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Diary of A Raider Fan, Oakland, CA (2026)

09/29/2020

DAY 19 09.28.2020

Dear Snake Lovers,

Back in 2009 my good friend Raidercast Dave put me in connection with Angela Biletnikoff to photograph their annual golf classic. The day before the golf event there was a Grid Iron Greats autograph session. Angela asked me to photograph all the former athletes as they had lunch before the signing. I was nervous so I asked, "Will they be upset if I photograph them while eating?" I didn't want to be that rude photographer. She assured me that they would be ok with it as they were used to it.

So there I was waiting for the lunch to begin as legends (at least in my book) began to walk in. I was in awe as I saw Darryl Lamonica, Jack Tatum, Fred Biletnikoff, BO JACKSON, Rod Martin, Clem Daniels, Raymond Chester, Phil Villapiano and more. But even though I love me some Bo Jackson there was one that stood out the most to me... Kenny "The Snake" Stabler.

I did my best to be as discreet as possible. "Don't go full fangirl right now Candy," I kept telling myself. I couldn't help but notice Stabler looking my way a few times and he didn't look happy (see the photo). I thought to myself I am totally invading their privacy. I took a break and went and stood at a distance near the restrooms.

All of a sudden I saw Mr. Stabler walking my way. I thought oh no he is going to tell me off or something. He stops with a stern look on his face and says, "Nice jersey!" I felt my inner Raider wither down as I had on a Gannon jersey and didn't want to offend Mr. Stabler. I thought "I'll just keep my back to the wall and he won't notice" but before I he walked off he said and I quote, "I bet it's a fu***ng Gannon jersey!" I was mortified, speechless as time seemed to go in slow motion as he walked off. I offended Mr. Stabler. I was devastated. I just wanted to crawl in a hole and hide lol.

A few minutes later he comes back out with a huge smile on his face and says, "Don't take me seriously. I was just giving you a hard time Sweetheart." Whew!! I said, "I'm sorry Mr. Stabler. I do have your jersey, but it's autographed and I don't want to wear it out of fear it will get damaged." He gave me a hug and asked my name. I was so relieved he was just giving me a hard time. Before he walked off I said, "By the light of the jukebox." He gave me a wink and went back to his table.

The next day at the golf event I saw him again before the tournament started. I didn't expect him to remember my name or anything. I was taking candid photos of everyone and as I got closer to him he was talking with Lamonica. He saw me and said, "There's my friend Candy. Come on over." He said he was glad to see me there and introduced me to Mr. Lamonica. I told him I was working, but asked if it would be ok to get a photo with them both. He said, "Of course!". I will treasure that photo and memory forever. May Mr. Stabler and all the greats we have lost continue to study "by the light of the jukebox" in heaven. Long live the Snake!

🖤 Candy

09/25/2020

DAY 15 | 09.24.2020

Dear Raiderfans.net,

I miss you so much! I have met so many people and made lifelong friends because of your existence.

I remember before I found you I was on a forum on Raiders.com. I had wanted to find a place to chat about football and our Raiders. All I got from that forum were side messages asking me "a/l/s". I had no idea what the hell that meant so I asked the guy who sent it to me. He said, "Age, location, status." I was annoyed. I wasn't there to hookup and apparently some of the guts didn't think women could discuss football. 🙄 Later fuggers.

Then one day I came across Raiderfans.net and from the first day I signed up I knew I found my people! This was before the myspace days. It was a large tight knit Raider family. My handle on there was Candygirl73.

Every year there would be a designated game in Oakland to have a RFNet tailgate. Members came from all over....SoCal, other states, even out of the country. Thank you Arlo and Spider for always hosting.

The site continued to grow and grow.I had eventually became a moderator on there. I believe there was over 15,000 members. It even had a magazine at one point. Then one day fb came along and changed the forum world forever.

Thanks Bob for making such a great place for Raider fans to connect. You put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into that site and created a Raider family that still connect today. I wouldn't be mad if it suddenly reappeared (hint hint) lol.

