An Arizona Boy's Rare Topps Rookie Redemption Baseball Card Sells for Nearly $75,000 at Auction

An Arizona father and son duo make an incredible discovery while enjoying their hobby of card collecting that nets them almost $75,000 USD.

Mason and Bradley Deane

Channel 4 NBC Los Angeles reported an incredible story of a father and son who were enjoying their hobby of collecting baseball cards, when they made a discovery of a lifetime.

Father and Son Find a Rare Redemption Card in a Box of Topps Chrome Black

Hobby card collectors Bradley and Mason Deane like to go to DNA Cards and Collectibles regularly for fun -- there is one at 10654 N 32nd St. in Phoenix, Arizona. While on one of their regular trips, Bradley asked his son if he was feeling lucky. This is one of their common rituals while making a trip to the card store.

On this particular trip, son Mason was feeling lucky, so they decided to buy a box of Topps Chrome Black baseball cards. After opening the packs, they were lucky, indeed. 

Inside a pack, they found a rare redemption card redeemable for a signed rookie card of Chicago White Sox player Munetaka Murakami. An image of that redemption card (can be seen below).

"You are due to receive a Autograph Superfractor Parallel of Munetaka Murakami Chicago White Sox"

Deane Family Put the Topps Redemption Card Up for Auction

After much thought and deliberation, the Deane family decided to put the rare card up for auction. Bradley wondered if he was doing the right thing.

He said, "I was sweating bullets as a father. Like, 'Is this teh right thing? Is this the right thing? Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh. Is it gonna work?'

They watched the auction closely, and it ended up at almost $75,000 USD. DNA Cards and Collectibles was also excited for the Deane family and their success with the auction.

Bradley Deane wants to set aside the auction winnings to go towards his son's college education.

Murakami Card Auction

Post Recap & Summary

A routine father-and-son trip to a local card shop in Arizona turned into a life-changing moment when 9-year-old Mason Deane pulled a one-of-a-kind redemption card for a signed rookie card of Chicago White Sox star Munetaka Murakami from a box of Topps Chrome Black baseball cards. The unique card—Murakami's first American MLB rookie autograph release—was later authenticated and placed up for auction.

The auction exceeded the family's expectations, with the card ultimately selling for nearly $75,000. Mason's father, Bradley Deane, admitted he was anxious throughout the auction process but was thrilled by the final result. The owner of DNA Cards and Collectibles, where the card was purchased, said it may be the biggest sale in the store's history. 

The Deane's plan to use the auction winnings for Mason's college fund.

Joybird Owned by La-Z-Boy Agreed to Pay 7.15 Million in Class Action Lawsuit Settlement

A consumer filed a class action lawsuit in federal court in California, claiming that La-Z-Boy discounts are falsely advertised on its website joybird.com. In the lawsuit, the plaintiff alleges that the original prices being shown on the website are "false reference prices that no consumer pays." 

A Class Action Lawsuit was Filed Against La-Z-Boy 

Plaintiff Jeffrey Jacobs filed a class action lawsuit against La-Z-Boy - which owns joybird.com - after claiming in the lawsuit that "original" prices are being "falsely advertised" on the website, and that "no consumer pays these original prices."

This class action lawsuit is Jacobs v. La-Z-Boy Inc., Case No. 2:24-cv-04446 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Jeffrey Jacobs is represented by Todd D. Carpenter, Scott G. Braden and James B. Drimmer of Lynch Carpenter LLP.

Jacob states in the lawsuit, “The resulting artificial price disparity misleads consumers into believing the product they are buying has a higher market value, and it induces them into purchasing the product,” the La-Z-Boy class action says. “This practice artificially inflates the market price for these products by raising consumers’ internal reference price and in turn the perceived value consumers ascribe to these products.”

According to TopClassActions.com, the La-Z-Boy discounts are a violation of the California Unfair Competition Law, California's False Advertising Law, and California's Consumer Legal Remedies Act.

The class action lawsuit is asking for damages and restitution from La-Z-Boy's falsely earned profits, and injunctive relief against La-Z-Boy.

