The scene at Hodad's parking lot, after 5 shots were made, Wed Oct 7, 2009. Photo: Jim Grant.
Originally posted October 7, 2009
OCEAN BEACH, CA. The usual calm and fun at OB’s famous Farmers’ Market was broken this afternoon when a San Diego Police officer shot and killed a local pit bull in Hodad’s parking lot on the 5000 block of Newport Avenue. Police claim the officer was forced to shot the dog as it was attacking another officer.
The shooting of the dog, described as a black pit bull, and named “Blue” occurred around 5pm. At the 10 pm news, two TV stations reported that apparently an undercover police officer was either approaching the dog’s owner or was in the vicinity when the dog began attacking the officer and a woman. Upon hearing the woman’s screams, two officers approached the dog. The dog, with a leash, was biting the officer. That officer took a shot at the dog, but it continued to bite. That’s when a second officer shot the dog at least twice and killed it. Both the woman bitten and the officer were taken to a hospital with undisclosed injuries.
The dog’s owner, a local guy who some said was homeless, was also reportedly taken into custody on a couple of misdemeanors. He had supposedly fled the scene during the dog attack. Police stated he was arrested for the attack and for fleeing.
Eyewitnesses decried the use of such force, and disputed the number of shots police say were made at the dog. One officer speaking in front of the media said three shots were made. Witnesses said up to 5 or 6 shots were made.
UPDATE from Fox 5 News:
I saw a lady limping away and clearly she had been bitten by the dog,” said Rebecca Barnett who witnessed the incident.
Officers say two undercover policemen tried to stop the dog’s owner.
“They identified themselves produced their badges and said, “SDPD please stop’!” said Police Sgt. Misty Cedrun. “He continued to run.”
The officers then chased the man into a nearby parking lot.
“The pit bull turned on one of the undercover officers and started biting his leg,” said Sgt. Cedrun. “The other officer fired a couple of rounds into the dog and eventually put him down.”
Rio Mesta said she knows the dog owner and his pet dog named Blue. She was at the site Wednesday and said she was horrified.
“You don’t senselessly shoot an animal six times,” Mesta said. “I played with him 24 hours ago; put my face in his face and he licked my face so not a real threat there people.”
Mesta and some others felt that killing the dog wasn’t necessary.
“I am just aghast right now, I’m appalled,” said Heidi Cohen-wolff. “We know darn well he’s got defense training; he’s got tranquilizer guns. He’s got many other options.”
San Diego police though said the officer felt threatened and there was no other alternative.
“Some people might think that’s excessive but in this instance, that pit bull was actively attacking an undercover police officer,” said Sgt. Cedrun. “So there’s only one way for us to stop that threat.”
Cedrun said the dog had a history of threatening behavior. She said many citizens came forward to say they have seen the dog lunging at people. Cedrun said the dog owner, who is homeless, faces misdemeanor charges for the attack and for running from officers. The woman who was attacked had very minor injuries. The officer was taken to the hospital where he was treated for minor bites to his le
San Diego News Network reports:
The animal went after the officer about 5 p.m. in the 5000 block of Newport Avenue, near the site of a weekly farmers’ market, SDPD Sgt. David Jennings said. The lawman opened fire in self-defense, killing the dog at the scene, the sergeant said. Medics took the officer to a hospital for treatment of bite wounds. His condition was not immediately available.
At this point, 5 to 6 hours after the shooting, there are conflicting reports of the circumstances surrounding this shooting. There were many eyewitnesses, and some of them have made comments to this post. More news will be made available as soon as we see or hear it.
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There are one million homeless children in America and over 47 million unemployed and now a homeless man’s dog murdered by the police in Ocean Beach, California.
“KKKops Kill Po’ Boy’s Dawg While Derelict Pooper Gets Off Scott Clean” -True Crime Stories from Hodad’s Alley! Details at 11…Stay tuned in, turned on and dropped out!
The Great Rat Xodus
I am the aunt of the homeless man in question. I am familiar with his dogs as well. The older dog is the only dog in the world my children are not afraid of. Jack is an exremely gentle dog. The “homeless man’s” little sisters all grew up with Jack. I only saw Blue once. He was still a puppy, but when I was around him, he was hardly viscious. In addition, I never realized he was at all part pit bull. He looked like a black lab to me. He didn’t have the squared jaw of a pit bull. I had the misfortune of seeing a pit bull attack a small dog, and I don’t believe this was a viscious attack if there were only minor injuries to this woman. I am curious to hear the whole story. I am confident there’s something missing. That said, I understand that IF a dog is attacking, something must be done right then and there and that the owner is responsible to control his animal. I also know the reason my nephew ran, and it was purely out of fear for his other animal.
