The Siren – January 2018

MMOC Board of Directors

Going Forth

I am very happy to have been elected your 2018 MMOC President. I have been an MMOC member for over 30 years, recently serving on the Board of Directors and for the past 9 years being the Webmaster at our site, www.mmoc.org.

First, I would like to thank our outgoing President, Chuck Rabaut. During these increasingly difficult times, finding people willing to get involved, Chuck stepped up when we needed to fill a Director vacancy. Chuck then took another big step and was elected MMOC President. Among many of his accomplishments was the 2016 MMOC Convention at the Cliff’s Resort Hotel in Pismo Beach. Many of the attendees said that was one of the nicest venues for a convention they had ever attended. Chuck, with the help of the ever present Gene Gray, pulled off one of the best conventions in recent memory.

I’d also like to thank the other two outgoing Directors, Jim Davis and Mark Murray. If you take a look at back issues of the Siren newsletter (our website has them back to 2008) you will probably see Mark’s or Jim’s names enmeshed somewhere in those issues. They have volunteered time and time again over the years, in whatever capacity needed, to keep MMOC moving forward. Those two are truly the ultimate “utility” players.

While saying thank you to our outgoing Directors I’d like to also welcome aboard Ed “Dewey” Pressnell, our newest Director. Dewey retired from the Oakland Police Department, where he rode motors for over 20 yrs. While in motors Dewey attended the Northwestern Fatal Accident Reconstruction Courses I & II, was a member of the Fatal Accident Response Team (you figure out the acronym), as well many other positions within Traffic. If you ever get a chance, ask him about the traffic engineering devices named after him, the “Dewey Loaves”. We are looking forward to the fresh perspective Dewey will bring to our board.

I hope everyone has a fantastic 2018!

Take care and ride safe.

Doug Wayne
President
Oakland P.D. – Retired

2018 MMOC Events

March 10, 2018 – Annual Cioppino Feed, San Jose POA Hall

It’s back for another year, thanks to Mark and Helen Murray who have stepped in for Rich Bailey and Kim Wirht. Rich and Kim are taking a much-needed rest after organizing and running this wonderful function for many years.

Back for a second year is comedian Michael Mancini, “World’s Funniest Cop.” If you missed it last year, you have got to see him this year at the Cioppino Feed.

Trust me, you’ll bust a gut!

Please see the related article and flyer in this issue for hotel and registration details.

July 8-14, 2018 – The 25th Annual Motorcycle Ride, Destination Mt. Ranier, WA

Folks, this is one not to be missed! This is definitely Dennis Brown’s last ride as MMOC Executive Ride Director. We are headed for the beautiful Northwest. Please see Dennis’ article in this Siren issue. Also, in light of this being Dennis’ “swan song” as Director, we will be looking for someone to step up as the new Ride Director. If you are interested in seeing this very worthwhile and true motor tradition continue, I encourage you to attend this ride. You will have the full support of the Board and Staff, and Dennis is more than willing to give you a hand to ensure your rides are successful.

September 9-13, 2018 – 89th Annual Convention, Santa Rosa

We are going back to our old haunts, the Flamingo Resort and Spa, the site of four past conventions. We will also be going on a wine tour. Another can’t miss! Please see the related article and flyer in this issue for more information and registration details.

Here’s a 2019 Teaser

What do you think about an Alaskan Cruse, probably in May, 2019? If you think you might be interested or you have suggestions for the cruise, please send me an email.

2018 MMOC Cioppino Feed

2018 Cioppino Feed, yes, it is happening again in March. Attention all units on all frequencies. Mark your calendars, phones, iPads and tablets.

Welcome Officers, friends and family. The MMOC annual Cioppino Feed approaches on March the 10, 2018, a Saturday night. Once again, this great feast of seafood cioppino, pasta, salad and Nicosia Italian Sausage (and chicken upon request) will be served at 1151 North Fourth St. San Jose, the San Jose Police Officers Association Hall.

Cioppino and pasta prepared by Bob Collins from the Pasta Market. Nicosia Famous Sausage prepared by Dennis Brown under the watchful eye of Nick Nicosia. Music by Rynell Williams and Special Guest Comedian, Michael Mancini, “World’s Funniest Cop”.

