Whisper by Ray Shay

Whisper   
By Ray Shay   

  

Recently, after finishing Chelsea's Run in Balboa Park our family walked over to Jimmy Carter's Mexican Restaurant at Fifth and Palm Ave.  As we approached the restaurant, I saw a mentally disturbed man wandering in the middle of the parking lot of the 7-11 store across the street.  

He abruptly pulled off his jacket and threw it to the ground before yelling obscenities at his invisible demons.  It was not long before SDPD arrived and placed the man into custody. While the man sat handcuffed in the rear seat of the police car, I talked with one of the young officers. 

The officer said one of their biggest issues lately, are people ingesting methamphetamine from Mexico which is laced with some unknown chemicals.  It results in persons exhibiting symptoms similar to PCP abuse.    

As he spoke, I recalled the dangers of PCP.  I then thought of SDPD Officer Mike Anaya who was only on the force for about nine months, when a PCP suspect overpowered him and killed him with his own duty weapon. 

Officer Michael Anaya (Click here to read his story)

PCP (phencyclidine) or "Angel Dust" as they call it, is a powerful sedative which was originally used to tranquilize elephants.  When I was on patrol in the cheaper areas of this city, the drug was frequently referred to as, "poor man's cocaine."  

I sometimes testified in San Diego Municipal Court as an expert on PCP abuse.  It only meant I knew slightly more than an average citizen and I had documented experience and specialized training in this hallucinogenic drug.  

Before gathering our family to head home, I cautioned the police officers to be safe. A common departing comment between cops, even a retired one and the next generation of law enforcement officers.  A friendly reminder that each moment they are wearing a badge, they are a target.

As I drove down I-163 to Mission Valley, I thought back to my countless encounters of people under the influence of PCP.  I then found myself squeezing the steering wheel as I thought to myself, I should have told those young officers to whisper.  It could save their lives. 

 

With most police critical incidents, you learn that either you or the violent suspect is in charge. That is why when guns are drawn or tempers flair, officers take command by saying, "San Diego Police," in a loud, authoritative voice.  New officers are reminded to practice this skill so they can take command of situations quickly.  

We also learned through experience, it was often best to slide to the other end of the spectrum and coax suspects into custody if they were under the influence of PCP.  You want to step into their often hallucinogenic episode softly and quietly. Every officer in the early 1980's learned to roll up to 11550 (b) scenes with no siren or emergency lights flashing and definitely never to screech their tires when stopping.

A sudden loud noise, quick move or lack of patience could result in the person suddenly turning violent. Since they feel no pain, seem to have super human strength and are likely hallucinating, the only thing that could stop them was sheer body weight. It would result in the proverbial "dog pile" while you try to gain control and apply handcuffs.  The entire time you keep one arm across your holster, securing your duty weapon to prevent the situation from turning deadly.  

Our sons still ask me to tell the story of the man on the roof.  It was just after shift change, about four in the afternoon when the radio call came out at 2800 Logan Avenue.  The reporting party said a large man who was likely high on PCP, was standing on his roof. If I didn't mention it, he was standing on the roof his car and the man was completely naked.  

I think I was the third unit to arrive on the scene.  The man was a giant.  The roof of the car was partially caved in and he stood broadly with both arms high in the air with his fists tightly clenched.  He looked at me and proclaimed, "I am God."

PCP can come in solid, powder or liquid form. It is most frequently found in liquid form and tobacco or marijuana cigarettes are "dipped" in the substance and then it is ingested by smoking.

Looking into his eyes you could see the "blank stare" appearance which is common with the drug. The drug also makes a person run hot and that is why they are frequently found naked.

The other symptoms of being under the influence of PCP is muscle rigidity, a strong chemical odor on their breath, hallucinations and finally PCP is one of the few things that can actually cause their eyes to display vertical nystagmus.  It simple terms, their eyes will bounce up and down similar to the old video "Pong" or "Breakout." Now, I am really dating myself.

