ojai news at The Ojai Post :: blog, newspaper, events in Ojai, California

I wrote this for my blog, http://artpredator.wordpress.com and thought some of your readers might find it of interest:

i was doing a little arts writing for the ojai and ventucky voice , mostly promoting sculpture shows at art city, but also published the first article there about Burning Man in 1995 or 96, and the editor, jeff san marchi, wanted my writing, my perspective to become a regular part of the paper--he wanted me to write a column on the arts and life.

yeah well i don't know i'd say each time jeff brought it up. there wasn't much money in it, just trade at various restaurants and comps to shows and such. but really i didn't know if i had that much to say that people would want to read.

then one day i was telling him about the sculptor and how he said i was just a predator on artists, an art predator.

that's it! said jeff.

huh?

you're the art predator--that's it--that's your column! you're the art predator!

and so i was. i published 1500-3000 word columns or articles every other week for almost three years, from late 1995 or so until 1998. jeff published my stories about art shows and openings, poetry, burning man, really just about anything that interested me. and the column was popular. people remember it still.

during that time in my life, i spent most of my days and nights with one of three gemini's born on consecutive days and i think in consecutive years more or less. there was a lot of talk, a lot of ideas--too many for this capricorn, and i moved on from all three of them, said goodbye in one rocky way or another to each within a year of each other. one gemini died a few years ago in a paragliding accident, and now jeff.

it is too perfect of a device that if jeff was to go, he would die of a heart attack delivering papers on the eve of Christmas eve. he had that much heart, gave that much of himself. few people knew he was a massage therapist for many years; he hid his gentleness behind his wild hair and beard.

he was a benign editor and would go through some wild shenanigans to get all my words into the issue. he was always full of leads and stories and he was gracious with his time for someone always under a deadline. he would listen to my troubles and sometimes he even shared his with me, especially his concerns about raising his daughters who he adored.

jeff was maybe 10 years older than me. too young. too young to die out of the blue like that, even if he died living a life he loved, living it passionately, fully, intently.

jeff delighted in making trouble, making people think, argue, defend--he challenged those around him i think to challenge himself. as if living and working around ojai's oak trees making his allergies act up wasn't enough!

jeff was one of the brightest men in ventucky i knew, and certainly one who really knew how to pay attention to detail. in fact, he delighted in that too.

so jeff, you old gemini you, here's to you--and to paying attention to every beautiful detail life offers us. thanks for helping to make me "the art predator"--i'm just sorry i never got a chance to tell you i was on the prowl again on this blog.

with love and gratitude, the art predator

BTW, a memorial service is scheduled for Sat. 12/29 at 11am in ojai. park at matilija for the carpool.

hope it is OK to say that I had a wonderful time at the memorial service for Jeffrey W. San Marchi. It was held outdoors, at the beautiful Twelve Oaks Estate in the Arbolada, an enjoyable 15 minute walk from my house. Accompanied by my daughter Monica and longtime friends Dale and Vickie, we chatted about Jeff as we walked up Foothill Road.

It is always a pleasure to walk through the Arbolada, which still feels like a large park with nice old houses to me. As we approached Palomar and joined the parade of other Ojaians headed for the same destination, I saw the familiar faces of dozens of people who have played a role in my life. It was good to see the "old guard" (not as old as the old, old guard) socializing and reminiscing. Monica and I immediately spotted Jeff's beautiful daughters, Anna and Rosa, who I had not seen since they were in their early teens. I remembered all the good times we had together when they came to Ojai in the summer. Anna and Rosa were the same age as my daughter, and while their dad slaved away putting together the paper they often came over to spend the night.

It never ceases to amaze me the things you find out about a person after they die! The tributes to Jeff were very moving. Many of the Voice contributors spoke, as did Jeff's brother and his longtime friend Michael Kaufer. Ron Rowe was so sincere and eloquent. I'm sure Jeff loved it!

As the people who knew Jeff best spoke, from time to time I saw him clearly in my mind's eye, smiling, shaking his head and watching the whole thing. Michael's description the early days of the Voice brought back so many memories. We, the budding authors, were all very proud to see our stories published in the Voice. No other paper had ever given us so much freedom and space. For a few years, before the Voice expanded to include Ventura, Ojai had a truly amazing alternative newspaper.

Suza, when Jeff died we had to suffer the indignity of posting notice of it on this site, and I have suffered through your nearly constant prattle about "the old years" of the Voice. Several times I was typing a response when I was dragged away from my computer by my sons who said, "Don't feed the troll, Mom," and by Ray, who said "Rise above it; she's not worth it."

But tonight I am exhausted, sad, and sick of your bullshit, particularly about how much better the "early" Voice was when you were involved. Were you not paying attention when Michael Kaufer lamented about how hurt Jeff was when you and your yellow bike fans turned on him to worship your new golden calf, the very wealthy Bobby Houston? Did you not hear Michael say how Jeffrey never truly recovered from your calling him "evil"?

