The Old Blog in the Desert

A plane crash claimed the lives of Israeli tech investors Liron and Naomi Petrushka on Saturday, March 30, 2024, leaving behind three sons.

Liron, 57, from Ramat Gan, Israel, was a professional soccer player for Hapoel Ramat Gan Givatayim before moving to the U.S. Naomi, 58, of Illinois, was an adjunct professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, and headed Petrushka Investments. They were both well-known to the Israeli community in Silicon Valley, where they lived for over 20 years.

Their investments included Check, later sold to American financial giant Intuit in 2014 for about $360 million, and fintech unicorn Next Insurance, founded by the entrepreneurs behind Check. The Petrushkas also invested in venture capital firm UpWest, which invests in Israeli-led startups in the United States and Israel.

Details emerging from the aftermath of the crash show the Petrushkas, aboard a single-engine TBM aircraft registered as N960LP, were approaching Truckee Tahoe Airport for landing around 6:38 p.m. local time in a moderate snowstorm. However, their flight turned tragic as the plane executed a go-around/missed approach for runway 20, initiating a series of maneuvers that culminated in disaster.

Craig Bower told KCRA that it had been snowing all day Saturday.

“We thought for sure it was flying using an instrument,” Craig Bower said. “There was no visibility at all.”

Eyewitness accounts and preliminary findings from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) offer glimpses into the moments preceding the crash some 3,200 feet north of the runway. The aircraft, owned by Avram Enterprises, LLC, experienced a sudden descent, hurtling toward snow-covered terrain near Glenshire Dr. and Olympic Blvd.

“I heard this airplane but very close right over the house and I was like, ‘ Gosh that sounds awfully close,’” Susan Bower Told KCRA.

Bower said when she heard the plane, she knew something was wrong.

“Seconds later, I could hear a big thud,” she added. “I knew it went down.”

However, the seven-page NTSB, while heavy on data, along with who, where, and when, does not conclude with what caused the fatal crash or why the crash happened in the first place.

More than a month later, revelations from an alleged source within the U.S. State Department have added intrigue to the narrative. Speculation regarding the potential involvement of the Petrushka as assets for Israeli intelligence comes from their prominence in the tech investment scene, as the Petrushkas were privy to information regarding emerging technologies, market trends, and potential business opportunities.

“There is more to the crash than meets the eye,” the source stated, without offering more information.

As influential figures within the Israeli expatriate community in California, the Petrushkas could have served as unofficial diplomatic conduits, fostering relationships with key individuals in the tech industry, academia, and government. Their interactions and access to high-profile circles may have provided Israeli intelligence with valuable insights and networking opportunities. Furthermore, through their investments and business ventures, the Petrushkas wielded considerable financial influence within various sectors.

Given the overlap between civilian technology and military applications, Israeli intelligence appears to have been interested in monitoring or influencing developments in specific technological fields with potential dual-use capabilities. The Petrushkas’ ventures related to cybersecurity, fintech, and other advanced manufacturing could have attracted the attention of intelligence agencies seeking to safeguard Israel’s security interests.

Israeli intelligence could have utilized their financial resources and connections to support covert operations, fund intelligence-gathering activities, facilitate diplomatic initiatives, or leverage their connections and insights to gather intelligence on technological advancements relevant to national security or economic interests.

The same State Department source hinted that the plane crash was not an accident but instead a deliberate act.

If the Petrushkas were indeed involved in activities perceived as threatening to certain parties, whether in business, politics, or intelligence, they might have been targets. A deliberate plane crash engineered to appear as an accident could serve as a method of assassination, allowing the perpetrators to avoid detection and accountability.

If suspected of being assets for Israeli intelligence, individuals or entities opposed to Israeli interests could have orchestrated the crash to disrupt ongoing intelligence operations or to send a message of deterrence. It could be part of a broader strategy to undermine Israeli influence or to eliminate perceived threats to rival interests.

With tech investments and entrepreneurship being competitive, rivalries can sometimes escalate to extreme measures. It’s conceivable that the crash could have been orchestrated by business rivals, disgruntled associates, or individuals with personal grievances against the Petrushkas, seeking to eliminate them for reasons unrelated to their potential ties to intelligence.

