Tragic Accident

It's one of the worst stories to cover as a journalist.

A child is killed.

Zane Newton was buried in a tunnel he was digging with another kid from his neighborhood.

Now as we try to make sense, or even attempt to explain what happened and why it happened, it's almost inevitable that people look for someone to blame.

You can't help it. People are in pain. They want some kind of resolution for their pain. But blame won't take it away, only continue to fuel it.

Where do you start?

The friend who didn't go for help the second it happened?

The kids weren't suppose to be in the sump in the first place and most believe the prospect of getting in trouble fueled an incredible lie that wasted precious resources that could have gotten to Zane a lot quicker.

Well, the first person who can tell me what goes through a 9-yr old's head when he witnesses something like that, feel free to point a finger.

I was as upset as anyone at first, trying to make sense of it.

People are calling in to the station, angry at the child who didn't go for help, then the parents for not keeping a better eye on him.

How many times do you think the parents told him to stay out of the sump? I don't know. I'm not in his family, but I'll bet it was a hot topic.

It didn't stop there. Bring in the neighbors for not pestering the neighborhood kids to stay out of the sump and finally the city for not doing a better job to keep kids out.

I'll bet the kids were told time and again to stay out, but they're kids.

I went home after the 6pm news that night and picked up my son from swim practice.

He's 10 yrs old and has done his fair share of digging around our property and our neighbors.

He's never dug a hole or attempted a tunnel, but we talked about what happened to Zane and the importance of getting help when something like that happens, even if you think it will get you in trouble.

I reiterated it over and over again.

It's the kind of thing you talk about with your kids that changes with age and responsibility.

He understood. He began to ask questions about Zane that I had no answer for.

Why didn't the boy go for help? Didn't any other kids see them go into the sump? If they did, why didn't they get help? Who would leave their friend?

I had no answer for him.

I can only hope that if he's ever presented with a similar circumstance, he'll act differently.

I pray that day never comes.

What happens in Vegas...

It's been almost 22 years since I graduated from Arizona State University.

A simple time with no rules or restrictions. When life's problems could be solved with a hearty "YEAH" screamed at just the right time.

Each year since the pomp and circumstance, a group of friends has gathered together at various points around the country to tell stories and relive our youth for a couple of days.

And each year, the weekend has carried a greater toll.

I'm not an old man, but then again, I'm not 21 anymore.

That's a fact my wife Lori enjoys pointing out every once in a while.

For the past five years, my buds and I have descended on Las Vegas for a couple days of golf, gambling and what not. (Let's leave it at that)

This year's expedition landed us at the Luxor and thanks to an early reservation and low occupancy, my best friend Dave and I got bumped up to a suite on the 30th floor.

Livin' large, baby!!

We began with a pre-tournament reception for 15 guys, followed up by tickets to see "Linkin Park" at the Joint inside the Hard Rock Casino.

The Desert Pines Golf Club (beautiful course) played host to our golf outing this year with a trip to the Orleans to see the Condors BEAT Las Vegas.

By Saturday night, it felt like Monday morning.

An old college friend who's stationed at Nellis AFB drove down to Vegas to see Dave and I on Saturday night and thanks to his connections, got us into "LAX" inside Luxor.

This is where I really started to feel old.

A large gathering of good looking young people standing around paying premium drink prices to stare at each other.

We hung out for about an hour, did our share of looking, then retreated to the casino for a little more privacy.

It was after we left that we heard Paris Hilton had shown up to tell everyone the club was "HOT".

A couple of young ladies standing near the craps table squealed with delight.

I didn't have the energy for a hearty "YEAH". Then again, she's not worth it.

Maybe next year.

The Death Watch

A news organization has an internal memo "anonymously" sent to them from the Kern Co. Sheriff's Department detailing a warning to employees about the possibility of a gang "hit" against one of them.

It spells out in detail who might be involved, where it might happen and other intimate intelligence.

So, is that news?!

The sensational, tabloid journalist would scream "YES" and immediately begin organizing the coverage.

A map of the area where it might happen, we have to let the public know where the killing might take place.

Maybe use an "X" to mark the spot of previous shootings over the past five or 10 years to show potential killing grounds.

Interviews, yes interviews. We need deputies telling a camera how they "feel" about being a potential target for gang members who are irate with officers for killing one of their own.

And plenty of video, what we call B-Roll, showing deputies putting on their bullet-proof vests. Maybe slow motion, yes it's more dramatic.

Don't forget a copy of the memo.

Yes, a department internal memo, like some secret war document, that contains the information the Sheriff Department likes to keep somewhat confidential so as not to create a panic.

Panic among deputies and the public.

What a joke.

I have no problem with telling the public that threats have been made against a law enforcement official, it happens all the time.

I'm not sure of the percentage, but the probability that someone actually carries out that threat is very slim.

I agree with Sheriff Donny Youngblood who said to print or report the details of the alleged attack is irresponsible.

I find it mildly pathetic.

What news value does it hold?

Oh, right, you're informing the public.

They have a right to know.

And, if it never comes to pass, at least you scared the viewer or reader to stay tuned for a couple more days.