(Below from Left to Right: Gene Meregillano (MUFON), Earl Grey Anderson (MUFON), Steven Bassett (activist, Paradigm Research Group), C.J. Arabia (MUFON), Mike Riso (MUFON)
As the weeks pass, I think we’re all missing Earl more and more. He was a daily source of love, comfort and inspiration to so many friends and colleagues. I can’t tell you how many people have told me they spoke to Earl regularly. He was a big part of a lot of our lives. He was a man on a mission. It’s with this kind of awareness that those of us left here at SoCal MUFON are picking up the torch and taking the steps needed to ensure that MUFON and Earl’s mission continues forward. Earl loved MUFON. Earl was proud of his work and position at MUFON. Just look at his FB page. His profile picture is of him standing so proud in his MUFON gear. Earl loved people, he knew UFOs are real, he knew people are having contact with the occupants of these craft to varying degrees and he loved helping people any way he could.
Many members and supporters have been asking what’s going to happen with Southern California MUFON? Will we still have meetings? When will they happen? Who is in charge now? What’s going on? How can I find out what’s happening? Is there an email list? How do I get it on it?
If you’ve ever been to a SoCal MUFON meeting in person you know Gene Meregillano who was our Chief Investigator. Gene would always get the meeting started with a little wit, charm, a giggle and then statistics, news and information… Gene is now our SoCal MUFON State Director. Gene has been a vital part of the Southern California MUFON team for many years. He joined MUFON in 2018, became a Field Investigator in 2020 and worked closely with Earl Grey Anderson since then. Long time and cherished team leader Linda Flechtner is continuing in her position as Southern California’s Assistant State Director. Mike Riso who is one of our State Section Directors has joined the leadership team helping Gene & Linda carry Earl and MUFON’s mission forward. I (C.J. Arabia) was made Chief Investigator to replace Gene. Together the 4 of us along with a dedicated team of Southern California MUFON Field Investigators who were hand picked, trained and mentored by Earl Grey Anderson are continuing Earl’s legacy, guiding SoCal MUFON into the future.
This blog was a place for Earl to write about his most interesting cases and now you’re going to hear from other members of the team. Many of our gifted and talented Field Investigators and ERT (Experiencer Resource Team) members will soon be contributing articles to the SoCal MUFON website along with our new State Director and other team members.
Also YES, we are planning to resume in-person meetings in the fall. Earl loved his in-person MUFON meetings and cherished the times spent rubbing elbows with our special guests, Field Investigators, and loyal members sharing stories and laughter over flights of margaritas and heaps of guacamole and so did the rest of us. We are not sure if those meetings will be at the West Valley Music Center as they have been in the past, or at a new venue, but we are doing some research into where the best location would be, open to ideas and suggestions and will keep you informed as to what is decided. We will also be posting information here and on our social media pages when we have a firm date and a location for our next in-person meeting, so be sure to follow us on social media and check back here on our website soon.
And finally… If anyone out there is feeling lonely or having trouble grieving Earl’s sudden death, please don’t hesitate to reach out. He was a big part of a lot of people’s lives. I know he spoke to a lot of people regularly. There are amazing resources out there like WeSpark in Sherman Oaks. After my mom died of cancer my sister and I went to WeSpark and I got reiki, made bracelets and we just hung out and talked with other people who also had loved ones with cancer living or diseased. Since 2001, WeSPARK provides free programs and services for cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones. WeSPARK is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. There is no cost to you at WeSpark. And there are places all over the country like WeSpark. There’s also Gilda’s Club with 200 locations. You don’t have to be a blood relative. Just contact them and they will send you a form to fill out. Also feel free to send me personally an email at mufoncj @ gmail . com (just delete the spaces). You’re not alone.
