FREE for a Short Time on Amazon, Bob Burton's Highly Acclaimed Thriller "QUIET OPS"

Santa Barbara's own and my good friend Bob Burton's highly acclaimed thriller QUIET OPS is FREE for a short time on Amazon. Give it a try, full of thrills, and laughs.

Larry "Magic' Mendoza

http://www.amazon.com/Quiet-Ops-ebook/dp/B009HUT316/?tag=ljma00-20

S.B.C.C.C. The place where COMMON SENSE never goes out of style!

Read the Average Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars (16 customer reviews)

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful 5.0 out of 5 stars A "Can't Put It Down" Thriller, October 28, 2012 By  Walter Ballenberger (Monument, CO USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Quiet Ops (Paperback) As a long time avid follower of mysteries both in books and on TV (I own a complete DVD collection of every episode of the Inspector Morse TV series ever produced, for example) I am pleased to report that Quiet Ops, written by L. J. Martin and Bob Burton, is an exciting and entertaining read. The hero and owner of Quiet Ops, Mr. Brad "Bulldog" Bennedict, is a former Marine commando and Iraq veteran who is in the business of solving delicate problems for rich people. The clientele needs to be rich people because Bulldog's fees are high, and rich people often have intricate problems, the solution of which puts Bennedict and his associates in dangerous, sometimes life-threatening situations. Bulldog reminds me of Travis McGee, the hero in a series of mystery books I used to read years ago by the author John D MacDonald. Both were tough and fearless but they both had a strong moral code in terms of right and wrong as well as a soft side down deep. Bulldog is flashier than Travis McGee and he uses all the latest technologies and equipment to give him an advantage in his numerous risky endeavors. He has a number of friends and associates he hires for his various jobs, including a 350 pound Samoan called Cocoa and another former Marine and Iraq veteran nicknamed T-Rex, and they are all just as fearless, resourceful and tough as he is. Bulldog lives near Santa Barbara, California, but he has an office associate in Florida named Monique St. Marmont, who is an exceptionally attractive woman, but who fits in with the tough guys with no problem. These and other characters in the novel are particularly compelling people. The adventures undertaken by this group were exciting, and I found myself not wanting to stop reading in order to see what happened next. This is one of the most entertaining novels I have read in some time. I won't go into any story details in order to preserve the surprise and suspense, but there are plenty of both. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 8 of 9 people found the following review helpful 5.0 out of 5 stars Make sure you have time to read this book, you will not put it down once you get started, October 8, 2012 By  Mary J. Gramlich "The Reading Reviewer" (St. Louis, MO) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)    This review is from: Quiet Ops (Paperback) When your business is fixing other people's problems, it tends to create difficulties in your own life. Brad "Bulldog" Benedict is the best in the correction of these problems but he may be in too deep with the latest case. Brad calls in all his best cohorts and even a few former enemies to help with rescuing two women caught up in something they cannot seem to escape. Brad has the ability to tweet the system to make the outcome turn his way yet this case is dogging him because nothing is falling into place as planned. Having great friends makes the case happen but the enemies seem to want to set the night on fire with revenge. Brad is trying to figure out who is working with him as much as against him. The thought that it might be the man who hired him is frightening even to a former Marine. This is one wild and fantastic read you should be prepared to take on and be mesmerized by from cover-to-cover. Every character is well written with realistic dialogue, the storyline compliments every page with fascinating interaction between every person in the book. The plot is fast paced and this read is complete package of delight. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 7 of 8 people found the following review helpful 5.0 out of 5 stars An Action Packed Parallel Universe, October 19, 2012 By  Jim Marxer - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Quiet Ops (Paperback) Quiet Ops is an exciting, can't put it down novel. Bob Burton's attention to detail about Santa Barbara and Palm Beach brings the reader onto the scene and into the local haunts of both towns. His characters bring you into a world that is a parallel universe to the normal everyday existence that most people live. The fast pace, quick turns and surprising outcomes are a hallmark of Mr. Burton's writing style and stories. In a nutshell his books take you away. If Quiet Ops existed and I had a problem outside or inside the law, I would not hesitate to hire him and his group. Quiet Ops is a LOUD SUCCESS!!! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful 5.0 out of 5 stars Such A Fast-Paced Thriller!, November 3, 2012 By  bevsweb - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Quiet Ops - The Bob Burton Series (Kindle Edition) Quiet Ops is an exciting, non stop action thriller with so many interesting characters. The author's attention to detail about Santa Barbara and Palm Beach is amazing and the reader gets the real deal local hangouts of both cities. The characters bring you into a world that is way different than mine and probably yours as well. The writing style and quick turns in the dialog and storyline are intriguing to say the least. This is another winner. Great entertainment and suspense throughout. What a fantastic read! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 2 of 3 people found the following review helpful 4.0 out of 5 stars An Action Adventure P.I. Mystery, November 5, 2012 By  Larry Thomas (Newtown, CT United States) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Quiet Ops - The Bob Burton Series (Kindle Edition) I enjoy action adventure, thriller, and mystery novels. Add those to the private investigator theme and it provided a great read. It's interesting how Brad "Bulldog" Benedict finds himself in the middle of several investigations and conflicts at the same time. Having a great support system and a thick skin certainly added to his success. Definitely a good read. My compliments to L. J. Martin. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 2 of 3 people found the following review helpful 5.0 out of 5 stars ACTION ADVENTURE AT IT'S BEST, October 14, 2012 By  Patricia L. Johnson - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Quiet Ops - The Bob Burton Series (Kindle Edition) Action adventure fans won't be disappointed with Quite Ops by L. J. Martin and real-life bounty hunter Bob Burton. The action starts on page one and the pace never slows down. The plot revolves around the resourceful Brad "Bulldog" Benedict as he and his adventures crew attempt to rescue twin daughters of a billionaire kidnapped by a famous rapper. This is a great read! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 2 of 3 people found the following review helpful 5.0 out of 5 stars Great Story and Characters, October 8, 2012 By  D. Kelly (Japan) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Quiet Ops - The Bob Burton Series (Kindle Edition) This book sucks you in right from the start and keeps you reading all the way to the end. The characters, story line, action, and twists all come together to make this a book you won't want to put down. Can't wait for more from this author with the lead character Brad Bennedict, fantastic read! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 5.0 out of 5 stars Quiet Ops, November 20, 2012 By  FlhtMac - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Quiet Ops - The Bob Burton Series (Kindle Edition) A great read! Easily one of those books that is hard to put down. If you like action and adventure and books by Clive Cussler you will enjoy this book. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 4.0 out of 5 stars exciting thriller, November 20, 2012 By  TomR - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Quiet Ops - The Bob Burton Series (Kindle Edition) This is a fast read. The good guys out-fight, out-shoot, and out-smart the bad guys. Similar to a Louis L'Amour story only the good guy has accomplices. You won't mistake this for great literature, but it's a fast, entertaining read that's hard to put down. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 5.0 out of 5 stars Quiet Ops, November 15, 2012 By  Schele - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Quiet Ops - The Bob Burton Series (Kindle Edition) As always, Mr. Martin paints the sky for readers! His creativity and audaciousness shows in every sentence! Now...what shall I read next? :)