That aside, I was not there, I am a state away. I can’t say what happened. I will tell you this much; my nephew is not a bad person, or someone we should discard because he is different and not a society guy. I know homeless people make others uncomfortable. I understand. However, I do know how loving and generous my nephew is. He would help anyone. Unfortunately, he has always felt different from society and like he didn’t fit in. He is bright, having a 124 IQ. He has a loving family. He has a place (more than one) he could stay here at home. He just felt the need to be out there in the world on his own. I don’t understand it, but that’s how it is. He has never tried to hurt anyone ever in his life. I hope that those of you making disparaging remarks about him realize his mother and other family members are reading this and you are adding to their hurt, which may be your goal. The internet is full of trolls claiming to have intimate knowledge of a situation.
To JESSE,
Blue had his shots. My sister-in-law made sure those dogs had medical care when my nephew came home for visits. Blue didn’t have mange. Mange is generally transferred from the mother dog to the puppy and isn’t usually contagious otherwise. I’m sorry my nephew disgusts you so much.
I first want to start off by thanking all the people who are supporting my brother. Bless you all.. This was an unfortunate event that took place. Was it neccessary to use such brutal force againist a 10 MONTH, i repeat 10 month old puupy, who hasn’t even been on this earth for a year? NO it was not, there is always another option. For Baby Blue who is now in Doggy heaven, you will be missed little guy. I know JackyBoy and BabyBlue are more than just dogs to my brother and family, they are more than just pets, and companions, they’re family. I understand that SDPD has a job, and that job is to protect the city. But what I don’t understand is how someone can be sooo cruel. Like I said there is always another option, like maze, or a tazer, not a deadly weapon. I cannot describe the saddess in my heart for Blue, and Stephen, and for JackyBoy who is probably wondering where Stephen is, at this very moment. I just wannt to thank all the supporters we have, thank you very much! And for all who didn’t know Blue, that’s your loss, because he was not a viscous dog, more like a loving puppy. Thanks again!
P.S
I love you Stephen, see you soon big brother!
Baby blue was a PUPPY!!! And the guy you all refer to as that homeless, drugdealing guy are completely wrong his names Stephen! He’s my brother! Reading what some people have to say tears me apart inside out! None of you know stephen jacky boy or blue! You know of them! If you knew who they were you’d know my brothers one of the most nonmaterialistic people in this world! he loves his boys as if there his own children! Jacky boy and baby blue are his life his everything and as my mom said he loves them more than life itself! Blue was a PUPPY for god sake! He is far from “viscious” or “agressive” yet PLAYFUL and LOVING! Yes he’s one fiesty lil fella but I know for a fact he never meant to harm anyone! He’s a lil puppy lookin for ways to entertain himself! Yes he may have bitten some people in the past but I can assure you he’s not the first animal to have bitten someone! Stephen wasn’t homeless yet a free spirit! He has multiple places he could stay but chooses to live life under no roof but in the open! My brother is one of the most unique people in this world,and for those who were blessed by Blues pressence you know how truly different they both are. Those who have met stephen and those that know him know that he will easily give something up to better someone else! I’ve seen him do it he can be given one of the most amazing gifts and turn around and give it to someone else just to make them happy! And when have you ever heard a cop say “please stop” not once in my life have I heard an officer say “PLEASE stop” and I’ve seen multiple situations to have witnessed that! There could have been other ways the situation could have been handled but it didn’t! Yes people make mistakes and don’t tend to inflict any pain upon others but the way this incident was handled has obvioulsy caused much pain, rage, and uncertainty to how things will be handled in the future! Yes what’s happened happened and no one can change that but we can make an attempt to change how things are handled in our every day lives! I will miss lil Blue and I can only imagine the pain and suffering my brother is going through! I can only imagine how jacky boy feels alone, scared, depressed wit not knowing where his daddy is and seeing his lil son killed at his side! I appreciate all the support and honesty everyone has shared! God bless you all! Well be with you soon stephen were all here with open arms we miss you brother! I love you stephen :( and I’m sorry bout Blue! I’m crying writing this I miss you :( words can’t describe what emotion I feel I don’t know if I should be angry, sad, I don’t know! but I do know you and jacky boy have many people that love you and support your every decision! Cause your family and true friends are here til the end! Through thick and thin!
