DPF Event Cancelled, Plus Upcoming Events

Death Penalty Focus
870 Market St. Ste. 859 San Francisco, CA 94102
Tel. 415-243-0143 - Fax 415-243-0994 - http://www.deathpenalty.org

This meeting has been cancelled. It will be rescheduled in the near future.
***CANCELLED***
September 29, 2006 - San Francisco, CA
Interested in being part of the San Francisco Chapter of Death Penalty Focus?
You are invited to attend a meeting with individuals interested in forming a San Francisco Chapter of Death Penalty Focus.

6:30pm - 8pm
870 Market St. San Francisco, CA 94102, Room 838
Refreshments will be provided.
Parking is available at the Ellis-O'Farrell Garage located between Powell and Stockton Streets. Enter on Ellis St. or O'Farrell St. $5 for 2 hours.
BART: Powell Station

For more info: 415-243-0143 or stefanie [at] deathpenalty.org


Upcoming Events


September 29, 2006 - Santa Rosa, CA
Sister Helen Prejean will be speaking about the death penalty in Sonoma County
This event will benefit the Catholic Detention Ministries.

Santa Rosa Hilton Hotel, 3555 Round Barn Blvd, Santa Rosa, CA
1:30 am to 1:30 pm
This is a limited seating special luncheon event co-sponsored by the Sonoma County Bar Association.
Admission:$75.
Advance reservation and menu preference necessary.
For information or reservations call 707-544-9080 (day) 707-526-3453 (evenings + weekends) detained [at] sonic.net


September 30, 2006 - Orange, CA
DEAD MAN WALKING: The Journey Continues with Sister Helen Prejean
Presented by the CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
Presented by: Helen Prejean, CSJ Sister Helen Prejean is known internationally for her tireless work against the death penalty and was instrumental in sparking national dialogue on the issue. Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States, the book based on Sister Helen's experiences, became a best seller, was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, and spawned an Oscar-winning movie. Since 1984, Sister Helen has divided her time between campaigning against the death penalty and counseling individual death row prisoners. Come this day to hear and reflect on her experiences. Questions and answers and a book signing will follow. Ritual, guided reflection, petition signing, shared dialogue and resources will be featured during the day.

Admission: $50 (includes lunch)
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: St. Joseph Center Auditorium
434 S. Batavia Street, Orange, CA 92869-3907
More info: http://www.thecsd.org/csdohsix/PAGES/calendar.htm


October 4-22, 2006 - California
Screening of The Trials of Darryl Hunt

MALIBU CELEBRATION OF FILM
Malibu, CALIFORNIA
October 4 - 8
http://www.mcof.org

MILL VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL
Mill Valley, CALIFORNIA
October 13, 9:15pm
October 14, 7pm
**Q & A with Darryl Hunt, Mark, Rabil, Larry Little and filmmakers to follow screenings
http://www.mvff.com

OJAI FILM FESTIVAL
Ojai, CALIFORNIA
October 12 - 15
http://www.ojaifilmfestival.com

SCRIPPS COLLEGE HUMANITIES INSTITUTE
Claremont, CALIFORNIA
October 18, 7:30pm
**Q & A with Darryl Hunt and filmmakers to follow screening
http://www.scrippscol.edu/dept/humanities/

BIONEERS MOVING PICTURE FESTIVAL
San Rafael, CALIFORNIA
October 20 - 22
**Q & A with Darryl Hunt and filmmakers to follow screening
http://www.bioneers.org

For more information and for other screening locations, see the film's website: http://www.breakthrufilms.org


October 6, 2006 - Santa Barbara, CA
Exoneree Harold Hall Shares His Story of Wrongful Imprisonment for a Murder He Didn't Commit
The DPF Chapter of Santa Barbara presents an evening of discussion with exoneree Harold Hall.
7-9pm
Faulkner Gallery of the Santa Barbara Library
40 East Anapamu St.
Santa Barbara, CA
More info: James Robertson 805-967-7283 or robertso [at] math.ucsb.edu

