THE OAKLAND A' S THREAT

6/12/2019

In an attempt to cover all possible Zodiac communications, I will add the June 18th 1970 letter, postmarked Vallejo and addressed to Gerald Tagert of 1423 Roleen Drive in the northern section of Vallejo. Thanks to Michael Morford for featuring this correspondence on the Zodiac Killer Site forum. The letter contained two tickets for the Oakland A's baseball game for June 20th 1970, wrapped in a piece of paper with the brief message "GIFT FROM ZODIAC". Barbara Tagert was totally perplexed as to who may have sent the letter. It was analyzed and ultimately determined that it exhibited a slight similarity to confirmed Zodiac correspondence.

The only address of any note in close proximity to 1423 Roleen Drive was the address of James Owen (1735 Mini Drive), the last person to pass the turnout on December 20th 1968, before the double murder of David Faraday and Betty Lou Jensen. Of course, we have no idea whether this communication was by the hand of the Zodiac Killer fifty years after the fact, but let us assume for the purpose of this article, it was. Did the Zodiac Killer know Gerald Tagert, an electrician employed at the Mare Island Shipyard? It seems unlikely that the murderer of five would unnecessarily aid the police in his capture, by linking himself as somebody known to Gerald Tagert or possibly a work colleague at the Shipyard. It could be a threat by somebody pretending to be Zodiac in order to scare the couple, but this could have just as easily been achieved without the need to spend money and purchase two valid baseball tickets - a sinister Zodiac threat of murder would have been far more effective, if your intention was to scare the living daylights out of the couple. What other possibilities exist?

1423 Roleen Drive is a corner house, so would be visible from not only neighboring properties along the same road, but several in the adjoining Alice Drive. This would only be of importance if the Zodiac Killer resided in one of the houses nearby and wanted the cheap thrill of watching the police visit the Tagert's property. However, this not only relies on the police visiting the Tagert's home address, but also necessitates the Zodiac Killer remaining at his residence throughout the relevant period. A threat to murder the couple would have been a far more effective tactic by the Zodiac Killer had he wanted to observe police activity around the property. It seemed that the Oakland A's tickets were of particular significance to the sender.

To verify whether the Zodiac Killer was responsible for this correspondence, it is often prudent to look at the last confirmed Zodiac communication prior to this one. The April 28th 1970 'Dragon' card stated "I hope you enjoy yourselves when I have my blast" - so is it logical to assume he would lure the couple to the Oakland Coliseum with the intention of detonating a bomb at the stadium. This is extremely unlikely. The only vague connection to the Oakland A's contained in the 'Dragon' card is the mule/donkey depicted on the card. Charlie-O the Mule was the mascot used by the Kansas City Athletics and Oakland A's from 1965 to 1976. But this is an extremely weak link and highly unlikely to have any connection to the baseball tickets mailed to Gerald Tagert.

Is it conceivable that the police would have allowed the couple to attend the baseball match with a possible threat hanging over them, covertly viewing the area in and around them for suspicious activity and anyone showing an unhealthy amount of attention towards them? Would the Zodiac Killer seriously have expected the police to have advised the couple to attend, or agreed to such a dangerous tactic even if they were willing?

The fact that the tickets were accompanied by the message "GIFT FROM ZODIAC", as opposed to a direct threat on their lives, seems to suggest the purpose behind the communication lay at the Oakland Coliseum and the half-chance that the Zodiac Killer could observe the couple squirming in their seats. But without knowing what transpired on June 20th 1970, one can only speculate. I highly doubt the couple ever attended the baseball match because of the possible ramifications had anything unsavory occurred.

One of the main reasons for covering this topic is to understand the motive behind the mailing (if the Zodiac Killer), and get some other opinions. Why were the tickets added to the correspondence, if not to center the focus on the Oakland Coliseum?

62 Comments

Rubislaw 32 link

6/12/2019 01:18:27 pm

Nice to see this potential Zodiac correspondence,given an airing,Richard.Even though,''little'' appeared to be offered,from him,if ''menacing means'',was intended.

Reading the forum discussion,it is persuading,perhaps,to go down the route of concept...that it may have been an ''open'' bomb threat,by inference,on the Oakland Coliseum.

And that '' Gerald Tagert '' was selected from a phone directory,as recipient of the tickets,on the basis,that it is ''close'' to '' Large Target ''.

I think,if Zodiac,the tickets would have been a complimentary gift,through his work.....and he may have considered,to what nefarious use,to which he could put the tickets.

The idea,then,transpired to fall flat,and without a murmur of ''comeback''.But...it did spur ''Zodiac'' on to create the bomb threat,with cipher,just a week later.

And,the ''Large Target'' was employed as a ''reminder clue'' to the whereabouts of that [bluff] bomb,a further month later,in the little list letter.

