like the monthly paychecks Graves has been receiving since being arrested and
jailed have come to an abrupt halt. Instead of being on paid administrative leave, the
City chose to fire him. This item is from Monday’s paper…
SJPD Dismisses Officer in Rape Case
—Defense calls firing ‘premature;’ cop jailed since March—
By Robert Salonga and Tracey Kaplan — Staff writers
Mercury News — Sept. 25, 2015
SAN JOSE — A police officer who was charged with raping a woman while on duty was
fired this week by the San Jose Police Department, authorities said. The department
Thursday confirmed 40-year-old Geoffrey Evatt Graves, who joined the department in
2008, was fired Wednesday. Officials offered no additional comment, citing personnel
privacy laws. Graves has been locked up in the Santa Clara County Main Jail since midMarch when a judge held him over for trial on charges he sexually assaulted a woman
two years ago in a motel room after she requested to be taken there following a
disturbance call at her house.
Graves
Graves also faces domestic violence charges in connection with his ex-girlfriend, a San
Jose police dispatcher who testified in March that he blew up at her more than a dozen
times, sometimes violently.
Graves’ attorney Thursday described the termination as a rushed decision, noting that
Graves is innocent until proven guilty.
“I think it’s premature to fire him,” said Kristin Carter, the alternate public defender
who represents Graves. “I’m feeling very confident about this case.”
It was not immediately clear if Graves would appeal his termination.
Santa Clara County prosecutor Carlos Vega declined to comment on the department’s
decision.
“We continue to be focused on the prosecution of the case,” Vega said. The police
department’s decision to dismiss Graves comes after Vega presented evidence that
convinced Judge JoAnne McCracken in March to declare him a flight risk and a threat to
public safety. The judge said Graves has displayed a pattern in recent years of
volatility, lack of impulse control and propensity toward violence. The charges against
Graves, which include additional enhancements that carry long sentences, could put
him behind bars for 53 years to life. The prosecution added the enhancements,
including “use” of a gun, being “armed” with a gun and unlawful entry at the end of the
preliminary hearing, prompting Graves to offer in March to plead guilty to avoid risking
a lengthier sentence. Vega rejected the offer, but it may have influenced the police
department’s decision to let him go.
By the end of this month, the prosecution and defense are set during a court hearing to
settle on a date for a trial, which could begin by the end of November.
Authorities contend Graves was part of a four-officer detail that responded to a Sept.
22, 2013, disturbance call at a San Jose home where a woman was in a drunken
argument with her husband. No crime occurred, but the woman asked to be taken to
the motel where she worked as a maid for the night.
That’s when investigators say Graves waited for a second officer to leave the motel,
then went to her room and raped the woman. DNA later found on his bulletproof vest
appeared to corroborate sexual contact. The accuser is an undocumented immigrant
with a limited command of English who made the allegations three weeks later, after
she had been arrested on suspicion of drunken driving by the California Highway
Patrol. Sources said her fear of another officer assault compelled her to make the
report. Court records indicate she pleaded no contest and received a typical sentence
for a first conviction of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Graves had been on paid leave since he was arrested March 10, 2014, after a fivemonth Internal Affairs investigation — receiving his $98,000 annual salary — which
ends with his termination.
MAIL CALL
Hi Bill,
Sept. 29th
Being Jr., I always receive Sr. stories about my Dad, which is really cool and makes me
proud. Thought I would share this message from Italy with you since it’s about my dad
being my dad. Once a marine (cop), always a marine (cop)!
John (Carr Jr.)
~~~
Subject: John at work
Drawing from our balcony in Monterosso al Mare (Cinque Terre). Beautiful sunny day.
We head to Venice tomorrow.
John was in his element when we arrived here. A young girl pick-pocketed the wallet
from a California lawyer I was talking to on the train. After we all disembarked and he
discovered his wallet was gone, John had the train stay at the station, they unlocked
the train doors, and he ran down to the car we had been on, confronted the girl, and lo
and behold the wallet appeared on the floor of the train.
Needless to say we made friends for life!
Hope all is well at home.
Love, Mom/Dad
•••••
Sept. 29th
Says an email from Larry Reuter:
Got this photo from a friend and vet. Thought it should be passed on because it’s
something most of us never hear or think about.
We see lots of photos of wounded male veterans, but women vets get wounded and
maimed as well. You may need to take a second, closer look because the first thing I
saw was a bunch of beautiful smiles.
•••••
Bill,
Sept. 29th
I thought you would be interested in this story I found on MSN titled, The 30 bestpaying cities for police officers. I don’t care if you use this in the Farsider, but is this
true? Is SJPD the highest paid department in the nation?
Owen (Purser) <owen.purser38@gmail.com>
Ed. — See my response at the bottom of this article…
The Best-Paying Cities for Police Officers
Police officers around the country dedicate their lives to protecting and serving their
communities. Law enforcement is a field in which employees often risk their safety on a
daily basis. Recent controversies have led some to think less of police officers, but
many of the men and women who defend their fellow citizens are under-appreciated
and underpaid.
The national average salary for police officers is $58,720, but this number varies wildly
depending on the state and city.
StartClass compiled public data available on police and patrol officers’ average salaries
and identified the 30 cities in which they are paid the most. Everyone should show
some appreciation for their local police department, but it’s nice to know which
communities give thanks with some fair compensation.
Ed. — As I have stated on several past occasions here in the Farsider and in the Insider
for many years prior, it is virtually impossible to accurately state which police
departments/sheriffs’ offices are paid the most because there are far too many benefits
and other variables such as retirement, medical, night shift differential, bilingual pay,
motor pay, hazard pay and the list goes on and on. Having said that, to see the socalled top 30 highest paid salaries in the nation ‘according to this website,' click HERE.
The list starts with #30 (the Hanford CA PD) and works its way up to the highest paid,
which it claims is the San Jose PD. (Note: There is no single list; you will have to click
from 30 down to 1 to see the names of the agencies and their salaries.)
•••••
Sept. 29th
Bill,
Are you familiar with the Butterfly Effect?
In chaos theory, the Butterfly Effect is the sensitive dependence on initial conditions in
which a small change in one state of a deterministic non-linear system can result in
large differences in a larger state. In simpler terms, a butterfly flapping its wings in
Texas can later result in a typhoon in the Japanese Sea.
Think about it, in mid-20th century America, an 18-year-old hippie freshman at a
Honolulu college has sex with an older Kenyan politician on a student visa who already
has a wife and child back in Africa. And from this "roll in the hay" comes the collapse
and dissolution of America in the 21st century.
I would put this on Facebook if I was a member, but I’m not. I don’t want to become
addicted to it like some of my friends.
Regards,
Red State <red.state@comcast.net>
Not to worry, Red. I’ll post it on your behalf. But don’t call me addicted to Facebook. I
just visit the social site once every couple of days scrounging for source material.
NEW RETIREES’ NEWSLETTER AVAILABLE ON-LINE
Click HERE to download the Sept. edition of the Billy & Spanner to your desktop, then
click on the icon to open it if it doesn't open on its own.
OFFICERS CLEARED BY D.A. IN SHOOTING OF PHILLIP WATKINS
Authorities Rule Shooting a ‘Suicide by Cop’
—DA’s Office concludes man lured police on fatal evening—
By Robert Salonga <rsalonga@mercurynews.com>
Mercury News — Oct. 1, 2015
SAN JOSE — Two San Jose police officers have been cleared of any wrongdoing in the
fatal February shooting of a despondent man with a knife in what both authorities and
witnesses described as a likely “suicide by cop” encounter, according to the Santa Clara
County District Attorney’s Office.
Phillip Watkins, 23, a former San Jose High football standout who played for De Anza
College, reportedly called 911 the evening of Feb. 11 and later charged at responding
officers with a folding knife. Friends and family members gave statements to
investigators attesting that Watkins wanted to die and repeatedly insinuated he
wanted police to shoot him.
“The totality of the evidence leads to the conclusion that Phillip Watkins was intent on
dying at the hands of police officers,” deputy district attorney Charles Gillingham wrote
in a report of the shooting investigation.