Love,
Squeal :)
To the family of Stephen
I feel your pain as I felt your sons pain the day the police shot and killed Blue.
I feel it is an unfortunate situation that could have been handled differently like many do.
I don’t know your son personaly but I probably would have over time like I do with many of our houseless citizens. I believe all those who wander are not lost, just seeking.
I spoke with a public relations officer the day after the shooting.
He knew I was on scene right after hearing the shots fired, yelping of a dog, and witnessing the aftermath.
He knew I was a concerned and pissed off citizen . He told me of the versions of what had happened. Which is the versions I heard from police that night. Which did not jive with some other witness accounts. He also told me Blue had been agressive and had been investigated by animal control. I believe if he was deemed dangerous he wouldn’t have been out on the streets.
I think some questions have to be asked, and some answered.
I don’t know at this point if there will be an investigation. I guess there would be if there is enough public pressure. If there is it would be interesting to check records from animal control.
I would also be interested in a ballistics report to see if there was at time any danger to others.
I ‘m not anti police but I do question authority.
Again my heart goes out to you and Stephen.
Thanks you for your kind words.I think its just a horrible situation to be put in and I can only imagine how my brother feels!
And I agree with you 100% if Blue was a danger to society he wouldn’t of been on the streets in the first place but he was because he’s far from VICSIOUS! He’s a puppy he likes to nibble a bit but I highly doubt he wanted to harm anyone.
“I’m not anti-police, but I do question authority.” Thank you Pat, those are the words I’ve been searching for throughout this discussion.
I am amazed by the amount of BS that I read here.
First of all, how come nobody cares about the old lady tourist that was attacked by Blue? And she was old and she was from another country. After the incident with the Australian tourist this is exactly what OB needed.
Second, did any of you questioned why Phoenix took off after Blue attacked the lady? For your information, Blue was seized twice by animal control for biting ppl but luckly Phoenix convinced these ppl not to press charges. Phoenix told us Blue would be put to sleep if he bit anyone else. Guess what? Blue bit Chris’s elbow last week and then attacked a Chow. And there are about 5 or 6 more ppl that were bit by Blue in OB. I can not recall if Jack on the other hand bit anyone.
Third, the undercovers cops saw what happened and stopped Phoenix in the Hoddas EMPTY parking lot. Phoenix tried to run from them but Jack (his other dog) slowed him down and cops caught him. Blue atacked the cops and was shot. Blue was shot in an empty parking lot from maybe ONE yard away while he was chewing the foot of an undercover cop. Or somebody is dumb enough to thing the cop was shooting from 20 yards away at Blue with the other cop on the line of fire? I am not sure about the agenda of the ones that make it sound like there were some cops shooting at will inside the Farmers Market. There were no people in the parking lot, actually one lady was in her car. Some ppl were asking about Tasers, pepper spary, “tranquilizer gun” (this is my favorite). The cops were UNDERCOVER that means they only have a gun and a radio.
I have dogs too, and the rescued one i can not walk because he bites. And when my oldest one got into fight with another dog i paid $ 900.00 in vet bills. And if grandma comes to see me and some dog is going to bite her…. i am not even going there.
Over all this was a sad incident. But if anyone is to blame I would start with Phoenix for running away and not taking responsability for Blue’s actions; then i would blame Animal Control for not taking care of the issue earlier; I would blame Blue…NOT he was just a dog; I would blame the cops for trying to stop Phoenix from running and at the vey end I blame THE OLD LADY. Why was she in OB anyway?
And at the end of this i have anothert comment: my car whas broken into three times this month and some guy tried to sell me my own Garmin GPS at Saratoga Park. Shame on me, I called the cops and they hooked him. It’s a crazy world outhere.
Knowing my brother… He ran outta fear! He didn’t wanna lose blue! He knew that if they caught him they’d most likely put him to sleep. Should he of ran? No, but he did just like any other person would if you were in his shoes. You can’t say you wouldn’t run you wouldn’t do this or that because until your put in his shoes you have no clue of what was running through his mind!