Tom1

6/16/2019 06:10:48 am

I have mentioned this before without much notice. There are some fairly strong indications that Mr Z. likely worked for a security company. He may have worked as a security guard at the Oakland Coliseum and obtained the tickets through his contacts there. The security personnel in those days often worked multiple sports venues. In other words when the A's were out of town they would be assigned Candlestick Park to cover the Giants home games. Food and beverage vendors did the same thing. From his position at the stadium he would be able to directly observe the seats in question. This seems to be a rather obvious connection but members of this and other sites seem to be more attracted to rather bizzare and unlikely explanations and tend to pull theories out of thin air.

Richard

6/16/2019 06:51:26 am

Certainly a possibility Tom, as it provides a direct connection to the stadium. What is the propensity of law enforcement to moonlight as security personnel or movie into security jobs after a stint in law enforcement? Your explanation certainly bypasses the 7 dollar expense and the need to use the tickets personally. Would complimentary tickets or tickets obtained through a second person have a risk element attached to it?

Rubislaw 32 link

6/12/2019 01:35:53 pm

....yes,it's possible that part of the ''selection'' of Gerald Tagert,could have been because Tagert's address was within ''binoculars'' distance,from where Zodiac resided.To keep an eye on whether there might have been a police car,turn up [?].

''My name is Michael Caine,and I'm a nosey neighbour''...comes to mind.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/12/2019 03:58:46 pm

If one superimposes the ''large target'' diagram,in the ''Little List'' letter.over the Philip's map,sent a month earlier.....provided ''scale'' is accounted for....then,in relation to Mount Diablo,the ''large target'' seems to encompass ''The Oakland Coliseum'' [?].

The ''Little List'' letter,with the ''large target'' reminder clue,regarding the bomb's claimed location,was sent July 26th 1970

The game,at The Coliseum,was due to take place,August 1st 1970....just six days later.

So,it seems that,regardless of the true solution to the ''bomb cipher''....it was a ''return'' to reminding the authorities about The Coliseum,with the ''Little List'' letter.

Perhaps the Zodiac felt that he might still ''milk some mayhem'' out of the tickets sent to Gerald Tagert....even though he,the Zodiac,might not be sure that Tagert went to the Police,over receiving the tickets [?].

A reported search of the stadium,close to the game [?]...or even,just reportage of extra ''police presence'',at the game,itself.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/12/2019 04:08:55 pm

....that could be it [?].That the clue offered in the ''Little List'' letter....was ''specific'' to The Oakland Coliseum.

Gerald Tagert....is an anagram of '' D Large Target ''.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/12/2019 07:36:25 pm

Oh I see I got caught out,on the ''August 1st'' date,Richard....when you have already stated ''June 20th'' for the game,according to the two tickets.

But,the ''Little List'' letter ''ring target''....may still apply to The Coliseum,and it may still be the case that....the actual solution to Zodiac's ''bomb cipher'',implies a different ''venue'' to The Coliseum.

Two different venues,''in tandem'' to confuse the authorities [?].Or,''both'' The Coliseum.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/13/2019 02:02:40 am

Of course,I realize that the ''mapping with large target'' in the ''Little List'' letter....ties in with my own solution,for the ''bomb cipher''

The ''Little List'' letter diagram,has the large ring allocated to The Oakland Coliseum.

Then,where '' SFPD = '' meets the ''boundary circle''....is where Hunter's Point exists....where ''Candlestick Park'' was situated....which is the venue referred,in ''my'' solution to the ''bomb cipher''.

How ''convenient'' [for me],one might think ?

But,it has to be said that,where ''SFPD ='' meets that ''boundary circle''.....''that'' is where SFPD jurisdiction exists,on the ''Little List'' letter's diagram.

A possible conclusion ?

i] ''SFPD ='' = Candlestick Park [...the lie of a bomb,from the Zodiac..]

ii] ''Large Target'' = Oakland Coliseum [...the lie of a bomb,from the Zodiac...]

iii] '' = 13 '' = Total victims claimed [...another lie,from the Zodiac....]

Richard

6/13/2019 02:38:52 am

I have seen the Little List letter used to draw the Coliseum into the bomb threat before, but this depends heavily on whether you factor in the MagN of 17 degrees or not, The author states set to MagN, which if done bypasses the Oakland Coliseum. I certainly believe the focus should be weighed toward the Coliseum, because if the author of the "gift from Zodiac" had wanted to observe police scurrying around the Tagert's residence, this could have been far more easily achieved by threatening their lives, for example "don't sleep easy, you will be murdered in the next few days, Zodiac". The necessity to stump up 7 dollars on an ambiguous threat not required anymore. The almost friendly offering by Zodiac seemingly designed to encourage the recipients to attend the Coliseum and have the police in tow. I suspect the couple were chosen randomly - and if so - the "large target" observation is notable bearing in mind the excessively large crosshairs placed on the next communication. But as we know only too well, these observations can take us down many rabbit holes, totally unintended by the author. I know, I've chased a few.