Approximately five months after the October 7 attacks, around 135,000 Israelis remained displaced. Hotels in Ramat Gan, where Liron had lived, serve as shelters for evacuees unable to return to their homes in southern Israel. The city took on the responsibility of providing emergency social services to evacuees.

On Saturday, May 15, a 56-year-old man in Ramat Gan was killed by shrapnel when rockets struck his home. Six other Israelis received injuries in the rocket attacks. So far, 600 Israelis have been injured Israelis since the beginning of the attacks.

The recent attack on civilians living in Ramat Gan is nothing new.

At about 8:45 a.m. on Monday, July 24, 1995, a Hamas suicide ripped through the middle of the blue-and-white No. 20 municipal bus, shredding some bodies into unrecognizable fragments near the Israel Diamond Exchange. Six Israelis died while wounding 33 as a metal pipe containing 33 pounds of explosives and nails manually detonated.

At around 9 a.m., the Associated Press office in East Jerusalem received a call claiming responsibility for the attack. The caller bragged that a member of Hamas from the Yahya Ayyash group in the West Bank was behind the attack.

That night, authorities had identified five of those killed as Nehama Leibowitz, 61; Moshe Shkedi, 75; Zahava Oren, 60; Rahel Tamari, 65; and Zvia Hacohen, 62, all from Tel Aviv or nearby. Police spokesman Eric Bar-Chen said the remaining body “almost certainly” was that of the bomber.

A similar attack in the Ramat Gan neighborhood of Tel Aviv occurred on Wednesday, October 19, 1994, when a Hamas bomber killed himself and 22 other people on busy Dizengoff Street, the city’s main commercial thoroughfare.

It is crucial to emphasize that the following scenarios are hypothetical and treated as such. Attributing the plane crash to anything other than an accident is speculative, given the absence of credible evidence or confirmation from a reliable source other than an alleged and unnamed State Department official.

In a charming display of playful banter at the Tahoe House, a couple recently delighted me with their lighthearted exchange, leaving a smile in their wake.

The brief yet endearing interaction unfolded with the simple words:

Him: “Are you game?”

Her: “You bet I’m game!”

The exchange encapsulated the essence of camaraderie and shared amusement. Although the context of the conversation remains a mystery, the palpable sense of joy it evoked was unmistakable.

Such spontaneous moments serve as reminders of the beauty found in everyday interactions. In a world often characterized by hustle and bustle, the exchange resonated deeply with this writer, who was fortunate enough to witness it.

A solitary soul man dwelling within the confines of his empty house, with a room to spare. He extended an open invitation, hoping against hope that someone, anyone, would step through his door.

As he flung open the door to his home, days turned into weeks, and the room remained as untouched and empty as always.

Then, one day, she appeared— a stranger wandering through the halls of his home. Her presence stirred a flicker of hope.

Sitting on the twin-sized bed in the spare room, he watched as she moved through the rooms with a distant gaze, her footsteps echoing hollowly against the silent walls, ignoring him.

Beside the bed stands a nightstand, its weathered surface bearing the scars of years gone by. A reading lamp, its frayed shade and yellow light, cast a soft glow across the room, illuminating the space with a sense of quiet nostalgia.

Still, she passed him by, seeking refuge and comfort elsewhere. Perhaps the furniture, like him, seems too old, too plain for her better tastes.

His door is still open in hopeful anticipation of unspoken desires. And in the quiet stillness of his home, he waits, ever hopeful that one day, someone will step through his door and fill his void.

With less than two months remaining before the Nevada June 11 primary, a recent analysis reveals that establishment-supported candidates hold a financial advantage in legislative races.

Examining first-quarter campaign finance reports from candidates endorsed by Governor Joe Lombardo or their respective party’s caucus lead in fundraising across nine legislative races. The disparity in financial support sets the stage for a crucial pre-election period as contenders gear up for the final stretch.

The report highlights the significance of campaign finances in shaping electoral outcomes, with candidates’ ability to allocate resources towards advertising and other campaign essentials playing a pivotal role. Analysis reveals that a substantial majority of victors in closely contested legislative races since 2016 had enjoyed a fundraising advantage at the onset of the election year.

