Cappa tries Cincinnati’s chili cheese spaghetti. | Bengals Twitter
Former Lumberjack Alex Cappa is officially an honorary Cincinnatian after bravely partaking in the city’s regional fare of chili and spaghetti.
Days after signing Cappa to a four-year, $40 million deal, the Bengals’ social media channels shared footage of Cappa earning his stripes by sampling several local dishes.
“No better way to welcome the guys to Cincinnati than a proper chili tasting,” the Bengals wrote on social media.
First, Cappa tried a “Coney dog.” Known as a chili dog in most parts of the country, the “Coney dog” was reportedly brought to the Midwest from New York by migrating European immigrants.
“Are these mini dogs, what’s the deal?” the 6-foot-6-inch, 300-pound guard asked before taking his first bite.
Cappa’s verdict: They’re “pretty good.”
“People have had me skeptical about Cincinnati chili, I’m sorry to say,” he added. “But this [Coney dog] is good right here. I’m going for a second bite.”
Cappa followed up the Coney dog with a taste of his first “Cincinnati 3-way,” a blend of Cincinnati’s “famous” chili and cheese piled on top of spaghetti.
“I can tell this thing’s heavy already, and I love that,” he said twirling his fork into the pasta.
While the meal may seem like a last-minute creation thrown together by an overwhelmed parent on a school night, the culinary hodgepodge is apparently known as Cincinnati’s signature dish. And that’s okay.
“Very good,” Cappa said of the chili cheese spaghetti. “I’m a fan of Cincinnati already, I’m not gonna lie.”
Cappa’s appreciation for Cincinnati’s food may earn him some points with local fans. However, Bengals star quarterback Joe Burrow proved that Bengals fans are more interested in on-field play than personal taste, after the Ohio native bashed Cincinnati’s beloved restaurant chain Skyline Chili.
“I hate it, I hate it,” Burrow told reporters in 2020. “Cincinnati is gonna hate me, but I hate that stuff. It’s not real chili, it’s just sauce.”
O’Neill (left) and Sanchez. Photos: Eureka Police Department.
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The two police officers mentioned in the press release from the City of Eureka, below, are Capt. Patrick O’Neill and Sgt. Rodgrigo Sanchez.
Press release from the City of Eureka:
In March of 2021, the City of Eureka retained Todd Simonson of Sacks Ricketts & Case, LLP to
conduct an independent investigation into certain text messages between an EPD Sergeant and
members of the department, between January and August of 2020. Some of these text messages were
published by the Sacramento Bee in a March 17, 2021 article. After the commencement of the
investigation, the initial scope was expanded to include allegations of misconduct by a Department
Captain, Sergeant and three Officers. Mr. Simonson interviewed members of the Eureka Police
Department and other witnesses as part of this comprehensive and independent third-party
investigation.
Based on findings within the investigative report, then Chief Steve Watson recommended disciplinary
action of both the Captain and Sergeant. Interim Police Chief Todd Jarvis was tasked with reviewing
the matter and determining the final discipline after Chief Watson’s retirement. On March 25, 2022,
while disciplinary action was pending, both the involved Captain and Sergeant contacted Chief Jarvis
and requested to immediately retire from EPD. Their retirements are effective March 25, 2022. One
officer who was placed on administrative leave pending investigation in March of 2021, terminated
employment with the City on September 17, 2021. Appropriate corrective action has been taken on
all other individuals involved.
Chief Jarvis stated, “the text messages brought to light by the article and confirmed during the
independent investigation were abhorrent and are not representative of the respect that members of
EPD have for our citizenry. These actions fly in the face of the extensive efforts that our team has
taken to ensure we address every challenge with a clear focus on human dignity, professionalism, and
respect for the individual.”
The City of Eureka would like to thank the public for their patience during this extensive investigation
and as it navigated through the many regulations surrounding police employment. “Thank you for
standing with us, as together, we weathered this storm. Your continued support of the Eureka Police
Department has not gone unnoticed and is deeply appreciated,” stated City Manager Slattery.
City Manager Slattery intends to ask the Independent Police Auditor (IPA) to conduct a complete
review and audit of the entire process surrounding this investigation and its disposition. The results of
this review will be made available per the guidelines and agreement between the IPA and the City of
Eureka.
R to L: Jared Dwayne, Brandi Gunther and Ajay Wesley | HCSO
Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:
On March 27, 2022, at about 8:36 a.m., a Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputy on patrol in the Blue Lake area conducted an investigation on an occupied vehicle parked in the parking lot of a business on the 700 block of Casino Way. Upon approaching the vehicle, the deputy observed an adult male passed out in the front seat of the vehicle, with a juvenile asleep in the back seat.
The deputy awoke the male driver, 31-year-old Jared Dwayne Downs, and learned that the juvenile’s parents were inside the business. During the investigation, the deputy also learned that Downs was in possession of a controlled substance.