The ticket I placed on the article was meant just to show the design and probably a bit misleading, but I couldn't find a ticket for June 20th. I did consider the tickets were some misguided birthday prank by a friend, but this was ruled out when I found Gerald Tagert was born on October 18th. The question being, is the correspondence Zodiac or just another waster.

Tom1

6/17/2019 06:20:10 am

Very good question and insight, Richard.
It was common in those days for members of LE to supplement their income while off duty as security personnel. The tickets could have been traced through the seat numbers if an incident had arisen involving how they were attained, but not directly as is possible now in the "computer" age.

Richard

6/17/2019 07:13:39 am

Shortly after he left the S.F.P.D., Toschi became Director of Security for St. Luke's Hospital in San Francisco's Mission District, and later served the same role for San Francisco's Pan Pacific Hotel. Toschi was vice president of North Star Security Services in Daly City.

If you're going to supplement your income moonlighting or take up a career after law enforcement, I suppose it makes sense to opt for a profession with a similar skill set. I wonder if St Luke's Hospital ever received any dodgy mail?

Rubislaw 32 link

6/13/2019 03:25:47 am

Yes..I even checked on the Oakland A's 1970 season fixtures,last night,Richard.As with June 20th,August 1st was another Saturday game,and another win for the home team.

I wonder if releasing related documentaion,will offer any more clues [?].

Albeit a bit ''rough and ready'',the ''Little List'' letter diagram,might prove to be more accurate,than on first inspection.

I suspect ''red herrings'' with the Philips Map,including ''Magnesium Nitrate'',as Mag.N....since I believe that ''in his mind'' Zodiac saw the bomb,as more of an incendiary device.

Much ''up for grabs'' still with that period,with Zodiac apparently desiring to,at least,throw the threat of a bomb,in the air.

But,as you touch on,with the tickets and note....it may still be a hoaxer's work.

Richard

6/13/2019 03:59:13 am

That's the problem Rubislaw - any connection we make in the Little List letter would be nullified if the Oakland A's letter wasn't Zodiac, and the Little List was Zodiac. The more legitimate links between this correspondence and verified Zodiac communications is the only way of realistically authenticating the "gift from Zodiac". The hard part is convincing others of a proposed theory. I seriously doubt that is ever achievable from the information provided in the communications either side of the June 18th offering.

I was going to cover the only remaining communication not extensively covered here, namely the Steve McQueen letter. I know you have written about it frequently, but with all the politicians threatened in it being in the Democratic Party, I wonder if Zodiac, the S.L.A or whomever the author is, allies with the Republican Party.

Richard

6/13/2019 04:26:05 am

Kim Rossmo identified the northwest region of Vallejo (Rancho Vallejo) as his peak hot zone using the geographical software system Rigel. This would include Roleen Drive and Mini Drive. The second peak he identities is the area of Mare Island, the shipyard where Tagert was employed. A very interesting correlation. I remember the eyewitness testimony of James Owen being changed from one version to another, as well as William Crow's vastly exaggerated version in his second account. The willingness of individuals to beef up their involvement in the Zodiac story has become apparent with the increase in coverage. What are the chances Gerald Tagert mailed the tickets to himself to become part of the story. Probably not likely but certainly not impossible.

Richard

6/13/2019 04:27:04 am

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXbCR0nGj_E

Rubislaw 32 link

6/13/2019 05:02:32 am

That's an interesting thought,with Gerald Tagert.As the Zodiac case progressed,there may have been a few,that desired ''involvement'',of some sort.

''Stolen Valour'' seems to be on the increase now,and is a criminal offence.From what I can ascertain,Arthur Leigh Allen was quite ''chuffed'',initially,when accused of being the Zodiac....but as time went on,and the cops weren't prepared to let go....the tag became an unbearable burden,for him.

Lafferty went to school,with Allen,and genuinely thought that these accusations,were ''a joke''.

Within two weeks,we will be into the focus of ''BRS-50''.If nothing ''tangable'' from the authorities...I might take a break....or,rat some more on ''DOJ's'' to politicians.

The ''Zodiac'' I know,just turned 75....and liked to boast,that the last time he voted....that it was for Richard Nixon.....so,maybe ''leanings'',at least,to the Republican Party.

Whoever Zodiac is...I think that there was a ''straight laced'' side to him....and that his chilhood was largely,a happy one.

