Luis Javier Rodriguez

Thousands upon thousands of people have already traversed through the International Book Fair in Guadalajara, Mexico. Students and the public are allowed free entrance in the evening, while most of the day has been for professionals, librarians, book buyers, teachers, etc. Many of the presentations are in the evening, so uniformed (and ununiformed) young people are crowding into the salons and halls. The talk and reading with Mexican poet Jose Emilio Pacheco last night included hundreds of young people in the Juan Rulfo Auditorium. Young people also overflowed the relatively small salon for the "Homenage to Charles Bukowsky," surprising many who were not aware how big the work of Bukowsky was in Mexico. In the morning, Trini and I made the rounds among US librarians who came for a couple of days to order books. They stayed at one hotel not far from ours, and we passed flyers on Tia Chucha Press (with info on Tia Chuchas Centro Cultural on the back), and another flyer with information on most of my books in poetry, fiction, childrens literature, and nonfiction. Our friend Oralia Garza Cortes of Texas was gracious to introduce us to many members of the American Library Assocation as well as the Latino librarians of the "Reforma" group. I took part in my first presentation two nights ago when the University of Guadalajara presented their literary magazine, Luvina, that published many Los Angeles writers in translation. That evening we had a great dinner at Kamilos 333, a restaurant in the outskirts of the city that had a great dish, carne en su jugo, a specialty in Guadalajara. We also had a great lunch with Bobby and Johnny Byrd of Cinco Puntos Press, a mariscos placed called "Los Carnales." Yesterday, I also took part in a panel with Ruben Martinez, Tom Rayner, and J. Michael Walker on nonfiction writing about Los Angeles that had a large audience and good discussion. I was glad that the class nature of LA society was brought up, a subject usually glossed over whenever the citys social and economic make up is brought up. In the evening, I ended up at the first Encuentro Chicano (Chicano Encounter) panel that focused on the visual arts. My co-organizer of the lowrider show here in Guadalajara, Denise Sandoval, showed a slide show of the history of lowriding and the impact of Chicanos as creators of this culture. There was also a slide show of past and present public art and graffiti by Sandra De La Loza, and a slide show on East LAs punk scene in the 1970s by Pilar Thompkins. Tonight I will be on the panel for Encuentro Chicano II, which will emphasize the written word and theater. I have also been doing a number of newspaper and radio interviews, with two more appointments slated for today. There is deep interest, I feel, among some media here in Mexico on the Chicano presence of writers at the book fair--including Marisela Norte, Ruben Martinez, Maria Amparo Escandon, Salvador Plascencia, Michael Jaime Becerra, among others (of course, other Latinos are also represented as well as white writers). Chicanos now have a growing population in Guadalajara due largely to deportations from the US. The lowrider show also evoked a lowrider club from Guadalajara, mostly made up of former LA people, to bring a few of their cars and bikes to the book fair to meet with the owners of the lowriders we brought to the book fair. I also saw my old friend Paul Beatty, one of the few African Americans writers present (this is a glaring problem, I feel). Sixteen years ago, Paul and I were part of a delegation of US writers in the first "Slam Poetry" tour of Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands (we actually did not slam, but that was how it was promoted). It was great to catch up with Paul and share information about our current works. I also had a nice talk with Marisela Norte (we go back more than thirty years when we were part of the LA Latino Writers Association) and with Juan Pacheco, an important Chicano photographer who has done photography workshops with community members at Tia Chuchas Centro Cultural. Juan is also a cousin to Raul Velasco of Ozomotli. I also got to briefly talk to LA writers such as Aimee Bender and Suzanne Lummis. One interesting aspect of the LA Pavilion is a large digital wall with the names of LA-based writers. My name appears next to people like John Fante, Charles Bukowsky, T.C. Boyle, James Ellroy, Raymond Chandler, Ray Bradbury, and others whose works I read growing up into this writers life. c/s

