Vol. 15, No. 03 – Nov 3 – Nov 16, 2021 – The Pet Page

∙ SPAN Thrift Store is now open to the public and looking for donations of adult clothing, household items and tools if you’ve got items you no longer use.
SPAN Thrift Store is providing $10 spays and neuters for low income households with cats and dogs.
Two upcoming clinics are:
Tuesday, November 9th at SPAN Thrift Store parking lot 110 N. Olive St. (behind Vons on Main), and a second at Albert H. Soliz Library – El Rio, 2820 Jourdan St., Oxnard, 93036 on Tuesday, November 16th.
Please call to schedule an appointment (805) 584-3823.

∙ Jackie Rose Director VCAS stated “I am excited to announce that the Simi Valley Animal Shelter is, once again, fully open for all business, including pet adoptions! I am equally pleased to report that pet adoptions have steadily increased to match the expected rise of stray animals coming into our care.”

“As a reminder, adoption hours are 1:00pm – 6:00pm, Tuesday – Sunday, at both the Camarillo and Simi Valley locations. We encourage everyone to preview our dogs, cats, rabbits and other critters online prior to your visit. Also, please take a moment to review our new and improved adoption process which employs text messaging to reduce wait times and long lines.”

“Our staff and volunteers are here to answer questions and help make the best matches possible! Thank you for your continued support of our lifesaving efforts!”

∙ On Saturday, October 30, the HOWL-O-WEEN Dog Costume Contest was held in the Ventura Harbor Village for the first time since COVID. Over 70 adorable dogs participated, and every dog received a small goodie bag of pup prizes, plus five lucky dogs that were selected the most spookiest, most sea-worthy, cutest-prettiest, most creative and best in show took home grand prizes for winning their category including gift certificates from restaurants in the harbor including Margarita Villa, Le Petit Cafe, The Greek, Andria’s Seafood, Brophy Bros. and the Sugar Lab Bake Shop. The very large enthusiastic crowd roared their approval as each dog walked around the ring.

The dog entries went from Shiba Inus to Chihuahuas to most every other dog breed. Even a goat was entered but stayed home to eat more cans.

The judges, Breann Godeck from Coastal Cone, Sheldon (you know who that is) and TJ Mora from the Pet Barn had a very difficult time selecting the winners but managed to make their selections without getting into any fights.

Stacey Petrides was the outstanding MC (as she is every year) for the event and carefully called out each dog’s name and breed as they passed by and briefly interviewed each dog’s owner.
Music was provided by DJ Bennett as he played music that corresponded to the theme of the dog’s costume.

The judges were Breann Godeck, Sheldon Brown and TJ Mora. All photos by Richard Lieberman

 

Vol. 15, No. 03 – Nov 3 – Nov 16, 2021 – Police Reports

by Cindy Summers

Police reports are provided to us by the Ventura Police Department and are not the opinions of the Ventura Breeze. All suspects mentioned are assumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Armed Robbery

On October 21, at approximately 10:00 pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call reference an armed robbery that had just occurred at the Wild Side Smoke Shop. The suspect was described as a Hispanic male, 20-30 years of age.

During the robbery, the suspect revealed a gun that was in his waistband to the clerk while demanding money. The clerk gave the suspect an undisclosed amount of cash, and the suspect fled the scene.

Patrol officers arrived at the Smoke Shop in two minutes and conducted a search with a police K9; however, the suspect was not located. No one was injured during this incident. The Ventura Police Department is actively investigating this crime. If anyone has any information about this robbery, please call (805) 650-8010.

Battery on Police Officer Arrest

Based on community complaints regarding criminal activity and quality of life issues, on October 23, at approximately 9:30 am, a Ventura Police Officer was patrolling the Ventura Beach Promenade near Paseo de Playa. The officer contacted a person who was blocking an access gate to a private apartment complex. During the contact, the suspect, 53 year old Nevada resident Lewis Lloyd, approached the officer and began to interfere with the investigation. The officer told the suspect several times to back away, or he would be arrested for interfering. The suspect refused the officer’s orders and continued to interfere by yelling at the officer and physically aggressing towards the officer. The officer attempted to place the suspect under arrest, and the suspect violently resisted and struck the officer in the face with a closed fist and kicked him.