With ten state Senate races and 42 Assembly races slated for the 2024 ballot, attention is on nine races. These races include factors such as a pronounced party registration imbalance in the district or their potential to influence Lombardo’s veto power.

Senate District 1 Democratic Primary

In the Democratic primary for Senate District 1, Michelee “Shelly” Crawford, backed by the Senate Democratic Caucus, dominates fundraising, amassing a significant lead over opponent Assemblywoman Clara Thomas. Crawford’s substantial financial support positions her favorably in the race to succeed termed-out Sen. Pat Spearman.

Senate District 3 Democratic Primary

Senator Rochelle Nguyen maintains a commanding fundraising lead over challenger Geoconda Hughes in the Democratic primary for Senate District 3. Nguyen’s substantial financial support underscores her position as the frontrunner in the deep-blue district in central Las Vegas.

Senate District 4 Democratic Primary

In the Democratic primary for Senate District 4, incumbent Senator Dina Neal emerges as the fundraising leader, surpassing challenger Laura Perkins. Neal’s financial support and established presence in the district positions her as the frontrunner in the Democratic stronghold.

Senate District 5 Democratic Primary

Jennifer Atlas secures a fundraising advantage over Christian Bishop in the Democratic primary for swingy Senate District 5. While Bishop boasts higher spending, Atlas’s significant fundraising lead underscores her viability in challenging Republican incumbent Sen. Carrie Buck.

Senate District 15 Democratic Primary

Assemblywoman Angie Taylor emerges as the fundraising leader in the Democratic primary for Senate District 15, outpacing Reno City Councilmember Naomi Duerr and Johnny Kerns. Taylor’s substantial financial support positions her as a formidable contender in the heavily Democratic district in Northern Nevada.

Senate District 15 Republican Primary

In the Republican primary for Senate District 15, Mike Ginsburg leads fundraising, followed by Sharron Angle and Charles Mark Neumann. Ginsburg’s endorsements and financial backing give him a competitive advantage as the race intensifies.

Senate District 18 Republican Primary

Clark County Fire Chief John Steinbeck leads fundraising in the Republican primary for Senate District 18, garnering substantial support ahead of Assemblyman Richard McArthur and Josh Leavitt. Steinbeck’s endorsements and significant financial backing give him a competitive edge in the northwestern Las Vegas Valley district.

Senate District 19 Republican Primary

Former assemblyman John Ellison emerges as the fundraising frontrunner in the Republican primary for Senate District 19, holding a considerable lead over competitors William Eric Hockstedler and Chelsy Fischer. Ellison’s robust financial support positions him as the primary contender in the ruby-red Senate district.

Assembly District 21 Republican Primary

Retired police officer April Arndt faces a financial challenge in the Republican primary for Assembly District 21, trailing chiropractor Jon Petrick in fundraising. Arndt’s bid to secure the nomination in the blue-leaning district relies on leveraging available resources effectively.

Assembly District 27 Democratic Primary

Attorney Alex Velto secures a fundraising edge in the Democratic primary for Assembly District 27, outpacing opponent Heather Goulding. Velto’s endorsements and robust financial backing bolster his campaign’s momentum in the northern Reno district.

giddy up, she said
putting on her space helmet
going for a ride

Nevada authorities have arrested Derek Guadalupe Carbajal, the general manager of Lifetime Power Solar Company, on charges of allegedly scamming seniors out of approximately $250,000 for services he never rendered.

Carbajal, 43, was booked into the Clark County Detention Center on seven felony counts of theft and a misdemeanor and is detained without bail while scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Thursday, May 16.

Margi Grein, the executive officer of the contractors’ board, described the case as “egregious” and revealed that the board sought prosecution assistance from the Office of the Nevada Attorney General. And, while all allegations were not released, the board announced a “new specialized solar investigation unit” addressing such complaints.

The specialized unit aims to collaborate with various entities across Nevada, including prosecutorial agencies, to enhance consumer protections against solar scams, deceptive loans, and aggressive sales tactics. The board has seen an increase in complaints related to solar companies in recent years.

Of particular concern to the Nevada State Contractors Board are the down payments demanded from homeowners before work begins and the utilization of unlawful and predatory sales strategies by licensed and unlicensed contractors. Following an investigation, affected homeowners may be eligible for financial compensation through the Residential Recovery Fund, which provides up to $40,000 per validated claim.