Guadalajara, Mexico has the largest book festival in the Western Hemisphere, and the second largest in the world. I've often heard the statement that Mexicans don't read. This is the assumed reason why no chain bookstores in the US will build stores in the heart of the barrio. A developer friend of mine tried to bring a Barnes & Noble into the Northeast San Fernando Valley, the community with more Mexicans and other Latinos than any other after East LA. They said they wouldn't touch this area with a ten-foot pole. The vast LA Eastside, with millions of potential readers, only has a Borders Bookstore in the outskirts of the main barrio, in Pico Rivera. I have a short story collection, "The Republic of East LA," published by HarperCollins/Rayo Books, which cannot be found in East LA. But the International Book Fair in Guadalajara is proof that books are still vital, as well as for Mexicans. That the word in all its myriad forms are extremely significant. I've been to many book festivals over the years--various Book Expos, and in cities like LA, New York, Chicago, San Antonio, Miami, and others. I've read and held court in book fairs in Mexico City and Venezuela. The Guadalajara book fair is the largest by far. The hit of this particular book fair, however, are the lowrider cars and bikes exhibit that Tia Chucha's Centro Cultural organized, with funds from the LA City Department of Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts (co-ordinated for Tia Chucha's by Chicano Studies professor, Denise Sandoval). Yesterday, LA's Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa spoke and inaugurated the LA Pavilion--LA City is this year's honored quest. The Pavilion holds one of the lowrider cars and two bikes (the other lowrider car is at the main entrance to the Expo). It also holds hundreds of LA-based nonprofit presses, including our very own, Tia Chucha Press. Trini is here to help move these and other books--she's good at this having done this for eight years at Tia Chucha's bookstore. I have four panels to do during the coming week, my first one is the presentation of the Luvina magazine, which features LA writers in Spanish and English. I'll talk about the experience of being an LA writer, of course from a Chicano perspective. This morning I had breakfast with Salvador Acosta Romero, who has organized a Chicano Encuentro (encounter) at the book fair--these are set for December 1 and 2. With Trini and I was Salvador's wife as well as the LA theater director/movie director Jose Luis Valenzuela. We're enjoying ourselves immensely. c/s/

Trini and I arrived at Guadalajara, Mexico yesterday. The day was nice, in the 70s, and we were greeted by staff members of the FIL (Feria Internacional del Libro)--the largest Spanish-language book festival in the world. More than a half-million people are expected to visit the FIL, which officially begins on Saturday, November 28, and ends on December 6. Trini is here to sell Tia Chucha Press books, hundreds of them, which the National Endowment for the Arts and the LA City Department of Cultural Affairs have brought to the fair, along with many other great LA-based nonprofit presses. I came as one of the organizers of a lowrider exhibit through Tia Chucha´s Centro Cultural. I predict the cars will be the hit of the LA Pavilion, which was set up to honor the City of Los Angeles this year. We have two amazing lowrider cars and two lowrider bicycles. The co-coordinator of the exhibit is Denise Sandoval, a Chicano Studies professor from California State University, Northridge. She also co-directed a 10-minute video on the history of Los Angeles lowriding, with photos and video from Estevan Oriol, the famous Chicano photographer and director. I will also be part of an Encuentro Chicano to speak and Chicano culture and its impact on the arts, culture and literature of LA. And I´ll be on two panels for Los Angeles City on writing. In addition, I´m speaking at a reception for Luvina magazine, featuring writings f.rom LA-based authors. Today, Trini and I--along with Denise, Estevan, and Estevan´s father, Heriberto--walked for miles (and took buses, taxis, and the Metro train) to downtown Guadalajara. We saw the main cathedral as well as the Jose Clemente Orozco murals at the government offices there. I was flabbergasted at the Orozco paintings, some of the most famous murals in the world. What a treat this was! Today we also shared a turkey dinner with many of the invited LA guests, sponsored by the DCA and NEA. In a few days, we expect such luminaries as Ozomotli, Los Lobos, Cheeh Marin, Ruben Martinez, Yxta Maya Murray, Marisela Norte, Poncho Sanchez, Ray Bradbury, and many more, to make their way to Guadalajara. All of them have shows, readings and panels during the book fair. There will also be art exhibits, dance, theater, and a movie series with LA-based movies ("Blade Runner," "LA Confidential," "Born in East LA," "The Lords of Dogtown," and many more). Tomorrow, we plan to help finish the final setup for the lowrider cars and bikes. I´ll send latest developments during our fourteen day stay in this great Mexican city. c/s

I just returned from speaking at Merrill College of the University of California, Santa Cruz. My public event had more than 400 people in attendance. This talk came as students protested the recent 32 percent increase in tuition. Protests are going on around the state. I support the students, and the many professors and administrators who have also decried the tuition hike. I also denounce the use of police—in UC Berkeley and other campuses there was violence and beatings—to go after the students. This is uncalled for. The UC system needs an ongoing statewide dialogue with students that will work to keep students in the system, but to also help the coming generations make it to college. Most of these hikes will hurt the poorest communities, which have little or no resources to meet the tuition increases. Eventually there will be no students from poor areas, the