Still, two of the people who spoke to Watkins last and tried to get him emergency
psychological help contend that it was clear that Watkins was suffering from mental
distress and questioned whether
“The totality of the evidence leads to the conclusion that Phillip Watkins was intent on
dying at the hands of police officers.” —Charles Gillingham, deputy district attorney,
San Jose lethal force was necessary. But authorities say that Watkins did not give the
officers time for any alternative measures.
According to the District Attorney Office’s report released Wednesday, on the evening
of the fatal shooting, Watkins went to the home of his ex-fiancee — with whom he had
a young daughter — on Sherman Street south of downtown. He made suicidal
comments to the woman and her mother, who phoned a suicide hotline in response.
Unbeknown to them, Watkins called 911 to make a false report about an intruder
armed with a knife and that he was barricaded with his kids, presumably to compel an
urgent police response, the report stated.
Officers James Soth and Ryan Dote, members of the SJPD gang-suppression unit and
the closest officers available, went to the neighborhood, parked a distance away, and
as they approached the purported site of the call they encountered Watkins.
Watkins reportedly walked toward the officers while holding a folding knife with a
blade measuring between three and four inches. The officers contend that Watkins ran
in full stride toward them with the knife held in his outstretched right arm, prompting
both to open fire multiple times.
The report cites a medical examiner’s examination that Watkins was hit 10 times. He
fell to the ground and was rushed to the hospital, where he died.
Multiple interviews with friends, family and witnesses appear to corroborate the
sequence of events, albeit with disagreement over whether Watkins should have been
killed. For instance, Faye Buchanan, his daughter’s grandmother, reportedly cried out
to the officers that Watkins needed help. His roommate called it “a cry for help.”
However, the accounts they gave to investigators, which are summarized in the report,
are uniform in testifying that Watkins had made comments about killing himself and
others.
The roommate told investigators, according to the report, that Watkins did not want to
harm the officers but “probably wanted to get shot” and “just couldn’t do it himself.”
SJPD DISPATCHERS GET THEIR MOMENT IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The ‘First’ First Responders
—Dispatchers perform tough job out of public eye—
By Katie Nelson <knelson@mercurynews.com>
Mercury News — Sept. 29, 2015
SAN JOSE — It’s an all too familiar question: “911, what’s your emergency?” But
beyond that, anything and everything can happen.
And the men and women who are the voices on the other end of the phone that instruct
someone on how to give CPR or how to deliver a baby are the “first” first responders in
an emergency in San Jose. Though you may never see them, dispatchers are just as
much a part of saving a life as a firefighter or a police officer.
The dispatchers with San Jose Communications — which comprises both the San Jose
Police Department and the San Jose Fire Department — work day and night, yearround, in two rooms with no windows, and every call is as important as the last. “We
are not going to say that, ‘Today, someone does not have chest pains,’ ” said dispatcher
Monica Alcantar Kirk. “911 doesn’t close on Thanksgiving or on Christmas.”
Delfina Martinez is instructed by communications training officer Amanda
Horton at San Jose’s dispatch center at the Police and Communications
building near downtown. The facility, which handles emergency calls for
the Police Department and Fire Department, opened 25 years ago.
The Police and Communications building near downtown, where the dispatchers work,
opened 25 years ago to quite a lot of fanfare. Fliers were sent out all over the country
to recruit top dispatchers in the field. The technology at the time — nothing like today’s
screens that can show a person’s location or that can give a phone number as soon as a
call comes in — was a marvel. But as soon as the center opened, those who were there
say it took some work to get things running smoothly.
“I like the calls that are difficult,” says dispatcher Monica
Alcantar Kirk. “You have to get so much in a matter of seconds.”
“It was kind of like the blind leading the blind,” said police communications manager
Joey McDonald, who was there the day the dispatch center opened. “There was a lot of
handholding together. It was exciting, a little chaotic. But the place sparkled. It was
brand new.”
Even with a bumpy start, the crew quickly came together, and over the years, the
center has become an incessant hub of activity as San Jose grew into the country’s
10th-largest city, with more than 1 million residents.
And while they love their job, being a dispatcher is in no way easy. Calming a hysterical
caller and getting specific information is practically a science.
“I like the calls that are difficult,” said Alcantar Kirk, who added that dispatchers often
will speak in a whisper or extremely slowly to get a caller to listen. “You have to get so
much in a matter of seconds. … You have to have a certain finesse.”
“You see the call to the end,” added supervising dispatcher Sharon Fischer. “You wait
and you work until it’s over.”
But things don’t always go smoothly, and sometimes, no matter how hard they try,
things go wrong.
“I remember taking one call, and the person was seemingly OK,” supervising dispatcher
Michael Wodnick recalled. “It wasn’t until after the Fire Department arrived that the
person died.”
As SJPD Deputy Chief Jeff Marozick said, it takes “the right person” to work under
stressful conditions day after day and to do it mainly out of the public eye. He said not
everyone can constantly monitor a handful of computer screens lit up with numbers,
codes and maps and dispatch a fire engine or a police officer in seconds.
And he said dispatchers are left without any kind of visual awareness that a situation
they could hear on the other end of the phone turned out OK.
“I have a huge respect for them,” he said. “They are part of a job that saves people’s
lives, and they perform their best on what is often a person’s worst day.”
Dispatcher trainee Shellie Ruffin handles a call at the Police
and Communications building in San Jose. Dispatchers work
for San Jose Communications, which comprises both the San
Jose Police Department and the San Jose Fire Department.
Dispatcher Monica Alcantar Kirk shows the dispatch center’s San Jose-area map.
The magnets show the locations of fire engines and other emergency vehicles.
MORE ON THE CLOCK THAT LOOKED LIKE A BOMB
Bruce Morton submitted this item from the Fox News Insider (official blog of the Fox
News Channel) about the so-called “clock” that a 14-year-old Dallas kid "built to
impress his teacher," but wound up getting him arrested. After his release, it resulted
in an invitation to the White House to hang with the Prez and other bennies that
includes a college scholarship .
Conservative Teen Slams Obama's 'Disgusting' Support of Ahmed Mohamed
13-year-old CJ Pearson has become an internet sensation with his video messages to
President Obama.
Pearson appeared on "Hannity" to discuss a video he posted to YouTube last week
titled "Dear Mr. President and Ahmed," which has been viewed more than 1.7 million
times.
Pearson told Sean Hannity that he decided to criticize Obama for highlighting the case
of Texas high school student Ahmed Mohamed because he believes, like many people
across the nation, that the president always politicizes incidents like this.
"He's used this child as a political prop," Pearson said. "This president has used this
child to push his radical, leftward agenda. I think it's disgusting, and I think many,
many people agree."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93HrOWOQTRY
Watch the "Hannity" interview with Pearson above, then check out CJ's viral YouTube
video below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lN5Lj_74u38
Below is clip from “Real Time with Bill Maher” where the issue was
discussed by Jorge Ramos, Mark Cuban, Chris Matthews and George Pataki
Caution: The video contains profanity.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGit-XltUB4
Maher on the Ahmed Mohamed Incident: 'It Looked Exactly Like a Bomb...'
The treatment of a Muslim student by a Texas school and local police officers caused an
outcry from many on the left, who saw it as a case of Islamophobia.
When Ahmed Mohamed, a ninth grader at MacArthur High School in Irving, brought a
homemade clock to school, it was mistaken for a bomb by teachers.
Mohamed was handcuffed and questioned by police after bringing in the clock to show
it off to his engineering teacher. No charges were filed.
Among those who rallied to Mohamed's defense was President Obama, who tweeted,
"Cool clock, Ahmed. Want to bring it to the White House? We should inspire more kids
like you to like science. It's what makes America great."
Bill Maher discussed the incident on his show Friday night, but he put forth a
completely opposite view, pointing out that the contraption did look "exactly like a
[expletive] bomb."
Maher said there's no doubt that Mohamed is owed an apology and that authorities
went too far in their response.
"Could we have a little perspective about this? Did the teacher really do the wrong
thing?" Maher asked, adding that teachers should "err on the side of caution" in this
day and age.
"What if it had been a bomb? So the teacher is supposed to see something that looks
like a bomb and go, 'Oh wait, this just might be my white privilege talking? I sure don't
want to be politically incorrect, so I'll just let it go?'" Maher asked.
On "Fox and Friends" this morning, author and scholar Dr. Zuhdi Jasser lamented the
"selective outrage," calling for a social media campaign on behalf of people like Ali
Mohammed al-Nimr.