Within a few seconds of the attack, another officer arrived to assist and was struck on the head by Lloyd. The officers wrestled the suspect to the ground, and he continued to fight. Additional officers arrived, and after a lengthy struggle, the suspect was taken into custody. As this incident unfolded, two uninvolved bystanders loudly jeered and criticized the officers.

The suspect was arrested for the following felony charges: resisting an officer by violence; battery on a police officer, and resisting an officer causing injury. The officers were treated at a local hospital for moderate injuries. Lloyd was treated for minor injuries.

Robbery and Attempt Murder Arrest

On October 24, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of a robbery that had just occurred at House of Smokes, 105 South Oak Street. The reporting party stated that the suspect fired a shot while in the business and fled in a vehicle. Ventura Police Officers arrived at the business within 3 minutes of the call, obtained information about the suspect and the vehicle, and broadcasted the information to other responding officers.

At approximately 5:30 pm, a Ventura Police Patrol Corporal observed a car matching the description broadcasted by investigating officers exit the 101 Fwy at Harbor Blvd. The driver of the vehicle also matched the suspect’s description. The vehicle was followed into the Harbor Blvd parking structure, 529 E. Harbor Blvd., and an enforcement stop was initiated. The driver, 19 year old Bakersfield resident Anthony Sierra, was taken into custody without incident. As officers took custody of Sierra, an unregistered firearm was found concealed in his waistband.

During the investigation, officers learned that Sierra entered the House of Smokes, brandished a handgun at the clerk, and removed cash from the register. As Sierra was exiting the business, another employee attempted to stop him. Sierra fired one shot at the employee, nearly striking him, and then fled the area. The employees were not injured during the incident.

Sierra was arrested for attempt murder, robbery, possession of a firearm with intent to commit a felony, and possession of an illegal firearm concealed in public.

Stabbing

On October 15, at approximately 5:00 pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call of a stabbing in progress near W. Main St and Garden St.

Responding officers arrived on scene within one minute of the call and located the crime scene in the parking lot of 96 W. Main St. Witnesses indicated that the victim had been transported in a private vehicle.

The victim, a 34-year-old male Ventura resident, was located at the Ventura County Medical Center suffering from a single stab wound to the torso.

The investigation into this incident led to the identification of the suspect as 26-year-old Bradley Decker. An arrest warrant was issued on October 19. On that date a Ventura Police Officer located Decker on the promenade. Decker violently resisted arrest and fled from the officer into the Ventura River bottom. A search was conducted of the area, but he was not located.

On October 26, at approximately 4:00 am, patrol officers were searching encampments in the Ventura River bottom and located Decker. He was arrested without incident and transported to Ventura County Jail.

Decker was booked on felony charges of attempted murder, violently resisting a police officer, and additional charges stemming from an unrelated domestic dispute of domestic violence causing injury and false imprisonment.

Decker is being held at the Ventura County Jail in lieu of $500,000 bail.

The victim remains hospitalized in serious condition.

Shooting victim

On Nov.30, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of a shooting victim outside of the Ventura Beach Club at 281 W. Main. Multiple officers responded and located a victim suffering from multiple gunshots to one of his legs. Paramedics transported the victim to a local hospital for treatment. His wounds do not appear to be life-threatening, and his status is unknown currently.

During the investigation, officers learned that approximately five males were involved in a fight in a parking lot near the club. During the altercation, one of the involved parties fired a gun at the victim. There is no suspect description at this time.

While officers were tending to the victim and conducting an initial investigation, multiple fights were occurring in the area, and patrons from the club were hostile towards officers. Deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department responded to assist.

The investigation into this shooting is ongoing. Any witnesses or persons with information about this incident are asked to contact the Ventura PD Major Crimes Unit at 805-339-4444.

How Is Alzheimer’s disease treated?

Several other disease-modifying medications are being tested in people with early Alzheimer’s.

by National Institute on Aging

Alzheimer’s disease is complex, and it is therefore unlikely that any one drug or other intervention will ever successfully treat it in all people living with the disease. Still, in recent years, scientists have made tremendous progress in better understanding Alzheimer’s and in developing and testing new treatments, including several medications that are in late-stage clinical trials.