very people who must now be given the means, knowledge, and connections to help rise above the disparites. Yes, the state of California is on the verge of bankruptcy. But the higher education needs of our young people should not be sacrificed due to the vagaries of the capitalist system and a state government that has betrayed the public trust. There are still billions of dollars in our massive prison system—the largest state prison system in the country. The vast majority of prisoners are behind bars due to drugs and nonviolent crimes. They should be released in imaginative and effective alternative sentencing structures—including home monitoring, reentry housing, real community services including re-training, and restorative justice. Real drug and alcohol treatment should be available to all who need it. And any remaining prisoners should be given proper rehabilitation, healing, and education. I also advocate the state legalize marijuana—which is now the number one cash crop in California. Marijuana in turn could be taxed, bringing in billions of revenues. We also need to remove the stranglehold of the two-thirds majority rule in the legislature that gives the minority party (in this case the Republicans) the actual power to move or not move legislation. This is “minority” rule and it has been used against taxing corporations and the wealthiest community, against social services, and for more prison building. The UC students at the Merrill College Cultural Center were spirited and engaged during my talk. A long line of students stood up at the public mic to ask questions. Afterwards I had many students lined up who wanted me to sign their books. I trust these youth are capable of shaping the state into the abundant, equitable and just place it can be. The current leaders have abandoned our essential values and needs. We can do better—we deserve better. Tomorrow, my wife Trini and I go to Mexico to take part in the largest Spanish-language book fair in the world—the International Book Fair of Guadalajara. Tia Chucha’s Centro Cultural is coordinating, along with California State University at Northridge professor Denise Sandoval, a lowrider show of two cars and two bikes for the LA Pavilion called “La Vida Lowrider—Cruising the City of Angels.” Featured are “Orgullo Mexicano” and “Twilight Zone” show cars, amazing examples of the art form and lifestyle called Lowriding. The owners of these cars and bikes—Alejandro Vega, Mike Lopez, and Roger McGraw—will also be on hand. And an original film by Estevan Oriol and Denise Sandoval will be shown next to the cars and bikes during the two weeks of the book fair. In addition, Trini and I will be at the Small Press area selling hundreds of Tia Chucha Press books, this being our 20th anniversary. And I’ll be on panels as part of the book fair honoring the City of Los Angeles, and in an “Encuentro Chicano” with other Chicano writers such as Ruben Martinez, Marisela Norte, and Michael Jaime-Becerra. Other acts include Los Lobos, Cheech Marin, and various other writers, museums, dance groups, theater, filmmakers, and more. c/s

I was fortunate to return to one of my old neighborhoods. I resided briefly in Highland Park on Avenue 57 in my late 20s with a girlfriend and her daughter. It was the first house I ever owned. The place overlooked Franklin High School (I’ve spoken there since then). This time, on October 27, I was at a youth center in the day speaking to middle and high school aged youth. I also read poetry later that evening at the Arroyo Seco Regional Library as part of the “Word Thirst” readings, organized by my friend Rafael Alvarado and Erika Montenegro. We had a large audience that included youth from the local community as well as students from El Monte, CA. Also reading were young poets Erika Ayon and Xochitl-Julisa Berme, who rocked the house. I was able to hang with a couple of old friends as well. The next day, I was a panelist for a celebration of Latino Heritage Month at the LA Times Chandler Auditorium. Hundreds of students from various LA-area schools were in attendance to honor winners of a creative writing contest. Fellow panelists included my old friend Abel Salas, of Brooklyn & Boyle magazine (and gallery) as well as Jose Mayorquin of ABC-TV, Roaldo Moran of Hoy Pulications, and Sandra Alvidrez of Hoy Publications. Fellow poet Francisco Letelier read poetry. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa presented the awards. The next week I spoke to 1,000 people at various class and community events sponsored by Evergreen University in Olympia, CA and their Tacoma campus. I was also on the air on Radio Kaos and did the keynote address at a regional National Association of Chicano Studies gathering in western Washington. I also did writing workshops and talks at two juvenile detention facilities through the Gateways Program. Thanks to Tony Zaragoza and the staff and students who helped make this possible. The week after that—from November 4 to 6—my 21-year-old son Ruben accompanied me on a five-hour drive (that's just one way) to the Monterey Bay area. We had a great time and the weather was amazing. Although the rental car broke down, forcing us to lose two hours by the time we got tolled and into a new rental, I