After 39 months Ex-SBPD Officer Brian Sawicki Gets Only 10 Days in Lewd-Conduct Case. Did He Use his Police Computer to View Child Pornography, That Question Was Never Answered.

Since 2006 I have shared my many concerns with the Santa Barbara District Attorneys office and the inconsistencies in how the law is applied when prosecuting their criminal cases. In regards to this case against former Santa Barbara police officer Brian Sawicki I just do not understand why it took almost 39 months to come to a conclusion. Are you aware that on average 83% of all California Superior Courts misdemeanor cases filed are concluded with in 120 days? Based on that data it took the Santa Barbara district attorneys office almost ten times longer than the rest of California, WHY?

That data below can be found on page 18 of this link @

(http://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/2012-Court-Statistics-Report.pdf

Criminal Cases. MISDEMEANORS: Case processing time for misdemeanors: 63% in 30 days, 79% in 90 days, and 83% in 120 days.)

Now I don’t want to beat this story to death but I just feel the public has been duped again because there were other serious issues besides his alleged lewd acts that seemed to have been pushed under the rug. The issue of whether or not Mr. Sawicki had used his police computer to view child pornography or who did was never answered. So if it was not former officer Sawicki who was it and what has happen to that officer? The fact that it is even possible for a law enforcement offer to watch child porn at work without some type of alert being forwarded to management really bothers me.