This years cost is $47.50 and includes the meal, seconds, open bar, music, dancing, comedy show and camaraderie.

Local accommodations are available at the HOLIDAY INN, 1350 N. First St. San Jose, (408) 453-6200, which is only a couple of blocks from the POA hall. Mention MMOC for the group rate of $109.00 + tax. (Includes airport shuttle from SJ Airport).

See the 2018 Cioppino flyer and registration page for more information and hotel reservations.

No tickets will be sold at the door.

Hope to see you there,
Helen and Mark Murray

Swan Song Redux

“2018” MMOC 25th Annual – Anniversary Ride

July, 2013, I wrote of my desire to pass the reins of MMOC Ride Director off to a more youthful, exuberant and dedicated Homo sapiens. Unfortunately, due to a couple last minute glitches, that never came to fruition.

Since inception in 1994, when LAPD’s Bob Hossfeld and I schemed a last minute mid-California 2 or 3 day ride, our ranks have swollen ten-fold as has mileage, duration and states traversed. For the love of discovery, scenery and all things on two wheels, MMOC has ridden mountaintops, canyons and gorges, low and high desert and some of the world’s most serpentine tarmac bisecting lush forests. And, in those 6 states, we’ve only fractionally touched on the wonderment of the north and southwest quadrants of the U.S.

However, the upcoming 25th Anniversary Ride noted below shall be my last endeavor to spearhead, scrutinize and administer our yearly event. Considering the 3 years I organized July and September rides, 28 MMOC tours accompanied with at least 35 more Blue Knights and private group multi-week treks during that time span across 6 other central states as distant as Montana, Wyoming, the Dakotas and Colorado’s Pikes Peak dictate it’s time to pass the torch. While I did not research and lead each and every ride above, the lion’s share that I did taught me it’s far easier and much less time consuming to let others do so. At 75 years old, I have absolutely no desire to quit riding; blend in mid-pack and worry about the precious cargo on pillion is my wish, follow the leader if you will. The decision to continue our fun and very camaraderie-centric annual exploratory rides rests with the Board of Directors and their ability to find a replacement, if desirous. I trust their wisdom will prevail.

Care to join me as we take in the verdant Pacific Northwest state of Washington to ride the impossibly beautiful waterfall-laden east and south side of Mt. Rainier, then revisit Mt. St. Helens the next day? Rainier hasn’t changed in centuries; St. Helens has been far more evolutionary, particularly since she blew her top May 18, 1980. New routing and vastly divergent scenery await us.

I have reserved 20 rooms at each hotel, all in the name of “MMOC Group”, and with one noted exception, each establishment will have a 7 day reservation cutoff and 72 hour cancellation clause. A word of caution to PROCRASTINATORS: Because these reservation blocks (in some cases by written contract with me) have not been prepaid by MMOC, a couple establishments will only guarantee room availability up to 30 days out with a credit card transaction! Apologetically, also note this year, peak season hotel rooms are a minimum of 10 to 15% higher than in the recent past and I believe reflective of the burgeoning economy.

• Sunday, July 8, 2018: Meet and greet @ the Best Western Shadow Inn, 584 N. East St., Woodland, Ca. 95776 (530 666 1251). I have requested interior pool view rooms and the rates are $90.00 + tax for MMOC. For early arrivals, some rooms will be available after 1300. Chevron just yards away @ 596 N. East St.
• Monday, July 9, 2018: Cerulean Hotel, 100 Main St., Klamath Falls, Or. 97601 (541 882 4666). All rooms $90.00 + tax. Because there’s no convenient quality stations coming into town, we’ll gas up in the morning on our way out @ Chevron, 3730 Hwy 97 N, Klamath Falls.
• Tuesday, July 10, 2018: Cousin’s Country Inn, 2114 W. 6th St., The Dalles, Or. 97058 (541 298 5161). King rooms $105.00, dbl. qn. $115.00 + tax. Shell @ 1700 W. 6th St. This hotel has a 30 day cutoff and 24 hour cancellation clause.
• Wednesday and Thursday, July 11 and 12, 2018: Red Lion, 510 Kelso Dr., Kelso, Wa. 98626 (360 578 4017). All rooms $94.00 + tax. Gas stations across the street.
• Friday, July 13, 2018: Best Western Miners Inn, 122 E. Miner St., Yreka, Ca. 96097 (530 842 4355). King rooms $100.00, dbl. qn. $105.00 + tax. Gas stations across the street.