Jacob also states:

“This deceptive marketing practice gave consumers the false impression that the products were regularly sold on the market for a substantially higher price than they actually were; therefore, leading to the false impression that the products sold at joybird.com and Joybird retail stores were worth more than they actually were.”

La-Z-Boy Agreed to Pay $7.15 Million to Eligible Consumers

Joybird, (owned by La-Z-Boy) agreed to a $7.15 million class action lawsuit settlement to resolve these claims. The settlement benefits consumers in the states California, Oregon, and Washington who purchased one or more La-Z-Boy products on Joybird.com or at a physical Joybird store location at a sale price between December 18, 2019 and October 31, 2025.

Eligible class members can receive a $115 benefit that can be redeemed as either a cash payment or a store credit voucher. Those that choose the store credit voucher must redeem the voucher within two years after distribution. The voucher can be redeemed online or in-store.

The deadline for exclusion and objection is February 13, 2026.

How to Sign up for the Joybird Class Action Lawsuit Settlement

How do I sign up for the Joybird La-Z-Boy class action settlement online?

The website with the claim form is found here. A screenshot of that website is seen below. A claim number and PIN will be required to log in, which you should have received by mail or e-mail.

Joybird Settlement website - https://jacobslazyboyjoybird.claims-administrator.com/

Are you eligible for the La-Z-Boy class action lawsuit settlement?

Email Notice to Consumers Who Made Payments Through the Google Play Store

The following is a legitimate email sent out to eligible class action lawsuit members regarding the $630 million Google Play settlement. 

Google Play $630 Million Class Action Settlement

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
State of Utah, et al. v. Google LLC, et al., Case No. 3:21-cv-05227-JD

NOTICE OF STATE ATTORNEYS GENERAL SETTLEMENT

Notice ID: 332212040

ATTENTION: CONSUMERS WHO MADE PAYMENTS THROUGH THE GOOGLE PLAY STORE

THIS IS A COURT-APPROVED NOTICE AND NOT A SOLICITATION FROM A LAWYER

Please read this Notice carefully. You are receiving this Notice because you may have paid for an app through the Google Play Store or paid for in-app content (including purchases in gaming apps, subscriptions, and ad-free versions of apps) through Google Play Billing between August 16, 2016, and September 30, 2023 (a "Qualifying Purchase"). For example, if you paid to download a game or made a purchase in an app downloaded from the Google Play Store, you may have important rights concerning the State Attorneys General lawsuit described below.

A proposed settlement has been reached in a consumer protection and antitrust lawsuit brought by the Attorneys General of all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands ("State Attorneys General") against Google (the "Action").

The State Attorneys General claim that consumers paid too much to Google for apps and for purchases made in apps downloaded from the Google Play Store because Google monopolized app distribution on certain Android devices and in-app billing services. The State Attorneys General also claim that by monopolizing app distribution, Google reduced consumers' choices in apps. The State Attorneys General also claim that Google made misrepresentations to the public concerning the risks of getting apps from sources other than the Google Play Store and Google's billing policies for apps. Google denies any wrongdoing and denies the allegations in the Complaint.

The State Attorneys General brought this lawsuit in their parens patriae* capacity, on behalf of consumers who made Qualifying Purchases through Google Play Billing between August 16, 2016, and September 30, 2023, while living in any State, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands.

As part of the settlement, a $630 million Settlement Fund will be established. The Fund will be used to pay consumers who made at least one Qualifying Purchase, as well as the costs of administering the Fund and attorneys' fees. Your share of the Fund will be at least $2 and may be more based on how much you paid for apps through the Google Play Store or for in-app content through Google Play Billing between August 16, 2016, and September 30, 2023, compared to the amount paid by all other consumers who made Qualifying Purchases.

You are receiving this Notice because Google's internal records show that you may have made a Qualifying Purchase using a Google payments profile with a "Legal Address" located in one of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands.

If the "Legal Address" listed in your Google payments profile at the time you made a Qualifying Purchase is in one of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands, then you are a member of this Action and you are eligible to receive a payment from the Settlement Fund.

