Well, okay, we were going to keep this light this morning but The News Gods said: “Nope, nossiree, no way...” and we’re on the very hot pursuit of armed bank robbery suspects from Concord to San Jose this morning.
Our Flashers started checking in as a getaway Chrysler running south on I680 hit Walnut Creek and then it was hoorah, off to the races as the driver put the pedal to the metal and ripped through the Corridor at speeds most commuters only reach when they’re angling to beat the other guy to the HOV lane.
We’re still unraveling this one but this pair made it to Pleasanton, ripped through a construction site, abandoned their car after their Crazy Ivan maneuvering didn’t work out and hijacked another one from an unlucky, terrified civilian.
The pursuit picked up again with numerous agencies along for the ride as the hijacked suspect car made it to a location in San Jose and our two primary actors bailed out, apparently with guns in hand. Police took a dim view of suspected bank robbers rough-riding across town and one of the robber/jackers was felled by gunfire from a Concord police officer at Timothy and Mabury. The second suspect was taken into custody without further incident while his alleged accomplice was taken to the hospital for treatment of a non life-threatening wound.
In other news but just as thunderous in terms of impact has been the local chatter we’re picking up from restaurant owners, boutique wine shops and all who have apparently started feeling the affects tariffs are having on many of their more exotic imports. Gourmands and oenophiles we know have said sales are down and businesses are being forced to adjust, with a few closures of certain clubs and offerings along the way. We’re interested in this because we, well, eat and drink so if you’re in the hospitality business and you’re experiencing this, drop a dime on us. We can keep the conversation sub-rosa if you wish.
While certain businesses may not be seeing the crowds they would like lots of folks are taking to the streets lately – much as that seems to peeve those of dissimilar political leanings. We realized recent demonstrations in Concord and Walnut Creek and elsewhere were not sitting well with some when the threats and “you better not cover these things any more” demands started flying over our transom.
Those of you unfortunate enough to know us well know that threats bounce off us like spitballs off the cool kid in class and that ordering us to do something usually results in the opposite reaction. If you do choose to approach us in this manner you may want to re-think your tactics.
Along with our innate, built-in Irish obstinance and hyper-sensitive allergy panels this month those we pull into our personal sphere know we like a little patriotic energy and a lustily rendered national anthem from time to time.
Apparently, one of our landmark theaters held a throwback Free Movie Night recently and it was – dig this – in black and white! Isn’t that a joke! No, we don’t think so, either. We like the moldy oldies and the crowd who showed up for Casablanca knew the movie and the lines and were tossing back Bogart-isms (“Of all the gin joints… Louis, are you pro-Vichy or Free French?.. I remember Paris, etc.) like Jello Shots at a Blink 182 tour party. Topping it off, we’re told, is when the assembled joined in for a pivotal moment in the film, when Victor Laszlo commandeers Mssr. Rick’s house band for a little anti-nazi patriotism – even the mildly collaborationist Yvonne rising to deliver a tearful rendition.
Ah, they just don’t make movies like that any more…
Ahhhh, one of my favorites…….Casablanca.
And, even though I might agree with your politics, those making threats against 24/680 might have to deal with Firestone 11R. We believe in free speech, unless it interferes with the right of others. Don’t make me tool you.
As per the pursuit, I understand from another news source that one bad guy wound up eating lead, excellent.
Firestone 11R
Great post and please keep it up
If the nay sayers want censoring of the protests..go to claycord. The majority of their posters find as many ways as possible (with limited vocabulary) to say woke people are stupid.
50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement.
Once again, I didn’t notice any counter protesters. Maybe some were there but I did not see them in the hour I was there near the center of the large crowd.
The people who criticize our peaceful expressions of disgust and demand for change (and those who criticize your reporting) are sore losers. I say “losers” because they are now getting what they voted for: bad policy, disregard for established law, and a strategy of political division and revenge.
No kings!
Which gathering did you go to, David?
Concord this time. Walnut Creek on the 5th. Good crowds.
I’m happy with the administration so far, wish they had gone about a few things differently. And happy that we are having protests, as long as they don’t block roads or others activities.
Firestone 11R
So, I’m thinkin’ that the purpose of the site upgrade that disrupted comments from your followers for a couple of days was to make things better. Today, my “new” hours-old comment twists in the ether circa April 2025. Even Alexa+ cannot find it.
Are you sure you and Jeffrey aren’t related?
There’s always one black sheep. I’ll bet Jeff likes to dress like Doc Holliday for Easter. Of course, you were insinuating more than one is a possibility…I get that;)
Actually, Wyatt Earp. My DNA mixed with his in a Colma cemetery.
Firestone 11R
That scene still gives me chills.
Which bank was it that got hit?
It was a credit union on Detroit.
Hmmmm, maybe I will show up to counter-protest soon, I had a fun time on the UC Berkeley campus with the pro-Hamas gathering.
Firestone 11R
Interesting musical reference.
Sometimes you have to stand up and out sing the Nazis. All we need is a Laszlo.