Several prescription drugs are already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help manage symptoms in people with Alzheimer’s disease. And, on June 7, 2021, FDA provided accelerated approval for the newest medication, aducanumab, which helps to reduce amyloid deposits in the brain and may help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s, although it has not yet been shown to affect clinical symptoms or outcomes, such as progression of cognitive decline or dementia.

Most medicines work best for people in the early or middle stages of Alzheimer’s. However, it is important to understand that none of the medications available at this time will cure Alzheimer’s.

Treatment for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s

Treating the symptoms of Alzheimer’s can provide people with comfort, dignity, and independence for a longer period of time and can encourage and assist their caregivers as well. Galantamine, rivastigmine, and donepezil are cholinesterase inhibitors that are prescribed for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s symptoms. These drugs may help reduce or control some cognitive and behavioral symptoms.

Scientists do not yet fully understand how cholinesterase inhibitors work to treat Alzheimer’s disease, but research indicates that they prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical believed to be important for memory and thinking. As Alzheimer’s progresses, the brain produces less and less acetylcholine, so these medicines may eventually lose their effect. Because cholinesterase inhibitors work in a similar way, switching from one to another may not produce significantly different results, but a person living with Alzheimer’s may respond better to one drug versus another.

Medications that target the underlying causes of a disease are called disease-modifying drugs or therapies. Aducanumab is the only disease-modifying medication currently approved to treat Alzheimer’s. This medication is a human antibody, or immunotherapy, that targets the protein beta-amyloid and helps to reduce amyloid plaques, which are brain lesions associated with Alzheimer’s. Clinical studies to determine the effectiveness of aducanumab were conducted only in people with early-stage Alzheimer’s or mild cognitive impairment. Researchers are continuing to study whether this medication works to affect a person’s rate of cognitive decline over time.

Before prescribing aducanumab, doctors may require PET scans or an analysis of cerebrospinal fluid to evaluate whether amyloid deposits are present in the brain. This can help doctors make an accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s before prescribing the medication. Once a person is on aducanumab, their doctor or specialist may require routine MRIs to monitor for side effects such as brain swelling or bleeding in the brain.

Vol. 15, No. 03 – Nov 3 – Nov 16, 2021 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine

Workplace Woes Erupt at the Elite

There’s nothing like live theater. Always a treat, often a surprise, frequently a challenge. The Elite Theatre Company in Oxnard is bursting forth with excitement and new works in this returning season. On stage now is Severance Play, an original work by local playwright Michael Perlmutter. The work was chosen as the Elite’s 2020 Playwright Initiative Winner, and for good reason.

Perlmutter’s works, both onstage and off, are always insightful, intelligent and instilled with layers of nuance. Severance Play, billed as a black comedy, certainly fills the bill.

Staged in the round, this play in one act is riveting, explorative and hilarious. Brian Robert Harris directed a trio of highly capable actors, Brian Kolb, Kimberly Demmary and Maddie Boyd, in this fast-paced crisis-driven peek into the workplace of a small chemical company presented with severe challenges both on and below the emotionally charged surface.

The setting is highly detailed. Theater seats have been removed to accommodate desks, filing cabinets, steno chairs and computers. The computers are used and loaded with proper company logo and information. The white board is used. Employees get coffee. You feel you are really in an office setting.

Audience members are directed to socially acceptable spaced seating both on the actual stage and the usual audience seating area. Staging in the round can be extremely awkward and challenging. This production has achieved almost optimal viewing, from my perspective. The actors take every opportunity to present to all areas of the audience, using natural transitions effortlessly.

All three actors are superb in their portrayals. Kolb ramps up his character to a fever pitch while remaining understandable. I was exhausted just watching him. Demmary remained the “cool customer” throughout, controlling the situation with well-timed reactions and inflections. Boyd too, added just the right amount of youthful naivete laced with bravado to offer a solid character.

