Day Ten of Journey For Freedom, October 24, 2012

Company on the walk

The morning was well spent discussing the criminal justice system and details of Kerry's case with Melody and her roommate, Janine. They both are voting YES on 34 and are going to read CAGES, because Kerry's trial shows many examples of what can go wrong in these Capital crimes trials.

Well known author, Scott Turrow, (also an ex-prosecutor in Illinois) has added his experience and research to the list of those who realize the Death Penalty has not worked. One major reason is the pressure and rewards that come with a Death Penalty case; easily leading to compromise to get a conviction--and sometimes outright misconduct, as is the case for Kerry and Kevin Cooper.

I never saw the stagecoach

The walk along Sunset Blvd wasn't a long one, but it is so filled with people and sights it was great! I had to return my loaner phone at Tmobile and while there a curious customer asked about my "Yes on 34" button. He wanted to know which proposition it was, because he had not voted yet. It gave me the opportunity to discuss the system. He used to be a paralegal and so had personal feelings about his experience. He was definitely against killing and hopes the system will be reformed. He is voting YES on 34. (He also wished Kerry his best.) 

More Sunset Blvd

I returned to the UPS shop on Sunset to offer the employees I'd met the other day some handouts on prop 34. Sam was working again but the other clerk was not. Sam was kind enough to write a note to Kerry on one of the Free Kerry Lyn cards. "Dear Kerry, I obviously met your sister and she told me about your story and I want you to know I am in your support and I will vote to help you become a free person. Hang in there--Sam O." He also was quite moved and concerned.

Sam helping a customer at the
UPS store, while we were
talking 34 & he signed a post
card to Kerry

Next I met Kevin. He asked why I was walking and our conversation covered his fifteen year old son's current football activities and this involved father's hope for his son to have a happy future. Kevin agrees the system needs much reform. He was very sad to learn my sister was on a Row. He gave me a hug and prayers for Kerry. It was a great day on Sunset Blvd. 

I met Kevin on Sunset Blvd. He sends
prayers to Kerry & the Row residents &
is voting YES on 34

This was the shot I tried before
 Kevin flagged down a volunteer.
 Good thing he did, eh!

At 1:30, the Safe and Just Alternatives campaign was holding a Stakeholder's meeting, so I took a break to call in. I shared the updates on the Journey For Freedom and heard them tell about the many works in action for the Washington State campaign.

The pretty park I started at in Cerritos

Next I headed to Anaheim, to Cerritos to be precise. I walked from a park, where I left my vehicle, through a neighborhood, then down La Palma Ave to the gates of Knottsberry Farm. Many folks were out walking their dogs (it seems Chihuahuas are the top choice in breed in Southern California) and most walkers returned my hellos happily, one asked how I was, and only one gave me a hostile look and said nothing. There were no openings to have a conversation. 

Tonight I'm staying with Mike, Tracy Morgan's brother, in Mission Viejo. I had a late day and arrived here around 7:30 pm, but even after dark I can tell it's a pretty area. Mike gets up for work at 5 am, so I missed him when I remembered to ask for a photo (it's 9:30 pm now). Sorry Tracy...He was wonderful to invite me to stay over, I had my shower and am writing all of you from a comfy bed in his guest room. Thank you Mike, you're a good sport to let a stranger crash in your home unexpectedly! 

This was kinda how I felt last night
after a long day

Peace and love to all of you from all of us! 

Day Nine of Journey For Freedom, October 23, 2012

Pretty good shot considering we took it ourselves

My dear cousin Jason walked beside me today. He came to his sister Melody's apartment last night to visit and walk today, we had a great time, but eleven and a half miles was more than Jason bargained for; he had raw feet by the end--I'm so sorry Jason!

Jason caught blinking!

We walked from south of east L.A. to just north of Compton. Ten am through three pm was filled with conversations of Kerry's case, her life, our lives, the next life, etc. We always talk about it all. Thank you so much, Jason (Bryce), for your company! (He dedicated his blisters to Kerry--she will dedicate some to him when she is free; you can count on it!)

Warning for us to slow down

This evening was spent at the downtown L.A. ACLU office. (Hello to James, Elzia, Miguel, and Clarissa, and thank you!) I was invited to share Kerry's story with the group who showed up to volunteer to phone bank for Prop 34. After training we made calls for an hour and a half. We had a very good results!

I walk because one voice is a start to create change--each and every voice is important.