''Late Teens'' was when it all started to unravel.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/13/2019 08:20:03 pm

Basic information on the poet,Mariane Moore,whose depiction on a postage stamp,employed for the 1990 Celebrity Cypher,as emanated from zodiackiller.com today.

As follows :

Born : November 15th 1887

Died : February 5th 1972

It transpires that the Swindles were murdered on ''a'' February 5th.

And,that Ms.Betts claims that she was subjected to a shooting,by the Zodiac,on ''a'' November 15th.

These are strange coincidences,that some contributors are struggling to come to terms with.Particularly,as it is being discussed,as a ''given'' now,that the beach photograph,on the front of the postcard is Ocean Beach,San Diego....and ''not'' the factual Carmel Beach,Carmel-by-the-sea.

What a difference,a day makes ?

You tell a child off,for something they shouldn't be doing...and they are back to the same bad habits,the very next day.

For,the child believes that the ''rebuke'' counts,for one day only.The ''slate'' of memory has been erased,and a new day dawns.

For those few,at zodiackiller.com ....The Mad Hatter's Tea Party,continues.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/13/2019 09:36:20 pm

History in the making ?

A police report,from the VPD,in the wake of the murder of Darlene Ferrin [officially] July 4th 1969.This lengthy report was compiled by George Bawart.

Extracts :

Concerning ''Ms.Betts'' and Margo Blaine XXXXX,who engaged with a stranger at the Coronado Inn,on Highway 17.The stranger was described as ''White Male'',approx 38 years,brown hair,5ft 11inches,180 lbs,hazel eyes,wearing glasses,nylon sweater shirt,dark pants,black military style shoes.

Ms.Betts further described the stranger,who called himself ''Paul'',as having somewhat effinate actions,and walked in a swaybacked manor.''Paul'' held his glass with his fingers extended,in a feminine way.

Ms.Betts danced with this person,and determined that he was stationed in Vallejo.''Paul'' was evasive in his answers,but Ms.Betts determined that his favourite song,was ''Proud Mary'',by Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Ms.Betts and Margo Blaine XXXXX were both shown a composite drawing of the Zodiac,and both agreed that ''Paul'' showed a striking resemblance to the Zodiac.

As George Bawart writes,in his report :

'' In fact,BETTS stated '' that's him ! ''.

[ George Bawart,VPD,6/7/70 - 7 p.m.]

A ''law abiding'' gesture,from Ms.Betts,then...''Dancing with a Stranger''.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/14/2019 08:50:28 am

With the 50th anniversary of the attack at Blue Rock Springs looming,on July 4th,one begins to realize that it faces ''stiff competition'',in the media from two historical events.

Firstly the 50th anniversary of the first Moon Landing,on July 20th.A ''crowning glory'' of scientific achievement,in the 20th Century.

Secondly,the Tate LaBianca murders,8th/9th August.Tragic events that,effectively,ended the Sixties,as the decade of ''Free Love'' and misleading notion of ''Peace''.

It certainly appears to be the case that August 10th denotes a ''crushing'' day for the Zodiac...with news that his debut 408 cipher had been easily solved,by crossword enthusiasts.This,coupled with the emerging news of ''celebrity murders'',would spur him on,to plan for attacks,that might compete,for media attention.

But,perhaps we overlook,where his concerns for this ''competition'',actually started [?].

July 20th 1969,and a little over a fortnight,following the attack,at BRS.....the whole world's attention,was skywards,to the Earth's moon.

If the Zodiac,as became apparent,was ever going to ''throw in his lot'',on two attacks in six months,as a ''jobbing'' serial killer,in the near future....then he was already facing keen competition,from three astronauts.

Hence July 31st letters.....and then the letter of August 4th....

The ''birth'' of The Zodiac.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/15/2019 02:20:50 am

Yes,the full meaning,that can be gleaned from the ''Steve McQueen'' letter,of June 1977,is a tricky one,to judge,Richard.

And,that being,that we ''suppose'' that it is,from the hand of the Zodiac.

The two most glaring aspects,that are initially apparent,are.that....

Firstly,it is,in effect,a proposed death list drawn up....and may be a ''counter copying'' of what is inferred that federal covert agencies were up to,in their fight against ''anarchistic'' factions,such as the SLA and BPP.

And secondly,as you highlight...that the politicians on the list,were all members of the Democrat Party.

If the writer is Zodiac...then he is ''playing a role'',as an extortionist,with political leanings,to the far left.

All those on the list,he sees as hypocrites.The ''artists'' for the pretence of being ''caring'' and morally fair individuals,left of center,politcally.And,the politicians...for not doing enough,to redress the hardline ''White'' House years of Nixon and Ford.

''Zodiac'' merely desires to cause havoc,as usual...by believing that he can make the FBI squirm....over their ''accused of'' death lists,in the past.