And if blue bit all these people why weren’t they reported? Why was he still released from the humane society? If he was that big of a threat he wouldn’t have been released! I can assure there are many incidents of dogs biting people that aren’t brought up to the authorities. So what are they gonna do shoot every dog that takes a nip at someone?!?
And for the officers who were undercover yeah they may only carry a gun but its a 40 pound puppy you coulda kicked him and he woulda flew. But a gun was necessary right?!? I don’t think so.
Yes it was a sad incident, but the offer could have taken a step back and been perfectly fine. The dog was on a leash as it clearly shows in the picture there are many ways this situation could have been handled wasn’t.
My brother will live with this everyday. Shit happens, but did it have to happen this way? NO!!!
I still don’t hear any remorse from you about the old lady. If Phoenix is your brother you should know everything about the bites and the two times that Blue was seized by Animal Control. And I blame Animal Control for releasing the dog back to him. And NO I would not ran if my dog bit somebody because I am not a coward. RESPONSABILITY is something that you learn growing up but seems like more and more people lack it. It’s so much easier to blame someone else for your actions. And by knowing Phoenix I am sure he would take full responsability for this event.
I do know about the other bites. And my brothers far from a COWARD!!! And he does take full responsibility for his actios he is responsible for his dogs and if your sayin you know him and know hed take responsibility why judge him? And for the old lady yeah sorry she got bit, but was it a chunk outta her leg I doubt it. She seems to be fine. And you say you wouldn’t of ran but you don’t know what you would of done because you haven’t been put in that situation.
Stephen I love you. I’m very sorry to have heard that this has happened to you. I kno that you probably wont read this, but i kno almost all of your family so someone will tell you:). To the woman and cop that had been bit, I hope that you make a speedy and well recovery. I believe shooting a dog 5-6 times ( or even 3 ) is un-necessary. Blue was a puppy, you could have ummm i dont know restrained him by other means. I never met Blue myself but i would have allowed my children to play with him, dogs like to play DUH, nipping kinda just happens with puppies. Maybe trying to be a little more friendly to people would’t hurt :). Now for the homelessness and drug dealin…….. that makes me crack up.. seroiusly. Stephen has a loving home and comes from a wonderful family, he was out on his own doing what he needed to do. Drugs ( big laughter ) thats just freakin stupid i say. STUPID. he wouldnt deal drugs, if he did( which is laughable) then he sure wouldnt do it there. I want to tell ALL of stephens family members ( mine by. well because i said so:) ), that i love you all and i hope that you are okay. love des. :)
P.S. people should try being a little more friendly.. just in general. kindness doesnt hurt and should be directed towards everyone. just because someone looks or acts or is different doesnt DOESNT mean that they are a bad person. take the time to figure out who u are critizising.
Pit-bulls are such wonderful, calm, kind, lovely dogs, it is so surprising that one would bite somebody. They are bred to be care-givers for infants. I am shocked. But, why shoot it? Why not let it bite and kill people? Why do we even have police? Wouldn’t it be fun to have vicious dogs and wild homeless people all over the place ?
Actually “Pitties” were bred to be easily handled by man, but that is also to their detriment because they will lay their lives on the line for their person or family. I saw that dog many times and never had any issue with it. I remember walking a German Shepard that day when I saw about 5 cop cars racing through Voltaire and south down Sunset Cliffs towards what I’d later find to be an unfortunate event on all accounts. Don’t blame the breed.
is there any update on community actions calling for a public forum on this? I have talked to dog owners from all over – not just OB – who have a general feeling that this dog may very well have been aggressive, and thusly should have been removed from the owner in a humane way, where ownership over the animal could be determined through some form of investigation. Thats how its supposed to go, no?
By no means should a police officer have shot at Blue 5 times in a public place. Its just reckless. So rather than going back and forth about what did or didnt happen, and whether the owner was a drug dealer, a transient, or just a nice guy, it seems that the outrage around this issue is being pushed to the side….this cop shouldn’t have fired his weapon like that. What are we going to do to tell them that is not acceptable in our community?