Tree size cactus

Please remember to speak up and spread compassion and understanding. This most important civil right will be conquered individually, just as each of the 720 people on Death Row in California are unique, so are the folks we hope to reach with our plea to end the killing.

Always remember the goal: A more peaceful world for everyone.

Courtyard at Melody's apartment

California has the opportunity to become a part of the change toward a society that truly wishes to attain peace for all. Let us use our resources to create peace--real, lasting peace will never come out of violence.

In California, part of the new law under Prop 34 provides 100 million added dollars as grants to law enforcement to combat violent crime.

If you would like Judge William Fletcher's (Ninth Circuit Judge) dissent on the Kevin Cooper case, or his concise lecture against the Death Penalty, please request in a comment here.

No facts or practicalities support the Death Penalty. Fear, vengeance and anger are not facts.

We wish you all peace from all of us.

Capital Record Building

My red, sore feet in the car ride after 11.5 miles

Jason rests in a cool Mexican restaurant next
 to a beautiful mural after first 9.5 miles

Day Eight of Journey For Freedom, October 22, 2012

Today began with the drive to Downtown L. A. again, the destination was Loyola Law School. I got lost easily because of all the sights that distract me. I had left a voice message and email with Loyola Law School professor Alexandra Natapoff. I just heard back from her today in an email saying she and her students were all booked up, but she is looking forward to reading CAGES (Ms.                                                                 Natapoff is the author of Snitching). 

Next I parked at Griffith park for more walking. Then I met with Lincoln in Pasadena, an attorney with a law firm that represents those discriminated against, seeking fair treatment and justice. Lincoln is Carol's son; the Carol who proposed the idea of a "walk" for Kerry. It was very good to meet with him, even though we had little time, we filled it with talk of Kerry Lyn's case. Thank you both Lincoln and Carol for your time and concern (sorry I forgot to take photos). Next I headed to West Hollywood to meet up with Melody, who is hosting me tonight. I walked from her apartment building down to Hollywood Blvd and back. When I turned in my dead phone at the UPS store on Hollywood Blvd, the two employees were friendly and curious about my walk and Kerry's case. They were both shocked and saddened for me and my sister. They will definitely vote yes on 34! It was a comforting conversation, but again I forgot to request a photo--I get carried away when people want to hear more--but I did take shots along the walk back and got to meet this beautiful child and mother, who were happy to pose! What a sweetie! 

Tomorrow, I walk towards Longbeach. In the evening I'll be sharing Kerry's case at the downtown ACLU building with volunteers making phone calls to inform folks about Prop 34. I will be volunteering on the phone, also. Wish us luck!

Let us use our resources to create peace--real lasting peace cannot be gained by violence. 

(By the way--I thought my body would be used to walking by now-- but nope...)

Peace and good evening, 

From all of us!

Click on the letter below to read what Kerry wrote to her supporters before the walk.

For all you dog lovers; including Corin, Kerry, & Mary‏

Kerry & I plan on a motorcycle trip when she gets out, you think we can ride this...?‏

Day Seven of Journey for Freedom, October 21st, 2012

Kerry phoned me last evening, we had our 15 minute time limit. She told me the ladies on the Row were watching the news last Monday around 5:30 pm, when she heard them calling out to her (she was in her home) to come see. They were watching channel 47 and caught Fresno's short excerpt of the interview they gave me. It was a real boost to the ladies, she said (and a couple of them hollered hello to me over the phone). 

I walked and visited the Westlake area of L.A. yesterday. I was hoping to find the ACLU office open because I have been leaving messages with a contact there working for prop 34. I spent about 45 minutes in the area, left two more messages, before moving on. At my break, I was reading one of the pamphlets Maria gave me to hand out, 'The Tax Payer's Guide to the California Death Penalty'. It reiterates the conclusion Mark Fuhrman came to in 'Death and Justice', "Ironically, death penalty trials are more prone to error than ordinary criminal trials." Sister Helen Prejean has remarked on the corruption behind those errors and Mr. Fuhrman showed many examples of purposeful misconduct and cover-ups. Mr. Fuhrman was adamantly against the death penalty after his own investigation and presents his reasons eloquently in the last chapter and epilogue of 'Death and Justice'.