made my talking event at California State University, Monterey Bay (which used to be Fort Ord). An audience of around 300 were in attendance. The next day I spoke at El Sausal Middle School in Salinas, CA to several hundred students, and later that evening to hundreds of community people. High School students from Berkeley High School also made a special trip to be there. The topic was how to increase the peace (the Salinas area has seen a rise in gang violence over the years). It was an enthusiastic and rousing time. We stayed at a nice hotel overlooking the Monterey Bay with waves crashing below us. And the ride back was casual and without any problems--it was great to spend this time with Ruben. The past week ended with the whole family going to Chandler Middle School to watch my 13-year-old granddaughter, Catalina, perform in the school production of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.” I was amazed, as always, at Catalina’s outstanding work (she even sang—something I didn’t know she did). The other students also did a great job, and I congratulate them all. But, like the biased Grandfather I am, I thought Catalina was outstanding. In another week, I’ll be speaking at Santa Cruz, CA. And by November 25, my wife Trini and I will be in Guadalajara to take part in the International Book Fair there that includes the honoring of the City of Los Angeles. Tia Chucha’s Centro Cultural will have a display of two lowrider cars—the famed “Orgullo Mexicano” and “Twilight Zone”—as well as two lowrider bikes. Trini and I will also be there selling hundreds of Tia Chucha Press books. And I’ll be on various panels and readings during my time there. I’ll provide daily reports when we get to Mexico. c/s

With a rally of young people and other community members outside the US Courthouse in downtown LA, and many family and friends inside the courtroom of Judge Manuel Real, Alex Sanchez was again denied justice: On October 19, 2009, Judge Real refused to allow bail for Alex Sanchez. This makes a joke of the bail hearing process. Alex was able to get $2.5 million in sureties and property collateral, as well as close to 150 letters testifying that he would not be a flight risk. But Judge Real decided to overlook all this and take as truth the federal prosecutor's preposterous statements that Alex's many supporters could serve as a means for Alex to hide and flee. If there was ever a case for bail this was it, and Judge Real made a travesty of this process. Alex is facing multiple conspiracy charges, including murder, in a federal case under the RICO Act involving more than 20 members of the Mara Salvatrucha in Los Angeles. This is a large web pulling in some people with hardly any evidence linking them to major crimes, yet the nature of these cases allows for such nets and charges. One woman is facing twenty years for sending messages between her boyfriend and others. In the state courts, this would hardly constitute a criminal offense. Alex is facing a life sentence for conversations that at a minimum shows him trying to stop violence between members of the gang. Prosecutors have even used a tattoo on his chest (Alex has removed most of his tattoos, except for the obvious difficult ones that aren't visible) and a photo of Alex next to other alleged MS members as proof of his "conspiracy." They have no other evidence! Even the wiretaps are suspect. Federal prosecutors, with the testimony of one LAPD detective "gang expert," have misconstrued fairly straightforward conversations to mean Alex was part of a conspiracy to have someone murdered. None of the taped conversations that federal prosecutors claim are the most damaging even mention or deal with murder, but this is how the government makes its case. Unfortunately, most of the mainstream media, which habitually fails to question government evidentiary integrity in such conspiracy trials, helps provide the public perception that Alex must be guilty. The courts, the one place of refuge for justice that is supposed to exist in the system, has fallen down on the job in making sure no frivolous cases are made. In particular to someone like Alex, who has helped stop violence and helped pull many young people away from such warfare and crimes for many years. The community is righteously upset at this latest development, but we will work harder to ensure that Alex is given a fair trial and that real justice is served. We cannot give up. The government, along with other law enforcement agencies as well as those behind building more prisons, is trying to put forward one big lie--that people can't change. Alex was an active gang member in his youth. But for fifteen years, he's raised a good family, helped create and run Homies Unidos, a viable gang intervention program, and has spoken around the country to advocate peace and justice. He has changed and he's not going back. Thousands of others have done the same. We have to keep putting forward what the community knows--anyone can change given the proper circumstances, help, and vision. Please send prayers for Alex, his family, and the community. To help in this cause, go to www.WeAreAlex.org for more information. c/s