As I looked at the man, I realized even if I had half the Department here, we could not likely physically restrain him.  I knew we had to talk him into handcuffs. That is where the whisper came in.  I recall engaging him in my softest voice, "God, everything is OK.  Why don't you just come down and talk to me?"

He glanced slowly around at the gathering neighbors, the owner of the car who kept repeating, "he is on my car!' and the additional police cars who kept quietly rolling up.  I think I mustered a smile as I waved him towards me and repeated that everything was OK. He stared at me for about thirty seconds and then to everyone's relief he slowly lowered his arms and stepped off the roof and walked across the hood of the car as it dented below his heavy weight. He reminded me of the incredible Hulk as he stepped on to the black asphalt with his huge bare feet. 

I whispered again, "Everything is OK." I could feel the heat radiating off of his body. Several officers quietly eased his hands behind his back and applied the standard double sets of handcuffs. One to hold him and the second to make sure the first set did not break.

As I continued our drive back home with my family, I wondered if I should even this story.  I know the eWeekly has wide readership including many police officers, but most of my readers sit in gate guarded communities or in expensive homes with HOA's and neatly manicured front yards. I know it will likely ruffle some feathers, but I hope the second group sees this article as educational.

If PCP or methamphetamine laced with chemicals is making a come back, I think you should know about it. Talking to experts in the field of narcotic prevention, they emphasize the importance of parents paying attention to their children, interacting with them frequently and be their parent and not necessarily only their best friend. Finally, don't wait too long to ask for professional help if you discover there is a problem. 

Enjoy your week, as we are all so fortunate to have peacekeepers like Officer Mike Anaya and so many others on the job to protect us and help safeguard our children.

 

Copyright Shay Realtors 2015 All Rights Reserved

Broker's Corner 3.17.15

10 Year Warranty About to Expire?

Ray Shay Broker/Owner Shay Realtors

Quite a few of the homes in our area are approaching their 10th year anniversary. That is an important time frame for you to be aware of.   

Once you cross over that ten year anniversary most home builders will no longer warranty their homes. We recently had a home on the market that was eleven years old and the builder refused to come out.  

Take a close look at your home and even consider having a licensed home inspector take a detailed look at your home before your tenth anniversary.  It could save you big bucks by being proactive.  If you have any questions, be sure to give me a call.  

Ray Shay  

858 449-4970  

 

This information is copyrighted and cannot be reproduced or distributed without the express written consent of Shay Realtors Inc. 

The Stinky Trash Can by Ray Shay

The Stinky Trash Can 

By Ray Shay   

  
We had a standing rule in our car that while driving our children to their competitive sporting events, they could select the music. Their song choices have been broad and varied and I think they have enjoyed the freedom to select what they wanted to hear.

That rule suddenly changed last Saturday morning while I was driving one of our sons to play a cross town rival. I thought I heard the singer drop the, "n-word."  My suspicions proved correct when the singer said it once again, and by the third time, I reached over and turned the radio off.
My son was surprised and started to argue about his Fifth Amendment rights, my earlier promises they could play whatever music they wanted, and his final argument was, "all the popular songs use that word."  I know it was a visceral reaction, when I looked him in the eye and said songs using that word will never be played in our car.

After a few minutes he said, "fine." He then played a song with the weirdest set of sounds I had ever heard.  As we pulled into the high school parking lot and he reached into the back seat to grab his gear, I commented on his selection. He replied dryly before shutting the door, "It is the same song without the words."

As I watched him walk away I thought about my parents and my mom specifically who often told us seven kids, "You don't have to stick your head in a trash can to know it stinks."  I knew I had to find a way to re-approach our adolescent son and try to convince him why that word was off limits. By doing so, I knew I would have to tell him why I hate that word so much ...

 
It was the late 1960's when I first recall anyone using the "n-word." Thankfully my parents were way ahead of the curve on the importance of equality and what was right and wrong.  