My ''solution'' to the redactions are,granted,what I further believe I have found out,about the Zodiac,in relation to ''Black Power''.And,are the three names,George and Larry Stiner,and Donald Hawkins.Three men beleved to have been responsible for the ''decoy altercation'' at UCLA,January 17th 1969...when BPP leaders,Bunchy Carter and John Huggins,were assassinated by ex-FBI agent,Claude Hubert.

In a warped sense,what is ''hilarious'' about this letter is...

That the Stiner brothers had escaped from prison,three years prior,anyway,and....

The extortionist,if the Zodiac,was showing himself to be completely out of touch,on this issue.

A more ''sober'' reality,perhaps,that the reason for the Zodiac's ''naivety'',was that he was ''somewhere else in the world'',circa 1974-1977.

Furthermore,that the FBI would be more than a little surprised,to have received this letter and,would probably have enjoyed a hearty laugh....at the Zodiac's expense.

Tom1

6/17/2019 06:28:29 am

Very astute analysis, Rubi of the Liberal hypocrisy so prevalent then and now on the political scene. Pretend that you care so that others think they need your assistance. The Malcolm X, Chickens come home to Roost statement, is a clear explanation of this point. Beware of a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/17/2019 09:19:59 am

I have to admit that it was quite a ''harrowing'' experience,going through the Black Extremist FBI Files,and supporting articles.

Once Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy,perceived advocates of ''peaceful protest''....had been ''dispached'',by assassination...then it was ''open season'' declared.....armed robbery,murder,rape and torture....nothing was considered a crime,if it was ''for the revolution''.

Behind the scenes...dark,dark days....and tragedies unfolding that some will never get over.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/16/2019 09:09:27 am

Really,most exraordinary...

To-day I have had a general look around the broader collection of Zodiac sites,which I would always recommend one does occasionally,since they all have something of merit,to offer the enthusiast.

Those sites that don't - don't survive.

Lo and behold,a certain Ms.Betts has been busying herself,attempting to refute the ''Carmel Beach'' frontage to the 1990 Celebrity Cypher.....to all that she believes will listen to her....on the basis that the card must have been ''one'' of a series of six...and that the ''real'' card has to be one that depicts Ocean Beach,San Diego.

Clearly,Ms.Betts is upset,that ''Carmel Beach'' doesn't fit into her ''prior'' created narrative,that the Swindles were murdered by the Zodiac Killer.

There is a simple solution for Ms.Betts....and that is to contact ''Mitlock Publications'',who still exist in North Hollywood,and are still responsible for the distribution of any John Hinde photography related product,in the United States.

I think that Ms.Betts will find that,the notion of the postcard being ''one of a series of six'' is,like many aspects to her investigations...

Pure fantasy.

Richard

6/16/2019 10:16:41 am

Here is the postcard angle on Google maps.from Scenic Road, Carmel Beach. I believe the beach tree is the one centre of picture, obviously taken from the beach itself.

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.5463512,-121.9287405,3a,30y,329.91h,86.96t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s4Vf3OuoN8914YAceBeQrtg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

Richard

6/16/2019 10:19:56 am

Here's another angle
https://www.google.com/maps/@36.5464426,-121.9287546,2a,75y,301.9h,77.26t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sMQWhkVKaj1gHExrFmsfLuQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Richard

6/16/2019 10:35:54 am

Pause this video after 3 seconds to view the two humps in the MKZodiac picture. This video was uploaded 2014 and shows the exact undulations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGQ3o4XyWj8

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/640x480q90/922/0nQFJX.jpg

Richard

6/16/2019 10:54:14 am

Here are the buildings shown in the video after 26 seconds

https://youtu.be/sGQ3o4XyWj8?t=26

Here are the buildings on Google maps

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.5616304,-121.9506798,131a,35y,321.55h,44.99t/data=!3m1!1e3

Find those buildings on the celebrity cipher postcard and bingo.

Richard

6/16/2019 10:57:32 am

If they were there in 1990.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/16/2019 03:32:54 pm

Thanks for the extra information,Richard.

I simply find it ''novel'' that the photograph is of Carmel Beach....and that we then read into it,whatever we wish,as a ''possibility'' of influence.

It is not,exactly,a Zodiac discovery of ''great importance'' [?].Unlike,a definitive solution,to the card's cipher....which ''might'' be.

Of more interest is,perhaps,that ,it appears that ''Printed in Ireland'' was,to be found,behind the postage stamp.And,that because the plain side did ''not'' show ''Mitlock Publications Inc.''....as other John Hinde cards,are want to do,then...

It is possible that this particular printed postcard,''wasn't'' distributed in the USA,either.

