Tuesday January 18, 2005
Vigil to protest the Death Penalty
Donald Beardslee is scheduled
to be executed at San Quentin
on January 19 at 12:01 am

Rally At 7:00 pm
Westwood Federal Building
11000 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles
(Corner of Veteran)
directions

March at 8:30 pm to
St. Albans Church
580 Hilgard Ave.
Los Angeles
directions

This is a clear case for abolition of the death penalty.

The jury didn’t know of Donald Beardslee’s severe brain damage at birth (and subsequent injuries) that impaired his judgment. They were told that he was a danger to society when in fact he has been incarcerated for 20 years where he’s been a model prisoner.

Further, the California Legislature has recently started a “Blue Ribbon Commission” to study the Death Penalty – shouldn’t we hold off on executions while the fairness and justice of capital punishment are being studied? Please write to Governor Schwarzenegger asking him to grant Executive Clemency.

Flyers, sample letters and other information: California People of Faith Working Against the Death Penalty

More information: Stephen Rohde or
Eric DeBode at 213/637-7402

A vigil will continue at the Church concluding at such time as the sentence has (or has not) been carried out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please contact Kay James who works with the Board of Prison Terms urging each of the commissioners on the Board of Prison Terms to recommend clemency to the governor for these reasons:

1) No execution should be carried out in California while the California Commission on the Fair Administration of Justice (created by SR 44 - Burton) is conducting research on the causes of wrongful conviction and the application of the death penalty in California.

2) Mr. Beardslee warrants executive clemency for three compelling reasons, none of which were available to the jury that sentenced him to death (for more detailed information, please visit www.hcrc.ca.gov).

a. The jury was unaware of the extent to which Mr. Beardlee's actions were controlled by severe brain damage that has impaired his functioning since birth. This brain damage was exacerbated by a car accident that occurred in 1961 and a falling tree which struck Mr. Beardslee in the head in 1968. (View supporting scientific documents at www.hcrc.ca.gov)

b. Although the jury requested information from the trial court about the punishments imposed on Mr. Beardslee's co-defendants, the court refused to provide any information. Thus the jury was left without the ability to weigh the relative culpability of the various participants. Mr. Bearslee's role in the crimes, especially when compared to those of the co-participants and when taking into consideration his limited mental functioning, does not warrant the ultimate punishment.

c. The jury's decision to sentence Mr. Beardslee to death was based partially upon the mistaken belief that he would pose a danger if sentenced to Life Without Parole; however, Mr. Beardslee has been a model prisoner for more than 20 years and has fully cooperated with the prison staff.

3) Executing Mr. Beardslee cannot return the victims to their families. It will only help to further the brutalization of our society through another state sponsored killing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Inglewood Prayerful Vigil
For Donald Beardslee,
for his victims, for the prison officials who will execute him, and for all of the people of California

Any one-hour period between
8:00 pm and Midnight

Holy Faith Episcopal Church
260 Locust St.
Inglewood
directions

After two decades on California's death row, Donald Beardslee is scheduled to be executed at 12:01 AM on Jan. 19.

Donald Beardslee is described in recent documents as a brain-damaged, 61-year-old man who allowed himself to be dragged into a murderous scheme by a dangerous drug dealer and the estranged husband of one of his victims.

Beardslee's lawyers will make a clemency bid this Friday, before the state Board of Prison Terms, which will then forward a recommendation to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The Episcopal Church, and many other branches of Christianity, believe that the death penalty is wrong. We invite you to join us for one hour, in a prayerful vigil for Donald, for his victims, for the prison officials who will execute him, and for all of the people of California.

Contact Walter Johnson to sign up, or for directions, at 310-450-5017, or just join us at Holy Faith. Or organize a vigil at your own church.

Wednesday January 19, 2005
Embracing the Stranger:
A Faith Perspective on Immigration
Series, no. 2

Lady Liberty and the Law:
A History of U.S. Immigration
and Reform Efforts

7:30 pm
Holy Family
1501 Fremont Ave.
South Pasadena
directions

with
Niels Frenzen
USC Immigration Clinic director

L.A. County Sheriff Leon D. Baca and

Antonia Hernandez
California Community Foundation president

More information: 626 799-8908

Thursday, January 20, 2005
Counter-Inaugural Demonstration
sponsored by A.N.S.W.E.R.
[note: ICUJP has not endorsed this demonstration, this notice is for information only]

6:00 pm
Westside Federal Building
11000 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles

A.N.S.W.E.R.'s Call says:

"End the occupation!
  Troops home now!"