About Harold Hall:
In 1985, after seventeen hours of excruciating interrogation, Harold Hall confessed to the murders of Nola Duncan and David Rainey. The 18 year old Hall was a high school dropout living with his mother in South Los Angeles. A jury convicted him of the double murder of Duncan and Rainey, but decided against the death penalty after Hall took the stand to declare his innocence. While in prison Hall worked diligently on his case, researching, filing motions and petitioning several people for their help. He had a job in the law library and earned his GED. An appellate court overturned his conviction in the killing of Rainey, citing insufficient evidence. Hall continued to push to have his other conviction overturned as well. In 2003, Hall was granted a new trial by the 9 th Circuit Court of Appeals, ruling that his rights had been denied by police and prosecutors who relied on a dubious confession and a questionable jailhouse informant. The District Attorney's office asked for a dismissal based on the passage of time and the unavailability of potential witnesses. Subsequently, in 2004, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge William Pounders freed Hall, ruling that there was no physical or forensic evidence to connect Hall to the crime. The court also noted that the jailhouse informant had admitted to fabricating notes about Hall's alleged involvement in the killings.

If it were not for Harold Hall's incredible perseverance in the face of many disappointments, he would still be in prison. He knew justice would come. As he says, "It was just a matter of time." Since his release, Hall says he wants to enjoy a normal life, take nothing for granted and perhaps pursue a degree in computer sciences. "What they took from me, I can't get back," he said. "The thing is to move forward, to enjoy what I have now."


October 6-7, 2006 - Albany, NY
The Next Generation of Death Penalty Research: Priorities, Strategies, and an Agenda
Social science and legal scholars will explore contemporary death-penalty laws and practices with an eye toward the role of empirical research evidence in contributing to changing capital-punishment policies. Held 30 years after the Supreme Court's decisions in Gregg v. Georgia and four other cases that marked the dawning of this country's "modern era" of capital punishment, this Symposium comes after a generation of experience with modern death-penalty laws. With the increasing calls for study commissions to examine the administration of capital punishment, this forum will address public policy issues that need systematic scholarly examination. A concluding roundtable discussion involving Symposium participants will seek to develop a research agenda that may serve state and national Death Penalty Study Commissions.

For additional information please contact Dr. Charles S. Lanier, Capital Punishment Research Initiative at http://www.albany.edu/scj/cpri.htm


October 7-17, 2006 - Berkeley, San Francisco & Moraga, CA
WITNESS TO AN EXECUTION TOUR SPONSORED BY CEDP
The Campaign to End the Death Penalty is sponsoring a national tour, "Witness to an Execution," featuring the voices of those who have lost a loved one to execution or faced the prospect of execution themselves. As the national debate about lethal injection continues, this tour will expose the barbarity of the death penalty. With these firsthand accounts and experiences of executions, we aim to show that capital punishment is "cruel and unusual" punishment. As witnesses to execution, the voices featured in this tour will share their stories of loss, struggle, and hope for an end to the death penalty.

*Saturday, October 7th*
SAN FRANCISCO
7:00 pm
Location TBA
Speakers:
*Barbara Becnel*, who spearheaded the fight to save Stanley Tookie Williams from execution last fall, will be a featured speaker on the tour.
*Billy Moore*, former death row prisoner who spent over 16 years on Georgia's death row and author of "I Shall Not Die".
*Kevin Cooper* who came within 3 1/2 hours of being executed before he won a stay of execution (live from his prison cell via telephone hook-up).

*Sunday, October 8th*
BERKELEY
4:00 to 6:00 pm
BLACK REPERTORY THEATRE
3201 Adeline Street, Berkeley
$5 to $25 donation/no one turned away for lack of funds
Speakers:
*Barbara Becnel*, who spearheaded the fight to save Stanley Tookie Williams from execution last fall, will be a featured speaker on the tour.
*Billy Moore*, former death row prisoner who spent over 16 years on Georgia's death row and author of "I Shall Not Die".
*Kevin Cooper* who came within 3 1/2 hours of being executed before he won a stay of execution (live from his prison cell via telephone hook-up).