Simply a possibility,at present...and I think I may try to contact Mitlock Publications,for possible clarification.

The postcard's ''limited'' circulation...might explain why the FBI ''might'' have been unwilling,to allow the VPD to give Lafferty,a photocopy of the picture side also....as an extra clue that the card may have been only available,for purchase,in Ireland and Europe.

Something ''extra'',to find out,anyway [?].

Richard

6/16/2019 03:49:29 pm

Since we know of only two 1990 communications, what is the possibility that the Eureka card is connected to the celebrity cipher. Encoded cipher separated by a central margin, then two keys. Just thinking out loud.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/16/2019 09:07:41 pm

I note now that the publishing company,at North Hollywood,has been renamed,as '' West Coast Pubishing Co.''.

I have written to them,seeking clarification on the postcard's distribution,and availability,at that ''circa 1990'' time.

I will try to seek out,a possible Irish address,also,and post any relevant information,here at your site,Richard,and ''ZKM''.

That would be something,if we could ''steal a march'',on the FBI's perceived intentions [?].But,''early days'',of course.

Toots

6/17/2019 07:49:53 pm

Given Z's interest in comics and potential young age, I've always thought the Oakland A's tickets were a clue to Z's original hometown, being either Kansas City or Philadelphia...where the Oakland As originally came from.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/17/2019 09:45:59 pm

For anyone who might be interested in postcards :

I have found a John Hinde postcard of Ocean Beach,San Diego.

It is currently available,to view,as on sale at e-bay.

Access,by typing up '' California Beach Party,San Diego,1988 ''

The postcard's product code is : 2CG 78.B

That ''California Beach Party'' postcard,is in contrast,to the CORRECT postcard,employed for the 1990 Celebrity Cypher,which is ''California Sandy Beaches'',and depicts Carmel Beach,Carmel-by-the-sea.

...and has CORRECT matching product code : 2CG 66.B

Nice try,to Ms.Betts.....but ''no cigar''.

Richard

6/18/2019 02:48:54 am

Lyndon Lafferty supposedly saw the card and stated "reverse of card. Driftwood on Ocean Beach". If we look at the Carmel (MK Zodiac) card objectively, it neither contains "driftwood" and isn't "Ocean Beach". The MK Zodiac card does however portray Carmel Beach. Carmel only has an Ocean Avenue.

What Sandy is arguing, is that Lafferty stated "Ocean Beach" and "Driftwood", neither of which appear on the John Hinde Carmel Beach postcard. The postcard you discovered is certainly Carmel, but is it the postcard viewed by Lafferty, because the tree isn't driftwood and the beach isn't Ocean. I think this is the crux of Sandy's argument.

There is an Ocean Beach in San Diego (which is relevant to the Swindle's), and also Ocean Beach, San Francisco by the Richmond district (which is relevant to Zodiac and Paul Stine). But no Ocean Beach in Carmel as written by Lafferty. The question is, did Lafferty mention "sandy beaches".

Rubislaw 32 link

6/18/2019 03:11:41 am

Ms.Betts claims that she had to refer to her notes,about this,Richard.

The truth is that Ms.Betts had no more notes...than the ones Lyndon left all of us,as a photocopied ''surround'' to the photocopied postcard's plain side.

There is no evidence that Lafferty was ''shown'' the postcard's picture....but was merely stating what he had been informed..

Ms Betts is a ''serial'' bender of the truth,with evidence on ''most'' of her posts.

Not least,all the claims about the ''friends'' that she knows...who are usually people that she has met once,and once only.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/18/2019 03:18:29 am

....I think the ''ocean'' reference was...to merely distinguish it,from a ''lake'' beach,''Berryessa'' or Tahoe.

This is an example where...if Ms.Betts actually knew Jerry Johnson,as well as she claims that she does....then she would take a list of questions,to ask him....like this one,and the library user,at JFK and Civic.

And furthermore...persuade him to put his answers,in writing,,,,so that we wouldn't have to continually question whether Ms.Betts....is telling the whole truth,or not.

Richard

6/18/2019 03:25:12 am

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/18329096?_set_bev_on_new_domain=1560852976_FIzF9x5ilLJ9XI96&source_impression_id=p3_1560853429_pVAK%2FRtrTdOuesa8

Rubislaw 32 link

6/18/2019 03:00:24 am

Worth mentioning,I think...

This John Hinde ''California Beach Party'' 1988 postcard,for sale,is in used condition.

The purchaser is writing from San Diego,sending good wishes to friends,in East Sussex,England.And,the postages stamps used,are USA ones.

Hence,it does seem that those ''similarly artistic'' John Hinde postcards,from a similar time period....''were'' available for purchase,in the USA.