Complaints can be made online at solar@nscb.state.nv.us.

Paiute Joe pointed to a crow’s nest perched atop a tree.

“Ya ever seen a crow’s egg, Max?” he asked, his voice gruff yet curious.

Max shook his head, adjusting his glasses. “Can’t say that I have, Cowboy. Why do you ask?”

Paiute Joe scratched his chin thoughtfully.

“Well, it’s just somethin’ I been wonderin’ about. Seems strange, don’t it? Somethin’ so dark and frightenin’ comin’ from somethin’ so delicate and small.”

Max nodded, a small smile playing on his lips.

“Indeed, Joe. It’s a curious paradox of nature, isn’t it? The juxtaposition of light and darkness, fragility and strength.”

They continued into town and the general store. Inside, they found themselves browsing the shelves, admiring the array of goods on display.

Paiute Joe suddenly spotted a display of crow-themed merchandise.

“Would ya look at that,” he exclaimed, pointing excitedly. “Crow figurines, crow feathers, even crow-themed mugs!”

Max chuckled, amused by Joe’s enthusiasm.

“Seems like crows are quite popular around here,” he remarked.

Paiute Joe grinned, picking up a ceramic crow figurine and examining it closely.

“Ya know, Max, I reckon we oughta find ourselves that crow’s nest and see one of them eggs for ourselves.”

Max raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the idea. “And how do you propose we do that, Joe?”

Paiute Joe tapped his hat thoughtfully.

Excitement coursed their veins as they cautiously approached the nest, mindful not to disturb its inhabitants.

Peering inside, they saw a sight that took their breath away. Nestled within the cozy confines of the nest were several small, speckled eggs, each a marvel of nature’s craftsmanship.

Paiute Joe and Max marveled at the delicate beauty of the eggs, their shells a mottled combination of dark hues and intricate patterns.

“It’s even more breathtaking than I imagined,” Max whispered, his voice filled with awe.

Paiute Joe nodded in agreement, his eyes fixed on the eggs. “Aye, it’s a sight to behold, that’s for sure. Makes ya appreciate the wonders of the natural world.”

Suddenly, with a loud caw, the mother crow swooped down from her perch, wings outstretched, feathers ruffled in agitation.

Startled, Paiute Joe and Max stumbled backward, their hearts racing with adrenaline. The crow, fiercely protective of her nest and eggs, eyed them warily, her beady eyes gleaming aggressively.

“Steady there, girl,” Paiute Joe said soothingly. “We mean no harm. We’re just admiring your beautiful nest.”

Max nodded in agreement, his voice calm and reassuring. “Yes, we’re just passing through. We won’t disturb you or your babies.”

The crow hovered in the air, sizing up the intruders with suspicion, and dived at the pair again. Paiute Joe and Max quickly backed away, exchanged glances, and silently acknowledged their close call.

“Ya know, Max,” Paiute Joe said suddenly, breaking the silence. “I reckon life’s a bit like them crow’s eggs. Full of darkness and light, strength and fragility. But it’s what we make of it that counts, ain’t it?”

Max nodded, a smile spreading across his face. “Indeed it is, Joe. Indeed it is.”

To Paiute Joe, it seemed inconsequential that he and Max shared a belief about the crow’s eggs, but upon reflection, it unsettled him. It felt like a disruption in the familiar rhythm of their friendship, akin to the discomfort of trying out a new saddle on a trusted old horse.

As President Joe Biden and Donald Trump intensify their campaigning in key battleground states, a quieter battle unfolds in the legal arena, shaping the landscape for the upcoming 2024 election.

The Republican National Committee (RNC) has ramped up its litigation efforts, filing election-related lawsuits in nearly half of the states, signaling a strategic move to influence voting and election administration.

Recent lawsuits over voter roll maintenance in Michigan and Nevada highlight the RNC’s concerted effort to challenge various aspects of voting procedures.

