From: JP

Sent: Thursday, October 24, 2002 10:21 AM

To: Gary S. Gevisser

Subject: So now It's "Pypeetoe" that foiled the clumsy assination attempt...

Pepito the pooch foils runaway truck

A man in the path of a runaway cement truck in Del Mar may owe his life to

his dog. Alerted by his pooch, Pepito, the preoccupied pet owner was able to

grab the dog and jump out of the way as the truck barreled toward the

Americana cafe Monday morning.

After the truck lost its brakes coming down the 15th Street grade, the

driver began honking and bumping against a median in an attempt to slow

down. The light turned green as he reached the town's main street, Camino

del Mar. The driver tried to turn the truck, but it fishtailed, flipped and

slid through the intersection.

The truck came to rest about four feet short of the Americana cafe's outdoor

tables, reports relieved restaurant manager Carrie Rosenberger. On the way,

it wiped out a bike rack, trash can and sidewalk pole. Wet cement gushed

from the truck, engulfing a restaurant customer.

It was a miracle that no one was seriously injured, Rosenberger says. The

driver and customer were taken to a hospital for a medical check.

Also good news: Pepito's owner came back Tuesday evening for dinner.