When one of your posts criticized Joel Anderson for saying Jeff always got it right, then you refused to provide specifics as Joel requested, saying you thought it was best "left to the Akashic records," that was a lie, wasn't it Suza? (Never mind that it was you who brought it up in the first place.) Perhaps Post readers really thought you were sincere. Maybe you think that if you toss out mystical sounding words, you can get away with fooling the masses. We, however, know better, because in your private e-mail to Joel you most definitely did not leave your thoughts to the "Akashic records." You whined, professed even more ignorance than surely you actually possess, and heaped blame on Jeff, as follows:
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Attached Message
From: SFrancina@aol.com
To: jaimages@aol.com
Subject: Hi Joel from Suza
Date: Tue, 25 Dec 2007 18:04:45 EST
Hi Joel,

I am very sad that Jeff died. Before I was elected to the City Council we had a long (platonic) friendship. I wrote articles for the Voice almost every issue for many years, beginning in 1988.

My daughter Monica is around the same age as Anna and she and Rosa practically lived at my house when they used to visit Jeff. We did so many things together. I saw them grow up and loved them like my own daughters.

For reasons I never understood, it seemed like the moment I was elected Jeff turned on me with a vengeance. Our whole relationship changed as it seemed he put me in the same category as all politicians. I don't know if I still have those issues in my garage where the front page headlines attacked my integrity and character to the point where several people offered to help me sue. In the end I felt it was not worth the cost of time, money and resources.

As far as other stories where he did not get it right, I have no examples at the moment. I only recall my various responses to stories over the twenty years that I read the Voice.

This is a sensitive time, perhaps we can talk about this in person in the future.

I wish I had had the opportunity to reestablished our friendship and made peace with Jeff in person before he died.

Suza Francina
Freelance journalist, health writer, and book reviewer.
www.suzafrancina.com

511 W. Eucalyptus Street
Ojai, California, 93023
(805) 646-4673

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The truth, Suza, is that Jeff got you elected (probably the worst mistake he made in his career), and when you didn't need him anymore, you sold your soul and stabbed him in the back. Your "me me me" posts are like all politicians, pretending to be about Jeff when you are really trying to convince this new crop of young "new media" bucks that once upon a time you were a real player in this town. Have they learned yet that, as mayor, you could not even master Robert's Rules of Order? That your vote-flopping got a tree killed in Libbey Park? That the council itself, on a motion by the meek Steve Olsen, tried to get rid of you because you had become such a joke? That you, in fact, killed your relationship with Jeff and called him "evil" because you thought it would ingratiate you with a new crowd of people? Is the word "shame" part of your obsequious vocabulary?

I'm glad you liked my house. Please don't ever return here.

- Cathy Elliott Jones

dear Cathy Elliott Jones,

I don't know you personally, although I saw the photograph of you in the Ojai Valley News when you were being dragged away from a City Council meeting with all the appearance of being a person who is somewhat crazed. Now you have confirmed the reality of that appearance. I feel sorry for you and the poison that evidently runs through your system. Too bad you had to spill it in this forum. Next time pay more attention to the advice of your sons.

Cathy, this is a small town and in the coming years we are bound to see each other in the produce aisle of Rainbow Bridge, Star market and numerous other places around town. I walk my dogs through the Arbolada. It is inevitable that we will see each other and to feel this animosity from you is just too sad.

My comment on the Voice being an amazing alternative Ojai paper had nothing to do with my being one of the writers. I was stating a fact that the paper was originally an Ojai alternative paper. I have every issue that was published during those early years, because it documents the history of Ojai and contains timeless interviews and articles by people who have since died, such as Clarence Sterling and Beatrice Wood.

I would be happy to sit down with you, Michael, Joel and any one else interested, and clear up these festering misunderstandings.

Being human, the things you wrote are hurtful. It saddens me deeply that anyone would think I would ever stab another human being in the back.

I have a long history here in our beautiful valley, going back to my early life in the East End, when my family arrived in the winter of 1957. You may not be aware of that history. My work,cleaning houses, babysitting, teaching preschool, teaching yoga and working as a home health care provider for elderly people, has brought me in contact with hundreds of people in Ojai. I wrote a weekly health and environmental column for the Ojai Valley News for 15 years, and have been a regular contributor to the OVN's from 1972 until the present. I ran for City Council twice, and was active in many organizations long before I became involved in local politics. The people of Ojai know what I stand for.

say Cathy Jones,

Could you please explain why you said you had to "suffer" the "indignity" of posting the sad news about Jeff on the Ojai Post? What exactly is it about your dignity that suffers by communicating with all of us who enjoy and participate in this site? Are we just too common for people of your exalted status -- or what?

how truly refreshing to awaken to a real catfight rather than one of Tyler's awe-inspiring photos or lame reportage on "food about towne".

and all under the auspices of jeff san marchi.
i'm looking at the latest issue and realize i was always a bit perplexed by "The Super Friendly Shopper with Political Bite".

anyway, both to you, Cathy Elliott Jones and Suza Francina, you GO girls!!

and you both might consider a deep colon cleansing to start the new year.

i know i am...

love to all
pacem en terris (especially the middle east)
good muzik
good food
good vibes

el A

Dear Cathy -

You are welcome to participate here, but please read our very brief terms of participation found just below the "Post a comment" header below, if you find yourself commenting again. Particular attention to the notes on civility would be very much appreciated.