So...this might seem to ''scupper'' a notion that,the FBI ''might'' have denied the VPD,allowing Lyndon Lafferty,to walk off with a photocopy of the picture side of the 1990 Celebrity Cypher.

On ''protocol'' alone,the FBI held the original postcard,as ''Archive Extortion''....with the VPD,the original recipients,from the Vallejo Times Herald....allowed to keep a copy.

So....either the VPD were denied allowing Lafferty ''that'' picture side photocopy,or....

The VPD only held a copy of the plain [cipher] side....and were merely passing ''scant'' information,on the picture's description....as ''second hand'' information.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/18/2019 03:26:13 am

...of course,just on the matching product codes,alone,Richard....which is '' 2CG 66.B ''...the Carmel postcard and Celebrity Cypher postcard,are...

''One and the same''.

Richard

6/18/2019 04:13:31 am

If Lafferty was using the term "ocean beach" generically, then "driftwood" could be the key. Driftwood could be the name of the beach.

Driftwood Beach is a wild remote beach with difficult access on the ocean side of Tomales Point in Point Reyes National Seashore. Only adventurous and experienced scramblers should attempt to reach this beach which requires route finding and climbing skills. Driftwood Beach is below the Tomales Point Trail and just north of McClures Beach which is a similar beach with safe access. At a minus tide it’s possible you could get to Driftwood Beach from McClures by climbing over rocks in the surf.

https://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/driftwood-beach/

Address: Pierce Point Rd, Inverness, Marin County, CA 94937.

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Driftwood+Beach,+California,+USA/Pierce+Point+Rd,+California+94937,+USA/@38.1571039,-123.0041052,18641m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x8085d33883b449b1:0xb2c2ae09b8cbf655!2m2!1d-122.9661097!2d38.196587!1m5!1m1!1s0x8085d1ee2f5ea36d:0x94a6c68f9d42f097!2m2!1d-122.910209!2d38.1472785!3e2

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Driftwood+Beach,+California,+USA/Pierce+Point+Rd,+California+94937,+USA/@38.1586844,-122.5468362,74321m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x8085d33883b449b1:0xb2c2ae09b8cbf655!2m2!1d-122.9661097!2d38.196587!1m5!1m1!1s0x8085d1ee2f5ea36d:0x94a6c68f9d42f097!2m2!1d-122.910209!2d38.1472785!3e2

37 miles from Vallejo.

Richard

6/18/2019 04:17:05 am

However, I think the clue is the entirety of the sentence "Driftwood on Ocean Beach". So probably looking for actual washed up driftwood on an ocean beach or THE Ocean Beach.

Richard

6/18/2019 04:23:11 am

The annoying thing is Lafferty capitalized DRIFTWOOD ON OCEAN BEACH, so whether it was an actual place or generic, is difficult to prove. http://www.zodiackillersite.com/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=182

Richard

6/18/2019 04:33:48 am

Sanibel Island, Florida, Driftwood, Ocean Beach.

https://www.hippostcard.com/listing/sanibel-island-florida-fl-postcard-driftwood-ocean-beach/620880

Richard

6/18/2019 04:37:04 am

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g34616-d1048367-Reviews-Driftwood_Inn-Sanibel_Island_Florida.html

Richard

6/18/2019 04:42:05 am

This postcard is from the 1960s.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/18/2019 05:16:18 am

It's appreciated the extra information,that you offer,Richard,as more balanced approach to this particular subject.

But,really,the ''matching codes'' can't be escaped,as the crucial piece of evidence of Carmel and Celebrity Cypher...forever ''interlocked.

I note that AKWilks,had observed that ''Driftwood'' and ''A scrawny,but living cypress pine''....although not the same,strictly speaking...could easily be mistaken,as ''the same'',on a glance.

And,this is the essence,of the ''he said,she said'' aspect.But,there is no getting away from the ''alpha-numeric'' match up.

Ricardo Gomez is one of Ms.Betts' best friends....and he certainly has no intention,of removing the postcard's image...and is content that the picture postcard,which depicts Carmel Beach,has now been found.

''Influences'',such as the murders of the Swindles and ''Domingos/Edwards''....may well have been in ''Zodiac's'' mind.

But that is all,that we can surmise....the possibilities of ''influence'',in the selection of this picture postcard.

Richard

6/18/2019 05:20:26 am

Yes, the matching codes are hard to argue.

Richard

6/18/2019 05:31:40 am

2CG 66.B is on the Carmel postcard and the 1990 postcard, which certainly seals it for me. How were these numbers allocated? Was it the particular card?