I am going to recite this tonight at Winstons Drunk Poets
PHOENIX AND BLUE
A POEM BY
OLD HERMIT DAVE
Last Wednesday a cop shot a dog
Vicious pit bull says official cop log
The owner was a street guy, from my home town
Everyone called him Phoenix, an unfunny clown
No surprise that as usual the official side
Leaves with a question, what did they hide
At my last count OB Rag comments stood at ninety five
Showing that this guy and his dog can keep a story alive
A bike ride down to OB town, on that eventful day
Found those knowing boy and dog, had a lot to say
Be it a business worker or street guy, none gave a pass
Everyone joined in saying boy and dog pain in the ass
Of course boy has a mom, sis, and family to stand by his side
Their writing in OB Rag much different, trying to turn the tide
This story might just die as dead as dog Blue
Unless boy and dog’s family have money to sue
Pretty good poem.
HEY THIS IS FOR NOAH!!! Hey man hate to rain on your parade, but learn your facts before you try and judge my brother, and if you actually were reading these comments thurally you would know there is remource for the older woman. And did you ever think to your self he might of ran because he was scared, if you were in the same position you would do the exact same. and don’t say you wouldn’t because you have no idea what you would do unless you were in his position. And to the older lady, im sorry a baby puppy that happen to be attracted to your flowing pant legs bit you (NOT ATTACKED, bit).. FYI everyone who says he attacked the officer and the older woman, he was a 10 MONTH old PUPPY, attacked is not the correct word. AttACK IS BRUTUALLY assulting someone, not taking a nibble, if that, more like a scratch. I am sorry if he scared her. But what happened was ABSOLUTELY ridiculous. And I make no excuse for my brother, or blues mistakes but that did not have to happen.. AND NOAH, the parking lot was not EMPTY. And your right Jack didn’t do anything.
My only question is… would they have shot a golden retriever? Is this in any way affected by the appalling prejudice applied to pit bulls?
Noah
I feel I must respond since I think your first post may have been directed largely at my last post. I was pretty emo the night I wrote it I guess my bleeding heart got the best of me. First of all you seem to know an aweful lot are you one of the under cover cops?
As far as feeling remorse for the old lady tourist . Yes I feel bad for her , the police, and Stephens family. The “Old lady” looked to be in her 60s, an age I don’t consider all that old any more. She and her husband stood during the investigation at least 2 hrs and she seemed to not be in any pain. As far as the officer. I saw a fellow officer ask how his leg was , he sort of shrugged it off like it wasn’t any big deal.
As a kid I was bit by a beagle on a paper route It hurt like hell.
I wouldn’t wish it on anybody. To this day I’m paranoid of any strange dogs.
The point here is the old lady was fine, and the police officer didn’t get his foot chewed.
So what do you think just forget about it? No questions asked?
Investigations regarding police shootings are pretty predictable might just be a waste of time eh?
The dog had alleged ties to Al Qaeda and was jihading the infadels.
It was a matter of homeland security.
I think the police had every right to shoot that dog. It’s not the breed, but how the dog was taught and handled. Also I don’t care if your brother was nice or not. If that dog bit anyone, other than them hurting the dog first, it needs to be put down. In this day and age, we don’t put up with aggressive dogs, not even the drug dogs are allowed to bite people for no reason let alone attack people. My family has always had dogs and we have shown dogs as well as taught junior handling for show. I won’t put up with any dog biting anyone, not even if it was my own. Your brother was homeless and had no business having dogs in the first place.
Lisa- REMEMBER THE WALKING MAN! Extending your rationale gives the police a “right” to shoot the dog’s owner. Some years ago I was biten by a dog at the foot of Cape May. Afterwards the police informed me that a dog can be considered a deadly weapon and that I probably could get off with a minimal charge had I dispatched the pooch to the Styx. A police officer has no “right” to discharge a weapon in any circumstance but has to answer to administrative, civil or criminal law as the case may apply. Daniel Woodyard was killed because he was “homeless with weapon”. Extending your rationale would give the police a right to walk around shooting homeless people and their dogs as the cops saw fit. Good thing we live in a country that isn’t run by…well, what if we put the head of the Arabian Horse Association in charge of something like, say…the Federal Emergency Mananagement Agency and there was a disaster!? But I digress-Xodus
LISA!
My brother was houseless by choice! If you knew how to read! And you say that now and show no sign of remorse but until your put in the situation don’t act like you know how you’d feel!
And for my brother not having dogs he takes far better care of them than you prolly do yourself! My brother cares about his dogs more than anything so don’t be to quick to judge!
Lisa- No, it is NOT OK to shoot a “vicious” dog at a crowded Farmer’s Market in the middle of the day! Do you have any idea what could have happened? A Stray bullet could have KILLED an innocent person or worse a CHILD!