And I must say that reprinting private correspondence that was never intended for the public record is rather distasteful, and interestingly, something that Mr. San Marchi had no hesitation doing either in the pages of the Voice, to the detriment of at least one Ojai Post author in an article entitled "Inside: Idiot Bloggers Screw Up!"

Finally, I am proud to have Suza Francina as an author and regular participant on the Post. Quite the contrary to what you've affectionately termed "me me me" posts, I find her writings embrace the diversity and culture of our community and our environment and are quite welcomed and received here.

There is a tendency by some to accuse others of things that we find ourselves habitually doing (or ignore ourselves habitually doing) to the detriment of our own personal growth. I'll leave it at that and direct you and our readers to a previous Ojai Post conversation that might serve as an example, for the Akashic records or not.

Tyler,
I appreciate you refreshing your terms of service rules for Suza regarding her unsubstantiated claims in previous posts that Jeff San Marchi did not "get it right", and her subsequent failure to provide me one shred of evidence supporting her fictitious claim, despite my polite and prompt request.
Suza and I have corresponded previously. My "sent" emails always contain signature links to OjaiVoice.com, OV-VOICE.net and JAndersonPhoto.com, etc., in the footnote. Suza is well aware of my Journalist status. All emails, phone messages, discussions with a journalist (me or the VOICE) are subject to publication, unless requests for "Off the Record" status are made PRIOR to the communication.
In order for "Off the Record" to be agreed upon by Suza and myself, she would have had to send a previous email to me requesting I accept an "Off the Record" email. At that point it would have been my choice whether to accept (hear) or reject (not hear) an "Off the Record" email from Suza.
"Not everyone understands “off the record” or “on background” to mean the same things. Before any interview in which any degree of anonymity is expected, there should be a discussion in which the ground rules are set explicitly." -- Associated Press/http://www.ap.org/newsvalues/index.html
Again, Tyler I appreciate your clarification for Suza. The "Off the Record" laws have a longstanding principled history. The history is indeed backed up by years of caselaw, with the provision being in force to prevent nonsensical manipulative doubletalk by inept politicians and others who have sought to thrust themselves into the limelight of public discussions.

Joel A. Anderson

Hi Joel -

I don't know what you're talking about, in your reference to correspondence being "off the record" or "caselaw".

I referred to the email being "private correspondence" in direct reference to Cathy Elliott Jones calling it "private e-mail" herself.

And I didn't question the legality of printing it. I merely called it distasteful, which I wholeheartedly stand by. Particularly when said correspondence is stove-piped to someone else for publication, as happened here.

My "refreshing of terms of service rules" directly addressed Cathy, not Suza, just to make sure that my comment is not being incorrectly re-framed by you.

Quite frankly, it appears to me that Suza has treated CEJ and you, on this thread, the previous JSM thread and in private correspondence, with respect, and deserves nothing less in return, regardless of any personal or professional disagreements.

As far as Jeff "getting it right," my ONLY interaction with him resulted in him very clearly not "getting it right" about The Ojai Post, which you can see for yourself by clicking on the first link in my previous comment #8 above.

That said, I am honored to host the discussions about Jeff here, where there is clearly a tremendous amount of praise and respect for Jeff's contributions to local media, and my intention is not to diminish or denigrate that in any way. Thanks for your participation.

Hi Joel,

I don't know what you're talking about either!

This is the first I've heard that my communication with you was anything but private. I have emailed you many times about your mom and her yoga lessons using this same email address. I thought it was your personal email and anything said was between you and I.

Joel, I'm truly sorry if I offended you. Again, we have a long relationship, which I think of as a friendship. In any longstanding relationship there are bound to be misunderstandings. So it's good we are airing this out and possibly clear it up.

I hope you know that I like you very much. I have seen what a wonderful, caring, devoted son you are to your mother, and I admire that quality in you, as well as many others, not to mention your talent as a photographer.

To be honest, all I had in mind when I made my initial comment was that no human being on earth ever gets "everything right." And when you pressed me further, I thought that this is not the time to dig through old issues of the Voice and find examples of times I disagreed with Jeff's slant on things. This is not meant to be disrespectful. When I throw my Opinion into the public arena I fully expect that a good percentage of readers will think I did not "get it right."

What matters most is that we work together for the common good and I am willing to roll up my sleeves and do that. I am deeply sorry if Jeff thought I had some grudge against him. I may have said something to him long ago, in response to his headlines that I felt were disrespectful and unnecessary not only to me but other people. I do not feel that I lost my soul sitting on the City Council. Indeed, it gave me a golden opportunity to see things from many different points of view.

Joel Anderson,

In the first sentence of your comment, you indicate that Tyler was addressing Suza, not Cathy Jones, when he reviewed the terms of service rules. That was an error, and very misleading, wasn't it?

In the same sentence, you indicate that Suza repeatedly questioned whether Jeff got it right. In fact, she did so only once. Another error on your part.

In the same sentence, you suggest that Suza questioned whether Jeff got it right in general. In fact she only questioned your original assertion that Jeff always got it right. All she did was mildly point out that Jeff was not totally infallible. So this is another error and distortion on your part.