If you are covered by this Action, you may not have to do anything to receive a payment from the Settlement Fund. The Settlement Fund will make the majority of payments automatically, and no claim form is necessary in most cases. Once the Settlement has been approved by the Court, you will receive an email from PayPal or a text from Venmo notifying you of your incoming payment at the email address or mobile phone number associated with your Google Play account. If that email address or phone number is also associated with a PayPal or Venmo account, then the payment will be made directly to that account. If that email address or phone number does not match an email address or phone number associated with a PayPal or Venmo account, then you have the option to create a new account or redirect the payment to a PayPal or Venmo account at another email address or phone number.

If you (a) do not have an existing PayPal or Venmo account and do not want to sign up for PayPal or Venmo, (b) no longer have access to the email address or mobile phone number associated with your Google Play account, or (c) were expecting to receive a payment but did not, there will be a supplemental claims process after the automatic payments process is complete.

If you would like to be notified by email when the supplemental claims process starts, you may submit your name, email address, and mobile phone number at www.GooglePlayStateAGAntitrustLitigation.com.

By receiving money, you will give up any rights to sue, or continue to sue, Google separately over the claims at issue in this Action.

Objections to the $630 Class Action Google Play Lawsuit

If you want to object to the Settlement, then you must file a written objection on or before February 19, 2026. To learn more about the process for making objections, go to www.GooglePlayStateAGAntitrustLitigation.com.

If you do not want to receive a payment from the Settlement Fund and you want to bring your own case against Google, then you must submit a request to be excluded on or before February 19, 2026. To learn more about or to submit a request for exclusion, go to www.GooglePlayStateAGAntitrustLitigation.com.

An administrator appointed by the Court is sending this Summary Notice. To view the full Notice approved by the Court, and for more information about the Action, including certain important Court filings, go to www.GooglePlayStateAGAntitrustLitigation.com or contact the Notice Administrator at 1-866-905-8127 or by email to info@GooglePlayStateAGAntitrustLitigation.com.

BY ORDER OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The preceding email refers to a website, but doesn't ask you to take any action to join the class action lawsuit, because they already know who has a Google Play account and who is eligible.

That is a big indicator that this is a real and legitimate email. 

California Woman Hands out Potatoes Instead of Candy for Halloween & Kids Love it

A woman in Los Angeles County, California, decided to hand out potatoes at her house on Halloween, and received a very positive response from kids wanting to get potatoes in their candy bag. In fact, it was so popular, she ran out of potatoes "shockingly fast."

Nina Ries of Los Angeles County

CBS LA reported that Nina Ries in La Cañada Flintridge of Los Angeles County handed out russet potatoes instead of candy for Halloween, and the kids kept coming. She didn't realize how fast she would run out of potatoes after discovering how popular it would be. Kids were running down the street to her house, while other children were giving each other high fives.

She said, "To say that I was surprised was an understatement."

View the CBS LA Facebook Post

The CBS LA Facebook post can be viewed below:

Happy Kids Yelling Out, "I Got a Potato" for Halloween

Handing out potatoes - while uncommon - isn't completely unheard of. Another Facebook post from 2024 can be seen below.

credit: Matt Schultz on Facebook

Create Happy Memories by Handing out Russet Potatoes at Halloween 🥔

Kids Finding a Bowl of Potatoes on Halloween

Handing out russet potatoes instead of candy at Halloween is an unexpectedly delightful twist that turns an ordinary tradition into a memorable and fun event. While candy is the norm, a potato’s sheer novelty makes it stand out—kids are first puzzled, then amused, and often end up loving the surprise of receiving something so different. It sparks laughter, curiosity, and even a bit of friendly bragging as they show off their “Halloween potato” to friends. The idea breaks the monotony of sugar overload and adds a playful, wholesome sense of humor to the night—proving that sometimes, it’s the simplest and most unexpected gestures that create the best memories.

Video: Strange Alien Figure Captured on California Ring Camera. Homeowner is 'Not Crazy' & 'Not Calling the Police'

A woman from Southern California captures an alien-like figure on her Ring camera, and an expert weighs in on the strange footage captured in her front yard. She said she would not call the police on the mysterious being.