During a search of Downs’ belongings, deputies located approximately 20.6 grams of suspected Fentanyl, 5.2 grams of methamphetamine and various drug paraphernalia.
While investigating, deputies were contacted by an additional male, 39-year-old Ajay Wesley Lawson, who identified himself as the juvenile’s father. Following this contact, deputies conducted a search of the entire vehicle, locating a large amount of drug paraphernalia, including numerous used hypodermic needles and items containing residue of suspected heroin.
The juvenile’s mother, 38-year-old Brandi Marie Gunther, was located inside the business and was taken into custody.
Downs was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of child endangerment (PC 273a(a)), possession of a narcotic controlled substance (HS 11350(a)) and possession of a controlled substance (HS 11377(a)).
Lawson was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of child endangerment (PC 273a(a)) and possession of a controlled substance paraphernalia (HS 11364(a)).
Gunther was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of child endangerment (PC 273a(a)) and possession of a controlled substance paraphernalia (HS 11364(a)).
The juvenile was placed in safe custody.
Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.
UPDATE: The Humboldt County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim of last Wednesday’s crash and notification has been made to next of kin. The bicyclist has been identified as 75-year-old Michael Eagan of Eureka.
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Previous Post: On 03/23/2022, at approximately 4:54 PM, Humboldt Area CHP received a report of a crash involving a bicyclist and a vehicle at the intersection of Herrick Avenue and Elk River Road. Personnel from Eureka Police Department, Humboldt Bay Fire Department, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, City Ambulance of Eureka and California Highway Patrol responded to the scene.
Based on the preliminary investigation, CHP has determined that a 1994 Dodge Ram was being driven westbound on Herrick Avenue, approaching Elk River Road. A bicyclist, whose name is currently being withheld pending notification of next of kin, was riding northbound on Elk River Road approaching Herrick Avenue. For reasons yet to be determined, the bicyclist entered the intersection, riding into the westbound lane of Herrick Avenue, and directly into the path of the Dodge. The bicyclist was struck by the front left of the Dodge, resulting in major injuries. The driver of the Dodge, 59 year old Tom Hull of Field’s Landing, remained on scene and cooperated with law enforcement’s investigation of the crash. Mr. Hull did not receive any injuries as a result of this crash. Unfortunately, due to the severity of the injuries, the bicyclist succumbed to their injuries on scene and was pronounced deceased by emergency medical personnel.
The California Highway Patrol extends its condolences to the family of the deceased, and thanks all responding agencies for their assistance in managing the scene. The CHP Humboldt Area office is continuing its investigation and asks anyone who witnessed the crash, or has any additional information related to the crash, to contact the California Highway Patrol at 707-822-5981.
On Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at about 1:30 p.m., officers with the Eureka Police
Department responded to the 4300 block of Hilfiker Lane for the report of a subject
down on the ground as a result of an assault. Once on scene, officers contacted a 70-
year-old male who suffered significant injuries to his face and head. Humboldt Bay Fire
and City Ambulance responded and transported the male to the hospital for treatment.
Based on the investigation it appears the 70-year male victim had been seated in his
parked vehicle when he was approached by an unknown male on foot and was
assaulted. Bystanders intervened in the assault and the suspect fled the area on foot.
Officers interviewed witnesses on scene and searched the area but were unable to
locate the suspect.
Witnesses on scene described the suspect as being a Native American male adult with
black hair, medium build, approximately 6’1”, wearing white sweat pants.
Anyone with information related to this incident that has not been contacted by law
enforcement already is asked to contact Officer Richard Bise at rbise@ci.eureka.ca.gov
or (707) 441-4060 x1314.
On March 26, 2022, at approximately 0515 hours, David Patmore of Rio Dell, CA was driving a 2022 Peterbilt tractor, hauling two 28-foot trailers, northbound on US-101, south of Bell Springs Road. Inside the two 28-foot trailers were 475 pounds of Organic Peroxide, 578 pounds of Phosphorous Acid, 1056 pounds of Sodium Hydroxide, and other miscellaneous items. For reasons still under investigation, the semi-truck crossed over the east solid white edge line and traveled off the roadway. The semi-truck collided with an ascending dirt and grass covered embankment and then a storm drain. The semi-truck entered back onto US-101 where the tractor and trailers overturned onto their right side. The semi-truck began sliding on its right side in a northwesterly direction, until the cab of the Peterbilt collided with a tree along the west shoulder of US-101. The semi-truck came to a stop, blocking both lanes of US-101, facing in a westerly direction. Mr. Patmore did not sustain any injuries.
As a result of the crash, two 55-gallon drums of Sodium Hydroxide ruptured within the rear trailer and approximately two to three gallons spilled onto the roadway. Due to the large quantity of hazardous commodities within the second trailer, the unknown extent on the spill, and the semi-truck blocking both lanes, US-101 was shut down. US-101 remained closed for approximately 14 hours between Cummings Road and Woodruff Road in order to clean up the hazardous material and recover the overturned tractor and trailers.
This crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.