In the same sentence, you state she did not provide you a shred of evidence backing up her suggestion that Jeff was not infallible. In fact, in the private email to you made public by Cathy Jones, Suza pointed out that she was referring to direct personal knowledge of things published by Jeff referring to her. No, she didn't provide chapter and verse -- why should she? But she certainly gave you the general drift.

So that makes four times in one sentence that you, a self-proclaimed journalist, "didn't get it right."

But you are asking us to believe that in twenty years, Jeff San Marchi never made a single mistake?

PS Joel, to be fair, I looked at the last e-mail I received from you and all it says at the bottom of the page after your message is:

See what's new at http://www.aol.com

at first i was rooting for a good catfight but within a few short hours i now hope y'all can take this matter private.

i, for one, simply can't keep up with all the "make rights", "make wrongs", innuendos, miscastings, terms of service, fallibility/infallibility, etc.

anyone have any new years rezolutions to share?

here's 1:

i will not appear naked in public until i've lost 10 pounds...

Tyler/Suza,

Again, on point Suza was unable to reference any example of when Jeff San Marchi did not "get it right," as she stated in the previous thread of your blog.
As you have now stated the same generalized did not "get it right" assertions as Suza, perhaps you could (no links, just the facts) in this thread, reference an example of when you also feel Jeff did not "get it right" as regards your blog ? And if so, why didn't you sue him ? We could then have a meaningful discussion of what you are talking about.

How do your terms of service rules apply to yourself and Suza, with regard to substantiation of facts ? The responsibility is on Suza that, unless she specifically arranges beforehand, for the email to be private, it is not. Does this mean that Daniel Ellsbergs Pentagon Papers were distasteful ?

The original posting for Jeff the other day was an obituary. Suza fell off thread, making serious allegations against Jeff San Marchi's journalistic credibility which she failed to substantiate, despite my request. Suza then attempted to influence me with an email.

It is not distasteful to publish an email sent to a known Journalist, from a former elected official, which further enlightens your readers as to said former elected officials failure to provide any facts to serious allegations she made.

What was distasteful (and disrespectful) was for Suza to make allegations which falsely tainted Jeff's credibility in his obituary post, without her being able to substantiate those allegations with specific actual facts.

THAT is distasteful -- unjustly slamming someone in an obit.

Joel A. Anderson

P.S. Suza send me an email anytime.
P.S.S. Suza we had a relationship ???

It's really a bummer that at a time when the shadow of Bush, assassins of Bhutto, daily American deaths in Iraq, and more-than-I-can-mention ills and sufferings of the world are so up front in our faces, that feuds of the kind we see posted here occupy time and space. And, yeah yeah, we have choice whether or not to read them or not. We all need some titillation now and then. And, thank God-Buddha-whoever- that we have a first amendment which Jeff San Marchi embodied and knew so well. Period. But I agree with the poster who suggested to take it private. I personally find it disheartening to have it all in the midst of a period of mourning. And, in defense of the Ojai Times which seems to be a wonderfully informative site - especially in light of the fact that I didn't know about it until Jeff's passing - I also find Cathy Jones' comment about suffering the indignity of posting the information about Jeff's passing on the site rather puzzling. Ms. Jones, do you get it was a source for people to become more informative about (1) Jeff's life and work; (the Ojai Valley News sure isn't going to pick up the slack) (2) background on people who were involved in any way with him; and (3)good information about the memorial gathering at your house. So....what was that about? Aside from all of this, thank you for providing a beautiful space to honor an obviously cherished professional, father and hero of free press. Not to say that Jeff had his shadows. But I don't know...should a mourning period contain all the STUFF we are made of? In the Jewish tradition, the 7 days of Shiva, as I know it, are for honoring the deceased. Is it honoring Jeff to bicker back and forth. Or can forgiveness and love begin to bloom from the event of a loved soul passing through our crisp Ojai air. Anyway, I have no answers. I'm working on my own crap. May 2008 bring more love and peace and the overwhelming challenge of forgiveness to anyone who is willing to embrace.

Dear Joel -

I didn't generalize anything. I'll repeat what I wrote, but this time include the link so that its easier for you:
As far as Jeff "getting it right," my ONLY interaction with him resulted in him very clearly not "getting it right" about The Ojai Post, which you can see for yourself by clicking on the first link in my previous comment #8 above.

And regarding this: "And if so, why didn't you sue him ?"

You're kidding, right? In my 36 years, I have never sued anyone nor been sued myself (despite anyone being able to sue anyone else with just cause or not). Legal action should be the very last of actions considered, after any extended reasonable and thorough attempt at dialogue and compromise.

Regarding Suza "unjustly slamming someone in an obit", let me actually quote what Suza wrote:

With all due respect, I would not go so far as to say Jeff always "had the story right." I realize it is traditional to elevate fallible human beings to infallible status when they "shuffle off this mortal coil," but being that Jeff was an investigative reporter, I don't think he'd mind me saying this.

You are stirring up a tempest in a teapot, Joel, and it's visible for everyone to see.

Respectfully,
Tyler

Dear Memorial Service Attendee,

It was Suza Francina who first took it "Public" by making serious unsubstantiated allegations. Before that it was simply an obituary posting, facilitated by Tyler Suchman, for Jeffrey W. San Marchi.