Jessica Ortiz of Compton, California captured footage of an alien on her Ring camera

Jessica Ortiz Captures Alien Footage on her Front Yard Ring Camera in Compton

Jessica Ortiz from Compton doesn't know if she is going crazy after capturing video footage of what resembles an alien on June 5, 2025. It was definitely "something strange in her neighborhood," and it was in her front yard based on the location of her Ring camera.

She said, "I'm losing my mind, and I took the phone to my son and I was like, 'Can you check this for me...Am I seeing things...is this what I'm seeing?'"

Her son replied, "Mom, it's an alien. Call the police."

She said, "I'm not calling the police on an alien. We didn't even know what to do. I'm not calling the police, I'm not going outside. I guess I'm going to have to live with the doubt because I'm not checking."

Question to the reader: If you saw an alien in your front yard, would you call the police?

If a person sees an alien on a Ring camera, should they call the police?

Please note that emergency services are intended for genuine emergencies and should not be used for non-emergencies. 

Crime Scene Expert Shares His Thoughts on the Alien Captured on the Front Yard Ring Camera in Compton

Scott Roder, a crime scene reconstruction expert, weighed in with his opinion on the matter.

He said:

"Most likely, we are not alone here on planet Earth. I think we share the space with beings and creatures that we are not readily able to recognize or acknowledge that are there."

He worked on an incident report based on the information from Jessica Ortiz and he came up with a 3D model. The model he created is seen on the left below, and another similar variation can be seen on the right, generated by AI.

Alien 3D rendering

Roder continued, "Based on the totality of the circumstances of the evidence we had, we estimate that the creature is about three feet tall with two arms and two legs, walking at what we would consider a normal pace." 

Tips if You Have Important Video Footage

If you capture important footage of any kind, always download and back up the original file in multiple places without altering the original footage, such as compressing the file. 

There are many considerations, such as light, distortion, and reflections, that can cause interesting things to be captured in security videos. When the subject matter is something that has never been seen before, it makes it even harder to confirm what a person is actually seeing.

Watch YouTube Video: NBC Report "Ring camera in California captures alien-like figure"

Watch the YouTube video below to draw your own conclusions.

Source: NBC News

Do you think that Jessica Ortiz captured footage of a real alien with her Ring camera?

California Man Arrested After Leaving 'Human Skin' Teddy Bear Outside a Convenience Store in Prank Gone Wrong

A California man was arrested after a prank that went very wrong. He claimed to have left a "human skin teddy bear" outside of a convenience store on Sunday, July 13, 2025. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department was called to the scene to investigate the teddy bear.

California man arrested after claiming to leave a human skin teddy bear outside a convenience store

'Human Skin Teddy Bear' was a 'Macabre Prank' Outside Convenience Store

ABC7 News reported that a California man left a "human skin teddy bear" outside of an AMPM convenience store on Bear Valley Road in Victorville on Sunday, July 13, 2025. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department was called to the scene to investigate the strange teddy bear that was left on the ground outside the convenience store.

A zoomed-in image of the bear can be seen below.

Human skin teddy bear outside Victorville convenience store

San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department: 'No Human Remains' Found on Teddy Bear

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department determined that there was not actually any "human remains" or "human skin" on the teddy bear. The claim was utterly false, and the police arrested 23-year-old Hector Corona Villanueva, and booked him for a report of an emergency while knowing that it was intentionally false and for planting evidence under the pretense that it was real. 

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department issued a statement about this incident, stating:

"Incidents such as this take up valuable emergency resources and put the public at risk, possibly delaying response time to legitimate calls for service. We would like to thank those that reported information that was helpful during the investigation of this case."

What was the 'Human Skin' Teddy Bear covered with?

The teddy bear was not made out of human skin. It was made out of latex.

ABC7 Eyewitness News spoke to Robert Kelly of Dark Seed Creations, an artist from South Carolina, who said that he made the teddy bear, and it was not made out of human skin, but out of latex. He confirmed that he did ship one of the bears he made out of latex to Victorville. He assumed it was just a routine order; however, he started to receive many calls when fans of his work started calling him on Sunday after recognizing one of his bears.