🖤 Candy

P.S. If you were a part of RFNet put your handle in the comments. Too many people for me to tag lol

@ Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum

09/24/2020

DAY 14 | 09.23.2020

Dear Jordan,

I thought about you the other day as I was going through my photos. I never met you but I took a photo of you at the 2016 game. I didn't know you were ill. I just remember scanning the crowd for a good photo to take and there you were!

You reminded me of a younger version of our Raider logo. It was starting to rain (which always made good KC match ups) and I thought this is so RAIDER! If that makes any sense?

I posted your photo and sometime later your father posted on it and said you had passed way. 😢 I am positive you fought so bravely. I was sad, but happy to have taken that photo so your family could enjoy it. What was even more interesting was that I realized your father lived in the same town as I do, Turlock! I don't know if you did as well, but funny how connected things are at times.

You now have the best seat in the house with many legends. I hope you are seated next to Mr. Al Davis each game day. Cancer sucks!

🖤 Candy

09/23/2020

DAY 13 | 09.22.2020

Dear Photo Masters of The Field,

I shouldn't even be in your league! I don't know how many photos people have sent me or I found of myself not in the mix while major s**t was taking place around me...especially in the endzone. Lol
But there you all are behind me handling business as I stare off into the Raider universe.

I guess the fan in me would sometimes outweigh the photographer in me and I would just stop clickin' and take in the moment. Like.....am I really here??? How could a short homie from Turlock be out on a field that has been blessed by legends... Al Davis, Otto, Tatum, Stabler, Matuszak, Upshaw, Biletnikoff, Flores, Madden, Old Man Willie...the list goes on and on. Thank you Raider gods, thank you.

Time goes by faster than you know, so ALWAYS take a little time to take in the moment. 📷😉

🖤 Candy
*Not sure who took this photo or what game it was lol Not even sure who is jumping in the Hole 🤷‍♀️

09/22/2020

DAY 12 | 09.21.2020

Dear Tailgate Fam,

Today was an extremely hard day for me knowing for the first time in 17 years I wasn't going to be packing up, gasing up and heading to Oaktown to tailgate with all of you, my tailgate crew. You were the first ones to welcome me to my first Raider game ever in Oakland and the last one. I couldn't help but think about you guys all day long.

Like clockwork, every Raider Sunday, Monday or Thursday we would meet up at the same location on A Street and then Marina. We would caravan in together keeping bumper to bumper so not to break our Raider "chain" as we entered Lot D.

We had our tailgate Mama Rachel. Our quesadilla specialist Art. Our grill masters Carlos, Sergio, Vince and my Art. Eddie would bring us something delicious his mom would send. Joe would bring us his cool Raider creations he would weld. I miss walking up behind Nena and watching whatever early game she was watching over her shoulder. Our kids would take off to the end of the row and throw a football around and make new friends with other kids from Raiderland lol. We even had our own "Mayor" Becky and her family. And about an hour into our tailgating festivities our So-Cal family would make their way to where we were. We rolled deep.

I was very blessed to be able to photograph the team I love, but I would take my tailgate family and Raiders in Oakland over that any day. My tailgate family literally watched me go from sneaking in my lenses to photograph games from my seats to becoming a field photographer. TRUTH.

For most of us it was more than just going to see our Raiders. We were family. We have literally watched each other's kids grow up. We have watched some of them get married and have their own kids. We have even lost one of our own...Hector.

So please know my tailgate fam that I thank you for welcoming me and mine to your group years ago and for the bond we will forever share. I hope you know I love you all so much and miss you guys already. For me, there will never be another tailgate crew except ours. Ours will ALWAYS be the best. Long live our LOT D tailgate crew and Oakland Raiders forever.

🖤 Candy
**Photo from 2018's last season game when we thought it was the end but it wasn't lol

@ Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum

09/21/2020

Sorry I missed day 9 & 10. I haven't been feeling well.