I remember I was about nine or ten years old when a friend of mine called some dark holiday nuts a racist nickname.  I did not realize it was improper and naively thought that was just what people called them. 

I recall walking on to our front porch holding a basket of those dark, long nuts when I asked my father if he wanted any.  His response was quick and immediate.  I suddenly found myself lying on the ground with the basket and those dark nuts scattered around me. He made it clear the, "n-word" was never to be used.

  

When I became a police officer, I encountered racist people. They always turned my stomach. Despite what some people may say or what you see on national news, I never once saw a sworn law enforcement officer act in a racist manner.  It never would have been tolerated by his or her peers, or the San Diego Police Department.

Agent Thomas Riggs

Later in the day, I was again alone with my son.  I told him what happened on my front porch, a very long time ago.  I then asked him to think of two of his best friends while I told him a story about two fellow SDPD Police Officers named Agent Thomas Riggs and Officer Donovan Jacobs.  

I summarized how they conducted a traffic stop where a highly trained martial artist named Sagon Penn turned uncooperative and ultimately began fighting Officer Donovan Jacobs.

Within a matter of seconds he disarmed Officer Jacobs and shot him in the neck (partially paralyzing him).  Penn then used the same gun to shoot Agent Tom Riggs three times and then walked over to the marked police car and shot the female, civilian ride along, twice.  Penn then removed Agent Riggs handgun from his duty belt as he lay dying on the dirt driveway and stole the police car, running over Officer Jacobs as he fled the scene. 

  

Click here to read more about the incident.
Penn's Defense Attorney alleged at the subsequent trials that somewhere in the confrontation that terrible word was used. I don't believe it, but that is what defense attorney's do.  They represent their clients best interests and it was in his best interest to leverage that hateful word.

I still recall that sunny June day in 1985 when Sagon Penn was cleared of all charges and walked out of jail a free man. After I loaded my shotgun and placed it in the electronic dashboard mount of my patrol car, I just sat there for a few minutes with the air conditioning on full speed.  I kept asking myself how that could have happened?

I spoke with our son privately and then we discussed the use of that word as a family.  They figured it out.  I hope our sons never forget the importance of equality and staying out of the trash can of bigotry and hate.

I did not have the heart to tell our children that Tom and his wife Colleen had an infant son named "Adam" when he was killed in the line of duty.  Another example of a Police Officer who never had the enjoyment of seeing his child compete in team sports or the opportunity to help his son identify what is right and what is wrong in this big, complex world.

I can only hope that one day that hate filled word will leave our lexicon.


Enjoy your week,

 

Copyright Shay Realtors 2015 All Rights Reserved

Goodbye Dr. Spock, by Ray Shay

Goodbye Dr. Spock 

By Ray Shay   

  

I unfolded the morning newspaper last week and noticed an old friend had passed away.  His picture was near the top of the paper and his slightly pointed ears seemed to reach up to the sky.  I was sad to see he had died.

Dr. Spock, Captain Kirk and the entire crew of Star Trek were huge when I was growing up.  It was our "Breaking Bad" and "Walking Dead" all wrapped into one. For most of the shows my brothers, sisters and I would all lie in and around our parents bed and watch intently as Captain Kirk faced adversity along with "Spock, Bones, Scotty, and the rest of the crew.  

 

I guess Dr. Spock must have received a better pension from the Interstellar Federation than Captain Kirk. It makes sense.  After all, Dr. Spock always kept his cool and attended many more years of education on his home planet of Vulcan, than the other service personnel on the USS Enterprise.  

Unlike Captain Kirk, he did not have to go to work at Priceline to make ends meet. I guess he was never much of a "pitch man."  Maybe that's why I really liked him. 

 

One of the biggest events of my life was when I was about fourteen years old and my Star Fleet Technical Manual arrived in the mail.  

