In the past, I’ve written about the restaurant/bar I went to every Friday night, but I never named it, mostly because I didn’t want people to bother me or my son Grant, who also went there Friday nights, at least some of the time.
The soft on crime and overall degradation of California is horribly sad. It’s already the most expensive state to live in……. It’s why I’m leaving after I retire in 9 months.
We are like family here… we read your thoughts and we become involved, or engaged with you. You affect our lives, and by writing we affect yours. I am saddened to hear of the plight of your friend. And further, of the sadness that you and your group are feeling. Much love to you and yours… to your entire team.
Like others I was sorry to hear the news of your friend’s ordeal but also the loss of your meeting place. I have several comments which I hope you will not take the wrong way. There is no certainty in life so there is no point in searching it. A close friend of mine died of brain cancer at 50. He was a brillant lawyer and a great loss to the defense community. All we can do is take each day as it comes and profit from the occasional joy it brings.
As a criminal defense lawyer I have some more specific comments.
1) Never use an ATM at night even in what appears to be a clean well lighted place.
2) If you are approached by someone demanding money give it to them. As your friend’s case illustrates not even a verbal insult directed at your attacker is safe. We all like to think we can handle ourselves but as we age we may feel strong but this is a misplaced notion in a robbery.
3)If you give your attacker your pocket money you may be shot anyway but if you resist you you will definitely get shot.
4) If you don’t immediately see a gun act as if there is one. Chances are there is one. I represented many individuals from deprived backgrounds and believe me maybe 90% carried at least one firearm. Don’t assume your attacker is bluffing.
5) Despite being under stress try to get a description of your attacker. Tall, short, fat, thin, note ethnicity but especially clothing. If the police are able to catch a suspect within an hour it’s probably because you noted something about their clothing.
The streets are mean today. Watch out, take care and be safe. I hope these notes are helpful.
Lowell I'm so sorry. I too live in Montclair and go over hill to do all business now. Thinking of all of us we need to keep our neighbors safe. Hopefully we can recover i want it so very badly.
Keep sharing you are one of my husbands favs and me too.
Also you may enjoy one of my fav podcasts twice a week. Great writers and Walter Kirn puts out a great newspaper 4 times a year ... County Highway...Their podcast is AMERICA THIS WEEK...Matt Taibbi....one of the best investigative journalist in America today. Fighting every day for free speech. Check it out. KEEP BEING YOU LOWELL.
Sounds like you need more than just a new restaurant/bar. As a native 3rd generation Californian I left the state 30 years ago and now live in a beautiful neighborhood (which will remain nameless) and have never experienced any violence. I loved California but it has changed so much since I was young and the population was only 12 million
I hope you got that cat that you mentioned months ago. Will do more for your loneliness than any therapist. I prefer dogs but cats are great too.
So sorry to hear Lowell, I hope your friend recovers soon
The soft on crime and overall degradation of California is horribly sad. It’s already the most expensive state to live in……. It’s why I’m leaving after I retire in 9 months.
We are like family here… we read your thoughts and we become involved, or engaged with you. You affect our lives, and by writing we affect yours. I am saddened to hear of the plight of your friend. And further, of the sadness that you and your group are feeling. Much love to you and yours… to your entire team.
Like others I was sorry to hear the news of your friend’s ordeal but also the loss of your meeting place. I have several comments which I hope you will not take the wrong way. There is no certainty in life so there is no point in searching it. A close friend of mine died of brain cancer at 50. He was a brillant lawyer and a great loss to the defense community. All we can do is take each day as it comes and profit from the occasional joy it brings.
As a criminal defense lawyer I have some more specific comments.
1) Never use an ATM at night even in what appears to be a clean well lighted place.
2) If you are approached by someone demanding money give it to them. As your friend’s case illustrates not even a verbal insult directed at your attacker is safe. We all like to think we can handle ourselves but as we age we may feel strong but this is a misplaced notion in a robbery.
3)If you give your attacker your pocket money you may be shot anyway but if you resist you you will definitely get shot.
4) If you don’t immediately see a gun act as if there is one. Chances are there is one. I represented many individuals from deprived backgrounds and believe me maybe 90% carried at least one firearm. Don’t assume your attacker is bluffing.
5) Despite being under stress try to get a description of your attacker. Tall, short, fat, thin, note ethnicity but especially clothing. If the police are able to catch a suspect within an hour it’s probably because you noted something about their clothing.
The streets are mean today. Watch out, take care and be safe. I hope these notes are helpful.
John
Lowell I'm so sorry. I too live in Montclair and go over hill to do all business now. Thinking of all of us we need to keep our neighbors safe. Hopefully we can recover i want it so very badly.
Keep sharing you are one of my husbands favs and me too.
Also you may enjoy one of my fav podcasts twice a week. Great writers and Walter Kirn puts out a great newspaper 4 times a year ... County Highway...Their podcast is AMERICA THIS WEEK...Matt Taibbi....one of the best investigative journalist in America today. Fighting every day for free speech. Check it out. KEEP BEING YOU LOWELL.
MAG
Thank you for sharing this story with us Lowell. We are here with you, through the happy and the sad times. Sending love and support to you.
Lowell, I am so sorry to hear about your friend. Sending prayers for his swift recovery: life is so precious!
I hope your friend recovers quickly and is able to join your group soon
It is tragic how violent some of our cities have become
Lowell: Acre next to Market Hall is incredible.
Sounds like you need more than just a new restaurant/bar. As a native 3rd generation Californian I left the state 30 years ago and now live in a beautiful neighborhood (which will remain nameless) and have never experienced any violence. I loved California but it has changed so much since I was young and the population was only 12 million
I hope you got that cat that you mentioned months ago. Will do more for your loneliness than any therapist. I prefer dogs but cats are great too.