Thanks for your comment,
Joel A. Anderson

Tyler,

Again, what do you feel Jeffrey W. San Marchi did not "get right" in your case ? Let's talk about this.

Respectfully,
Joel A. Anderson

Dear Joel,

Thank you for clarifying that for me. And, thank you, Tyler, for doing what you do.

memorial service attendee --

looks to me like suza tried to take this thing private in her email to joel.... but cathy jones made the private thing public again....

in any case, thank you for amplifying upon my question as to why cathy jones would claim it hurt her dignity to communicate with readers of the ojai post... it does seem rather bizarre, after all the nice things that were said here about jeff san marchi.... kind of like she is undercutting all those acolades...

since cathy jones is refusing to answer my question, maybe someone else who knows her can help me understand why she would start off her long comment with a generalized insult to all the readers of the ojai post??

Dear Joel -

I wrote over 900 words on what I felt Jeff did not get right in my case. You can read what I wrote by clicking through the link I provided and responding here, or we can agree to let this go. I stand by everything I wrote on that thread back on June 3, 2006, and I stand by everything I have written on this thread.

Jeff wasn't perfect, and it is absolutely inconceivable that he "got everything right," but he obviously made a valuable and noteworthy contribution to the Ojai community, simply judging by the outpouring of posthumous support for him.

Regards,
Tyler

Kitty Kat,

Perhaps you missed the posts above. It was Suza Francina who first took it "Public" by making serious unsubstantiated allegations. Before that it was simply an obituary posting, facilitated by Tyler Suchman, for Jeffrey W. San Marchi.

Respectfully,
Joel A. Anderson
P.S. I'm not, nor ever have been interested in anything "private" with Suza Francina.

Tyler,

Not interested in reading 900 words of generalizations from you. I'd just like to hear from you where you think Jeff did not "get it right". Just put it in a nutshell.

As always Respectfully,
Joel A. Anderson

P.S. How is it you qualify comments/facts in your terms of service ? I'm surprised you haven't requested Suza be more specific.

JA: Tyler answered your question. You're refusing to read it.

Black and White,

Tyler did not answer my question, he only posted a 900 word link. I am well aware of its contents -- there is nothing in it that shows Jeff San Marchi did't "get it right."

Thanks for your replay for Tyler.

Sincerely,
Joel A. Anderson

Dear KittyKat,

To try to explain Cathy's indignity: It's all about what has gone on behind the scenes the last couple of years. To put it mildly, the Ojai Post and Tyler Suchman have never been fans of the Voice - for reasons to numerous to go into here - and Jeffrey would not have wanted to have to rely on this site to get the word of his death out to the community. Unfortunately, because of time we had no choice. She would never think that she is above anyone else.

joel,

no, i did not miss the previous posts....

your ugly innuendo regarding my use of the word private only serves to discredit you more than you have already done.....

it is you and ms. jones, not suza, who have, very sadly, sullied the memory of your friend....

I will start with a message to kittykat: this has been a day of mourning for me, and I had no idea that you were waiting with breath that was bated for me to answer your question as to why I felt we had to suffer the indignity of posting notice of Jeffery's death on this site. It should be clear to you. Tyler did not like Jeff, as he has demonstrated with his repeated links to past posts and snide comments about Jeff's character. He even hijacked the domain name "ovvoice.com," which takes a reader to a page that promotes Tyler's own web site. And believe me, there was no love lost for Tyler from Jeff. It is a credit to Tyler that we knew at least the word of Jeff's untimely passing would get out on this site. At the same time I struggled, knowing Jeff would be furious at us for doing it. And, of course, it opened the door for the repeated "me me me" posts by Suza Francina. At one point, out of 30 posts, one-third of them were from Suza, basking in her opportunity for self-promotion, which was another thing Jeff would have hated. But there was never even a consideration by me that someone would take my comment as an insult to readers of the Post. Many of you are either my friends, or people I respect. But kittykat, considering your support for a Post writer who says one thing on the site, then secretly says something entirely different in an e-mail she apparently thought was private, whoever you are, you are not on the list of people I respect.

To Tyler: I could not care less about your "pride" in having Suza as a writer. I don't care if you think she is a goddess, a hot chick, or even if you go over and polish her shoes every morning. I will continue to stand by my own opinion that, having taken it upon herself to provide your readers with her breezy reportage of an emotional, tender memorial for someone we loved a lot, she ought to have at least included the fact that she was publicly taken to task for having broken Jeff's heart (in a "platonic" way, to quote Suza).

Here's a fact you don't know: members of the San Marchi family were so incensed by her past treatment of Jeff, and were seething at her endless posts, including the one that attacked Jeff's accuracy, that they worried very much that she would try to take the mike and speak at the memorial. To ease their minds so they could grieve in peace, we had to create a Suza security plan, with one man specifically in charge of removing her from the property if she tried to approach the stage.