To make matters worse were you aware that the Santa Barbara County sheriff’s sergeant charged with overseeing the Sawicki investigation has also been accused of viewing child pornography on his own computer. I wish I was kidding but I am not. Here is the link to the April 14^th 2012 article I found @ http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/47048702/ns/local_news-santa_maria_ca/t/defense-says-porn-was-not-former-officers/  or you may go to Santa Maria Times @  (http://santamariatimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/defense-says-porn-was-not-former-officer-s/article_8ceb886e-85f5-11e1-b0d0-0019bb2963f4.html

I have included the recent Noozhawk coverage of Mr. Sawicki’s conviction followed by the April 14^th 2012 story in this posting. I ask that you take the time to view the reader’s comments at the end of the story because clearly I am not the only person upset with this whole fiasco.

In closing as always I ask that if you have found my posting relevant please share it with everyone that you can.

Sincerely

Larry Mendoza

S.B.C.C.C. The place where COMMON SENSE never goes out of style!

@ http://www.noozhawk.com/noozhawk/article/ex-santa_barbara_cop_avoids_jail_time_in_lewd_conduct_case/

Ex-Santa Barbara Cop Brian Sawicki Gets Jail Time in Lewd-Conduct Case

By Gina Potthoff, Noozhawk Staff Writer | @ginapotthoff |  3:49 p.m. | Published on 11.16.2012 9:41 a.m @ http://www.noozhawk.com/noozhawk/article/ex-santa_barbara_cop_avoids_jail_time_in_lewd_conduct_case/

A former Santa Barbara police officer convicted of destroying evidence and resisting arrest in a lewd-conduct case was sentenced Friday to 10 days in jail. Brian Kenneth Sawicki also was fined $2,000 and placed on three years probation by Santa Barbara Superior Court Judge Kay Kuns during the hearing in Santa Maria. Sawicki will be allowed to apply to the Sheriff’s Work Alternative Program (SWAP), which involves being assigned to work sites throughout the county in lieu of spending time behind bars.

Last week, a Santa Maria jury returned a mixed verdict on charges stemming from a 2009 incident during which Sawicki, 36, allegedly exposed himself to two teenage girls — and engaged in unlawful electronic peeping —at Refugio State Beach. Sawicki was acquitted of three misdemeanor charges — annoying or molesting a child, lewd conduct in public, and unlawful electronic peeping. He was convicted of misdemeanor counts of destroying evidence and resisting arrest.

The case centered on the events of Aug. 10, 2009, when two 13-year-old girls told authorities they thought a man was following them along a trail on a secluded area of Refugio beach. They testified that they later saw him naked and masturbating on the beach as they approached. The girls alerted an on-duty state park ranger, who tried to approach Sawicki before he allegedly ran away. He was later caught and arrested. After hearing his sentence Friday, Sawicki sat emotionless, sporting a trial-long attitude that Kuns said had prompted her to choose the harsher end of punishment.

Sawicki, who resigned after his arrest, faced a maximum of two years in jail and $2,000 in fines for the two charges he was convicted of. Kuns sided with all of Deputy District Attorney Brook Gerard’s sentencing suggestions, even saying that she would’ve granted further punishment if the prosecution had asked for it. Kuns granted stay-away orders that stipulate Sawicki cannot have contact with the two teenage girls or their families. Sawicki must also stay away from Refugio Beach, and was ordered to turn over his stealth camera, digital camera and high-tech binoculars.

While Sawicki’s attorney, Michael Scott, conceded that Sawicki did delete an erotic video from his camera and ran from a park ranger, he said Sawicki has already been punished.

“This case had nothing to do with interest in underage girls,” Scott said. “He’s basically been on three years probation since this began. He’ll never work in law enforcement again. His savings are pretty much gone. “What did he do? He made a mistake. It was a three-minute pursuit; nobody was harmed. He lost a great deal because of his decision to not stop for the ranger.” Scott said Sawicki had no intention of contacting the girls, but he questioned whether he should have to turn over his electronic devices. Gerard countered that Sawicki was at a beach that park rangers testified is an area where families often go. “The defendant resigning his position is not a punishment,” she added. Kuns agreed, noting that she was also considering Sawicki’s actions in charges that he was acquitted of, as allowed by law. “The court finds that there were some aggravating circumstances,” Kuns said. “The notion and circumstance of the conduct in this case were disturbing to say the least. The conduct itself was disturbing.”

The judge also said she didn’t believe Sawicki’s testimony was completely truthful, and was upset by the fact that Sawicki so willingly evaded an officer. “I wasn’t very impressed with Mr. Sawicki’s attitude at times,” Kuns said. “Mr. Sawicki was a police officer. He was going up a hill with a backpack… He would’ve been gone. There was no change in his attitude… I think if Mr. Sawicki wants to sunbath, he’ll have to find a beach much further south or north.”