DAY 11 09.20.2020

Dear Mr. CHP Officer,

On October 22, 2006, I may or may not have been going 85 mph on the I-5 headed to Oakland to see the . I was with my sister-in-law Martha and kids, Briana and Art.

As a car went flying past me, I looked in my rear view mirror and saw your lights. I said, "I'm about to get pulled over." I got my license, registration and proof of insurance ready as you approached my window. You stated that I had been going 90 mph and I began to argue that I may or may not have been going 85 when I realized I would just take traffic school as I had an excellent driving record. So I said something like, "Okay great! Can you hurry and write my ticket? I'm trying to get to John Madden." You said, "Sure" with a smile and walked off. You returned with my ticket quickly as promised Sir and went on your way.

I turned and looked at Martha who stared at me in complete shock. 😳 She said something like, "I can't believe you just said that to that cop!" *Shrugs* I had to get to John Madden.

After all these years I want to thank you for being quick and understanding even though I was dying deep down in my soul as I had an impeccable driving record. The reason I needed to hurry was I was on my way to the Oakland Coliseum to see the Great John Madden receive his HOF ring and maybe get a photo of him as the festivities were going to take place pregame. I know it may sound crazy, but it's true.

That day Andrew Walter and the Raiders beat the Cardinals 22-9. It ended up being a great day. I took traffic school and the ticket did not reflect on my record. I do apologize that I may or may not have been driving 85 mph. 😬

🖤 Candy

09/18/2020

DAY 8| 09.17.2020

Dear Mr. Woodson,

Congratulations on your very deserving HOF nomination! I am positive you will make it your first year nominated. I just might have to make my first trip to Canton next year.

You've been one of my favorite players and I remember how sad I was when you left for Greenbay. I am glad you got a ring though.

I was super excited when you came back to Oakland to play and I was a field photographer. See the photo of us twinning on the very last game in Oakland.

Thanks for always being classy and humble. I can't wait to see you get that gold jacket! Forever Oakland's Raider 🏴‍☠️

🖤 Candy
📷: Michael James

09/17/2020

DAY 7 | 09.16.2020

Dear Football Legends,

One evening after training camp my sis-n-law and I were in a restaurant in the Marriott. It was around 9 pm. She was excited for the fact was there. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a white sweatsuit walk by.
I immediately went to the hallway and there was Mr. Davis and his bodyguard. All the things I would ever imagine I would say or ask Mr. Davis if I ever saw him that close DID NOT COME OUT OF MY MOUTH LOL He was slowly walking down the hall with a walker. He had that famous "AL" gold bracelet on and the first thing I blurted out was.."I love you Mr. Davis!" WHAT HAD I DONE? WHY DID I SAY THAT OF ALL THINGS?? WHY HAD MY MOUTH FORSAKEN ME?? LOL

He paused...utoh I thought lol He slowly tried to turn towards me but really didn't have the strength as I stood frozen in horror from what I had blurted out. He paused for what seemed to be a lifetime (about 5 seconds 😂) and slowly turned back and continued down the hallway. I contemplated whether I should have moved into his view,but was worried I had disturbed him. I stood there until he was out of the hallway. He was on his way for what I guessed to be a late dinner with his son.

As I stood there feeling foolish my feelings slowly changed.....he stopped and acknowledged me!! I may never know what he was thinking or turning around to say (might be a good thing lol) but Mr. Davis acknowledged me!
I tell that story every chance I get lol. I stopped photographing him in his last years out of respect. The Al Davis I will always picture is of him in his Starters jacket with his hair slicked back....reminds me of my Grandpa.

🖤 Candy

09/16/2020

DAY 6 | 09.15.2020

Dear Raider Universe,

I was thinking about all of the people you have brought into my life over the years. Many from games, some from Raider groups online. I have met some truly amazing people who are family for life.