And Tyler, thanks for the link that directed me to the spirited conversation where I was maintaining that it was a serious mistake to support Lenny Klaif as a candidate. Did you know that, on Christmas Eve, Lenny stood in the Ojai House discussing Jeff's passing, and said for all to hear that: "Ojai got an early Christmas present"? A 63-year-old friend of Jeff's was present, and was so livid by the callous, cold-blooded statement that he tried to get Lenny to go outside and fight. Even Joe DeVito has more humanity and class than that, and would never have made such a despicable remark about Jeff dropping dead at the age of 57.

And finally, to Suza: For ten years, ever since you called Jeff "evil," you and I have managed quite well living in the same small town. I ignore you; you ignore me. You were even at my home yesterday and did not approach me to thank me for my hospitality, to say something kind about Jeff, or even to tell me to go to hell. I see no reason why our relationship, or lack thereof, cannot continue in the same manner.

I watched you high-tail it out of here as soon as Jonathan played the last haunting note of "Amazing Grace." That's too bad. Had you stuck around, you might have been influenced by the incredible love and healing that took place after the service. Your loss. But please stop pretending that you had no knowledge that you had hurt Jeff so deeply.

And finally to Mr. Moody, whoever you are: drop by my office so I can use language to your face that I choose not to print.

- Cathy Elliott Jones

KittyKat,

I appreciate your response. However Suza Francina (former elected official) sent me (journalist) an email. She did not first request a "private" Off the Record discussion. Yes, Ojai is a small town, but that does not preclude Suza from following the rules.

As I stated before I do not know and am not interested in knowing Suza on a personal and/or private basis. Suza brought this issue up (made unsubstantiated claims tainting Jeff San Marchi's journalistic credibility) in this public forum and public is where it is.

Speaking of "ugly innuendo" Suza Francina (and now Tyler Suchman) could very easily close this issue by her (him) providing facts (he) she indicated she (he) had.

Question posed to Suza:
"Perhaps you would like to post an example of where you think Jeff didn't get the story right" ?

Sincerely,
Joel A. Anderson

I am very glad there is a younger generation who is learning from the, so-called, elders of their community and becoming responsible for their "shadow". It seems the more twenty somethings I meet, the more mature they appear, in contrast to the wounded, girls and boys, disguised as intelligent adults, who seem to be gleefully enjoying slandering others. I ready to offer scholarships to Marshall Rosenbergs (spl)compassionate communication workshops. I read all of these posts just hoping that they everyone would find completion and peace with one another and I am sadly disappointed. The toxic psyches that somehow can justify their behavior would do well by learning to love themselves so their self hatred could be assuaged and cease to be projected into the world.

for Suza
"Peace, in the sense of the absence of war, is of little value to someone who is dying of hunger or cold. It will not remove the pain of torture inflicted on a prisoner of conscience. It does not comfort those who have lost their loved ones in floods caused by senseless deforestation in a neighboring country. Peace can only last where human rights are respected, where people are fed, and where individuals and nations are free."

-- The XIVth Dalai Lam

Joel A. Anderson

Dear Cathy -

My hope is that if you continue to participate in this public forum, you choose your words with greater care.

I had a single incident with Jeff where I responded publicly one time to his front page headline referring to The Ojai Post as "Idiot Bloggers".

In fact, a Google search of this site shows precisely five pages on which the OV Voice has been mentioned:
1) a post by another author that angered Jeff
2) my subsequent reply to the "Idiot Bloggers" article
3) a guest editorial where the OV Voice was thanked by Dennis Leary
4) the announcement of his passing
5) the announcement of his memorial

For you to declare that I have made "repeated links to past posts and snide comments about Jeff's character" is inaccurate, accusatory and not appreciated in the slightest.

I never met him personally, nor corresponded with him directly by phone, email or snail mail, and for you to say I "did not like Jeff" is totally erroneous. If there was "no love lost for Tyler from Jeff," it is news to me but not particularly surprising.

Regarding your accusation that I "hijacked the domain name ovvoice.com," again it is inaccurate. To hijack a domain is to use illicit means, such as technical or social engineering to essentially steal a domain from a rightful owner. I did no such thing.

Jeff registered ov-voice.com and ov-voice.net on December 1, 2004. I registered ovvoice.com and ovvoice.net on November 5, 2006. In other words, Jeff had just shy of two years to register those domains himself.

Regarding your accusation that the domain I own "takes a reader to a page that promotes Tyler's own web site," your misleading half-truth fails to show that the page links to the OV Voice, Ojai Valley News and The Ojai Post.

Regarding your rather public airing of your issues with Suza and Len, that's between you as individuals, and while I have positive relationships with both Suza and Len, they can defend themselves or take the high road.

So while I welcome your participation, Cathy, I must for the record correct some obvious falsehoods that you have written, as defamation of my character is not something I take lightly or kindly.

Regards,
Tyler

=======================================

Dear Joel -

You can accuse me of "ugly innuendo" all you want, but I wrote one post about Jeff in response to his front page "Idiot Bloggers" article which I linked to, and I stand by everything I wrote. I don't feel the need to summarize it for you and I don't need to justify it.