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/47048702/ns/local_news-santa_maria_ca/t/defense-says-porn-was-not-former-officers/  or you may go to Santa Maria Times @   http://santamariatimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/defense-says-porn-was-not-former-officer-s/article_8ceb886e-85f5-11e1-b0d0-0019bb2963f4.html

Defense says child porn was not former Santa Barbara police officer Brian Sawicki’s.

Someone other than Brian Sawicki was using his computer to view teen pornography, his attorney contends, because dispatch records show Sawicki, then a Santa Barbara police officer, was out responding to service calls at the time. The records, which defense attorney Michael Scott, said recently surfaced, prompted Scott to file a motion asking Superior Court Judge Kay Kuns to reconsider a ruling denying the defense’s motion to exclude the pornography sites accessed on Sawicki’s computer from evidence. 

Sawicki, 36, has been charged with five misdemeanors after he allegedly committed lewd acts in front of two teenage girls on Aug. 10, 2009 at Refugio State Beach while he was off duty from the Santa Barbara Police Department.

On Friday, Kuns asked Scott during a hearing in Santa Maria to find out whether Sawicki was ever off duty and possibly home on occasions the teen pornography websites were visited on his desktop computer. Kuns then put off ruling on the defense’s motion until a later date.

The prosecution opposes the defense motion, and Deputy District Attorney Brooke Gerard argued in court Friday that Sawicki could have stopped at home during his work shift to visit the websites. “It wouldn’t be unheard of for the defendant, who lives in Santa Barbara, to go by his house,” she added

Scott countered that the person accessing the sites during Sawicki’s shifts spent hours browsing them under Sawicki’s screen name, and couldn’t have been Sawicki. Also addressed on Friday was another motion filed by Scott, this one sealed for privacy, asking Kuns to let the jury in Sawicki’s upcoming trial know that the sheriff’s sergeant charged with overseeing the Sawicki investigation has also been accused of viewing child pornography on his own computer. Kuns denied the defense motion on the grounds that the sergeant was not accused of tampering with the Sawicki investigation. “If he was a primary witness, this might be another story entirely,” the judge added.

That sergeant was not criminally charged, and his name has not been made public. According to Scott’s statements in court Friday, the person has since left the Sheriff’s Department  “under a cloud” of accusations. “This individual was very integral in this investigation,” the attorney added. Gerard argued before Kuns’ ruling that the sergeant in question had no time to interfere with the initial investigation at the scene of Sawicki’s alleged crimes on Aug. 10, 2009 before others arrived.

“As a sex crimes prosecutor, it makes me desperately sad to say there are hundreds of thousands of people out there looking at this kind of material,” Gerard said. Sawicki, who is free on bail, is charged with annoying or molesting a child, lewd conduct in a public place, unlawful electronic peeping, destroying evidence and resisting, and obstructing or delaying a peace officer. He no longer works for the Santa Barbara Police Department.

 

The county Sheriff's Department has reported that two teen girls were walking along a trail near the beach around 3:20 p.m. on Aug. 10, 2009  when they noticed a man walking behind them The girls walked back toward the campground, and saw the man lying down and masturbating, according to sheriff’s officials. They ran to the campground and alerted a state park ranger. While being interviewed, they saw the man and pointed him out to the ranger. Seeing the ranger approaching, Sawicki allegedly took off running. After a foot chase, he was caught and arrested.

Sawicki is due back in court on May 3, at which time motions in the case will be addressed. He is slated to start trial on May 30.

http://santabarbaracriminalcourtcorruption.blogspot.com/2010/02/santa-barbara-district-attorney.html

Malicious Prosecution is a Common Practice by the Santa Barbara County's District Attorneys Office!

S.B.C.C.C. The place where COMMON SENSE never goes out of style!

We have lost another friend, Timothy Francis Lopez

Timothy Francis Lopez passed away on Saturday, October 27th at the age of 59. Tim was born in Santa Barbara on March 10th 1953 to John and Jane Lopez. After high school he joined the US Marine Corps. and served during the Viet Nam Era. Upon his return from the service, he met and married his wife, Lynda Ayala and they had two children. He had his own Diesel Mechanic business for several years worked at the Montecito Sanitation District, until he retired in 2006. 

Tim is survived by his wife Lynda Lopez, son John Lopez, daughter Janette Lopez, brother Rick Lopez and sister Ellen Gomez. 

We will never forget you Tim; you will live on in our hearts forever. Until we meet again? Semper Fi! 

S.B.C.C.C. The place where COMMON SENSE never goes out of style!