I got teased by my four brothers, but more than once, I found them taking a peak at it's pictures and technical diagrams that explained how the USS Enterprise was powered by dilithium crystals as well as the countless cool gadgets the crew utilized to save the Federation.

I even went to seminar that Gene Roddenberry held in downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico. It too, was super cool. I never called myself a "Trekkie" but the science and adventure of it all really interested me.

It was a bit maddening when Spock would not show a bit of emotion even when Captain Kirk would be hollering and his face would turn bright red.   

Spock would just tilt his head in a certain way with an inquisitive look on his face.  He found "humans" so darn interesting.  

If you must know, I am proud to say I still know how to do the Vulcan Mind Probe as well as the Vulcan Salute. Both of these skills helped me in both law enforcement and real estate. And people wonder how we get such great deals for our buyers. 

Carry on Dr. Spock.  As you often said, "Live Long and Prosper." You impacted a generation of dreamers and provided our entire family and countless other, "emotional humans" with exceptional entertainment and you didn't even have to shoot a single zombie or become a meth freak.  You had a great run!  

   

 

 

Copyright Shay Realtors 2015 All Rights Reserved

The Gum Wall by Ray Shay

The Gum Wall 

By Ray Shay 

Troy and the Gum Wall

I thought our relatives were joking, when they first described the "Gum Wall."  I was familiar with the "Space Needle, Pike Place Market and of course the Seattle Seahawks," but the "Gum Wall?"  I wondered if it might be just an urban legend.  

This past weekend, our oldest son Troy and I took a trip to the Pacific Northwest. As luck would have it, there was a little football game being played in Phoenix, Arizona on Sunday that the residents of this rainy town along the Washington coast had a personal interest in.

The 12th Man

I need to give props to Seattle. They have an amazing loyal and very vocal fan base. Their 12th man philosophy is a powerhouse of energy to support an exceptional football team.  

It was surprising to see so many signs of support for the "hawks." It was also interesting to note in the three days we travelled around Seattle, we did not see a single New England Patriots jersey.

Troy Shay

 It was a weekend of firsts.  Troy and I got to see the "Gum Wall" near Pikes Place Market in downtown Seattle.  It's not as gross as it sounds. I guess since about 1999, people have been sticking their gum to that wall, (click HERE for the history of the gum wall).

A few minutes prior to the loss of the Seattle Seahawks to the dreaded New England Patriots, Troy also witnessed his first ever bar fight when a woman near us decided to smash a beer bottle over a man's head.  It was not a pretty sight.

Troy with his cousin David, Uncle John  and Aunt Joan at Ye Olde Crumpet Shop

In years to come, Troy will likely look back on this weekend as a pretty amazing trip.  The bar incident may be the most interesting part of it to a fifteen year old while for the rest of us we all recall how we looked at each other in disbelief  on that final play call and said, "Are you kidding me?" 

Why have a beast, if your not going to release him on Tom Brady and the New England Patriots? 

The sound you likely heard in San Diego, was the air leaking out of the hopes of the people from this amazing emerald city as they tried valiantly to repeat as Super Bowl Champions. They had a good run. It's just a shame to loose to the Patriots...

Have a great week.  Go Chargers!

-Ray 

 
  

Copyright Shay Realtors 2015 All Rights Reserved

Believe - by Ray Shay

Believe 

By Ray Shay 

I love to watch a good football game.  I also enjoy writing an interesting story each week. I had a tough time finding that balance on Sunday, as I kept watching the amazing gridiron battle between the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers for the National Football Conference Championship.  It was a game for the ages.

I kept thinking I needed to find something to write about as my Monday deadline was quickly approaching.  I just could not turn off the game.  I have always found by both playing and coaching competitive sports that what occurs on the field, rink, court or pitch, frequently reflects the realities of both life and business.

It is one of the primary reasons Theresa and I require each of our three sons to play any team sport they wish.  I really do not care if it is tiddly wink's.  Find the sport you love and compete.  If it emphasizes teamwork, sacrifice and giving it your all, go for it.