Our 25 year milestone deserves commemorate memorabilia for this momentous occasion. What better way than a monogrammed T-shirt from my friend and supplier Mark Thomas, a retired OPD Patrol Sgt. who does excellent embroidery and artwork? My vision, not open to debate BTW, is navy blue men’s regular and women’s V-neck T-shirts with gold and white lettering. I will need an email with your exact size and “name” spelling in quotes before the ordering deadline of April 30, 2018, NO EXCEPTIONS! Price is TBD, I suspect in the $25.00 to $30.00 range and I will arrange for delivery to our kickoff hotel where we’ll collect the $$.

If you have any questions, fire away; please confirm your attendance by sending me an email and I will forward the initial detailed routes, gas and food waypoints in Feb/March, 2018. Should there be updates I’ll keep you posted. As one unannounced attendee discovered last year, our routes and waypoints are always fluid thanks to the wrath of Mother Nature and various states and counties DOT road closures. With the one noted exception above, gas up at each day’s end and as always, prepare your bike for the long haul (especially tires and battery) and bring 4 season clothing. The worst snow, hail and ice storm I’ve EVER been caught in on a motor was coming home from upper Washington through Oregon in the month of AUGUST nearly 20 years ago! Go figure.

Rhoda and I hope to see you on this historic ride. Finito!

His Own Self,
Dennis M. Brown,
Touring Executive Ride Director

“2018” – 89th Annual MMOC Convention

The devastating October, 2017, wildfires of Northern California left an indelible and destructive mark on the region, incomprehensible unless you have been witness to this form of Mother Nature’s fury before.

To our many members who suffered through the heartache and pain firsthand, Rhoda and I feel your shock, anguish and disbelief. We were one of 3,200 plus homeowners who grieved after a total loss in the October, 1991, Oakland Hills Firestorm. Far too many months and years of meetings, planning and reconstruction angst delivered us back to the same terra firma, albeit now with overzealous protection of our reborn and green skyline.

Sitting as a Santa Rosa oasis amidst scorched earth just a few miles distant on the periphery lies the Flamingo Hotel and Resort, 2777 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 95404 (707 545 8530), site of our 89th Annual MMOC Convention to be convened September 10, 11 & 12, 2018. She remains beautifully verdant after being closed to the general public for a month while serving as one of the hundreds of hotels in Sonoma and 6 surrounding counties to similarly house the THOUSANDS of first responders present from all over the western states.
As site of our 1983, 1985, 1995 and 2005 conventions, the Flamingo just wrapped up another extensive three year remodel of the rooms; after a November, 2017, site visit, I found them more plush and comfy than ever. This will be our 5th Convention and 35th anniversary of frequenting the Flamingo’s hallowed grounds; a feat I believe never before equaled in the history of MMOC, and why not, the grounds and rooms continue to beautifully evolve. The ambience is exquisite!

Our 89th promises to outdo previous endeavors. We’ve secured 2 adjacent ground floor hospitality suites in the most recently renovated 2 story 300 wing facing the expansive pool and indoor/seasonal outdoor restaurant. For your convenience, the Board and Flamingo have reserved 20 more discounted rooms in the 300, and for overflow, the next door 400 wing ranging from $139.00 Superior King or Double/Double Queen to $199.00 Pool View Suites. These configurations bracket the available and expansive $169.00 Executive King rooms.

Officially a 3 day, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday convention, Directors, Past Presidents and staff will arrive Sunday, September 9, 2018, to ensure your every need is attended to. That evening we convene our traditional Past President’s Dinner in the hotel restaurant, ordering off the menu. Should you care to extend your vacation and join us for another day and evening of frivolity, you are welcome to attend our special dinner. Protocol dictates if not a Past President, your bill will be separate from ours, but your voice and inclusion are camaraderie centric and we welcome your input, histrionics and laughter.

