CA CA - John Beck, 73, Alameda, 9 Feb 2016 #1

[JoyM]

Hello Sleuths!

Updates from the day so far:

• No luck in Sebastopol last night. Two other people thought they might have seen him, but they're both shaky reports for one reason or another. The first is the one at the coffee shop I reported yesterday--likely not John. The second was from a woman who was only 40% sure it was John and reported some details that seemed unlikely.
• In addition to the search during the day, John's daughter and her husband stayed to watch the spot he was seen, in case he has a pattern of appearing after dark. No dice. Also, nothing from the 7/11 footage. We still think this is a possible sighting, but we wish he had found stronger corroborating clues.
• But the search yesterday lead to an excellent story on the channel 4 (NBC Bay Area) news! Always good to keep John's name and photo on the air.
• Today, we have volunteers canvassing Bodega and Bodega Bay, as well as a larger search of the Marin Headlands. We are continuing our work on John's computer--piecing together his search history farther back.
• We now think the Martinez search is likely a red herring. We have determined that he was working on an accounting document and we think he may have been estimating mileage for tax purposes.
• I also have some answers about some suggestions from this thread!
  • The family has looked through books etc to see if John had left any potentially useful notes. Sadly, no luck.
  • We checked into it and it looks like he had not opened up a PO box or other mailing address.
  • An old suggestion I forgot to report back on (I'm actually not 100% sure it's from someone here as opposed to a facebook comment, sorry!): we did talk to cab drivers downtown and the food vendors near the cable car turnaround.
  • "I'd also suggest putting up posters in the Golden Gate Transit "hooch" near the toll plaza of the bridge." UPDATE: done!!

I think that's all I have for right now. Thank you, Sleuths!

 

[Elainera]

Just had a thought. In my city there are many public places where one can go to use a computer. Have no idea what they are called, it looks like a regular retail store in a strip shopping center, however, inside both sides of the wall have computers on them. You pay by the hour.

Are there any of these in the area that John could be stopping by? It would be a place he would blend in with the crowd, could get off his feet, get the world news if so inclined, or plan his next couple days of travel.

Thinking of all the searchers, friends, and family who have done such a miraculous job of putting many vague pieces together in their search for John. I feel they are getting closer, now if the public sightings will continue.

Internet Cafes? Good idea!

 

[Elainera]

Joy, you are amazing! I wish so much that all your hard work will soon pay off.

What are the plans for tomorrow?

 

[persimmon]

No, I'm afraid the bankruptcy process will proceed regardless of whether John is present or not. But this is a good thought--I had the same question myself.

The bankruptcy could actually be positive in the sense that it may have been intiated as a means to protect some assets..such as the home he resided in. Just throwing that out there.

 

[Tssiemer]

From what we know of John, we think there must be something gravely wrong either mentally/emotionally or physically for him to have been missing this long. But I agree, if we learn that he's just on adventure, I'd be annoyed . (But still grateful that he's safe.) I'm fairly certain that there is a severe mental/emotional or medical issue to blame here. And I hope we will know soon, either way!

I think I would beat my husband over and over if he voluntarily disappeared without a trace for the better part of 2 weeks. I mean if he needs a break he can go. Just let me know, man.

That's why I'm afraid something wrong has happened or else JB would pick up a phone or shoot an email. He seemed tech savvy.


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[Timekeeper65]

Thanks for keeping us updated JoyM.

I was so sure the Bodega tip would pan out...still could - not giving up here.

Will continue checking back here. And thinking about all of the family and friends of JB.

:candle:

 

[skibaboo]

One thing that I thought of when I was looking at the areas on the map. I don't know if you guys have checked them out Joy, but what about Marinas? I saw a few around the area. Did John have a boat in the past or a buddy with a boat? Was he thinking about buying/leasing one? Might be worth dropping some fliers at some of the Marinas?