On January 20, 2005, a war criminal will be inaugurated in Washington DC, and the people will protest this war!

Thousands will line the inaugural route in mass protest of the Bush administration's crimes worldwide. There will be simultaneous protests in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and other cities. Our demonstrations will be a powerful statement in solidarity with all those who are under attack - from Cuba to Palestine to Haiti to the Philippines to Iran and elsewhere.

The L.A. demonstration is at the Westwood Federal Building, Wilshire and Veteran.

Over 4,000 have already endorsed A.N.S.W.E.R.'s and VoteNoWar's call for a mass demonstration on the Inaugural route. This is a legally permitted demonstration, but the Bush administration is trying to intimidate the people by mobilizing 4,000 army combat soldiers to be in the streets of DC that day. There has never been a more important time for the people of the United States to take a clear and powerful stand."

Saturday, January 22, 2005
The OIL Factor:
Behind the War on Terror
Narrated by Ed Asner
Produced & Directed by
Gerard Ungerman & Audrey Brohy
filmmakers of Hidden Wars of Desert Storm & Plan Colombia

Gather at 7:00 pm
Film at 8:00 pm
$5 at the door
Dessert will be served

Gerard and Audrey will be
at this screening
At the home of Frank & Jane Dorrel
3967 Shedd Terrace
Culver City
directions

More information: 310-838-8131
www.theoilfactor.com

Sunday January 23, 2005

Former Presidential candidate and Senator
George McGovern
author of
The Essential America:
Our Founders and the Liberal Tradition

2:00 pm

Free of charge

Temple Kol Tikvah
20400 Ventura Blvd.
Woodland Hills
directions
(Exit 101 Freeway at Winnetka.
The Temple is one block west of Winnetka Blvd.
Street parking or in lot off Del Moreno)

Monday OR Tuesday
January 24 OR 25 , 2005
(final White House information not yet available)
ICUJP invites you to
State of the Union Address
of G.W. Bush: A Community Viewing, Panel and Discussion

All Saints Church
132 N. Euclid
Pasadena
directions

Wednesday January 26, 2005
Embracing the Stranger:
A Faith Perspective on Immigration
Series, no. 3

Alien Lands:
Immigrant Challenges in America

7:30 pm
Holy Family
1501 Fremont Ave.
South Pasadena
directions

with
Ana Amalia Molina
Jesuit Refugee Services
and author The Power of Love

Angelica Salas
executive director
Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA) and

Stewart Kwoh
executive director
Asian Pacific American Legal Center

More information: 626 799-8908

Saturday January 29, 2005
Where Do We Go From Here?
A Forum To Unite
Los Angeles Area Progressives

2:00 pm

Topanga Community House
1440 North Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Topanga
directions

Bring a friend plus food or drinks to share.

The presidential election has had a powerful effect.  Many of us have become depressed and demoralized.  Some of us feel extraordinary outrage and isolation.  But maybe you woke up to the realization that there has never been a better time to organize.  

If so, then we invite you to join with representatives of the Topanga Peace Alliance, Mothers For An Aware America, Committee Against Militarism in Our Schools, Veterans For Peace, The Topanga Association for a Scenic Community (TASC), Topanga Town Council, The Topanga Democratic Club, The Topanga Green Party, People of Color Against Globalization, ANSWER, Global Exchange, United for Peace And Justice, Office of The Americas, the Glendale Vigil Group, Committee for Educational Justice, Palisadians For Peace, Heal The Bay, Peace Action and many other groups and individuals who care and want to make a difference.  We are coming together to share our feelings and develop action strategies to make a difference during these difficult and troubling times.

All progressive individuals and organizations are invited!  Anyone interested in peace, preserving the environmental, economic justice, or immigrant rights is welcome to help strategize, build bridges, inspire, and plan.  Join us and bring your ideas!

There will be time for everyone to speak and there will be a panel of presenters from groups already engaged in action that will motivate you.