Maher had also brought up al-Nimr, who was sentenced to death by crucifixion in Saudi
Arabia. Al-Nimr was arrested three years ago, when he was 17, during a crackdown on
anti-government protests.
"Our president needs to stop tweeting about these little victim-mongering episodes
and pay attention to real Muslim heroes in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere, where there are
thousands of Muslims fighting for freedom that deserve the hashtag of the president,"
said Jasser.
LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT AND OTHER LUMINARIES
Dear President Obama, Ellen Degeneres, Mark Zuckerberg and the National College
Board:
Please look at the invention that my 11-year-old son has created and feel free to
contact me for travel arrangements to the White House, Hollywood and Zuckerberg’s
office.
We are also looking forward to the offer of a full college scholarship for my son who is
very proud of the heated water skiing vest he invented.
Thank you very much,
Mohammed McDonald
A SHAMELESS PLUG FOR TWO POLICE NOVELS
A few years ago we plugged a police novel from an NYPD Lieutenant who had taken to
writing police novels. He is now retired, writing full time and asked if we could help get
two of his prior novels in front of the public.
Hi Bill,
I am pleased to announce the reissuing of two of my police novels, “Line Of Duty” and
“Officer Down,” first published by Doubleday in 1991 and 1993 respectively. Both are
now available in paperback and eBook formats. Would it be possible to get a mention in
your newsletter, blog, FaceBook, etc.?
Thanks,
Michael Grant
Summary of “Line Of Duty”
First a major Harlem drug dealer is murdered. Next, an art dealer, and then a disbarred
lawyer. All shot in the head execution style. Are they connected? When suspicions arise
that this might be the work of NYPD cops, Detective Lieutenant Brian Shannon and
Alex Rose from the Internal Affairs Division are told to get answers fast. To make
matters worse, an upcoming drug commission to be headed by an ambitious State
Senator creates a political firestorm in the police department as well as City Hall.
Indications are that the senator is next on the hit list. Can these murderers be stopped
in time? This is the story of politics, corruption, pervasive violence, and ultimately, the
struggle of a few good men to maintain their moral character in the pressure-cooker
environment of big-city police work.
Line Of Duty is available in the following formats:
Kindle link: <http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0155E24BS>
Paperback link: <https://www.createspace.com/5725899>
All other eBook formats: <https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/576154>
Summary of “Officer Down”
It is 1991 and the United States Government has been pressing Colombia to extradite
drug dealers to the U.S. In response, the-cartel overlords join forces with an
international terrorist group to form Puño Blanco, a narco-terrorist group, and initiate a
daring and deadly plan: shift the battleground to New York City and export terrorism to
the United States.
Officer Down is available in the following formats:
Kindle link: <http://amzn.com/B0147GFASY>
Paperback link: <https://www.createspace.com/5690423>
All other eBook formats: <https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/571284>
AMAZING PHOTO…
Two shots were stitched together to form this unique photograph. On the right are
allied troops about to parachute into France on D-Day (June 6, 1944). On the left are
the same men today. Even more remarkable, they are sitting in the same Army Air
Corps C-47 that dropped them into France.
THE BEST OF THE LATE NITE JOKES
Sept. 23 — 29
Sept. 23: Today is the first day of fall! You can tell it's getting colder, ’cuz today I saw a
rat on the subway trying to carry a pumpkin spice latte.
The big story right now is Pope Francis visiting the U.S., and I saw that yesterday, the
Pope's plane couldn't land right away because he arrived earlier than planned. That's
right, the Pope's flight was early. So I guess he really CAN perform miracles!
Chris Christie recently ordered the leader of the New Jersey National Guard to lose
weight within the next 90 days. And if he doesn't, Christie will eat him.
Yesterday, a federal judge ruled that the "Happy Birthday" song is now public domain,
so no one has to pay to use it in movies or TV anymore. Not to be confused with the
"Happy Birthday" songs in restaurants, which people WOULD pay to never hear again.
The Dalai Lama raised some eyebrows during a recent interview when he said that if a
future Dalai Lama is female, she would have to be very attractive, otherwise there's
“not much use.” Man, I knew the Dalai Lama believed in reincarnation, but I never
realized he'd come back as Donald Trump.
Sept. 24: Please, please sit down. Now please stand up. Now kneel. Now stand up
again. Sorry, I've got Pope fever!
I saw that Pope Francis held his first-ever prayer here in New York City earlier this
evening. I guess it was halfway through his first New York City cab ride. "Holy Mary
Mother of God, pray for us sinners..."
While he was in Washington, the Pope gave a major speech to Congress, and asked
them to accept immigrants as their own children. Then congressmen were like, "Eh,
we've already got enough children our wives don't know about.”
And in a speech yesterday, Pope Francis urged American bishops to “flee the
temptation of narcissism.” Then bishops were like, "Oooh! He's talking about us!"
Donald Trump announced yesterday that he will no longer be appearing on Fox News
because he believes they treat him unfairly. Then President Obama was like, “You. Are.
ADORABLE! Really? Wow.”
Sept. 25: Traffic is really backed up here in New York City because of the Pope's visit,
but a company called Blade is offering $95 helicopter rides around the city. Even the
Pope said, "I believe in God, but not enough to take a $95 helicopter ride.”
Yesterday as Pope Francis rode down Fifth Avenue, Donald Trump actually stepped out
of Trump Tower with his son, Donald Jr., and got booed by the crowd. Then Trump was
like, "I guess they really don’t like you Donald, Jr.!”
House Speaker John Boehner announced that he is resigning from Congress. When he
heard Congress lost Boehner, John McCain said, “Oh I got a little blue pill for that.” “No,
BOEHNER. We lost House Speaker Boehner!" It's pronounced Bay-ner.
New research shows that monkeys enjoy movies, and can even follow plot lines. So if
you're keeping score — that's monkeys: one, my mom: zero. "Who's he? Is that the bad
guy?" "It's a commercial, mom."
This morning, Pope Francis addressed the U.N. General Assembly, and rode around
inside the U.N. building in a golf cart. People will never forget what the Pope said as he
passed them: "WHEEE!"
Sept. 28: President Obama is in town for the U.N. General Assembly. And tomorrow, he
plans to meet with the president of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev. Or as Obama
will call him, “Uh . . . hey, chief!”
Hillary Clinton went on “Meet the Press” yesterday, and I saw that Chuck Todd actually
showed her a video of all the times she's flip-flopped on issues. At first Hillary said she
felt bad about it, but now she says she feels OK about it.
Pope Francis wrapped up his trip to the U.S., and while he was in Philadelphia, the Pope
visited a prison. He said he couldn't believe how dirty and overcrowded it was, then his
assistant said, “This is just the Amtrak station, we haven't gotten to the prison yet.”
Next month Delta will begin opening company spas at certain airports so that
employees can get a massage. And if passengers want a massage, they can just leave
their keys in their pockets when they go through security.
Today, NASA announced that it has finally discovered water on Mars. When they heard,
Americans were like, "Eh, tell us when they discover beer."
Sept. 29: President Obama and Vladimir Putin met yesterday at the U.N., but the White
House and the Kremlin have been disagreeing about who asked who to meet. For my
younger viewers, that means they were arguing about who swiped right first.
After their meeting got off to a tense start, Obama and Putin wound up talking for 90
minutes, and Putin described the talks as "surprisingly open." Putin said it was the
most productive conversation he'd ever had with someone who wasn't tied to a chair.
Facebook went down yesterday for the second time in a week. In fact it’s gotten so
bad, people are holding up their babies to strangers and shouting, "Do you ‘Like’ this?"
"Do you ‘Like’ this? ... 4 ‘Likes.’”
Whole Foods announced yesterday that it is cutting 1,500 jobs. Although Whole Foods
doesn't want to call them "unemployed." They're calling them "free range employees.”
Sept. 23: It's Yom Kippur today. Jews all over the country honored the day by staying
home and watching the Pope on television.
The Pope's totally like, “I'm going there on Yom Kippur. That will show them.”
The Pope is at the White House today, the band played the Vatican's national anthem.
The Vatican has a national anthem, isn't that crazy? Apparently it's Katy Perry's "Roar."
On Saturday, the Pope will attend an event hosted by Mark Wahlberg. Wahlberg said,
"I'm wicked pumped to meet the [bleep] Pope. Somebody get the Pope a shot."