Much of the rest of my route had to be changed; one Kerry's daughters joined me and so did my mother. Rosalie could not do the route we planned, so we quickly adjusted to her needs. Christie took mom back to the car and drove her to the L.A. Zoo. I walked the rest of the way and met them. We spent the next 3 hours walking the Zoo (with plenty of opportunities for Rosalie to rest). As we discussed updates on Kerry's case, prop 34, and the rest of my Journey to San Diego. Our mother really wanted to be a part of the Journey and support Kerry. So the Zoo exercise was a perfect way to include her.

Of the 141 persons exonerated from Death Row, the average years lost there is 13--it seems the most common is 18 years long...The only way to make sure no innocents are executed is to abolish the Death Penalty.

Most nations of the world (112) acknowledge the Death Penalty is inhumane. We are among the few who promote violence to stop violence: China, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the US are the top executioners.

Please promote peace,

Victoria

Day Seven of Journey For Freedom, October 21, 2012

Victoria got back to her host home too late and they were all asleep so she couldn't dictate the blog to us. Expect updates tomorrow!

Day Six of Journey For Freedom, October 20th, 2012

Victoria filled this in for day five:

The kids and I mapped out most of the walking before I left, I should have done about 62 miles by now, but I estimate I got about 52 of those. With the phone issues I lost some of the miles on two days, and I'm sorry about no photos on Day Five. The loaner-phone wasn't useful for that.

We had a loop planned out for me on day five. I managed to get off course for a couple of miles--even though my dear friend Charles provided me with an old fashioned compass. I turned right when I was supposed to go left. No Charles, I didn't check the compass because I was SURE I had it right./:
The loaner phone doesn't have GPS...Well, I used the compass all the way back to my car after that! It was eighty-seven degrees and feels much hotter down here.

I stopped at a frozen yogurt shop and bought a cold bottle of water before walking the last three miles back--I poured half of it over my head (-: It worked! I arrived soggy, but without heat stroke. Day five was a nine mile day.

Walking through posh Santa Clarita, the area was filled with busy busy people. Does anyone do just one thing at a time anymore? Walkers were on the phone, or texting, drivers were in a big hurry, shoppers were also on the phone. No one had time for more than a quick "hi", in return to my "hellos"...



Day six--

Today was a twelve mile day and my first blisters arrived, but not to worry, they are manageable and the cosmos granted me a break, 77 degrees and overcast! I loved it.

Valerie and Eddie hosted me last night in their beautiful home and we had wonderful conversations. I understood them to be supportive of prop 34, so we spent most of the discussion on Kerry's case. They were amazed to hear that a person could be tried for a death penalty case when no one had even been declared deceased, where the prosecutor was corrected by the judge and instructed him not to say that there was a victim.

As I walked, for hours along the street, I thought of Kerry and talked to her, sharing the sights and sounds. She would love the stylish boots and brightly colored dresses here (-:

Sometimes I feel alone and rejected by those I see, they often turn away quickly, but mostly I see through Kerry's eyes; all the things she misses and the places she hasn't been to for twenty years. It helps me notice the small things, and to be grateful even for the blisters on my toes, for I am able to walk anywhere I choose.

Valerie's son, Mark, dropped by to visit and sign a post card for Kerry. We all listened to Pam's song, "My Sister's Smile", and departed with hugs and hearts heavy with the reality of this death machine, but also hopeful because every single voice motivated to take action will combine to create change.

You can see I figured out to use the camera on my replacement phone, but I have much more to learn. Please pardon my texts or lack of them, and I can't email yet. But the GPS works, and the cosmos knows how much I need that!

I walked along a stretch of Laurel Canyon Boulevard where many homes displayed their pride of ownership, such as elegant masonry topped with wrought iron fencing: This one had two lions on guard, and two little chihuahuas came running out to yip at me as I took this photo. I knew Mary would like to see them (-:


My cousin Bruce, who I'm staying with this evening, forgot to remind me about the steep hill on the last stretch to his house--that was my destination today. When I arrived, he drove me to pick up my car.









This is the view from the top of the hill--it wasn't so special, I just needed an excuse to catch my breath!

My Italian grandmother was laid to rest here, I didn't realize it was on my route.





Please feel free to send me and the kids a message here at the blog, you can leave a comment, suggestion or encouragement. We'd love to hear from all of you!

Our best blessings to all of you, from Victoria, the kids and Kerry Lyn.


California residents, vote yes on 34. Washington residents, write to your legislators, sign post cards for abolishing the death penalty at PJALS