East County Observer readers have last word on April Fools

In last week's column, I had my final say on our April Fools' issue and how I believe that our readers overwhelmingly enjoy that particular paper.

I did ask our readers, on either side of the "That's hilarious" or "You all are stupid" argument, to send me comments.

And they did.

So here is a sampling of you, our readers, final say (We don't want to be talking about this in May). Please note that I used a sampling of the positive comments, along with the only negative comment in response to my column.

From Nancy Evenden: "Tell the people who aren't amused at your talented April Fools articles to take a hike, or a water taxi out to eat the black bellied whistling duck tacos. I love it every year and you always catch me off guard!  We live in the Meadows, but always pick up the Observer at Detwilers on Lockwood Ridge and University — and I actually make a special trip on Wednesdays to get it.  

My sister and her husband are snow birds for the last five or six years in Lakewood Ranch and they use White Eagle Boulevard. She told me after reading the article about the nine-inch calming strips, she told her husband, 'That's it, we're out of here.' She's kind of been disgruntled because of all the blowing dirt from all the new neighborhoods as she rides her bike and runs (she's a long-time triathlete in her 70s) and that was her final straw. I scanned over the trash cans story, and I thought it was a little strange that the old, large jumbo containers would be used for the birds (wouldn't it be too hot for them?) but just brushed it off by thinking of the little trash cans and that it served (the residents) right for all the complaining that's been done. A dear friend and an amazing lady — a rancher in Colorado who lived to be 103 and died three years ago on April 1, told a joke every day. What a kick in the pants she died on April 1. I talked to a lot of her family yesterday, reminiscing while speaking of your April Fools 'Gotcha' articles! I've emailed you before, but I wanted to tell you that you always provide a lot of fun on April 1, once I figure everything out.  

From Lin Blackwell: "Oh, that was absolutely hilarious! We’re here in the winter from Ohio. I read the Observer last week, and I have to admit — You got me! I loved all the stories, especially the ones about the garbage cans, the taco boat, and so many others. It must have been a blast creating those. It wasn’t until Page 4 that I realized I had been had. Since we’re not here full-time, I figured those stories must have been some of the most talked-about concerns in Lakewood Ranch and the surrounding areas.I have to admit, the garbage can story was the one that really hooked me, knowing that we had just changed from two days to one day a week pick-up. I told everyone about this April Fools’ Day fun. Please keep it up so we can still see people have a sense of humor.

From Becky Romich: "I want you to know that I am grossly offended by your April 1 edition of the East County Observer — April Fools! I look forward to this edition every year. I have shared them with my friends. I live in Palm Aire Country Club and the East County Observer is delivered to our club every Wednesday. I enjoy your paper."

From Jim Emanuelson: "I just wanted to send a quick note of appreciation for this year’s April Fool’s edition. The humor and creativity you bring to it each year always give me a good laugh, and it’s become something I genuinely look forward to, even when I get 'caught.' I know these kinds of playful editions can sometimes ruffle a few feathers, but I believe the lighthearted spirit behind it shines through. In a world that can feel a bit too serious, it’s refreshing to have a local tradition that reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously. Thanks for keeping the tradition going and for putting in the extra effort to make it fun."

From Barbara Wize: "Jay, I personally loved your 'Gotcha!' and so did many of my friends and family. With all the negativity in the news, it was great fun to have a gotcha laugh. I thought how much fun it would have been to be in the room when you were deciding which subjects would get 'Oh! this can’t be happening or can this be true?' Thanks for the smile that is on my face every time I think of your GOTCHAS!                                 

From Mary-Frances Adamson: I thank you for your humor! All the naysayers apparently want a free newspaper delivered with political news. Nope. I visit my dad and when I'm here I look forward to the April Fools Day edition. People need to be kinder and take a joke when they read them. I loved that big trucks needed to be hidden in containers (2025 April Fools). If you are still employed (I noted in my April 2 column that one reader wrote, 'Whoever thought of this should be fired or resign'), keep up the good work and let the naysayers not read the local, free newspaper."

From Bruce Lerner: "I rarely write in to newspapers, but having just read your column in the April 2 edition I have to thank you and the paper for the April Fools stories and at the same time — Whatever happened to a sense of humor in this country? I enthusiastically read the Barbie Bins story and was totally hooked at first. That joke gave me a great laugh. Please keep up this type of once-in-a-blue-moon humor. Unfortunately, our country has become so divided (and I will leave politics out of this) that many of us have lost the ability to laugh and even laugh at ourselves. Good work."

From Elaine Herman: "I have enjoyed, laughed and gotten caught for years in your April Fools edition! In these days of uncertainty and strife, it is such a breath of fresh air to read such a creative and humorous edition. Thank you and please keep it going."

And the negative:

From anonymous: "Sorry to say, you lost a reader and several others that I am aware of by your "happy time B.S." Hope you had a great laugh."