There is also a couple of rehab centres in locations near where he searched and may have been sighted. Crown Bay rehab near Westline Drive and Pacifica Rehab near Manor Drive.

Just a couple of thoughts.

 

[Lilibet]

Joy, thanks so much for your very forthright and quick responses. The longer this goes on, the harder it gets for everyone out on the front lines. It clearly doesn't make sense to anyone. These cases of people who apparently disappear voluntarily rarely do make sense, and here on WS we never hear "the rest of the story" after they're found, so we don't have much info to apply to the next case. But generally, there is some kind of catalyst. Knowing what it is doesn't make a lot of difference except it can help figure out a destination sometimes. I'm rambling again, thinking out loud, hoping an idea will pop into my head. Don't mind me!

 

[Tssiemer]

Joy, thanks so much for your very forthright and quick responses. The longer this goes on, the harder it gets for everyone out on the front lines. It clearly doesn't make sense to anyone. These cases of people who apparently disappear voluntarily rarely do make sense, and here on WS we never hear "the rest of the story" after they're found, so we don't have much info to apply to the next case. But generally, there is some kind of catalyst. Knowing what it is doesn't make a lot of difference except it can help figure out a destination sometimes. I'm rambling again, thinking out loud, hoping an idea will pop into my head. Don't mind me!

My family and I only made it 12 days into my cousin missing before we found her body. But we were definitely weary and worn. So many rumors and sightings and this clue and that clue and that lead and a lead there and there. We were lucky to have closure. I guess. As lucky as finding her dead body can be.


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[cujenn81]

Joy, thanks so much for your very forthright and quick responses. The longer this goes on, the harder it gets for everyone out on the front lines. It clearly doesn't make sense to anyone. These cases of people who apparently disappear voluntarily rarely do make sense, and here on WS we never hear "the rest of the story" after they're found, so we don't have much info to apply to the next case. But generally, there is some kind of catalyst. Knowing what it is doesn't make a lot of difference except it can help figure out a destination sometimes. I'm rambling again, thinking out loud, hoping an idea will pop into my head. Don't mind me!

I completely agree with your "the rest of the story" sentiment. I understand why the individual, the family, and their friends would rather not publicly disclose what led to their disappearance, as I can imagine their reasons were deeply personal. They have no obligation to talk about it and the most important thing is that they've been found, but I do think it could help others who are going thru a similar situation if they did.

 

[CeCeMoore]

No, I'm afraid the bankruptcy process will proceed regardless of whether John is present or not. But this is a good thought--I had the same question myself.

I have been following but was hesitant to mention something I have been thinking about. Since the conversation has veered in this direction now though, I thought I would ask. If John were deceased and the house is in both his and his wife's names, wouldn't the house revert solely to his wife's ownership? If so, could he have sacrificed himself so she would not lose the home?

I hope my speculation is off base and he comes home soon!

 

[katydid23]

My family and I only made it 12 days into my cousin missing before we found her body. But we were definitely weary and worn. So many rumors and sightings and this clue and that clue and that lead and a lead there and there. We were lucky to have closure. I guess. As lucky as finding her dead body can be.


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:grouphug: :rose:

 

[Deleted member 50844]

A few scattered thoughts...
I assume his social security number is being monitored somehow? Just in case he opens a credit card account, rents an apartment, etc.

I've only been to San Francisco once, but the I loved and remember the trolleys. Is it possible to post flyers in them so passengers can see them as they board? Same thing with the ferries to Alcatraz? Lots of tourists there and a whole sea of people. Out of towners wouldn't likely know about missing persons news and therefore wouldn't be aware and looking.

The hat. If he's trying to remain unfound, he may have ditched that hat and picked up a different style of one. Just something to be aware of while looking through photos on Instagram and whatnot.

Not sure how many postbox rental places there are around the areas you've been searching, or even if confidentiality would prevent management of such places from disclosing if he'd rented one, but it may be worth a try to inquire at such places.