I’m still stunned by this news.
We love Phoenix for his free spirit, his love of life, and his undying devotion to his constant companions, Jack and Blue, and his open, honest, and compassionate heart.
We love you, Phoenix, and you are in our highest thoughts surrounded on all sides by golden white light.
Peace my friend.
Homeless by choice or not, he is homeless and has no business having a dog period. That is my opinion. I am not saying it’s okay for cops to just go shoot random homeless people or dogs. His dog bit people making it dangerous for others. I don’t care how well he supposedly took care of his dog (I am not a homeless person and I take extremely good care of myself because I have a roof over my head and food on my table and I don’t have a vicious dog), if he trained it properly, his dog wouldn’t have bit people. I’m a health care professional and I have seen many children in the ER with dog bites and so forth. If his dog was biting people, then that is a threat to others and an accident, such as the one that did occur, waiting to happen. A person’s life is more valuable than a dogs life. This is my opinion and I know you don’t agree with me, but a person’s life is more important than a dogs life, especially a dog that has a history of biting people.
Yep, you’re right. I don’t agree with you, Lisa. The statements you made, while clearly your opinion, are not at all what I feel about this incident. Why, pray tell, do you think that ‘homeless’ humans have ‘no business having a dog” as you said? Of all the people on this planet that need and bond with the unconditional love of a trusted canine companion, I think that any one who is free spirited enough to live without walls depends on the companionship they get from their family (animals). Blue was well taken care of and lacked for nothing when he was with Phoenix. It was when the authorities impounded Blue and chopped his little balls off that the inhumanity of his care started ~ and certainly not by Phoenix who was beside himself with concern over Blue’s care while imprisioned in Doggie Jail. To say that ‘homeless’ people shouldn’t have dogs is as narrowminded as saying that people with disabilities shouldn’t be allowed to have children. Rubbish!!!
Judge not, my friend, and be free.
Peace.
People who knew the dog said it was neglected and they also could recall people they knew the dog bit. He was homeless and had no business having a dog if he couldn’t even have a roof over his own head and couldn’t train the dog properly. You all are just saying this to defend your friend or family member and I understand that, but when it comes down to it, the community has spoken and the dog should have been put down a while ago if it was biting people.
This example aside, keep in mind becoming homeless is a gradual thing and many homeless had the dog when they had a home. It’s tough to tell the person to turn his only true friend over to the pound to be euthanized. Sometimes the animal is aquired by the person as the alternative was again, being put down, so the general belief that “homeless shouldn’t have a dog” isn’t a truism I subscribe to.
If the dog is a biter I agree 100% that is a different situation, for many reasons, especially liability cost. A child being bit in the face can incurr enormous corrective surgery expenses.
I wish I’d come sooner, the UT version lacked local details & comments were pro/con, mostly con, against pit bulls. Sorry folks, I’m on that side of the fence too. I live next to Dog Beach & when there’s an incident, there’s a pit bull.
But that’s not why I’m commenting, although probably too late to be noticed. Only two sources, one local news station & this column, mentioned the 2 undercover cops. I was amazed to read comments of surprised ignorance that undercover cops were at the farmer’s market.
Look around, my friends. They are on our streets, beach parking lots, pier (may have binoculars), even live in your neighborhood (but don’t sleep there). They are at the farmer’s market & every social event in OB. I stood in one location at last week’s Octoberfest & picked out 4 in 15 minutes. HINT: They usually hang around the uniforms. Ocean Beach is labeled a drug community. Undercover agents troll the areas where the drugs are. So, next time a stranger asks you for weed or speed . . . you know the answer.
No I’m not paranoid, no reason to be, just very observant & anti-Drug War.
You ever wonder why they never can seem to “win” this “drug war” and it goes on and on with only a big “body count” of Americans in jail for a social “crime”?
Probably because winning it puts the soldiers out of a good paying, good benefit job, and officials without a huge budget to spend with little accountability needed.