The writing is tight. Every word adds importance to the whole. The storyline starts with an explosive revelation and reveals layer after layer of additional background throughout for each of the characters. At times all the actors are speaking at once and it still completely makes sense. (If it were a musical, they would all be singing in counterpoint)

The very last moment, in my opinion, wasn’t a solid clincher moment. However, I left with a feeling of having seen something rather remarkable. After all the actors had been through, I understood the need to end on a laugh.

Bravo to writer Perlmutter, who continues to bring thoughtful, fresh ideas to the stage, and to the Elite for staging this challenging work. The play is filled with adult language and content, so discretion is advised.

Severance Play runs through November 21 Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. Reservations are necessary as seating is limited due to social restrictions. (805) 483-5118, www.TheElite.org. Masks and proof of vaccination are required, per current county mandates.

Veterans’ organization and local partners keep blind woman from “falling through the cracks”

At age 94, Rose Burgess had already lost two military veteran husbands, and was legally blind. Her daughter had just died unexpectedly, and she would soon have no place to live. Police Deputy Chris Dyer was on duty when Rose walked in with nowhere else to go. He knew homelessness was dangerous enough for the young, but it could be a death sentence within weeks for Rose. He also knew just where to turn for help, and immediately sent an e-mail to GCVF, Gold Coast Veterans Foundation… “All Hands On Deck!”

The charity in Camarillo, known for rescuing the most damaged homeless veterans, jumped into action. But they quickly found that virtually all public or private agencies providing housing assistance were prohibited from helping Rose. According to government rules, she was plenty rich enough to fend for herself.

The annual income needed for someone to afford a 1 Bedroom apartment in Oxnard is over $60,000 and Rose’s fixed income was $3300 a month. Even though that‘s twenty grand short of the real-world need, it was above the government ‘low-income” assistance threshold. But Rose had also leased a Subaru so her daughter could take her on errands. She had several storage units, and was paying storage for a vintage mid-century travel trailer. These expenses put her even further away from being able to pay rent.

“We’ve helped thousands of veterans and family members, and rescued 87 from homelessness,” says GCVF’s Director Bob Harris; “but this is the first time we had to rescue a 94-year-old blind widow because 12 social service agencies refused to help her… we never saw that one coming.” He adds; “Of course the system doesn’t want to cause harm to people like Rose, but that income threshold was going to put her out on the street regardless.”

St. Vincent de Paul of Ventura, and individual police officer donations covered an emergency motel room for Rose, keeping her safe until GCVF could find a long-term solution. GCVF began the enormous task of condensing her storage, finding a buyer for the trailer, finding an affordable ‘senior living’ apartment for Rose, and getting her moved in before the motel funding ran out. Case manager Donna Lockwood took Rose to Kirby Subaru in Ventura, who very graciously took the car back without any of the typical ‘early termination’ penalties or fees.

Rose was finally able to have a home. Rescue team leader Rafael Stoneman personally covered several urgent expenses, and United Way of Ventura provided funds for move-in costs; GCVF was then able move her into a senior living apartment with meals. After getting everything into one storage locker, they helped sell the trailer to a man who plans to restore it with his wife into a vacation home. In a rather poignant twist, the man’s father is a Vietnam combat veteran.

“We catch the veterans that fall through the cracks” is one of GCVF’s slogans; this time they caught an elderly veteran widow before she was homeless. “We make these miracles happen every day, but we can’t do it alone,” says Harris; “United Way and St. Vincent de Paul, Deputy Chris Dyer and his fellow officers, and the fantastic people at Kirby Subaru all pulled together to rescue Rose. We need the whole community’s support to make this same miracle happen tomorrow.”

Gold Coast Veterans Foundation is the region’s leading nonprofit for veterans, providing everything to reduce and eliminate suffering & homelessness for military veterans and family caregivers. Comprehensive, integrated services are provided free of charge at a walk-in / no-appointment service center. http://www.gcvf.org (805) 482-6550

Editor note: Because Rose is living at a government facility we were not able to get her photo.

VCAAA’s HICAP team tackles Medicare Open Enrollment questions and concerns

VCAAA’s HICAP team tackles Medicare Open Enrollment questions and concerns

VCAAA’s HICAP team tackles Medicare Open Enrollment questions and concerns 

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) is tackling all questions and concerns related to Medicare Open Enrollment by hosting a variety of one-stops throughout Ventura County beginning October 15th. Services will be offered virtually and in-person on a case-by-case basis through December 7th. All services are free and open to the public. 