Kelly said:

"I guess I'd probably be lying if I said I wasn't enjoying it a little bit. You know, I'm an independent artist, so you know, I know what starving artist life feels like. So, a little attention is sometimes good regardless of not being able to condone whatever. I mean, I don't know if the guy broke any laws or it was just a prank, but it looks like he definitely got some people riled up." -Robert Kelly, Dark Seed Creations artist

His human skin teddy bear normally retails for $165 on his Etsy website. 

As of the date of publication, the human skin teddy bear was sold out.

Another True Story about a Teddy Bear Containing Ashes

An Alabama woman was driving around and saw a teddy bear on a garbage pile. She stops and grabs it to bring it home to her dog as a chew toy. When she and her daughter get home, they discover the teddy bear has ashes inside of it along with a secret note.

Read the full story here.

Video: Brawl at the Wavepool at Knott's Soak City on July 4th Weekend

A brawl was caught on video on July 4 at Knott's Soak City, reported by ABC7 News on Facebook. 

Image at Knott's Soak City on July 4, 2025

Brawl Seen on Video at Knott's Soak City in Los Angeles on July 4

According to ABC7 News, one man told the police that he was "assaulted" as he tried to get his kids out of the pool." By the time the police arrived, the fight (which can be seen in the video below) had already ended.

Knott's Soak City is part of Knott's Berry Farm, a theme park located in Los Angeles, California, however, Knott's Soak City Waterpark is a separately gated 15-acre water adventure park immediately adjacent to Knott's Berry Farm. 

The website says (with grammatical errors):

"Soak City boasts 23 speed, tube and bodyslides including Shore Break featuring 6 different waterslide experiences and a thrilling family raft ride, The Wedge: the 750,000-gallon Tidal Wave Bay wavepool; a one-third-mile Sunset River; and the three-story Beach House, featuring 200 water guns, nozzles, sprayers and other interactive surprises. Soak City is open mid-May through early-September. Separate admission required."

Watch: Knott's Soak City Brawl Video Posted by ABC7

The video posted by ABC7 News on Facebook can be seen below.

Source: ABC7 News on Facebook

Brawling is a Violation of Knott's Soak City Rules

The following rules are posted on the official website for Knott's Soak City website (with grammatical errors):

"To ensure the safest experience for all Guests during their visit, the following rules are in effect. We appreciate your cooperation in this regard. 

• Attractions may have specific height, weight, and safety requirements. Please refer to the Safety Guide sign posted at each attraction to make an informed decision as to whether the attraction is right for you. 
• Please refrain from running, horseplay, and other boisterous activities. 
• Glassware and similar material with a tendency to shatter on impact are not permitted in Knott’s Soak City. 
• For safety reasons, diving is not permitted at any attraction. 
• Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City are smoke-free environments. 
• Keep an eye on your young children. Children should not be left unattended at any time. 
• Please secure all loose articles, including hats, glasses, and jewelry when riding. Cameras, cell phones and video recording devices may not be used on any slide or in any changing area or restroom. 
• Water toys, inflatable assists brought from home, and whistles are not permitted in Knott’s Soak City. 
• Masks and snorkels are not permitted on any water attraction. 
• Hearing devices or any other electronic devices may be damaged by water. Please take the necessary steps to protect such items. 
• According to crowd size, time at the water attractions and access to Knott’s Soak City may be limited. 
• Items that are not permitted inside Knott’s Soak City include: Large coolers exceeding 12”X10”, food, most beverages, all alcoholic beverages, glass, pop up shade structures, play pens, and tents (any pop-up structure other than an umbrella with one pole). Water, juice and sports drinks are permitted.
• Other items not permitted include water face masks (with a nose covering), snorkels, swim fins, water toys, and personal tubes (floaties). Coast Guard approved lifejackets are permitted.
• Additionally, whistles, personal radios/speakers, and megaphones are not permitted.
• Lounge chairs are on a first come first serve basis. Lounge chairs must remain in designated areas (not on the grass).
• Knott’s Soak City cannot be held responsible for damages, lost or stolen items (such as cell phones/shoes). Leave personal items in a locker, or with a member of your party."