I can't pin point the first time I met Mz. Feisty. All I know is that we clicked immediately and have been friends ever since. I don't think a week passes by where we don't chat and/or talk s**t 😝

I'm sure going to miss seeing her flip off the opposing team, refs...damn even other fans, Raiders included. 😂

I'm sorry for the mushiness and lack of a story. I guess I'm just missing my friends. If you have a chance give her a follow and

🖤 Candy
📷: Not sure 🤷‍♀️

09/15/2020

DAY 5 | 09.14.2020

Dear Prayer Warriors,

Today I was going through photos and came across this one of my sister-in-law Martha, my friend Becca, myself and Ricky of the famous Oakland Raider hang out Ricky's. I can't remember the year off hand, but I know Tina, his wife, took the photo.

Many know Ricky hasn't been doing well healthwise for the past year or so. The last time I saw him he was not the same Ricky. Time and aging is a blessing, but also cruel at times.

I've also heard
has been hit pretty hard financially due to the pandemic. I believe there was a Go Fund Me set up and if it's still there I will try to get the link and post it in the comments or in my bio.

Ricky and his place are a part of the silver n' black. Many of us have great memories because of him and the bar. If you could take a brief moment to say a little prayer that would be great.

🙏🏼 Candy

09/14/2020

DAY 4 | 09.13.2020

Dear CAAAAAMMM,

The Raiders beat the Panthers today! The last time the Raiders played and claimed victory against Carolina was on November 27, 2016. The Raiders were still in Oakland and you were the starting quarterback for the Panthers.

For a photographer, your energy is one of the best things to capture through the lens. You came out during the pregame warm ups pumped up and dancing. I know that Oakland air got you hella hyphy and you couldn't help yourself. You spent the whole time dancing and showin' out for the crowd. They enjoyed it and I photographed it!

Anyhow, after the game I decided to go to your PC even though the Raiders won. Why? Because I anticipated the energy you would give, but most of all the over-the-top yet on point suit you grace the football world with after every game. "I'm going to Cam's PC because he never disappoints," I told one of my fellow field photographers. He looked at me like, "Are you serious the Raiders just won?", but then he joined me because he probably knew Cam was the truth when it came to the 'fit.

Imagine my dismay when you came out dressed like a basic Cleveland Browns businessman!! I missed the Oakland PC where Mack probably discussed his pick six on you for this??? Thank you for that pick six though. I was one of only a few who stayed down in the Raiders end zone and captured that beauty (another one for later).

Anyhow, back to the threads, maaaan come on man. I know you were not there to please my photographer eyes with your fashion, but you were coming to the Town! Did your assistant not know about the City of O? I was imagining you stepping up to the podium with some pimp juice and Superfly vibes.

All good though Cam. I still enjoyed your PC even though you pretended that you never heard of "The Black Hole" before yet you went right up to it during pregame.

Caaam oooooh Caaam best of luck to you in your new home. Sorry it's the Patsies though.

🖤 Candy

📽

09/13/2020

DAY 3 | 09.12.2020

Dear NY Jets,

How many more days until the Raiders play? THIS MANY!!! LOL

This was the very first game I ever shot at field level. It was the Jets vs the Raiders in 2011. I was so excited and nervous to be on the field. What do I take a photo of first? I didn't know the pregame schedule and routine. I was here, there and everywhere, but I was thankful that my dream had come true. Thank you Blackhole Rob....much love and respect!

As I was walking by the stands I decided to take a few photos of different fans. I came upon this father and son duo. The father was trying to get his son to show "We are #1" for the photo, but this young Raider had another message to convey "F your team!" to the Jets. Lol just kidding. I guess he couldn't get the right finger up.

The funny thing is I didn't even realize he was giving the bird until I got home and went through my photos. I showed the hubby and he was like, "Hey, I know that guy. He's from Turlock." Coincidence or the work of the Raiders gods????

I still see Juan Franco (the father) at his place of employment occasionally. I haven't seen his son though, but it would be classic to get together and reenact the photo. 🖕🙂😊☝️ 📷😉 lol

🖤 Candy
2011

Diary of A Raider Fan

09/29/2020

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