The transition to Medicare can be daunting and understanding plan options and the costs associated with each is often overwhelming. The VCAAA’s HICAP team is made up of highly trained counselors who provide free and unbiased assistance to Medicare recipients. Counseling services vary and are based on individual needs. Other services provided include a full assessment through the VCAAA’s Benefits Enrollment Center to determine eligibility for a variety of other benefits and services. 

Medicare Open Enrollment One-stops are currently by appointment only. Online and telephone options are available. No walk-ins will be accepted. All COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place.

Please visit www.vcaaa.org to complete the HICAP Part D/MA Comparison Form or call (805) 477-7300 ext. 5 for more information or 800-434-0222. For additional information or to make an appointment, e-mail [email protected].

This project was supported, in part by grant number 90SAPG0094-02*, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.

 

Short doc chronicles journalist’s charmed life

Ivor Davis reported on various turbulent, historic, and iconic stories of the last century.

One critic amusingly described Ivor Davis as “a combination of Zelig and Forrest Gump.” Find out what that means at the Ojai Film Festival on Sunday, November 7 at 7 pm. A special screening of the film “I Was There – A Reporter’s Story,” chronicling Davis’ life, takes place in the Ojai Art Center courtyard.

Ivor Davis reported on various turbulent, historic, and iconic stories of the last century. During his tenure as a foreign correspondent for the London Daily Express and the Times of London he wrote a weekly column for the New York Times Syndicate. He made Rock and Roll history when he traveled with The Beatles when they invaded America in l964. He became the only newspaper reporter to witness the historic meeting of Elvis and The Beatles. Author/journalist Davis dodged sniper bullets while covering the Watts Riots. He sneaked on the University of Mississippi campus as bloody riots unfolded after James Meredith became the first black student to enroll. On the night Sirhan Sirhan assassinated Robert Kennedy Davis stood in the kitchen of the Ambassador Hotel. He took a front-row seat at some of the most famous trials of the 20th century. He was one of the “Boys on the Bus” when B-movie actor Ronald Reagan won the White House.

Acclaimed Ventura County director and filmmaker John Zilles produced “I Was There – A Reporter’s Story,” a short, intimate documentary about Davis’s charmed life. Following the screening the audience is invited to join an up-close personal conversation with director Zilles and Davis. They will discuss how this short film came about along with some of Davis’ extraordinary adventures as an eyewitness to history.

When asked why he made the short documentary, Zilles said, “As I move through life, I always seek people who have an interesting story to tell…Ivor is one of those people.”

John Zilles grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin. After 22 years of snowy winters, he graduated from Marquette University and headed west with a head full of dreams. After stumbling into the film industry by accident, Zilles worked as a cinematographer for over 20 years. Recently he started making his own films. “I Was There” is his third effort. He operates out of his headquarters in Ventura County.

Ivor Davis, a British transplant, has lived and worked in Southern California since the 1960s. In addition to his journalism career, he authored four books, including the first book ever written on the Manson Murders, “Five to Die,” and “Manson Exposed-A Reporter’s 50 Year Journey into Madness and Murder,” released on the fiftieth anniversary of the Tate-LaBianca Murders. He released his award-winning “The Beatles and Me on Tour” on the fiftieth anniversary of The Beatles 1964 summer tour. Davis also wrote a children’s book inspired by The Beatles, “Ladies and Gentlemen, The Penguins.”

Tickets for the special presentation November 7 at 7 pm in the Ojai Art Center courtyard are $15.

Vol. 15, No. 03 – Nov 3 – Nov 16, 2021 – Opinion/Editorial

∙ The Ventura City Council has approved the first step in letting the Players Casino temporarily relocate to the Derby Club at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. The casino was previously located at 6580 Auto Center Dr. It eventually closed and filed for bankruptcy.

With its closing, the city lost about $2 million in taxes. The city is estimated to receive approximately $1.3 million in taxes after the business reopens. A permanent location is being sought.