*Tuesday, October 10th*
MORAGA
7:00 pm
ST. MARY'S COLLEGE SODA CENTER
Speakers:
*Billy Moore*, former death row prisoner who spent over 16 years on Georgia's death row and author of "I Shall Not Die".
*Bill Babbitt* who witnessed his brother's execution and is a board member of Murder Victims' Families for Human Rights.
*Greg Wilhoit*, former death row prisoner from Oklahoma who was finally exonerated and released.

*Tuesday, October 17th*
UC BERKELEY
7:00 pm
FREE SPEECH CAFÉ, entrance to Moffitt Library, Berkeley
Speakers:
*Bill Babbitt* who witnessed his brother's execution and is a board member of Murder Victims' Families for Human Rights.
*Chol Soo Lee*, falsely identified in the Chinatown murders in 1973 and finally exonerated from San Quentin after 9 years.

For more information call: 510-333-7966 or 510-589-6820


October 10, 2006 - Events Held Worldwide
4th Annual World Day Against the Death Penalty
The 4th World Day Against the Death Penalty, officially supported by the European Union and the Council of Europe, will be held on October 10, 2006. The 2005 edition of the world day, the theme of which was “Africa – towards abolition” was celebrated in 46 countries including Morocco, Burundi, the Republic of the Congo and not only Rwanda and Togo but also the United States, Brazil, Japan, India, the Philippines, New Zealand and of course France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland…..In total, 263 events were organized throughout the world. An international petition asking African heads of State to abolish the death penalty received 42300 signatures. In order to help make the 2006 edition a success, reserve your dates now!

http://www.worldcoalition.org/


October 13-29, 2006 - Events Held Throughout Virginia
The Journey of Hope 2006
The Journey of Hope is lead by murder victim family members, joined by family members of those now on death row and of those already executed by our country. Other abolitionists who support our message join us from around the world.

Preferably in teams of two and three speakers travel throughout Virginia, speaking in High Schools, Colleges, Churches, rallies, and various other formats. Last year in Texas Journey speakers spoke at over 150 events.

Sister Helen Prejean will once again join the Journey for a few days Oct. 21,22 and leave the 23rd.

The National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty will hold its annual conference in Northern Virginia and coincides with the Virginia Journeys conclusion. The NCADP is working to host their best conference yet and are supporting a successful Journey so we can better prepare the way once again to another great conference.

We are actively raising funds to pay for the transportation, lodging and meals for the Journey speakers, so if you can’t come please consider a donation for the Virginia Journey.

Participants will be flying in and out of the Northern Virginia-DC area. Please contact us about being part of this years Journey, spending a little time with Sister Helen and attending the NCADP conference.

For more information please visit:
http://www.journeyofhope.org/pages/index.htm


October 17, 2006 - San Francisco, CA
Interested in joining the San Francisco Chapter of California People of Faith Working Against the Death Penalty?
Please attend this meeting if you are interested in joining the San Francisco/East Bay Chapter of California People of Faith Working Against the Death Penalty.

6pm-8pm
39 Drumm St. San Francisco, CA (ACLU Office)
Refreshments will be provided.
Bart Station: Embarcadero Station

For more info: Eric Moon at emoon [at] afsc.org or visit: http://www.californiapeopleoffaith.org/

California People of Faith Working Against the Death Penalty (CPF) works to educate and mobilize faith communities to act to abolish the death penalty in California. CPF is a statewide interfaith organization. We reach out to all citizens regardless of faith, race, ethnic group, sexual orientation, income, political affiliation, age or ability. Our members include Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, and people from other faith traditions. As communities of faith, we join together to take responsibility for the killing of our citizens by the State of California.