This past week—September 26 to October 3—was Banned Books Week. A number of events in libraries and bookstores helped bring attention to the large number of books that are regularly banned in our schools and communities. One piece I read in the online magazine “Truthout” by Connie Schultz reported that the American Library Association claimed that last year there were 513 challenges to books across the country, yet an estimated 80 percent of such challenges go unreported. Schultz cites these authors as some whose books have been challenged in the last two years: Mark Twain, Toni Morrison, John Steinbeck, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Julia Alvarez, Ernest Gaines, Kurt Vonnegut, Khaled Hosseini, Bobbie Ann Mason, and J.D. Salinger. In fact, the ALA recently released its list of the 100 most banned books and my memoir, “Always Running, La Vida Loca, Gang Days in LA” (Touchstone Books/Simon & Schuster) was number 66 on the list. The book has been the subject of school and library bans since it was first published in 1993. It received more attention in the late 1990s when schools districts in Illinois and California led some of the most prominent challenges. The banning of my book seems to have waned in recent years, although I think this is mostly due to the mass media not paying attention as it once did. I still hear from people that some schools continue to ban my book, although they are probably part of the 80 percent that fails to get reported to the ALA or other anti-censorship organizations. Anyway, this issue of banned books should be year-round. Don’t let a small number of narrow-minded, mostly right-wing parents and/or school officials decide what should or should not be read by young people. Work with your school and your children about the books they read—even a controversial book can be a teaching opportunity. c/s

Today I completed another strong week as honorary co-host with Dominique DiPrima, host of the “Front Page” talk radio show on KJLH-FM, 102.3 in Los Angeles. Dominique invites me every once in a while to be an honorary co-host. It’s always a privilege when I can do this—although it’s quite early in the morning (the show airs from 4:30 AM until 6 AM). This week we had guests like Dr. David Horn, Jasmyne Channick, Coach Erich Nall (Coach E), and Dolores Chavez. On the phones Dr. Glen Ellis joined us as well as Michael Richardson, the father of missing 24-year-old student Mitrice Richardson. Topics included health and spirituality, the necessity of the arts in our communities, health care reform, the killing of an honor student in Chicago, the death of a 4-month child by gang bullets in Van Nuys, and others. The story of Mitrice Richardson is particularly alarming—she’s been missing fifteen days after being released by the Malibu-Lost Hills sheriff’s station in the middle of the night with no car (it had been impounded), no buses running, no cell phone, and no money. A former beauty queen and a 4.0 student, she allegedly was talking incoherently and had failed to pay a dinner bill at a nearby restaurant. Police impounded her car when they claimed to have found small amounts of marijuana. Beyond that, according to her father Michael Richardson, police reports are missing information and in some cases contradictory. I understand Sheriff Lee Baca is cooperating and that now more media attention is being brought to bear on this case. But for too long this was one of those buried stories. I pray that Mitrice is found safe and sound—and that truly substantial changes begin to happen at the Malibu-Lost Hills sheriff’s station so no father or mother ever has to undergo this kind of ordeal. For more information go to www.kjlhradio.com Tomorrow at 1 PM, I will be reading with other Latino writers in the “Latinos in Lotusland” anthology reading at Tia Chucha’s Centro Cultural. Visit www.tiachucha.com for more information. c/s

This week, beginning today, I'm honorary co-host again with Dominique DiPrima on the "Front Page" talk show, KJLH-FM Radio, 102.3. For you early birds, please tune in from 4:30 AM until 6 AM every day this week until Friday morning. Today we had as guests Dr. David Horne and Jasmyne Channick, leading political thinkers and activists in the African American community. Tuesday morning is "Hot Topic Tuesday," where we'll address any and all issues (within the allotted time for the show). I value this time with the Front Page family, and find that the listeners, even at that early hour, are always sharp and engaging. I'm also featured in a new book about US roots music from the London-based publisher Serpent's Tail. The book is called "More Miles Than Money: Journeys Through American Music." Written by Garth Cartwright, this book explores the foundations of American music with intimate visits in the ghettos, barrios, poor white enclaves, and Native American reservations where much of this music was created, pushed out, and often still played to loving audiences. Garth has an eye for the spirit of places, people, and, of course, music. His previous book was about the Roma/Gypsy music of the Balkans region called "Princes Amongst Men: Journeys with Gypsy Musicians." I'm still busy finishing my newest book, a memoir, that's supposed to be done by November 1. I'm working day and night on this, despite my other work and