Sept. 24: Yesterday at one of the Pope's appearances, you probably saw the footage, a
5-year-old Mexican-American girl broke through security. Luckily, she was tackled by
16 Republican presidential candidates.
The president of China is going to be at the White House. I just hope the president of
China likes leftover Pope food.
Today Donald Trump said he doesn't believe in climate change. He said if there's a hole
in the ozone layer, just comb some ozone from another part over it.
Sept. 28: People went absolutely gaga for the Pope. In Philadelphia yesterday Pope
Francis met with a family that had driven 13,000 miles from Argentina just to see him.
It was an awkward moment when the Pope said, “I guess no one told you guys, I'll be
in Argentina next week.”
Donald Trump is still going strong. We all thought that was going to last a couple of
weeks and we'd all have a good chuckle, but it continues. On “60 Minutes” last night,
Donald Trump called for a tax hike on wealthy Americans. As a result, Donald Trump
said he can no longer support Donald Trump.
A new study came out that says drinking more beer could lower women's risk of a heart
attack by 30 percent. The study was conducted by the Institute of Things to Tell That
Hot Woman at a Party.
A poultry manufacturer has recalled over a half million pounds of chicken believed to
contain pieces of metal. But first, they tried to sell the pieces to McDonald's as
magnetic McNuggets, which I think would be a good idea. They're MagNuggets.
Justin Bieber says he has three or four albums he hasn't released yet. Bieber says, “You
have until midnight to meet my demand.”
Sept. 29: While in New York City, President Obama and Vladimir Putin met and the
meeting was described as awkward. Apparently Obama was upset that he looks
nothing like his Tinder photo.
Donald Trump told The New York Times that he's only been getting four hours of sleep
a night. In other words, even Donald Trump lies awake at night worrying about a
Trump presidency.
In a speech Marco Rubio talked about the danger of electing a president who does not
understand technology. Unfortunately, Rubio's speech was interrupted when his
beeper went off. He had to get to a pay phone.
The winners of the MacArthur genius awards were announced. Among them are three
artists, six authors and the guy who invented Doritos Locos Tacos. It's one of the
greatest things that ever happened. Whoever had that idea should be given their own
Greek island to live on.
In a new interview, Justin Bieber said he wants to "live like Jesus." In response, Jesus
said, "Dude, you're the reason I'm not coming back."
Yesterday Facebook's website crashed and was apparently offline for 42 minutes. It's a
shame Facebook wasn't down longer. People were really, in that 42 minutes, starting
to get things done.
Sept. 23: Pope Francis has landed in the United States for a historic five-day visit to
D.C., New York City, and Philadelphia. Whether you're Catholic, Protestant, Jewish or
Hindu, you have to be in awe of the amount of traffic this is going to create.
If you wanted to see the Pope during his visit, best of luck to you. He's appearing in
Central Park on Friday, but tickets ran out so quickly that they're now being scalped for
upwards of $1,500 apiece. That is a lot to pay for someone who can't sing or play
guitar.
It's ironic people are scalping tickets for so much when the Pope has been saying that
Americans worship money, and that capitalism is destroying our souls.
Twitter has created a bunch of special hashtags to honor the Pope, proving once and
for all that Twitter doesn't really know the meaning of the word "honor."
Twitter created #Popeinus. #Popeindc. #Popeinnyc, and #Popeinphilly. But just in
case the Pope decides to extend his trip, we've created a few hashtags of our own. If
he should choose to come visit us here, we have got #Popeinla, #Popeinorlando,
#Popeinseattle — where he ordered a pope-kin spice latte!
Sept. 28: Last night the moon became a super blood moon, which is a combination of a
super moon and a lunar eclipse. It's a rare and precious event that only takes place
once every few decades, like a good Nicolas Cage movie.
NASA made a huge announcement that they have discovered for the first time liquid
water on Mars. This officially makes Mars more qualified to support human life than
California.
Sept. 23: It's the first day of autumn but the only way to tell what season it is in L.A. is
by which flavored syrup Starbucks is adding to their coffee. If it's pumpkin spice you
know summer must be done.
Pope Francis is here. He got in yesterday. He didn't do anything last night, they want
him to rest for his hectic schedule the next few days. He did get some rest — much of it
during his welcoming ceremony on the south lawn of the White House. That's one thing
about being Pope — nobody knows when you're sleeping or when you're praying.
The Pope addressed about 11,000 people at the welcoming event. He spoke about
climate change. He said it's a problem that "can no longer be left to a future
generation." Global warming is a very important issue for the Pope because as you
know he has to wear a floor-length, long-sleeved gown to work every day and it's hot.
Chris Christie has reportedly ordered the commander of the state National Guard to
lose weight. That is how you put the hippo in hypocrite.
Christie had a secret lap band surgery two years ago. Apparently the surgery was even
a secret to his stomach. He had a band put around his stomach. And that band by the
way? Bon Jovi.
Yogi Berra, Hall of Fame catcher and manager for the Yankees and Mets, passed away
yesterday, 90 years old, a great catcher and a great character. He had so many classic
quotes. Yogi Berra is the guy who said, "90 percent of the game is half mental." He also
said, "It's deja vu all over again," and "It ain't over till it's over." He was known as
much for screwing up metaphors as he was for baseball.
I can't help but feel like it makes perfect sense that this is how the Associated Press
reported his death today: "New York Yankees catcher Yogi Bear has died. Went to that
great pick-a-nick basket in the sky."
Sept. 24: There's going to be a total lunar eclipse and a super moon on Sunday, both of
them at once. That has not happened since 1982, it won't happen again until 2033 —
which happens be the year when Snooki is expected to be seeking the Republican
nomination for president.
The pope was in Washington, D.C., this morning. He addressed Congress. He gave a 15minute speech in just under an hour.
Of course Donald Trump did weigh in on the Pope. He said he likes the Pope very much
but he doesn't agree with him on climate change or immigration. He said he doesn't
believe in climate change or gravity. He doesn't believe in either of those things.
Sept. 28: Did you see the big super blood lunar moon last night? The super moon was
the reason all your Facebook friends posted blurry pictures of the sky last night.
Facebook went down for the second time this week. For 42 long minutes nobody knew
if it was anyone's birthday. When Facebook goes down it makes you realize, "Wow, this
is what life must have been like in 2003."
The new iPhones came out on Friday. It is kind of perfect that half of America was lined
up to buy a $700 phone, while the other half was lined up to see the Pope.
After almost a week of very intense waving at people, Pope Francis is back home in
Rome. It was nice to see Americans get excited about someone who wasn't a
Kardashian or a rat with a slice of pizza.
Sept. 29: Today is National Coffee Day. For those who don't know, coffee is an
ingredient in the milkshakes they serve at Starbucks.
Donald Trump came out with this proposal for a new tax plan yesterday. Just like a real
presidential candidate would do! It's kind of adorable.
Trump plans to raise taxes on the very rich — which doesn't include him because he's
very, VERY rich.
Under Trump you won't have to pay any income taxes if you make less than $25,000 a
year, if you and your spouse make under $50,000 a year, and if you capture an illegal
Mexican you won't pay any taxes at all.
Sept. 23: New York City plans to deploy an extra 6,000 police officers to help guard
Pope Francis during his visit. It’ll be the most protection a Catholic has ever used.
President Obama this morning gave Pope Francis a sculpture of an ascending dove
made with pieces of the Statue of Liberty and wood taken from the White House lawn,
as well as a key to the house of the first American-born saint. The Pope then said, “Oh,
I didn’t get you anything” and quietly put a $40 Starbucks gift card back in his pocket.
A new study has found that 8 percent of Americans sleep naked. Unfortunately, the
study was conducted on the F train.
A new study suggests that people who fidget at their desks are less likely to die than
those who sit still. Although people who fidget at their desks are more likely to die
because the person next to them “had to make it stop.”
Sept. 24: After Pope Francis became the first pontiff to address a joint session of
Congress today, he went to meet with a group of homeless people. That’s right, he
spoke to some people who spend all their time begging for money, and then he met
with the homeless.