Source: Knott's Soak City Rules under Waterpark Information

What would you do if you were at a theme park and a fight broke out?

After Crime Surges, Governor Gavin Newsome Sends 120 Highway Patrol Reinforcements to Oakland, California

Crime and lawlessness has been "out of control" in Oakland, California according to a consultant who worked for Oakland's former Mayor Libby Schaaf, which has resulted in Gavin Newsome sending 120 California Highway Patrol to the city to try and get the surging crime under control.

California Highway Patrol Ford Interceptor Vehicle; credit: Raymond Wambsgans; CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED

POLITICO reported on Thursday that California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the "alarming and unacceptable rise in crime" and sent 120 California Highway Patrol to Oakland to try and get the crime and lawlessness taking place under control.

Several businesses and companies have had enough of crime in the city, such as car break-ins, burglaries, and robberies. 

In-N-Out Closes Oakland Location Due to Crime

CNN reported on 24 January 2024 that In-N-Out, a fast-food burger chain, decided to close the Oakland, California location in January. The chain cited in a statement: “despite taking repeated steps to create safer conditions, our customers and associates are regularly victimized by car break-ins, property damage, theft, and armed robberies.”

CNN cited that "burglaries were up 23% and motor vehicle thefts were up 44% in 2023 compared to 2022. Violent crime increased 21% in 2023 over 2022, according to the Oakland Police Department.

SFGate reported that the 120 California Highway Patrol officers sent to Oakland and the Greater East Bay will assist local police with rising crime.

Governor Gavin Newsom said:

“As crime rates across California decrease — including right across the Bay in San Francisco — Oakland is seeing the opposite trend. What’s happening in this beautiful city and surrounding area is alarming and unacceptable.”

Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao thanked Gov. Newsom for his decision to send 120 CHP officers to Oakland. 

She said:

“As we work to improve public safety, I’m grateful for Governor Newsom for providing these critical law enforcement resources that are a game-changer in helping us hold more criminals accountable and make Oakland safer.”

California Instacart Delivery Driver Posts TikTok About Making $2,900 in a Week and It Includes His Health Subsidy

 A California Instacart delivery driver working in Los Angeles County makes bank in a week including a "health subsidy" of $1,365.30, $645.25 in batch pay, and $890.57 in tips for June 26 - July 2, 2023.

Credit: Paul Hanaoka on Unsplash

An Instacart delivery driver 'Zeus Instacart Shopper' posted a video on TikTok on 3 July 2023 showing himself loading up a shopping cart with grocery items during a week where he says, "Come see how I make $2,900 doing Instacart in a week."

He posted in the comments section of the video, "I've only been doing Instacart since 2018 and have 9,000 orders.

Zeus says in the comments to his video, "I live in California, our wages are higher but 70% of the earnings are usually tips."

The Health Subsidy in California, Not Available in All States

Many people ask Zeus, "What is the health subsidy?"

He replies:

"I guess it's only in California...it's only once a quarter. I would never say I do this weekly because it's not possible at all. I get it because I pay for health insurance...so free health insurance"-Zeus instacart Shopper on TikTok

It appears that Zeus pays for health insurance and then receives $1,365.30 back from the state of California "once every quarter."

If you deduct his health subsidy of $1,365.30 from his earnings of $2,901.12 for June 26 - July 2, 2023, then he really earned $1,535.82. He attempts to clarify this in the comments that he "doesn't claim to earn $2,901.12 weekly" but it seems like the description of his video exaggerates his earnings to almost $3,000.

Most Instacart delivery drivers living outside of the state of California are not familiar with the health subsidy included in their earnings summary.

The earnings summary flashes for only a second at the very end. It can be seen in the picture below.

Instacart Earnings Summary

Thoughts

If you are a delivery driver, do you earn a decent amount in your area? Have you had a positive or negative experience as a delivery driver?

Do you live in California and get a health subsidy back with your Instacart earnings?

(Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments)

Restaurant Power Ranger Servers 'Morph' into Real-Life Heroes to Save a Woman Being Attacked by a Man in Ramen Shop

Real-life employees dressed as Power Rangers spring into action when a woman is being attacked by a man having a "mental health crisis" near Noka Ramen cocktail bar in Oakland, California. The woman runs into the noodle shop and cocktail bar for help and the Power Rangers spring into action. It's Morphin' Time!

Noka Ramen staff photoTwitter user: @LACTAID

What happens when Oakland restaurant servers show up to their shift dressed up like Power Rangers?

They jump into action, of course, to save a woman in distress. The employees at Noka Ramen are real-life heroes.

For these employees, it was just a typical Friday night of cosplay to promote Asian culture when the situation happened at Noka Ramen, and they had to think fast to protect a woman in danger.

The employees don’t typically come to work to fight crime at the two-month-old Noka Ramen at 90 Franklin St. in Oakland, California, but on this occasion, it really happened.

Oakland's Noka Ramen Staff Help an Endangered Woman

Inside Noka RamenJason F./Yelp

ABC 7 News reported that on Friday, 14 October 2022, a woman ran into Noka Ramen in Oakland to take refuge while being attacked by a man around 8 p.m.

Employees dressed in their Friday Power Rangers costumes sprung into action to save the woman. The man attacking her put her into a chokehold and was shouting racial slurs. (Source: ABC 7 News)

Ploi Pirapokin witnessed the event. At first, she was unaware if the whole thing was staged but quickly realized that it was not a staged event. It was a real woman in a crisis situation needing real help.

She posted on Twitter:

“The craziest thing just happened at dinner. I’m at a ramen shop owned by Thai people in Oakland dressed as power rangers, when a woman comes rushing in saying she wasn’t safe — and a man came running in after her and puts her in a chokehold.” -Ploi Pirapokin, witness (Source: Twitter)

All of a sudden, the employees of Noka Ramen decide to help this woman.

“All of the servers, slash Power Rangers were moving towards the scene to help one another out.” -Ploi Pirapokin, witness (Source: Twitter)

She continued to describe the situation:

“Once the woman had expressed she wasn’t safe, and she didn’t want to go home with this man who was choke holding her, the black power ranger (the manager with a kickass bob) and the yellow ranger, told the man to leave.” -Ploi Pirapokin, witness (Source: Twitter)

According to ABC7 News, the “Power Rangers ended up piling onto the man and police showed up.”

Ploi Pirapokin noted that it was “the yellow ranger that took the man by the collar and dragged him out of the restaurant.” (Source: SFGate, Twitter)

ABC7 News learned from police after they detained the attacker, they believe the man was “undergoing a mental health crisis, and transported him for medical attention.” (Source: ABC 7 News)

Witness Ploi Pirapokin said that the way the employees came to help was very typical of Thai culture.

She said:

"Thai people are very playful. We like to laugh. Whether it’s to create harmony or balance, that’s our ethos. That’s how we approach something that’s scary or shocking or surprising. It’s something within us that we turn to laughter to try and peacekeeper right away.” -Ploi Pirapokin, witness (Source: Twitter)

These Restaurant Workers are not Crime-Fighting 'Vigilantes'

Ploi Pirapokin wanted to clear the air about these restaurant heroes:

”The restaurant wants to make sure the community understands the workers are not vigilantes but are ready to assist anyone in need of help. This was just an isolated incident.” -Ploi Pirapokin, witness (Source: Twitter)

So, to be clear, if you decide to eat at Noka Ramen in Oakland on a Friday night, don’t expect to see real crime fighting during your meal, but if someone is in need of help, the Power Ranger will be there to help.

Sources

Lim, Dion. “EXCLUSIVE: Servers dressed as Power Rangers at Oakland restaurant save woman being attacked.” ABC7 News. 17 October 2022.

Madrigal-Yankowski. “Bay Area restaurant workers dressed as Power Rangers intervene in alleged assault.” SFGate. 19 October 2022.

Twitter account: @ppirapokin