The individuals and groups already coming to co-create this event are: Lisa Lubow  from Vigil Groups of Glendale,  Frank Dorrel publisher of Addicted to War,  Peter Dudar and Sally Marr filmmakers of Arlington West, Arlene Inouye Coalition Against Militarism In Our Schools, Jim Lafferty, ANSWER Coalition,  Arlette Parker Mothers For An Aware America,  Dwight Stone from Palisadians for Peace,  Kevin McKeon Green Party – Mayor of Santa Monica,  Terri Carter of Heal the Bay, Chuck Nixon of Veterans for Peace,  Joanie McClellan of Global Exchange Supporters of Ventura County,  Ben Allanoff of Topanga Association for a Scenic Community and president of Topanga Democratic Club,  Anthony Hall of the Topanga Town Council,  Clarissa Romano Office of the Americas and representative for United for Peace and Justice, and several members of the Topanga Peace Alliance.

Please pass this information to your friends and lists of like minded folks who you think would be interested in joining us.

If you can come, please RSVP as soon as possible and let us know if you would like to speak so that we can plan effectively and allow everyone to be heard. 

CONTACTS:
Claudia Udy - 310 455-7026
Julie Levine - 310 455-9389

Monday January 31, 2005
Making Global Connections
Education In a War Economy

* Speakers * Panels * Films * Workshops * Vendors * Performers *

Keynote Speaker
Reverend James Lawson

4:00 pm to 7:00 pm

United Teachers Los Angeles
3300 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles
2nd Floor Auditorium
directions
Corner of Wilshire and Berendo Parking structure on Berendo

Linking attacks on public education and social services at home with increased U.S. militarism and privatization both nationally and internationally...

The Middle East * Militarism in the Schools * High Stakes Testing * Education in Cuba * Teachers' Rights in the Classroom * Privatization * Human Rights Across the Curriculum * Colombia * The military/prison industrial complex * Popular culture in the Curriculum

1 salary point (for LAUSD teachers)
Registration (after 11/15): $45.00
(meals included in the registration fee)

Student and low income: $10.00

More information:
UTLA Human Rights Conference
Janice Luna 213-368-6232

You can also email the Human Rights Committee at utlahrcc@earthlink.net
or visit http://home.earthlink.net/~utlahrcc

Wednesday February 2, 2005
Embracing the Stranger:
A Faith Perspective on Immigration
Series, no. 4

Reaching Out:
Catholic Responses to Migrant Needs

7:30 pm
Holy Family
1501 Fremont Ave.
South Pasadena
directions

with
Claretian Father Richard Estrada
executive director of Jovenes Inc. and

Jesuit Father Michael Kennedy
pastor of Dolores Mission Church
Boyle Heights

More information: 626 799-8908

Monday February 7, 2005
And Then They Came For Me:
Civil Liberties...
History, Now and Tomorrow
co-sponsored by Progressive Jewish Alliance

6:00 pm to 8:30 pm

SGI-LA Friendship Center
5899 Venice Blvd. at Fairfax
Los Angeles
directions
download a flyer

Moderator
Steve Rohde

Key note address
Rev. James Lawson

music by
Ani Zonneveld and Fidel Sánchez

We will be looking at historical perspectives regarding the current immigration roundups and the oppressive racist abuse of the Muslim community; it's mirror reflection of the internment of Japanese Americans; the struggle for justice of African Americans and its echoes of Nazi Germany.

People are being picked up on minor violations; there’s a lot of harassment (a knock on the door at 4:30 in the morning). The Muslim community is fearful. They feel isolated, and afraid of being deported. They feel targeted by the department of Homeland Security; they are being excluded from entering the US. It resembles the internment of Japanese Americans in the US during WWII and of course the persecution of Jews in Nazi Germany.

Homeland Security and ICE officials do not think they have anyone to stop them from what they’re doing or require them to provide any basis for the detention and harassment. We need to shed light on this situation.

We need to call this racism. We need to point out the spiritual consequences of racism.

SAVE THE DATE:
Wednesday February 9, 2005
Ash Wednesday protest action
with Pax Christi

Downtown Los Angeles Federal Building
300 N. Los Angeles St
Los Angeles

Morning/early afternoon- (exact time TBD)