With internal changes within the RNC, legal maneuvering has emerged as a pivotal strategy for the party, serving as a tool for campaign messaging, fundraising, and sowing doubts about the validity of election outcomes. Danielle Alvarez, a senior adviser to the RNC and the Trump campaign, emphasized the significance of these lawsuits, stating that they are a top priority for the organization and align with Trump’s vision for the RNC’s year-round activities.

However, Democrats and legal experts caution against the potential consequences of such litigation. They warn that the proliferation of lawsuits could overwhelm election officials and erode voter confidence in election results.

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has responded with its legal strategy, investing resources in voter protection initiatives to counter the GOP’s efforts to restrict access to the polls.

Despite the unsuccessful legal challenges following the 2020 election, the surge in election-related lawsuits persists, indicating a trend expected to continue into the 2024 election cycle. Both parties seem to have embraced litigation as a staple of their political strategies, reflecting the increasingly contentious nature of electoral politics.

The RNC’s litigation targets include voter ID rules, mail ballots, and absentee voting procedures. Critics of these lawsuits argue that they rely on flawed data and risk disenfranchising legitimate voters, echoing concerns raised by legal experts and democracy advocates.

While most of the lawsuits are unlikely to succeed in court, they serve a dual purpose of fundraising and shaping public perception of election integrity. Moreover, they pose a potential threat to the smooth conduct of elections and the timely certification of results, raising fears of post-election chaos and uncertainty.

As a rancher’s wife, Millie exuded confidence as she glided through the grocery store, her elegant demeanor catching the eye of those around her. As she approached the self-checkout, she selected a bottle of wine, a small indulgence to accompany her evening.

However, her peaceful shopping trip took an unexpected turn when the clerk said, “We have to check I.D.s of people buying alcohol if they appear under 30.”

“Well, I am flattered, but I am much older than 30,” Millie said. “I am in my 60s.”

The I.D. checker’s eyes widened in disbelief as he looked at her driver’s license.

She smiled as she left the store, her spirits buoyed by the unexpected compliment. Arriving home, she eagerly shared the incident with her husband of 37 years, reveling in the affirmation of her youthful appearance.

A few days later, Millie treated herself to a visit to the nail salon, hoping to enhance her already impeccable appearance. As she entered, she felt a sense of pride in her stylish winter coat, its design and faux fur trim exuding luxury.

Confidently, she removed her coat and hung it up, expecting admiring glances from the other patrons. Yet, as Millie settled into the spa chair, she noticed something that quickly humbled her.

Attached to the collar of her coat was a bright orange Goodwill tag.

An illegal alien couple, previously deported in 2019, has resurfaced in Northern Nevada.

Keyli Escalante-Enamorado, 21, and Rudy Socop-Domingo, 23, were apprehended during a routine traffic stop in Minden, where authorities uncovered a cache of stolen mail, including personal and business checks totaling over $555,000.

Deputy District Attorney Bethany Towne, representing the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office, expressed concern over the couple’s alleged crimes.

“We are dealing with a case of significant magnitude,” Towne remarked. “The impact of their actions has reverberated across four states, affecting 330 victims, 21 of whom reside right here in Douglas County.”

During their appearance in East Fork Justice Court following their arrest, Towne asked for a higher bail, citing the potential flight risk posed by the couple.

“Their indication of traveling to Los Angeles after their time in Reno raises red flags,” she stated. “We must ensure they remain in custody to face the consequences of their actions.”

Attorney Max Stovall, representing the couple for the bail hearing, pointed to their circumstances in requesting a reasonable bail amount.

“My clients have a 3-month-old child at home,” Stovall emphasized. “Setting bail at $25,000 each would allow them to address their legal matters while ensuring their family remains intact.”

The discovery of nearly 300 pieces of stolen mail and homemade mail fishing devices shed light on the couple’s alleged modus operandi.

“These individuals were engaged in systematic theft and forgery,” said the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO). “Their actions pose a serious threat to the integrity of our community.”

Both Escalante-Enamorado and Socop-Domingo are allegedly in the U.S. illegally.

“We have alerted ICE and requested an immigration hold on the suspects,” the DCSO confirmed. “Furthermore, we have enlisted the assistance of federal agencies to ensure a thorough investigation into this matter.”

The stolen mail and checks were from Storey, Lyon, Carson City, and Washoe Counties, as well as several locations in California.