writing projects. It's coming together fine. I won't say what this is about just yet. Touchstone Books/Simon & Schuster is the publisher. Right now it's slated for release in late 2010 or early 2011. And, if this weren't enough, I'm co-coordinator of a lowrider show for the Guadalajara International Book Fair with Denise Sandoval of Cal-State University, Northridge. Denise has put together the cars--three of them, such as the famous "Orgullo Mexicano," "Twilight Zone," and "Blue Velvet." Estevan Oriol, the king of lowrider photography, is also going with us (as are the owners of the other cars). Estevan is directing a 10 to 15 minute video of the history of lowriding and on those three cars to be shown at the book fair. We received funding from the LA City Department of Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts to present these amazing works of art. The City of LA is honored guest this year at the largest Spanish-language book festival in the world. I'll also be doing panels, readings, a Chicano encuentro, and will be on hand to sell Tia Chucha Press books, during the duration of the book fair—from November 25 to December 8. If all goes well, Trini will join me for part of this trip to help with TCP book sales and presentations. I then go to Puebla, Mexico to visit with friends for a couple of days. We'll try to present more on the lowriders and Tia Chucha's Centro Cultural presence on our website in the near future. Go to www.tiachucha.com to find out more. Remember to visit the website www.WeAreAlex.org to find out how to help community leader Alex Sanchez. Alex is being held in federal custody on trumped up federal charges of conspiracy and murder. Founder of Homies Unidos and a long-time gang prevention/intervention expert, Alex has widespread community support. I urge anyone who wants to seek a fair trial for Alex to get involved. His next court hearing will be to determine bail and is slated for October 19, 2009. And for those interested in the continuing campaign for a Comprehensive Neighborhood Arts Policy for the City of Los Angeles, you can read our statements and draft policy at www.napolicy.com. c/s

As part of our ongoing indigenous spiritual practices, my wife Trini and I spent several days on the Lakota Pine Ridge Reservation to take part in a Hamblecha ceremony, facilitated by one of our elders and teachers, Ed Young Man Afraid of His Horse. This is also known as Vision Quest, done in the traditional way where a day and night are considered two days. We were there on the rolling hills of Ed's land, within a circle of prayer ties, sage, and surrounded by choke berry branches and "holy people"--figures we made of cloth and tobacco--for two days and two nights (or "four days" in the Lakota cosmology). We had no food or drink (except sage tea each morning). We were surrounded only by nature: Trees, insects, birds, cows, bulls (a few were grazing the land), and wild weather . And we had ourselves--our hearts, our pains, our fears, our hopes, our dreams. And many prayers. Our brother-in-law, and fellow water pourer for the San Fernando Sweat Lodge, Hector Herrera, also took part. And our long-time friend and mentor in these ways, Frank Blazquez (Tekpaltzin) also came from Chicago to help us on the Hill and to maintain the fire. We were also pleased to have Kati Regalado and her father, Willie Regalado, there on Ed's land. Kati was coming down the hill the day we went up. Originally from Peru, they've lived in Chicago for close to thirty years. I met Kati when she was around 14 years old during one of my many talks in schools (she’s now close to 30 years old). She also took part in Youth Struggling for Survival (and Video Machete), which I helped create in Chicago to work with gang and nongang youth. Kati and her father were very supportive and we were honored they stayed a little bit longer to see us through the ceremony. I won't get into the particulars of our particular ordeals/experiences other than to say it was all healing and powerful. We had major winds and storms during most of our time on the Hill. But we hanged in there and found our way back to the fire, to the sweat lodge, back to our teachers and friends. Hector was also blessed with a chanupa, the sacred pipe, which he will now carry for the community back in the Northeast San Fernando Valley/Los Angeles area. Ed Young Man Afraid of His Horse provided the blessings and ceremony for the pipe. It's a deep responsibility. I know Hector (of Yaqui/Raramuri descent), will carry this with dignity, honor, and respect. We sent many prayers to our families, our friends, some with cancer and other illnesses, and our community as well as for the healing & health of our nation and world. In particular, I thought often of my son Ramiro, presently in prison now for twelve years. In two more years, he'll be released and we are preparing now for his orientation and strength as well as for the family's and the community. Other prisoners and friends just released were also in my prayers. We thank Ometeotl/Tunkasila, the Creator, and all the energies and elements of the world and universe for protecting us, teaching us, and guiding us through the sacred ceremony of the Vision Quest. O'Mitakusin ("All Our Relations"). c/s