dangers of legalized cannabis but how backwards thinking still is in Oklahoma.

Earlier this month, the sheriff’s office opened with this: “Nothing to see here in Oklahoma, just another group of illegal aliens. Ten illegals in this group believed to be trafficked and working off their debts to the cartel on marijuana farms here in Oklahoma. Oklahoma already has a larger black market than California. If Oklahoma passes recreation marijuana, hold on to your hats…”

What they’re saying is that these people (and yes, they are still human beings regardless of their country of origin) were forced to come to the state in a form of indentured servitude. They are victims, not criminals, but go off… Cannabis is so popular that even though it’s legalized for adult use in 21 states and all but 13 have a medical program, a black market still exists. Meanwhile, for cardholders, weed here is all but free if you’ve been to a dispensary lately. If there are giant farms trafficking not only cannabis but human beings on your watch then you’re really not much of a watchman. I guess that’s what happens when you spend your time and money on bigoted social media posts instead of the job.

“Murder, human and child trafficking, sex trafficking, home invasion, rape, burglary, robbery and on and on… We are seeing Mexican cartel, Chinese criminal syndicates and other foreign criminal interest move into Oklahoma like never before…Every State is now a Border State, and it’s about to get much, much worse.”

If you’re going to complain about people being here who “don’t speak our language,” then at least use yours competently. There are numerous errors here in fewer than 150 words worth of scare tactics. Maybe the education system wouldn’t have failed those at the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office so badly had there been more funding from, say, legalized cannabis…

Flip flip, hooray!

Whether you like your hot cakes with or without syrup, early in the morning or late at night, there’s surely a flapjack for you. Celebrate National Pancake Day on Feb. 25 by indulging in a breakfast delicacy on this sweet day.

By Tatum Stewart

(405) 602-2883 •3325 N. Classen Blvd. cafekacao.com

Perhaps Oklahoma’s best Latin breakfast joint, Cafe Kacao’s menu is full of savory flavors and spices. If you have a sweet tooth, this brunch hotspot has you covered with pancakes as big as the plate they come on smothered in a creamy leche sauce. The wild berry pancake is a perfect merger between sweet and healthy, with strawberries, blackberries, and a bourbon blackberry sauce drizzled on top.

(405) 848-5050 • 3315 NW Expressway

Beverly’s Pancake House has gone through many facelifts throughout the decades. What we know now is an all-night safe haven with an interior that teleports you back in time with an old school diner feel that comforts you while you eat. On their menu, you’ll find a wide variety of breakfast food including some experimental items. For example, the “pigs in a blanket” pancakes consist of three sausage links wrapped in flapjacks.

(405) 609-8854 • 1704 NW 16th St. shinewithaurora.com

The historic Plaza District is home to Aurora, a made-fromscratch brunch spot. Using local ingredients, they’ve created a menu that features more healthy options. Aurora’s vegan banana nut pancakes are a delicious example. Substituting eggs for bananas, the three stack does not sacrifice in its fluffiness, with the bananas forming a perfect melody when mixed in with maple syrup.

Low overhead = Low prices

Another time-honored OKC breakfast spot. When you enter this Okie classic and sit down at one of the multi-colored tile tables, you’ll be met with a small town feel. Jeff’s menu is filled with breakfast classics and combination meals that’ll keep you full well into the lunch hour. Instead of off-the-wall variations, Jeff’s opts for a more classic approach with a simple but delicious stack of plain, chocolate, or blueberry hotcakes.

Pancakes aren’t always made as sweet treats. Case in point is the Korean pancake, which combines egg batter, wheat flour, rice flour and scallions with spices. Featuring two savory cake options — spicy kimchi veggie or seafood — these pancakes come out crisped to perfection and paired with a soy sauce base.

Minimalistic style is on the rise, and if you’re a part of the brunch group that’s looking for this type of vibe, syrup. is the place for you. The menu, on the other hand, is packed full of brunch favorites with some unique options if you want to take the road less traveled. Try their cinnamon roll pancake, which is a fluffy stack of four infused with cinnamon streusel and drizzled with icing.

Multiple locations • thatsmyjamok.com

Neighborhood JA.M. prides themselves on featuring fresh Oklahomagrown ingredients at their breakfast spots, offering a multitude of hotcake options to calm cravings. If an extravagant stack is what you’re looking for, try the pineapple bourbon cakes, which are topped with caramelized pineapple slices, smothered in an aromatic bourbon-pineapple sauce and completed with a lemon cream swirl. If you’re feeling indecisive, try The Third Wheel, a you-call-it trio of their various styles.