October 20-22, 2006 - Events Held Nationwide
National Weekend of Faith in Action on the Death Penalty
The National Weekend of Faith in Action (NWFA) is an opportunity for faith communities, interfaith groups, human rights activists, and others to examine the death penalty from a faith-based or values-based perspective. Set aside some time during the weekend of October 20-22 for an activity or event that focuses on the death penalty issue, using the ideas and resources provided by Amnesty International USA as your guide.

How to get started...

->Read more about the NWFA and check out some of the activities that took place last year
->Register as a participant, using a quick and easy online form
->Start planning your activity or event for October (the NWFA Organizing Packet will be available in July; it contains a wealth of ideas and resources)
->For additional information, please contact NWFA Coordinator Kristin Houlé at khoule [at] aiusa.org or 202-544-0200, ext. 496.

http://www.amnestyusa.org/faithinaction/faq.html


Oct. 20 & 21, 2006 - Berkeley, CA
Concert and Speaker's Forum on the Death Penalty
The Weekend of Faith in Action on the Death Penalty will be observed at First Congregational Church of Berkeley with an opera concert on Friday, October 20, and a speakers’ forum on Saturday, October 21, co-hosted by First Baptist Church of Berkeley.

Oct. 20th
Death penalty attorney and mezzo-soprano Dorothy Streutker has enlisted the participation of opera-singing friends for a concert in the sanctuary of First Congregational Church of Berkeley (2345 Channing Way, Berkeley, CA), entitled “The Good, the Bad, & the Beautiful,” exploring themes of hate, jealousy, revenge, friendship, love, and pardon in opera. Attendees will be asked for a donation of postage stamps, holiday cards and/or money to benefit the Condemned Inmate Fund at Death Penalty Focus. The concert will begin at 8:00pm.

Oct. 21st
On Saturday morning, October 21, First Congregational Church of Berkeley and First Baptist Church of Berkeley will co-host a Speakers’ Forum on Capital Punishment and Criminal Justice. The forum will begin at 9:00 a.m. (coffee and pastries will be provided) and will conclude by noon, in the Large Assembly at First Congregational Church of Berkeley (2345 Channing Way, Berkeley, CA.) This forum will include speakers from various perspectives, including victim’s survivors, inmates, relatives and supporters of executed inmates, and a non-capital exoneree. There will be opportunities for reflection and discussion, as well as information on getting involved. A $5.00 donation will be requested to cover expenses.


October 26, 2006 - San Bernardino, CA
Panel Discussion on Wrongful Conviction and the Death Penalty
Gloria Killian, Wrongfully Convicted of a Home Invasion/Robbery/Murder discusses her experience and the criminal justice system.
Diocesan Pastoral Center
1201 Highland Ave.
San Bernardino, CA
Time: TBA
Presented by the Catholic Diocese of San Bernardino


October 27-30, 2006 - Fair Lakes, VA
National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty Annual Conference
2006 NCADP Annual Conference
October 27-29, 2006
Hyatt Fair Lakes
Fair Lakes, Virginia
Note: Council of Affiliates meeting October 26th
http://www.ncadp.org/


November 1, 2006 - Garden Grove, CA
Freedom Forum of Orange County hosts a discussion on the death penalty with Mike Farrell
Women's Civic Club
9501 Chapman Ave.
Garden Grove, CA
Time: 7:30pm
Suggested Donation: $5


November 14, 2006 - Los Angeles, CA
Panel Discussion on the Death Penalty
Leo Baeck Temple presents a panel discussion on the death penalty with:
Rabbi Jerry Goldstein, Former Chair, California People of Faith Working Against the Death Penalty
A Member of Murder Victims' Families for Reconciliation/Human Rights
Tom Goldstein, Wrongfully Convicted of Murder
7pm - Free Admission
Leo Baeck Temple
1300 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA


November 30, 2006 - Events Held Worldwide
Cities Against the Death Penalty
The World Day “Cities Against the Death Penalty” celebrates the anniversary of the abolition of the death penalty by the Great Duchy of Tuscany in 1786. Tuscany was the 1st state in Europe to eliminate capital punishment.