Russell Wilson Postgame Interview

I was not sure what I was going to write about until I watched the tears streaming down quarterback Russell Wilson's face, (click on the video to the right) during his post game interview.

Both Russell and Aaron Rodgers of the Greenbay Packers are amazing quarterbacks and competitors, who in the heat of the battle, never flinched.  I have seen men in life threatening situations show that same calmness and focus. It is amazing to witness.

Forget fear and the challenges confronting you and your teammates.  Fight on, I say.  As the leader you can never, ever quit.  As a team player, the same applies and every person has to do their job.  Forget the doubters, just bring everything you have to help your teammates and strive with every ounce of your desire to win.

It was incredible to watch Russell Wilson win the game by throwing a pass to his teammate Jermain Kearse.  On his four previous attempts, Jermaine failed to catch any of them. In fact, for a variety of reasons, each of Russel's previous four passes to him were ultimately intercepted by the Green Bay Packers.

If you don't follow football, a single interception is a bad thing.  Four interceptions  are a proverbial train wreck and in all likelihood the Seahawks should have never won the game.  

I think it was all about believing.  Russell Wilson still believed and trusted Jermaine.  When overtime approached, he even predicted he was going to complete a pass to him to win the NFC Championship Game. Russell then went out and did it.

As the tears streamed down his face, Russell said, "I believed we would win." Think about that.  He also believed in his teammate.  How often in both life and business do people face adversity and stop believing in people they previously trusted.   

Russel Wilson showed a depth of character to the world, that is often missing in leaders.  He is the type of friend and leader anyone would want to associate themselves with.  He simply never quit.  

Go HAWKS!

  

Copyright Shay Realtors 2015 All Rights Reserved

Plebe Summer by Ray Shay

Plebe Summer  By Ray Shay 7.22.14    Raymond at US Naval Academy   After dropping our middle son Raymond at La Cross Camp at the US Naval Academy we took a tour of the campus. That is where we learned about Plebe Summer.  It is the indoctrination of the new class of 2018 cadets as they start their military career. Their trademark round white sailor caps with the blue stripe and their small blue notebooks made them easy to recognize.     What made them even more easy to spot is that if someone was yelling you could bet that a Plebe was at the receiving end of the tirade.  Class of 2018  US Naval Academy   As it was explained to us the new cadets were the "lowest of the low" and before you can lead you must learn to follow orders. Plebe is a word derived from "Plebian" the working class of ancient Rome. Over 20,000 people applied to the US Naval Academy this year. Only about 7% were selected. I hope each of the 1200 Naval Officers realize they are as lucky and fortunate as "Charlie" when he opened the chocolate bar and saw Willy Wonka's Golden Ticket.   It does not get any better.

 

The men and women of the current class were being repeatedly tested on a wide variety of rules and regulations.    

They could be seen marching and repeatedly standing at attention as they reviewed their small blue notebooks packed with information.  Information they must memorize and be able to repeat on command.   

Once selected as a Plebe you are committed to five years of service after graduation from the Naval Academy.    As tough as the journey may be, both the location where they are trained and the quality of instruction is off the charts.  Most graduates of the Naval Academy have double degrees with one of them in the sciences.  

As luck would have it while watching the above, I received a text from a friend who was visiting India who sent me a picture of people loitering around a street market. I thought to myself how incredibly blessed we are to live in America and how very lucky each of these Plebes are to be screamed and yelled at today.  There are literally millions of young people or their parents that would sacrifice anything to be  standing at attention or have their children attend this prestigious academy.  

I hope they each realize they are honestly living the dream.    

Have a great week, 

**If you know anyone who attended the Naval Academy and would like to share a photo please send it to Kevin@shayrealtors.com and we will run the photograph in next weeks Eweekly.

Copyrighted - All Rights Reserved - Shay Realtors 2014