Donald Trump was scheduled to appear on Fox News’ “The O’Reilly Factor” tonight, but
Fox canceled him after his recent comments criticizing the network. So if you want to
hear about Donald Trump, you’ll just have to try CNN, MSNBC, ABC, NBC, CBS, Bravo,
Facebook, Twitter, or going outside.
A 105-year-old Japanese man has set a new record in his age group for the 100-meter
dash. He barely outran the guy right behind him.
Sept. 28: Jeb Bush said last week that Democrats often win the black vote because
they tell people “we’ll take care of you with free stuff.” Whereas Democrats actually
win the black vote because Republicans keep saying stuff like that.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also addressed the U.N. General Assembly today.
Unfortunately he addressed them as “My future Russians.”
A new poll by The Wall Street Journal has found that Donald Trump and Dr. Ben Carson
are running virtually neck and neck. While Mike Huckabee and Ted Cruz are running
without necks.
Tom Brady last night became just the fourth quarterback in history to throw for over
400 touchdowns. Which works out to 320, when you adjust for inflation.
Researchers in Singapore are trying to develop a robot that can put together Ikea
furniture, but so far it’s been unsuccessful because the robot hasn’t been able to find
its way out of the store yet.
Sept. 29: When asked today if his low poll numbers would make him consider dropping
out of the presidential race, Senator Lindsey Graham told reporters, “Hell no.” Which,
also, incidentally, is his poll number.
A new study released today shows that blotting pizza with a napkin to remove extra
grease can remove an average of 40 calories per slice. So if you’re looking for an easy
way to lose weight, just eat that napkin.
A referee in a professional soccer match in Brazil pulled a gun out during a game last
week because he was tired of being treated poorly by players and coaches. And then
out of habit, several players fell down and pretended they had been shot.
China is now home to the world’s longest glass bottom bridge, which hangs 600 feet
over a canyon. It’s a great moneymaker. Access to the bridge is free, but they charge
$400 for new pants.
Sept. 24: Pope Francis is in America. Can you feel it? There is a certain electricity in the
air and the nation's 70 million Catholics have the kind of excitement that we usually
don't have unless we're asking forgiveness for it afterwards.
Our entire show is dedicated to Pope Francis' historic visit to the U.S. It's an hour long,
so it might be the shortest Catholic service you'll ever sit through.
Facebook went down briefly today, which means that for several minutes all across the
country, something got done.
Sept. 25: Don't forget on Sunday night, there's going to be a full lunar eclipse. So,
parents, don't forget to point up at the sky and tell your children the moon is going
away because they've been bad.
Everybody see Thursday night's football game? I saw it by accident because I tried to
watch my show. Once again, I got bumped by "Thursday Night Football." This time, my
show didn't start until 12:35 a.m. and last night was my special “Pope Show.” So,
football didn't just bump me, it bumped the Pope. Fellas, God gives you all those
touchdowns, and this is how you thank him?
Here in New York, everyone's ecstatic about a visitor to these shores that is inspiring
millions to weep tears of joy and devotion. I speak, of course, of the new iPhone 6s.
This afternoon, iPhone fans lined up at the Apple Store as the Catholic faithful lined up
to see the Pope's procession through Central Park. It was hard to decide which object
of worship you should line up for. I mean, they're both pretty special, and both
available in a protective case. I just don't understand why the Holy Father still only
comes in white.
Sept. 28: Hillary Clinton is by far the favorite to win the Democratic nomination even
though her presidential campaign has had more than its share of bumps in the road,
from the Benghazi controversy to her private email server to the persistent allegation
that she's less charismatic than a 70-year-old socialist who doesn't own a phone.
According to The Washington Post, when Clinton ran for president in 2008, she was
5'5" according to a height report from the Clinton campaign. But now, news sources
say Hillary Clinton is 5'7" tall. Hillary Clinton has added two inches. This couldn't be one
of those classic cases where a woman hits her 60s and suddenly gets taller.
This sensation over Hillary's elevation might be the thing that finally takes her down, or
up. We don't know at this point.
Hillary says she opposes Keystone XL, but maybe she's holding out for XXL.
If Hillary continues to grow, think how big she'll be when she finally reaches the Oval
Office. We won't have to worry about Iran because mega-Hillary can swat missiles out
of the sky!
Sept. 29: Pennsylvania Democratic Congressman Bob Brady decided he wanted a
unique memento of the papal visit. After the Pope finished his speech to Congress,
Brady helped himself to the very glass of water that the pontiff had been sipping from
as he made his address. Congressman Brady, here's the thing — it won't give you
superpowers. It's not like getting bitten by a radioactive Pope.
Maybe I shouldn't judge him for breaking the seventh and tenth commandments
literally behind the Pope's back. I'm sure he had a good reason for this "misa-popepriation."
On Friday, despite our trade wars, tension in the South China Sea, and Chinese hacking
attacks, President Obama gave President Xi Jinping a full South Lawn welcome, where
the Chinese president greeted every White House staffer by name and bank account.
The president of China announced an agreement today aimed at limiting greenhouse
gas emissions. Yes, China is limiting their greenhouse gas emissions, bringing them
down from their current level of "infinite."
Of course, step one in lowering emissions is trading in their Volkswagens.
WEEKLY SNOPES URBAN LEGEND UPDATE
Click HERE for the most current update.
•••••
This week’s most frequently SUBMITTED video told the tale of 86-year-old Eugene
Bostick who created a Dog Train so he could take some rescued canine orphans on
rides around his property. On occasion, he takes them on longer trips around town to
the delight of the residents and the "passengers." (0:40)
Here is another VIDEO about Eugene’s Dog Train as reported last week by a Fort Worth
TV station. (2:11)
•••••
Raise your hand if you remember THESE two lovable characters who were popular
when the vast majority of us were growing up. It’s probable that most of you under the
age of 45 or 50 had never heard of them. (2:49)
•••••
Can the Vulcan Nerve Pinch works on felines? If you have a cat, it’s something you
might want to try the next time it’s being a JERK. (0:28)
•••••
The question of the day is, “Do big CATS like Tigers enjoy catnip?” We report, you
decide. (3:54)
•••••
When 18-year-old Calvin Conger was on a fishing trip with his family off the coast of
Port Charlotte, Florida something completely unexpected happened. As THIS video
shows, a stingray he'd been planning to use as bait turned out to be pregnant, and
Calvin's father, Terry, ends up playing the role of midwife. (1:28)
•••••
Based on how badly Ettore the Labrador asked for forgiveness from its owner, Marcia
Morton wonders what it could possibly have done WRONG. (1:31)
•••••
Although it’s uncommon to see a pup riding an elevator by herself, seeing dogs in
nursing homes isn't. Since 1976, dogs have been trained specifically for the purpose of
acting as therapeutic companions in various institutions.
Research has shown the positive effects of interaction with therapy dogs. Oxytocin
(often called the "bonding hormone") and dopamine (which is associated with
Parkinson's disease) levels increase with interaction, while the levels of cortisol
decrease.
Meet NALA the Teacup Poodle. She may not have formal training in pet therapy nor
elevator operations, but she is a pro at making rounds and warming hearts.
•••••
Along somewhat similar to Nala above, Maureen Burns who is featured in this BBC clip
is convinced that her dog saved her life by smelling a cancerous tumor in her breast,
thus giving her an early warning about the DEADLY disease. Could it be true? That’s for
you to decide. (4:00)
•••••
This clip from Don Hale shows a standoff between a photographer and an Elk in the
Great Smokey Mountains back in 2013. It has generated several opinionated comments
under the VIDEO that may be worth a look as well as the clip itself. Apparently the
National Park Service chose to put the animal down after this incident. (7:00)
•••••
What we have here in this Wimp.com video clip is the perfect song for THESE perfect
best friends. See if you agree. (2:01)
•••••
Most of us have a stereotypical view of Russia, but it could be argued that in some
respects we trail behind them when it comes to various aspects of society. As an
example, have a LOOK at how the Russians try to protect the rights of the disabled.
(1:35)
•••••
I was thinking of picking up one of those new iPhones that Apple just released until I
saw this Radio Shack ad. I think the smart thing to do would be to spring for THIS one
since it would be more difficult lose. (0:32)
•••••
Warning: If you visit Thailand and someone offers you a ride in what you think is a
water taxi, don’t get in if it has a motor that looks like the one in THIS boat. (0:34)
•••••
When Mike Thompson sent us the following R-rated story and added a two-word
message of his own that read, “Next Farsider?” we thought why not? All of us could use
a good chuckle.