Tuesday, September 11, 2018, is the only open day of our Convention; the Board has arranged a chauffeured 4 hour regional wine tasting tour of 3 or 4 wineries in Sonoma County from Noon to 4pm for 37 lucky participants aboard a Pure Luxury Transportation bus at a VERY reasonable $25.00 per person. Transportation will be door to door from the Flamingo’s front lobby; see the criteria below to reserve your space and please remember, the early bird gets the worm! As this is written, the costs of tasting at each winery is TBD and will vary. Tasting fees will be borne by the individual and payable at consumption. Hic!

Wednesday night’s President’s Ball Dinner Dance (not to be confused with Sunday’s Past President’s Dinner) will again feature the music of phenomenally talented professional DJ Rynell Williams who has played many years of Cioppino Feeds and 2016’s excellent Pismo Beach Convention. Rynell has a massive play list and give him a shout out at showbizriz@gmail.com if you’d like to order a special song or list in advance. Title your email subject “MMOC Convention songs” and he’ll come locked, loaded and armed with your request(s). No guns allowed on the dance floor!

Please note: The Convention registration deadline is August 1st, 2018, as are the notifications for attending Sunday’s Past President’s Dinner and our scheduled Tuesday Wine Country Tour. Please complete the Convention flyer/registration form included in this Siren and follow the mailing instructions on the form. You may also register online by going to our website, www.mmoc.org where it appears on the opening page. Any further questions, please contact Doug Wayne at 2018convention@mmoc.org .

8, to ensure your every need is attended to. That evening we convene our traditional Past President’s Dinner in the hotel restaurant, ordering off the menu. Should you care to extend your vacation and join us for another day and evening of frivolity, you are welcome to attend our special dinner. Protocol dictates if not a Past President, your bill will be separate from ours, but your voice and inclusion are camaraderie centric and we welcome your input, histrionics and laughter.

Tuesday, September 11, 2018, is the only open day of our Convention; the Board has arranged a chauffeured 4 hour regional wine tasting tour of 3 or 4 wineries in Sonoma County from Noon to 4pm for 37 lucky participants aboard a Pure Luxury Transportation bus at a VERY reasonable $25.00 per person. Transportation will be door to door from the Flamingo’s front lobby; see the criteria below to reserve your space and please remember, the early bird gets the worm! As this is written, the costs of tasting at each winery is TBD and will vary. Tasting fees will be borne by the individual and payable at consumption. Hic!

Wednesday night’s President’s Ball Dinner Dance (not to be confused with Sunday’s Past President’s Dinner) will again feature the music of phenomenally talented professional DJ Rynell Williams who has played many years of Cioppino Feeds and 2016’s excellent Pismo Beach Convention. Rynell has a massive play list and give him a shout out at showbizriz@gmail.com if you’d like to order a special song or list in advance. Title your email subject “MMOC Convention songs” and he’ll come locked, loaded and armed with your request(s). No guns allowed on the dance floor!

Please note: The Convention registration deadline is August 1st, 2018, as are the notifications for attending Sunday’s Past President’s Dinner and our scheduled Tuesday Wine Country Tour. Please complete the Convention flyer/registration form included in this Siren and follow the mailing instructions on the form. You may also register online by going to our website, www.mmoc.org where it appears on the opening page. Any further questions, please contact Doug Wayne at 2018convention@mmoc.org.

We hope to see you at our milestone. We’re MMOC, and thinking of our brethren who have gone before us, damn proud of 89 years!

Dennis Brown
In conspiracy with Gene Gray, Doug Wayne and the Board

In Memoriam, Dick Tush

It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of San Jose PD’s Dick Tush April 22, 2017, 46 years to the date he joined MMOC. Dick remained a stalwart of our endeavors, even after retiring to Show Low, Arizona. As a founding father of the San Jose Cioppino Feed more than four decades ago, he was always present annually with a helping hand, and of course, guidance and advice. Dick served multiple terms as a Director and also President of the board in 1978, 1982 and 1992. Strong of character, voice and principle, he will be greatly missed by those of us fortunate to call him our friend and mentor.

Dennis Brown and Rich Bailey