This worldwide event is promoted by the Community of Sant'Egidio and supported by the main international human rights organizations involved in the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty (Amnesty International, Ensemble contre la Peine de Mort, International Penal Reform, FIACAT, Death Penalty Focus).

Many cities across the globe will illuminate their symbolic monuments – from the Colosseum in Rome to the Plaza de Santa Ana in Madrid, from the Central Obelisque in Buenos Aires to the Moneda Palace in Santiago – making a worldwide statement against executions.

For more information: http://www.santegidio.org/no_death_penalty/2005/pdm_edit_en.htm


Nov. 30 - Dec. 1, 2006 - New York, NY
SOCIAL RESEARCH CONFERENCE ON “PUNISHMENT: THE US RECORD”
This conference is being convened in order to examine punishment and criminal justice in the context of past histories and doctrines in order to better understand the ways in which punishment has become deeply implicated in the social life and social structures of American society. The conference is organized into 6 sessions that ask questions about the why, what, how and who of punishment, which will allow us to better understand the consequences of the current practice of punishment and search for viable alternatives to the carceral state in which we now live.

Ticket prices: General: Full Conference $50 Single; Session $12
Full-time Students (with valid ID) and New School Alumni: Full Conference $15; Single Session $5
The conference is free for NSU students with a valid ID.
ACLU members: Full Conference $35; Single Session $8

The New School for Social Research
65 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10003

This conference is supported by the Russell Sage Foundation, the Soros Foundation’s Open Society Justice Initiative, the Ford Foundation and The J.M. Kaplan Fund and is also Cosponsored by the ACLU. The two-day conference will take place on November 30 and December 1, 2006. For the complete conference schedule, visit http://www.socres.org/punishment. For hotel reservations in the area, we recommend the Washington Square Hotel (212) 777-9515. The prices are subject to change and The New School cannot guarantee the availability of rooms. For further information on the conference, call 212-229-5776 x3121, or e-mail socres [at] newschool.edu.

The two-day conference will take place on November 30 and December 1, 2006. For the complete conference schedule, visit http://www.socres.org/punishment/


February 1-3, 2007 - Paris, France
3rd World Congress Against the Death Penalty
The 3rd World Congress Against the Death Penalty will take place in Paris from February 1-3, 2007. After Strasbourg and Montréal, Paris will welcome hundreds of abolitionists from all over the world: citizens, politicos, actors of civilian society, legal specialists to discuss worldwide abolition of the death penalty. Paris 2007 will specifically concentrate on the Maghreb and the Middle East so as to forward the cause of abolition in an area where no country has as yet dispensed with capital punishment. We hope to see an abolitionist Arab world emerge!
http://www.ecpm-us.org/getinvolved_world_congress_paris2007.shtml


Various dates in 2007 - California
The Civil Rights Concert Series and Courage Awards National Tour
Gospel concert series to raise awareness within the African American community on the issue of Wrongful Convictions and to honor those that have helped to free innocent men and women from prison.

1/20/07 Los Angeles, CA - West Angeles Theater
2/24/07 Oakland, CA - BEBE Memorial Church
5/5/07 Inglewood, CA - Faithful Central
For more information or to get tickets: http://www.largervisioninc.com/


March 2, 2007 - Sacramento, CA
The Sacramento Chapter of Death Penalty Focus Hosts the Capitol Awards Banquet with Sister Helen Prejean
SAVE THE DATE! MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!






Stefanie L. Faucher
Program Director

Death Penalty Focus
870 Market St. Ste. 859
San Francisco, CA 94102
Tel. 415-243-0143
Fax 415-243-0994
mailto:stefanie [at] deathpenalty.org
http://www.deathpenalty.org
http://www.californiamoratorium.org