Why People Hate to Attend High School Reunions
Jan, Sue and Mary haven't seen each other since high school.
They rediscover each other via a reunion website and arrange to meet for lunch in a
wine bar.
Jan arrives first, wearing a beige Versace. She orders a bottle of Pinot Grigio.
Sue arrives shortly afterward in gray Chanel. After the required ritualized kisses she
joins Jan in a glass of wine.
Then Mary walks in, wearing a faded old T-shirt, blue jeans and boots. She too shares
the wine.
Jan explains that after leaving high school and graduating from Princeton in Classics,
she met and married Timothy, with whom she has a beautiful daughter. Timothy is a
partner in one of New York's leading law firms. They live in a 4000 square-foot co-op
on Fifth Avenue, where Susanna, the daughter, attends drama school. They have a
second home in Phoenix.
Sue relates that she graduated from Harvard Med School and became a surgeon. Her
husband, Clive, is a leading Wall Street investment banker. They live in Southampton
on Long Island and have a second home in Naples, Florida.
Mary explains that she left school at 17 and ran off with her boyfriend, Jim. They run a
tropical bird park in Kansas and grow their own vegetables. She says that Jim can
stand five parrots, side by side, on his penis.
Halfway through the third bottle of wine and several hours later, Jan blurts out that her
husband is really a cashier at WalMart. They live in a small apartment in Brooklyn and
have a travel trailer parked at a nearby storage facility.
Sue, chastened and encouraged by her old friend's honesty, explains that she and Clive
are both nurses' aides in a retirement home. They live in Jersey City and take vacation
camping trips to Alabama.
Mary admits that the fifth parrot has to stand on one leg.
•••••
The July 9th Farsider included a clip of wingsuit thrill seeker Uli Emanuele flying
through a slit in a rock that was only 6 feet wide at 120 mph. Click HERE to review that
clip if you missed it. (2:43))
This new video of thrill seeker Graham Dickinson is arguably every bit as dangerous
given how close he is to the ground at the same terminal speed of 120 mph. The
FLIGHT was captured on video by his buddy Dario Zanon, who followed behind in his
own wingsuit. (0:52)
•••••
Here’s a challenge for those of you who are proud of your woodworking skills. Let’s see
you BUILD one of these from a two-by-four using just one nail. (9:40)
•••••
Had I thought of the TRICK in this Mentos commercial when I was in high school I
might have saved myself a couple of trips to the principal’s office for showing up late
for class. (0:31)
•••••
This 100-year-old lady claims that her daily use of a NINTENDO DS keeps her brain
sharp, improves her memory, and that she doesn’t feel a day older than 80. (1:55)
•••••
For this week's closer, we’ll wager that those of you in your 60s and above will enjoy
this excerpt from the Australian version of “60 Minutes.” Received from Dirk Parsons,
it’s about THE SEEKERS, a musical group that had several hits that rose to the top of
the charts back in the Beatles’ era. Says Dirk, “The segment shows them performing
back in the ’60s and again 50 years later. Judith Durham, the female singer, still has an
amazing voice.” If you don’t recall the name, you should remember some of their
songs. (13:04)
•••••
G-day
Pic of the Week:
Unfortunately, “The Great One” didn’t live to see 2015. He
died in 1987 from cancer at the age of 71. Click HERE.
THE FARSIDER SUBSCRIPTION ROSTER as of 9/30/15
Additions and changes since the last published update (alphabetical by last name):
Linda Evans — Added
To receive the email address of anyone on the list -- or to receive the roster with all of
the email addresses -- send your request to <bilmat@comcast.net>.
Abram, Fred & Connie
Adams, Gene
Ady, Bruce
Agerbeek, Bob
Agerbeek, Rudy
Aguilar, David
Aguirre, Jim
Albericci, Jerry
Alberts, Dick
Alcantar, Ernie
Alfano, Phil
Alford, Mike
Aligo, Cynthia
Allbright, Bill
Allen, Bob
Alvarado, Marie
Alvarez, Pat (Campbell)
Amaral, Mike
Anders, Alberta
Anderson, Jim
Anderson, Mark
Anderson, Sharon
Anthony, Tom
Antoine, Steve
Antonowicz, Germaine
Appleby, Judy
Arata, Jennifer
Arca, Rich
Archie, Dan
Avery, Rod
Babineau, Dave & Cheryl
Bacigalupi, Dave
Baggott, Jim
Bailey, Rich
Baker, Beth
Balesano, Bob
Balesteri, Lou
Ballard, Gordon
Banner, Ken
Barikmo, Jon
Bariteau, John
Barnes, Steve
Barnett, Brad
Baroff, Stan
Barrera, Ray
Barranco, Rich
Barshay, Marc
Bartels, Don
Bartholomew, Dave
Bartoldo, Tom
Basilio, Les
Bastida, Maggie
Bates, Tom
Battaglia, Nick
Battaglia, Will
Baxter, Jack
Bayer, Lance
Bayers, Dennis
Beams, Bob
Beattie, George
Becerra, Manny
Beck, Brian
Beck, Tom
Becknall, Jim
Beckwith, Tony
Beiderman, Margie
Belcher, Steve
Bell, Bob
Bell, Mark
Bell, Mike
Belleci, Ron
Belveal, Chuck
Bence, Martin
Bennett, Joy
Bennett, Mark
Berggren, Heidi
Bergtholdt, Doug
Bernardo, Guy
Bettencourt, Ed
Bevis, Sherry
Biebel, Phil
Bielecki, Mike
Binder, Andrew
Biskup, Shelley
Blackmore, Chuck
Blackstock, Carroll
Boales, Tina
Boes, Judith
Boggess, Eileen
Boggess, Mike
Bonetti, Jon
Bosco, Al
Botar, Rick
Bowen, Gordy
Bowman, Mike
Boyd, Pat
Boyles, John
Bradshaw, Bob
Brahm, Bob
Bray, Mary Ellen
Brewer, Tom
Brickell, Dave
Bridgen, Dave
Brightwell, Larry
Brocato, Dom
Brookins, Dennis
Brooks, Bob
Brown Jr., Bill
Brown, Charlie
Brown, Dennis
Brown, Ernie
Brown, Terry
Browning, Bob
Brua, Dale
Bullock, April
Bullock, Dan
Bulygo, Corinne
Bulygo, Mary
Burke, Karol
Burns, Barbara
Burroughs, (Bronson)
Utta
Busch, Dennis
Bye, Bud
Byers, Dave
Bytheway, Glenn