Quite frankly, I had no intention of bringing this one issue up, and wanted to treat Jeff's memory and his friends and family with nothing but respect. When notified of Jeff's passing, I provided the open forum as was requested of me by Ray Alpern, I offered a brief and gentle condolence and stood back. I felt compelled to share my one experience with Jeff six days later when the conversation took a turn towards the malevolent based on a very mild comment which I quoted in comment #17 above.

Regards,
Tyler

Tyler,

What purpose did you secure domains ovvoice.com and ovvoice.net for yourself ?

Respectfully,
Joel A. Anderson

P.S. I still see no instance where you or Suza can justifiably say Jeff San Marchi didn't "get it right" ?

Joel -

I register domains that I feel will be of some value to me now or in the future. It appears that Jeff didn't find value in owning them (hence them being available for nearly two years after he registered the similar domains), and I did.

Regarding my response to "Idiot Bloggers," at this point it is irrelevant if you think it was justified or not. You have offered no critique of any sort, nor shown any evidence you have read it.

Have a nice evening.

-Tyler

Tyler,
Another item. The "conversation" took a turn toward the distasteful and malevolent when Suza made still unsubstantiated claims against Jeff San Marchi's journalistic credibility. Her actions, by definition, an innuendo, and that's putting her accusations mildly.

in·nu·en·do (ny-nd)
n. pl. in·nu·en·does
1. An indirect or subtle, usually derogatory implication in expression; an insinuation.
Source: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/innuendo

That was here, your forum, and just one day after the original Dec. 24 obit. post, not six days.

Sincerely,
Joel A. Anderson

Dear Tyler,

I always choose my words carefully. If they embarrass you, and you want to twist them into something else, that is your right. But the fact remains that you have slammed Jeff in response nos. 8, 10, and 17 with two link references -- or repeatedly, as I stated.

He was also accused by one or two of your writers of being racist, which, as he pointed out on this site, was much to the amusement of his multi-ethnic daughters.

And Tyler, it was you who brought up Lenny Klaif in an attempt to discredit me. I have every right to provide information about what kind of person he truly is, and note that I was right all along. I know how much that must bug you.

Really, I have no intention of continuing to post on your site, which is why I dreaded it in the first place. But I will continue as long as you and your authors and your readers attack me. If you want to sue me for using the word "highjack" to describe your unseemly usurping of Jeff's domain names, be my guest. I would love to hear you tell a court your reasoning for doing so.

- Cathy Elliott Jones

Tyler,

re Caselaw

You made the allegation, the burden of proof is upon you to show Jeff didn't "get it right," not me.

Sincerely,
Joel A. Anderson

P.S. Your answer re: how you determine which domain name to register doesn't add up -- seems a generic answer in fact and unspecific to the Ojai and Ventura VOICE. Why would you register a domain name which is based on the name of another ? I would never register a domain name which was similar to http://www.ojaipost.com ? I would never go to the courthouse and change my name to Tyler Suchman ! It just doesn't make sense to me Tyler. Please explain.

"To ease their minds so they could grieve in peace, we had to create a Suza security plan, with one man specifically in charge of removing her from the property if she tried to approach the stage."

Suza Security. SS. Hmm....

Keep it coming, counselor; your authentic self is very revealing.

So now it has come down to my being anonymously accused of being a Nazi. You poor gutless wonder.

-Cathy Elliott Jones

Tyler,

Where does your terms of service policy stand on false unsubstantiated personal insults, civility, respect ?

Respectfully,
Joel A. Anderson

So Tyler, ovvoice.com and ovvoice.net seem to have value to you huh? Seeems a bit thin of an excuse since ojaipost.net, ojaipost.org, ojaipost.info, ojaipost.biz, ojaipost.us are all available! Care to explain?

now that the "Nazi" card has been played, how about a "time out"?

i'm already seeing red stains appear on this largely black and white webpage...

Dear Ray and Joel,

Be careful, or some wacko on this site may anonymously accuse you of being white supremacists, despite the Hanukkah flag hanging from my house and the menorah on my antique Mexican table.

And to my darling Jeff: You were right. We should have hired a sky writer rather than get subjected to this.

Love from Cathy

Score 1 more for Mike Godwin.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godwin's_law

Score one more for Mike Godwin.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godwin's_law

FYI Tyler,

according to the United States federal law known as the Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act, is registering, trafficking in, or using a domain name with bad-faith intent to profit from the goodwill of a trademark belonging to someone else.

Sound familiar?

El Anonimo,

A time out would be fine El Anonimo, however I still have not heard from Suza or Tyler re a myriad of questions, the least important of which was not my first, asked Dec. 25, below to Suza...

"Perhaps you would like to post an example of where you think Jeff didn't get the story right " ?

Sincerely,
Joel A. Anderson

Dear Cathy -

I'm not embarrassed by you, and I didn't twist your words in any way, but rather have addressed them head on. I also don't feel I "slammed" Jeff, regardless of whether he felt (on the front cover of the Voice no less!) that I was one of the "Idiot Bloggers" of The Ojai Post.

Thank you for your invitation to sue you, but as I have previously stated, I have no intention of suing anyone. Hiding behind a lawyer is not my way of dealing with individual citizens or the community as a whole.

I still stand by the fact that what you wrote is inaccurate and accusatory, and you flippantly saying So Sue Me! hardly invalidates my position.