We offer a special thanks to our past and future host congregations
2001
September 23	All Saints Church, Pasadena
October 7	Masjid Omar Al-Khattab USC Mosque
October 14	University Synagogue, West LA
October 28	Our Lady of Solitude Catholic Church East LA
November 4	Temple Kol Tikvah Woodland Hills, SF Valley
November 11	Immauel Presbyterian Church Downtown LA
November 18	First African Methodist Episcopal Church (First AME) Faith In Action download a flyer descargue un folleto
December 9	Agape International Spiritual Center Culver City Is There Another Way? w/ Rep. Barbara Lee download a flyer
2002
January 13	Holy Name of Jesus Roman Catholic Church South Central LA Martin Luther King Day Practicing Nonviolence download a flyer
February 10	SGI Buddhist Fellowship Center West Los Angeles Weapons of Mass Destruction: What Is Our Responsibility? download a flyer
March 10	Masjid Omar Al-Khattab USC Mosque Women of the World United in Faith for Peace download a flyer
April 14	Hamilton United Methodist Church 10th Anniversary of the LA Uprising — Injustice at Home and the War on Terrorism download a flyer
May 12	Islamic Center of Southern California War and Our Children's Futures download a flyer
June 9	Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church Hall, Claremont Our Foreign Policy: A Safer World or Nuclear Terror? download a flyer
July 14	Temple Beth Shalom of Whittier Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness — The Rising Tide of Repression and Discrimination download a flyer
August 11	Santa Monica Friends Quaker Meeting Hiroshima-Nagasaki Never Again! download a flyer
September 10	First Baptist Church, LA A Gathering for Civil Liberties and Peaceful Tommorows download a flyer
October 13	Loyola Marymount University Peace Conference: on the Immoral & Illegal U.S. War Against Iraq download a flyer
November 10	Westwood United Methodist Church Candlelight Vigil and Worship - No War in Iraq with Physicians for Social Responsibility-Los Angeles, California Peace Action, Los Angeles Catholic Worker, Concerned Citizens for National Security, Americans Against War with Iraq, Friends of the United Nations-Los Angeles, Office of the Americas, Coalition for World Peace, American Friends Service Committee, Southern California Federation of Scientists, Agape International Spiritual Center, ICUJP download a flyer
December 18	Masjid Omar Al-Khattab USC Mosque International Human Rights Day download a flyer
2003
Click for a Full List of ICUJP 2003 Highlights
January 28	All Saints Church, Pasadena State of the Union -- What Do YOU Think? with panelists: Cynthia Anderson-Barker -- ICUJP and National Lawyers' Guild Dr. Tamara Eskenazi -- professor at Hebrew Union College Mike Farrell -- chair, Death Penalty Focus and Human Rights Watch Dr. Nazir Khaja -- Islamic Information Center, Los Angeles Rev. Tim McDonald -- First Iconium Baptist Church, Atlanta download a flyer
February 15	Hollywood March for Peace World Peace Day 100,000 march in opposition to war in Los Angeles with millions and millions of friends in every corner of the globe! download a flyer
March 5	Ashes To Ashes Nonviolent Witness Against War On Iraq – Downtown Los Angeles Federal Building ICUJP observes National Moratorium to Stop War on Iraq see our report download a flyer
April 7	La Placita Church of Our Lady of the Angels The Assault on Civil Liberties: PATRIOT Act, PATRIOT Act II, Homeland Security Act, WHAT'S NEXT? download a flyer descargue un folleto
May 5	Beyond Violence Conference at USC: Donald Miller and ICUJP Panel Beyond Violence? Reflections of a Hopeful Realist download a flyer descargue un folleto
June 2	Dolores Mission Catholic Church War Stoppers – Third Party Nonviolent Intervention with guest David Hartsough and Boyle Heights Community Panel download a flyer descargue un folleto
June 8	Immanuel Presbyterian Church Los Angeles Be Not Afraid: Another Nation – Another World download the program
July 7	The Friendship Center (SGI) Stolen Dollars: How the War Economy Short-Changes the Quality of Our Lives download a flyer descargue un folleto
September 8	All Saints Church / Pasadena Unprecedented: The Undermining of Democracy in America download a flyer descargue un folleto
October 13	La Placita Catholic Church An evening with El Salvador Presidential candidate Schafik Handal download a flyer descargue un folleto
November 16	USC – Mark Taper Hall An Educational Forum with Chip Berlet AConfronting Extremism in Our Religious Traditions: The Impact on the Public Square download a flyer descargue un folleto
2004
January 18	St. John's Episcopal Church Freedom Sings! Songs of Dissent and Justice in Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. download a flyer
February 19	University Synagogue ICUJP & Pax Christi Present: Lies & Laughter with Culture Clash, Edward Asner, René Hicks, Ed Begley Jr., Elayne Boosler, Paula Poundstone, and others download a flyer
March 18	Westwood Federal Building ICUJP in cooperation with the American Friends Service Committee and others, The War in Iraq, One Year Later; A Memorial to This War's Dead A Day of Witness, Grief & Renewal download a flyer