 

[kimi_SFC]

((((((((Tssiemer))))))))
:rose:

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[bellesnwhistles]

My family and I only made it 12 days into my cousin missing before we found her body. But we were definitely weary and worn. So many rumors and sightings and this clue and that clue and that lead and a lead there and there. We were lucky to have closure. I guess. As lucky as finding her dead body can be.


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I'm so sorry for your loss and that you had to go through that. I agree that closure is better than not knowing

 

[Secrett]

I've been watching this thread about John as it's semi-local to me, just lurking/hoping he is found. Today I walked the Lands End trail from the Sutro Baths to Baker Beach, under the Golden Gate and back down thru Presidio, ending at Fisherman's Wharf. It was about 8 miles, lots of stairways, quite a bit of exercise. I thought about John the whole time, looked at everyone I passed and scanned the area for clues. I saw the posters for John along the way and a few times I noticed people were pointing them out and talking about them. It was a beautiful day and a LOT of people were out and about. Lots of rugged terrain around, but plenty of people everywhere. If he had fallen or was hurt along the trail or the surrounding cliffs someone probably would have found him. I wish I had something concrete to add, the only thing I can add is my hopes and prayers that he is found soon.

 

[LaborDayRN]

I've been watching this thread about John as it's semi-local to me, just lurking/hoping he is found. Today I walked the Lands End trail from the Sutro Baths to Baker Beach, under the Golden Gate and back down thru Presidio, ending at Fisherman's Wharf. It was about 8 miles, lots of stairways, quite a bit of exercise. I thought about John the whole time, looked at everyone I passed and scanned the area for clues. I saw the posters for John along the way and a few times I noticed people were pointing them out and talking about them. It was a beautiful day and a LOT of people were out and about. Lots of rugged terrain around, but plenty of people everywhere. If he had fallen or was hurt along the trail or the surrounding cliffs someone probably would have found him. I wish I had something concrete to add, the only thing I can add is my hopes and prayers that he is found soon.

Thanks for posting Secrett. For those of us too far away to go out and search, it's nice to hear of other who do. I know it must be heartwarming to John's family and friends that you and others are keeping an eye out.

 

[Lilibet]

My family and I only made it 12 days into my cousin missing before we found her body. But we were definitely weary and worn. So many rumors and sightings and this clue and that clue and that lead and a lead there and there. We were lucky to have closure. I guess. As lucky as finding her dead body can be.

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I'm so sorry for your loss Tssiemer. It always warms my heart when someone who has actually lived this pain joins WS and participates on behalf of others. Thank you! Hugs to you!

 

[LaborDayRN]

My family and I only made it 12 days into my cousin missing before we found her body. But we were definitely weary and worn. So many rumors and sightings and this clue and that clue and that lead and a lead there and there. We were lucky to have closure. I guess. As lucky as finding her dead body can be.


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I'm so sorry for your loss. :rose: I can't begin to imagine the pain that not being able to locate a loved one causes.

 

[Lilibet]

I've been watching this thread about John as it's semi-local to me, just lurking/hoping he is found. Today I walked the Lands End trail from the Sutro Baths to Baker Beach, under the Golden Gate and back down thru Presidio, ending at Fisherman's Wharf. It was about 8 miles, lots of stairways, quite a bit of exercise. I thought about John the whole time, looked at everyone I passed and scanned the area for clues. I saw the posters for John along the way and a few times I noticed people were pointing them out and talking about them. It was a beautiful day and a LOT of people were out and about. Lots of rugged terrain around, but plenty of people everywhere. If he had fallen or was hurt along the trail or the surrounding cliffs someone probably would have found him. I wish I had something concrete to add, the only thing I can add is my hopes and prayers that he is found soon.

BBM

Eight miles of kindness, Secrett!! That's plenty concrete! Thank you for doing this and for your report. How encouraging!

And I have to say, for those following along from afar, there is nothing quite like a beautiful day in SF. The whole city just sparkles!