Rather, I am happy to discuss this with you on the Post, and allow the Court of Public Opinion to hear the case.

=======================================

To Joel -

The "burden of proof"? Perhaps the chip on your shoulder is weighing a little heavy, but I am content with letting my tête-à-tête with Jeff speak for itself.

Regarding domain names, I don't sense that you are conversing in good faith, and instead are trying to catch me in some sort of "gotcha" which would show me to be some callous poacher who didn't call up Jeff and offer to buy the domains for him and then gift wrap them with a pretty bow.

If Jeff had ever approached me about acquiring them for himself rather than complaining about it to Cathy and others, then I am sure we could have arrived at a mutually agreeable arrangement.

Regarding the "terms of service," it is exceedingly rare that I have exercised my rights as moderator of this privately owned website and removed, censored or banned a participant. As you are new here, my posting those two paragraphs was in response a few months ago to conversation that had become increasingly uncivil. My inclination is to allow the conversations to flow unrestricted, and I think that is healthy for the community and for free speech.

I tend not to let my own personal opinions about what crosses the line and what does not color my editorial judgment, as, again, my preference is to allow completely uncensored conversation. We're (usually) all adults here, and you can either defend yourself, take the high road or go find another blog.

=======================================

I am sure that everyone who knew Jeff has been feeling emotional, and naturally has an inclination to defend their buddy against any perceived injustice. I'd like to offer that in respect for Jeff and his friends and family, we recognize that Jeff had a significant impact on this community, he had many people who loved him dearly, and he had an influential publication that upset some and pleased many.

I'm going to keep this thread open, because I think everyone should be able to contribute what they want to it, but I implore everyone to take a deep breath, look at the big picture and realize we are all just actors on a stage.

Love,
Tyler

"Dear Cathy -

You are welcome to participate here, but please read our very brief terms of participation found just below the "Post a comment" header below, if you find yourself commenting again. Particular attention to the notes on civility would be very much appreciated."

Tyler, why write these words to me and then change your tune when some "anonymous" ignoramus calls me a Nazi?

What a hypocrite.

- Cathy Elliott Jones

Good night, Cathy, sleep well and have a Happy New Year. With love and compassion for you and your loved ones,
Tyler

Tyler,

Be careful what you say:

"Regarding domain names, I don't sense that you are conversing in good faith, and instead are trying to catch me in some sort of "gotcha" which would show me to be some callous poacher who didn't call up Jeff and offer to buy the domains for him and then gift wrap them with a pretty bow.

If Jeff had ever approached me about acquiring them for himself rather than complaining about it to Cathy and others, then I am sure we could have arrived at a mutually agreeable arrangement."
-
-
-
Sounds to me like you registered them with the intent to sell them to Jeff, which I'm sure you're well aware is a violation of federal law.

FYI:

In Virtual Works, Inc. v. Volkswagen of America, Inc. (a dispute over the domain vw.net), the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals created a common law requirement that the cybersquatter exhibit a bad faith intent in order to confer liability. This means that domain names bearing close resemblance to trademarked names are not per se impermissible. Rather, the domain name must have been registered with the bad faith intent to later sell it to the trademark holder.

Also:

Under the ACPA (Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act) a cybersquatter can be held liable for actual damages or statutory damages in the amount of a maximum of $100,000 for each name found to be in violation.
-
-
-

Better start saving your pennies, Jeff's estate may very well have a cause of action against you.

Good night, Tyler. I will sleep well, because I stood up for what was right. How you and many of your contributers are able to sleep at night confounds me.

- CEJ

Tyler,

With all do respect, let's stay on subject and cut to the chase, Jeff had it right, only an "Idiot Blogger" would make accusations, without facts to back them up. You are certainly free to argue the point that you are not an idiot, but can you provide facts ?

id·i·ot (d-t)
n.
1. A foolish or stupid person.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/idiot

Again, as the person who made the accusation as to Jeff's credibility, legally, the burden of proof is upon you to provide facts to support your claim. Why in the world would you say Jeff didn't "get it right" yet be unable to support your claim ? Why would Suza ?

And why in the world would you obtain several domain names which mimiced the Ojai and Ventura VOICE. Did you not read Ray Alpern's post above re: "the United States federal law known as the Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act, is registering, trafficking in, or using a domain name with bad-faith intent to profit from the goodwill of a trademark belonging to someone else" ? How peaceful were your actions ? Isn't it in your best interest to follow the law -- to the letter ?

The unanswered questions are mounting....

Respectfully,
Joel A. Anderson

Folks, I'm closing the thread. I think its pretty obvious why. I'm not censoring nor removing any of the posts, so if anyone wants to make that argument elsewhere, it won't hold water.

If the domains all of a sudden are so important that one would threaten legal action, then take 'em. Provide me the appropriate full name, address, phone number and email address, and I'll initiate the transfer. Any modest value that they have is certainly not enough to warrant my first lawsuit.

I had no intention of receiving enemies as a result of covering the death and memorial for a local businessman. I'm rather puzzled at so much (what I feel is misplaced) anger on this thread. If anyone who has expressed any negativity towards me wants to sit down for a cup of tea, then I would be happy to oblige.