Richard

6/18/2019 05:36:15 am

In 1929, Curt Teich abandoned the consecutive numbering system for an alpha/numeric production code. The company used code numbers and letters to indicate the date the card was published. The codes appear either on the scenic side or in the postage box. The number and letter before the dash in the code stand for the date. The number indicates the last figure in the date and the letter indicates the decade. The letters and figures after the dash pertain to the printing process used and the number of issues that year.

https://www.fortlewis.edu/finding_aids/images/M194/PostcardDating.htm

Richard

6/18/2019 05:45:14 am

So, can we establish the exact date this postcard was produced using 2CG 66.B

Richard

6/18/2019 05:56:18 am

https://www.newberry.org/sites/default/files/researchguide-attachments/Teich_Postcard_Dating_Guide_2016.pdf

Richard

6/18/2019 05:58:32 am

*In 1974 the Teich family sold Curt Teich and Company. It then became Curt Teich Industries under the
leadership of Norm Goldman. Regensteiner Publishing Enterprises, another Chicago printing firm,
purchased the business in 1976 and continued producing postcards with the Curt Teich name until 1978.
The Teich Company continued to operate in the same building and continued printing Teich postcards

Rubislaw 32 link

6/18/2019 05:59:34 am

Very interesting....I note that the ''Beach Party'' postcard,is '' 12 on '' from the ''Sandy Beaches'' postcard.

The ''Beach Party'' card is ''touted'' as ''1988''....so,one assumes that the ''Sandy Beaches'' was issued,close to the same time [?].

If ''West Coast Publishing Co.'' get back to me,I might have more information,to offer.

It could depend on whether they are ''afficionados'',or not....maybe just into ''sales'',and will ignore me [?].

But,I have mentioned that,the card is associated with a famous criminal case....so that could be an ''enticement'',for them [?]

Or,''The kiss of death''.

Rubislaw 32 link

6/18/2019 06:01:59 am

'' Someone'' has claimed that the ''Sandy Beaches'' postcard,was issued in April 1988.

But,yet to see proof.

Richard

6/18/2019 06:29:34 am

If Sandy Beaches is 1988 with 2CG 66.B, and
California Beach Party is 1988 with 2CG 78.B, then that makes sense.
The whole code is the same other than 66 and 78, which may denote its issue number that year. Presumably California Beach Party coming after the Sandy Beaches card.

Richard

6/18/2019 06:33:47 am

I think Celebrity Cypher [part 2] is in order, updating the new findings and a bit more thrown in for good measure, of course, giving credit. May hold off a while, to see if anything else transpires. Ricardo won't mind me using his Carmel postcard will he?

Richard

6/18/2019 06:35:55 am

I cannot find the Carmel postcard in its original format. Have you a link?

Rubislaw 32 link

6/18/2019 02:12:15 pm

Yes...I'm sure that Ricardo won't mind about using the postcard images.

He has good initial exposure...and it's been good for his ''Sandy'' theory,as a suspect.Personally,I find these unknown/enigmatic suspects more interesting,than the ''populist usual suspects''.''Sandy'' could simply be short for ''Alexander''.

Ricardo has deserved integrity...and Ms.Betts is fortunate to have him as a friend.He has had to bail her out of trouble,on a number of occasions,in the past.

Which reminds me that,it is ten years,since the Debora Perez ''nonsense''....Ms.Betts was lucky not to be arrested for incitement,to cause an affray,that day....for barracking Ms.Perez,when she was trying to make a statement to the press....which was Ms.Perez's right to do....regardless of what others,like Ms.Betts,thought of what she was claiming.

Toots

6/18/2019 06:52:57 am

The Ocean Beach reference is relating to the double murder of the Swindles in 1964 in Ocean Beach, San Diego by "Sandy".

Richard

6/18/2019 07:15:21 am

Taken from Zodiac Killer Site forum. As Rubislaw has so ably pointed out, each individual John Hinde Postcard is issued with specific code of numbers and letters in the top left of the address side. The MK Zodiac Carmel postcard has the code 2CG 66-B, and so does the 1990 Celebrity Cypher, indicating they are one and the same.

Yes, I incorrectly stated 1963 for the Swindle's Toots. Sandy believes that maybe the Celebrity Cypher was suggesting the murder of this couple, but the Carmel postcard puts a spanner in the works, unless you are just interpreting the Carmel postcard using only "beach" and "Sandy".

Richard

6/18/2019 07:20:05 am

Oh, and the dates the Swindle's were murdered on Wednesday February 5th 1964, tying in with the death of Marianne Moore (stamp) on February 5th also. Interesting connection however.

Toots

6/18/2019 07:33:51 am

The first name of Dwindle being "Johnny" is a clue, plus the fact that they were just married a few weeks prior.

"Sandy" was probably a surfing runaway kid that started in Santa Cruz, then travelled south to Lompoc, Santa Barbara, then finishing in San Diego. After the Summer he went back to the state he came from. Came back later several years after as Zodiac

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