An interesting aspect of this is that the fairgrounds is located on California agricultural district property which limits the city’s revenue. Many people living in Ventura mistakenly believe that the fairgrounds is city property. There was a rumor circulating a while back that the city was going to sell the property. Ventura police officers that provide security at the fair, etc. are not paid by the city.

∙Scientists have temporarily attached a pig’s kidney two a human body and it began to work. This is a very small step to someday use animal organs for human transplants. My question is if pig parts can ever be used on humans will people who are vegetarians and some religious groups refuse to accept them?

∙The other day I was on the phone, and when I finally hung-up my wife, Diane, asked me “who are you swearing at – you were very rude?” I said “No one, I was swearing at the recording that kept telling me to press buttons that got me nowhere. Strange times when we swear at nobody.

∙At the recent Chamber Expo there were representatives of an online college. I asked them what prevents students from cheating and having others do their work and take their exams. Their answer was not very satisfactory. Now I find out that the question was very valid and cheating with online courses is very rampant. There are actually sites (for a price) that will assist in cheating and even write reports for students. This can greatly influence professions such as engineering, nursing and many more. This can also lose our faith in our educational system.

∙Funny things in the news:

A man who became lost for 24 hours while hiking on Colorado’s highest mountain ignored repeated phone calls from rescue teams because they came from an unknown number. The hiker was reported missing around 8pm after failing to return to where he was staying, Lake county search and rescue said.

This would be an important decision if lost. Is it worth being found if I need to listen to someone trying to sell me life insurance?

I was a judge at the HOWL-O-WEEN Dog Costume Contest held in the Harbor. I was about to vote for a dog when its owner bit me.

∙So, we need to wear a mask entering a restaurant and can remove it as soon as we sit down. Sometimes at a table with 10 people or at a bar where we are shoulder to shoulder. Then we get up to leave and need to put it back on. I think we should need to eat with it on by placing the food into the mask with our hands (kidding of course).

∙I hear Republicans trying to make a point that a member of antifa has done something wrong (like storm the capital). Antifa is a decentralized, leaderless movement composed of loose collections of groups, networks and individuals. Is not an organization. This is like saying a person is a member of pwlc (people who like cats). We can’t be a member of a philosophy, can we?

∙I applaud the California State Assembly for passing Senate Bill 380 (47-14). The bipartisan bill, co-authored by Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton) and Assemblymember Jim Wood (D-Santa Rosa), would improve access to the End-of-Life Option Act.

The bill now moves to the California State Senate for a final vote, which overwhelmingly passed (26-8) the original measure in May. If the Senate passes the bill and Governor Gavin Newsom signs it into law, it will become effective on January 1, 2022, making it easier for terminally ill Californians to peacefully end their suffering.

The End-of-Life Option Act gives mentally capable, terminally ill adults with six months or less to live the option to request prescription medication they can decide to take to peacefully end unbearable suffering. The bill would allow for an individual to qualify for aid-in-dying medication by making two oral requests a minimum of 48 hours apart.

We are allowed to make this decision for our pets when their lives become unbearable, because they can not make such a decision. I think people should be able to make this decision decide this when their life will be short and nothing but pain.

∙My wife and I enjoy looking at NOVA on TV especially when scientists-physicists explain the big bang and provide other explanations about how the universe was formed. We never have any idea what they are talking about and when the show is over she asks me, “Do you have any idea what they were talking about,” and I always say, “No, but the computer-generated photos were pretty.”

I have concluded that once a year all the scientists-physicists get together at a secret location and make up a bunch of facts and words that mean nothing so that we can think they are “brilliant” and smarter than us. And by doing this, they can get government grants that allow them to meet again the next year and make up more stuff.

∙Guns in The News:

Boise police responded to reports of “shots fired” at a mall on N. Milwaukee Ave., where at least two people were killed and four people – including a cop – were injured.

A shooting at a Halloween party in Texarkana, Texas, left one person dead and nine others injured. Officers responded to reports of a shooting at Octavia’s Event Center in the 2300 block of Texas Boulevard shortly before midnight and “encountered a large number of people running from the building and several inside suffering from gunshot wounds.”

I liked Halloween better when trick-or-treating meant getting some candy, not being shot.