Ok, So First off I heard about this site like a month ago… Had NO idea that the people in OB had a means to talk shit about anybody, especially on a blog site… pitiful… Ive been living in OB for a collective of two years and have never been so disgusted as I am right now. You all should be ashamed of yourself. I moved to OB with nothing and was homeless myself in OB for quite some time. I was homeless… does that mean I was a nusense? I chose to be like that. I know Phoenix quite well. He is a very loving, smart and amazing guy. Blue Bit the cop because the cop grabbed Stephen. What would you do if your owner was being attacked in your eyes? I mean, I would have ran too. It doesnt matter what nonsense youre saying about this whole “blue is a threat to everyone” If any dog saw their owner being apprehended, Im sure youd want your dog to attack too. 5 Shots was absolutely ridiculous as well. In the middle of farmers market too? I dont know about you guys, but I was searched illegally before and after that incident just becuase i was standing around the wrong people. I know Im not the only one who thinks that the police in Ocean Beach are getting a little too power happy.
Sthephen, I never got to tell you this before you were apprehended, but I did everything I could with my friend to get Jack out of the pound for you, and I called your family as soon as I heard what had happened. You gave me some hope for normal people left in Ocean Beach, and I wish I could have seen you before you left.
I Love You, and please dont forget that there is a girl thats from Michigan that lives in paradise and still has some common sense left and cares deeply about you.
“Had NO idea that the people in OB had a means to talk shit about anybody, especially on a blog site… pitiful… ”
It’s called freedom of speech, freedom of the press. The internet made it even more accessible to the masses than ever. It’s a good thing, really it is, and people are free to set the record straight if they feel their person has been offended.
Yourselves whatever, I was pissed, she obviously didn’t read all the comments.
Pat,
What are you talking about?
Sunshine
Hey Sunshine, I’m pretty sure Pat was referring to the comment left by, “someone who actually knows and cares.”
Apparently that person read one or two comments which set them off, and they immediately assumed the entire blog to be anti-homeless and anti-pit-bull. Which obviously is not the case, as those of us who follow on a regular basis are well aware.
However, this brings to the surface an extremely interesting question…….
When (mostly) un-edited comments are allowed on a community “blog,” who in said community benefits, and who in said community takes offense? Apparently there were many friends, family and acquaintances that took offense to some of the comments regarding Stephen’s arrest. On the flip-side, there were many friends and family that took solace in the coverage and empathetic comments of an otherwise unimportant story in the greater San Diego media. Some readers just choose to look at the negative comments related to a story and “flip-out” on the entire blog.
We saw something similar happen in Doug Porter’s story about People’s food co-op. While there were many fascinating details in his stories regarding the local store, most even praising the work that they do, many commenters and readers picked out the few negative points being made and labeled the entire thing “trash-talk” and opinionated phony journalism. People’s management completely snubbed the Rag on multiple occasions and now there is a rift between the two local organizations. What a shame.
Interestingly enough, People’s management seemed more than happy to grant full-access and interviews to our local Beacon newspaper this week
http://www.sdnews.com/pages/full_story/push?article-OB+People’s+Market+is+food+for+thought%20&id=4323609-OB+People’s+Market+is+food+for+thought&instance=BCN_left.
Nothing against the Beacon, I have had many great experiences with their staff. However, they are primarily supported by local real-estate ads and thus, in my “opinion”, feel pressured to paint a pretty picture about everything they cover locally. So of course the management at People’s would welcome their coverage. The message People’s management gave to us and the community was simple. Feel free to question us and report on us, as long as you make us look good. That being said, I love People’s and their staff. But their management appears holier than thou. Not a good trait.
Whew! Thanks for the rant. Now I’m going to eat my organic breakfast cereal and coffee that I purchased yesterday at People’s food co-op.
once again, the divide between the haves and have nots is being driven further and further apart. “Homeless” doesn’t mean “inhuman”….it just means without a home.
Can we stop focusing on the fact that the owner of the dog was homeless, and focus again on the fact that even if the dog needed to be put down for being a threat, it shouldn’t have been done at a moments notice, in a parking lot, with a gun, during the farmers market?
You should be careful when you say all of you should be ashamed of yourselfs.
We saw Phoenix last night here in OB for whatever reason(s) he saw fit. He looked great, spoke well of and to his friends, and enjoyed the evening hugging and interacting with those who truly care about him. He sure does have some ultimate courage, strength, and resolve to come back here after what those shit-ass cops did to his beautiful puppy.
Rock on, Phoenix!
Peace and be well wherever your travels take you.
Thanks Jon
Sunshine, Jons right, I took offense to Some who actually knows and cares.
If she would have taken the time to read all the comments . She would have seen there very different points of view.
ahhhhhhhh, thanx for the insite Jon, great thoughts