Caddell, Jim
Cadenasso, Richard
Caldarulo, Wendy
Calderon, Richard
Caldwell, Phyllis
Camara, Bob
Camarena, Raul
Campbell, Jason
Campbell, John
Campbell, Larry
Campos, John
Cannell, Tom
Caragher, Ed
Caraway, Steve
Card, Christine
Cardoza, Vic
Carlin, David
Carlsen, Laura
Carlton, Jim
Caro, Bert
Caro, Lynne
Carr Jr., John
Carr, John
Carraher, Don
Carraher, Jim
Carter, Ernie
Carrillo, Jaci Cordes
Carrillo, John
Cates, Dean
Cavallaro, Dave
Cedeno, Rey
Chalmers, JC
Chamness, Hank
Chapel, Ivan
Chevalier, Brian
Chavez, Ruben
Chewey, Bob
Christian, Brian
Christiansen, Bob
Christiansen, Rich
Christie, Kenn
Clark, Bill (the one who
stayed)
Clark, Bill
Clayton, Dave
Clear, Jennifer
Clifton, Craig
Coates, Marisa
Cobarruviaz, Lou
Coen, Roger
Colombo, Tony
Comelli, Ivan
Como, John
Confer, Rick
Connor, Stephanie
Connors, Kim
Conrad, Mark
Contreras, Dolores
Conway, Ed
Cook, John
Cooke, Bertie
Coppom, Dave
Cordes, Marilyn
Cornfield, Scott
Cortez, Darrell
Costa, Mike
Cossey, Neil
Cotterall, Doug
Couser, Rich
Cripe, Rodger
Crowell, Chuck
Culwell, Ken
Cunningham, Stan
D'Arcy, Steve
Dailey, Karen
Daley, Brian
Daly, Ron
Damon, Alan
Damon, Veronica
Daniels, Jim
Daulton, Rich
Daulton, Zita
Davis, Bud
Davis, Joan
Davis, Mike
Davis, Rob
Day, Jack
Deaton, Caroll
DeBoard, Joe
DeGeorge, Bob
DeLaere, Sylvia
Delgado, Dave
DeMers, Buc
Dennis, Sandra
Destro, Mike
Destro, Tony
Devane, Dan
Devane, Joe
Dewey, Rod
Diaz, Mike
DiBari, Dave
DiVittorio, Gerrie
Dishman, Billy
Doherty, Janiece
Dolezal, Dennis
Dominguez, Bob
Dooley, Jeff
Dorsey, Ed
Dotzler, Jennifer
Dowdle, Mike
Doxie, Tara
DuClair, Jim
Dudding, Bill
Dudley, Bruce
Duey, Dennis
Dye, Allen
Dwyer, Pat
Earnshaw, Kathy
Earnshaw, Patrick
Edillo-Brown, Margie
Edwards, Derrek
Edwards, Don
Egan, Mike
Eisenberg, Terry
Ellner, Howard
Ellsworth, Larry
Embry (Howsmon), Eva
Erfurth, Bill
Erickson, Rich
Esparza, Dave
Esparza, Fred
Estrabao, Dario
Eubanks, Earl
Evans, Linda
Evans, Ron
Ewing, Chris
Ewing, Don
Ewing, Paul
Fagalde, Kevin
Fair, Bruce
Fairhurst, Dick
Fanucchi, Ross
Farlow, Paul
Farmer, Jack
Faron, Walt
Farrow, Chuck
Faulstich, Marge
Faulwetter, Stan
Faz, Dennis
Fehr, Mike
Ferdinandsen, Ed
Ferguson, Betty
Ferguson, Ken
Ferla, Al
Fernsworth, Larry
Flauding, Ken
Fleming, Joe
Flores, Phil
Flosi, Ed
Fong, Richard
Fontanilla, Rick
Forbes, Jay
Foster, Rick
Foulkes [Duchon],
Louise
Francois, Paul
Frazier, Rich
Freitas, Jordon
Fryslie, Kevin
Furnare, Claud
Gaines, Erin
Galea, Andy
Galios, Chris
Galios, Kathy
Gallagher, Steve
Garcia, Jose
Garcia, Lisa
Gardner, Paul
Garner, Ralph
Gaumont, Ron
Geary, Heide
Geer, Brian
Geiger, Rich
Gergurich, Judy
Giambrone, Jim
Giorgianni, Joe
Giuliodibari, Camille
Goates, Ron
Goings, Mark
Gomes, Rod
Gonzales, Gil
Gonzales, Jesse
Gonzalez, D. (formerly D.
Avila)
Gonzalez, Frank
Gonzalez, Jorge
Gott, Pat
Graham, George
Grande, Carm
Grant, Bob
Grant, Doug
Grant, Rich
Granum, Jeff
Graves, Pete
Green, Chris
Grigg, Bruce
Griggs, Fran
Grimes, Eric
Guarascio, Dan
Guerin, Pete
Guido, Jr., Jim
Guido, Sr. Jim
Guizar, Ruben
Gummow, Bob
Gummow, Rich
Gutierrez, Hector
Guzman, Dennis
Guzman, Kim
Gwillim, Reese
Habina, Ron
Hafley, Gary
Hahn, Chuck
Hale, Don
Handforth, Terry
Hann, George
Hare, Caren (Carlisle)
Harnish, Mary (Craven)
Harpainter, Bob
Harris, Bucky
Harris, Diane
Harris, Don
Haskell, Marty
Hawkes, Ken
Haynes, Sandy
Hazen, Skip
Heck, Steve
Heckel, Rick
Hedgpeth, Bob
Helder, Ron
Hellman, Marilyn
Hendrickson, Dave
Hendrix, Dave
Hernandez, Ernie
Hernandez, Irma
Hernandez, Joe
Hernandez, Linda
Hernandez, Rudy
Hernandez, Vic
Herrick, Mike
Herrmann, Erma
Hewison, Jamie
Hewitt, Dave
Hilborn, Art
Hildebrandt, Karen
Hill, Sandra
Hippeli, Micki
Hirata, Gary
Dave Hober
Hober, Margo
Hodgin, Bruce
Hoehn, Charlie
Hogate, Joanne
Hogate, Steve
Hollars, Bob
Holliday, Sandy
Hollingsworth, Larry
Holloway, Sandi
Holser, George
Hong, Bich-nga
Horton, Debbie
(McIntyre)
Hosmer, Dewey
Howard, Terri
Howell, Jim
Howsmon, Frank
Howsmon (Sr.), Frank
Hudson, Kim
Hughes, Gary
Hunter, Jeff
Husa, Sonia
Hyland, Brian
Ibarra, Miguel
Imobersteg, Rob
Inami, Steve & Francine
Ingraham, George
Ireland, Joe
Jackson, Curt
Jacksteit, Ken
Jacobson, Barbara
Janavice, Dean
Jeffers, Jim
Jenkins, Dave
Jensen, Dan
Jensen, Janie
Jewett, Donna
Jezo, Pat
Johnson, Bob
Johnson, Craig
Johnson, Cynthia
Johnson, Dave
Johnson, Gary
Johnson, Jon
Johnson, Karen
Johnson, Kyle
Johnson, Mardy
Johnson, Tom & Fran
Jones, Russ
Kaminsky, Glenn
Katashima, Annie
Katz, Dan
Keeney, Bill
Kelsey, Bert
Keneller, Dave
Kennedy, Scott
Kennedy, Tom
Kensit, John
Killen, Pat
Kimbrel, Tammy
Kinaga, Rose
King, Charlie
Kingsley, Fred
Kirkendall, Dave
Kischmischian, Gene
Klein, Lou Anna
Kleman, Karl
Knea, Tim
Kneis, Brian
Knopf, Art
Knopf, Dave
Kocina, Ken
Koenig, Heinz
Kong, Ernie
Kosovilka, Bob
Kozlowski, Astrid
Kracht, John
Kregel, John
Lanctot, Noel
Laney, Tammy
Lansdowne, Sharon
Lara, Bill
LaRault, Gary
Larsen, Bill
Laverty, Ann
Lax, John
Leavy, Bill
Leavey, Jack
LeGault, Anna
LeGault, Russ
Lem, Noland
Leonard, Gary
Leonard (Lintern), Lynda
Leong, Ken
Lewis, Lefty
Lewis, Marv
Lewis, Steve
Lind, Eric
Linden, Larry
Lisius, Jim
Little, Keith
Livingstone, John
Lobach, Bob
Lockwood, Bob
Lockwood, Joan
Logan, Maureen
Longaker, Mary
Longoria, Noe
Lopez, Candy
Lopez. Dan
Lopez, Ruvi
Lovecchio, Pete
Low, John
Lu, Elba
Luca, Dennis
Lucarotti, Jim
Luna, Gloria
Lundberg, Larry
Lyons, TB
MacDougall, Joanne
Macris, Carly
Macris, Tom
Madison, Gary
Maehler, Mike
Mahan, Rick
Malatesta, Jim
Malcolm, Roger
Mallett, Bill
Malvini, Phil
Mamone, Joe
Marcotte, Steve
Marfia, John
Marfia, Ted
Marin, Julie
Marini, Ed
Marlo, Jack
Marsh, Scott
Martin, Brad
Martin, Lou
Martin, Todd
Martinelli, Ron
Martinez, Rick
Martinez, Victor
Matteoni, Charlotte
Mattern, John
Mattos, Bill
Mattos, Paula
Mattocks, Mike
Mayo, Lorraine
Mayo, Toni
Mazzone, Tom
McCaffrey, Mike
McCain, Norm
McCall, George
McCall, Lani
McCarville, John
McCollum, Bob
McCollum, Daniele
McCready, Tom
McCulloch, Al
McCulloch, Scott
McElvy, Mike
McFall, Ron
McFall, Tom
McGuffin, Rich
McGuire, Pat
McIninch, Mark
McKean, Bob
McKenzie, Dennis
McLucas, Mike
McMahon, Jim
McMahon, Ray
McNamara, Laurie
McTeague, Dan
Meheula, Cheryl
Mendez, Deborah
Mendez, Mike
Messier, Tom
Metcalfe, Dave
Metcalfe, Mickey
Miceli, Sharon
Miller, Keith
Miller, Laura
Miller, Rollie
Miller, Shirley
Miller, Stan
Mills, Don
Mindermann, John
Miranda, Carlos
Mitchell, Carol
Modlin, Dick
Mogilefsky, Art
Moir, Bob
Montano, Wil
Montes, José
Morales, Octavio
Moore, Dewey
Don Moore
Moore, Jeff
Moore, JoAnn
Moorman, Jim
Morella, Ted
Moreno, Norma
Morgan, Dale
Morin, Jim
Morris, Jack
Morton, Bruce
Mosley, Joe
Mosunic, Taffy
Moudakas, Terry
Moura, Don
Mozley, Ron
Muldrow, Mark "Mo"
Mulholland, Kathy
Mullins, Harry
Mulloy, Dennis
Munks, Jeff
Munoz, Art
Murphy, Bob
Musser, Marilynn
Nagel, Michael
Nagengast, Carol
Nakai, Linda
Nalett, Bob
Namba, Bob
Ngo, Phan
Nichols, John
Nichols, Mike
Nimitz, Stephanie
Nissila, Judy
Norling, Debbie
North, Dave
North, Jim
Norton, Phil
Nunes, John
Nunes, Les
O'Carroll, Diane
(Azzarello)
O'Connor, Mike
O'Donnell, Tom
O'Keefe, Jim
Oliver, Pete
Ortega, Dan
Ortiz, Leanard
Otter, Larry
Ouimet, Jeff
Ozuna, George
Pacheco, Russ
Padilla, George
Pagan, Irma
Painchaud, Dave
Palsgrove, Ted
Panighetti, Paul
Papenfuhs, Steve
Paredes, Carlos
Parker, Rand
Parlee, May
Parrott, Aubrey
Parsons, Dirk
Parsons, Mike
Pascoe, Brent
Passeau, Chris
Pate, Neal
Patrino, Lyn
Payton, George
Pearce, Jim
Pearson, Sam
Pedroza, Frank
Peeler, Eleanor
Pegram, Larry
Percelle, Ralph
Percival, John
Perry (Cervantez),
Martha
Petersen, Bruce
Peterson, Bob
Phelan, Bill
Phelps, Scott
Phillips, Gene
Pitts, Phil
Plinski, Leo
Pointer, John
Polanco, Mary
Polmanteer, Jim
Porter, John
Postier, Ken
Postier, Steve
Powers, Bill
Priddy, Loren
Princevalle, Roger
Pringle, Karl
Propst, Anamarie
Puckett, Bill
Punneo, Norm
Purser, Owen
Pyle, Leroy
Quayle, John
Quezada, Louis
Quinn, John
Quint, Karen
Ramirez, Manny
Ramirez, Victoria
Ramon, Chacha
Raposa, Rick
Rappe (Ryman), Bonnie
Rasmussen, Charlene
Raul, Gary
Raye, Bruce
Realyvasquez, Armando
Reed, Nancy
Reek, Rob
Reeves, Curt
Reid, Fred
Reinhardt, Stephanie
Reizner, Dick
Rendler, Will
Rettus, Bev
Reuter, Larry
Reutlinger, Leslie
Reyes (Buell), Cindy
Reyes, Joe
Reyes, Juan
Reyes, Mo
Rheinhardt, Bob
Rice, Jayme
Rice, Lyle
Richter, Darrell &
Annette
Riedel, Gunther
Rimple, Randy
Roach, Jim
Roberts, Mike
Robertson, Harry
Robinson, Walt
Robison, Rob
Rodgers, Phil
Rogers, Lorrie
Romano, Marie
Rose, John
Rose, Wendell
Ross, Joe
Ross, Mike
Rosso, Ron
Roy, Charlie
Royal, Russ
Ruiloba, Louie
Russell, Russ
Russell, Stan
Russo, Grace
Ryan, Joe
Saito, RIch
Salamida Joe
Salewsky, Bill
Salguero, Desiree
Salvi, Pete
Samsel, Dave
Santos, Bill
Sanfilippo, Roy
Sauao, Dennis
Savage, Scott
Savala, john
Sawyer, Craig
Scanlan, Pete
Scannell, Dave
Schembri, Mike
Schenck, Joe
Schenini (Alvarez),
Joanne
Schiller, Robert
Schmidt, Chuck
Schmidt, Paul
Schriefer, Hank
Seaman, Scott
Seck, Tom
Sekany, Greg
Seymour, Chuck
Seymour, Jim
Sharps, Betty
Shaver, John
Sheppard, Jeff
Sherman, Gordon
Sherr, Laurie
Shigemasa, Tom
Shuey, Craig
Shuman, John
Sides, Roger
Sills, Eric
Silva, Bill
Silveria, Linda
Silvers, Jim
Simpson, Terry
Sinclair, Bob
Sly, Sandi
Smith, Bill
Smith, BT
Smith, Craig
Smith, Ed
Smith, Jerry
Smith, Karen
Smith, Kerry
Smith, Mike
Smoke, Wil
Sorahan, Dennis
Spangenberg, Hal
Spence, Jim
Spitze, Randy
Spoulos, Dave
Springer, George
Stauffer, Suzan
Stelzer, Rex
Sterner, Mike
Strickland, John
Sturdivant, Billy
Sugimoto, Rich
Suits, Jim
Summers, Bob
Ted Sumner
Sun, Jeff
Suske, Joe
Swanson, Ray
Tarricone, Linda
Tate, Bill
Taves, Phil & Paula
Taylor, Joyce
Tenbrink, Bob
Tennant, Ed
Teren-Foster, Aileen
Terry, Glenn & Maggie
Thawley, Dave
Thomassin, Ron
Thomas, Art
Thomas, Dick
Thompson, Gary
Thompson, Margie
Thompson, Mike
Tibaldi, Ernie
Tibbet, Walt
Tice, Stan
Tietgens, Dick
Tietgens, Don
Tomaino, Jim
Torres, Gil
Torres, John
Torres, Nestor
Torres, Ralph
Townsend, John
Townsend, Vicki
Tozer, Dave
Trevino, Andy
Trujillo, Ted
Trussler, Christine
Trussler, John
Tush, Dick
Tyler, Diana
Unland, Jim
Unland, Joe
Urban, Diane
Usoz, Steve
Valcazar, Dan
Vallecilla, Ernie & Peggy
Van Dyck, Lois
Vanek, John
Vasquez, Danny
Rich Vasquez
Vasquez, Ted
Vasta, Joe
Videan, Ed
Videan, Theresa
Vidmar, Mike
Vincent, Bill
Vinson, Jim
Vizzusi, Gilbert
Vizzusi, Mike
Vizzusi, Rich
Vizzusi, Tony
Waggoner, Bill
Wagner, Jim
Wagstaff, Greg
Wahl, John
Walker, Dave
Wall, Chuck
Ward, Jean
Ward, Ray
Watts, Bob
Way, Vicky
Webster, Ron
Wedlow, Dean
Weesner, Greg
Weesner, Steve
Weir, Tony
Welker, Jessica
Wells, Bill
Wells, Brenda
Wells, Mike
Wendling, Boni
Wendling, Jay
Weston, Tom
Wheatley, Tom
White, Rich
Wicker, Joe
Wiley, Bruce
Williams, Jodi
Williams [Durham],
Lanette
Williams, Rick
Williamson, Kathleen
Williamson, Ken
Wilson, Caven
Wilson, Jeff
Wilson, Lee
Wilson, Neal
Wilson, Stan
Wilson, Tom
Windisch Jr., Steve
Wininger, Steve
Winter, Bill
Wirht, Kim
Witmer, Dave
Wittenberg, Jim
Wolfe, Jeff
Woo, Paul
Wood, Dave
Wood, Jim
Woodington, Brad
Wysuph, Dave
Yarbrough, Bill
Young, Mike
Younis, Tuck
Yuhas, Dick
Yules, Ken
Zalman, Ginny
Zanoni, Mike
Zaragoza, Phil
Zenahlik, Tom
Zimmerman, Eliza
Zwemke, Doug