StrawberryVOLUME I — HARVEST — ISSUE 6 — NO VEMGazetteBER 2010

* * * * Serving the 300,000 veterans living in greater Los Angeles * * * * APOLITICAL GREENS: KOREAN WAR VETERAN BOBBY SHELTON MAKES STRAWBERRY FLAG’S GARDENS GROW PART 1 OF 2

BY LAURA SANDERSON HEALY was “raised up on a farm.” Bobby When I first met Bobby Shelton, knew Lepanto—he said he had he was working as a Compensated picked cotton there when he was Work Therapy (CWT) gardener at just a child—and in high school he Strawberry Flag last fall, tending to played basketball against teams in the re-purposed strawberry plants Memphis, an hour southeast. We of the artwork’s stripes. His soft laughed about people we remem- Southern accent whispered “mid bered, funny names and traits, South” to me; that’s the region of and then on a somber note, Bob- the United Stares from which we by shared with me a story about both originate—the wide Missis- desegregation in Arkansas circa sippi River (“Big Muddy”) bisecting 1957. An enlisted friend in the Na- his northeast Arkansas from my tional Guard was ordered to stand southwest Tennessee. in front of Little Rock Central High School to prevent African-Ameri- Not long after, Bobby and I found can students from rightfully enter- our costumed selves dancing part- ing. Bobby said his friend’s heart ners in the “human flag” perfor- broke when he came eye to eye mance being snapped from the with his own niece trying to enter air by photographer Joshua White. the school. As the humming helicopter flew rounds above Strawberry Flag, When a visitor came to see Bobby’s Bobby and I circled each other ten- greenhouse at Strawberry Flag this tatively in his first strawberry row, spring, Bobby told him, “Arkansas remembering different instruc- has a little bit of everything: dia- tions on whether to move after monds and gold, mosquitoes and eight counts or not. alligators too.” Although Bobby’s sixtieth high school reunion is Drinking tea together one winter this month (no one who knows day beside the tent at Strawberry him would believe that the ener- Flag, I asked Bobby about his child- getic Bobby is in his seventies), he hood in the South, and we turfed will likely be tending to his work up some common ground: the at Strawberry Flag, a job he takes long flat landscape of Poinsett great pride and care in. “It gives County, Arkansas, a mainly rural me motivation and therapy getting area of farmland, figured greatly up every morning to come in and in both of our histories. Growing be able to walk around through the up in Memphis, Tennessee, I spent plants,” Bobby said. “To be able to many happy days visiting friends put a seed in the ground and watch in Lepanto, a grain of a town not it come up is good for an old man Jules Rochielle Sievert, artist and archivist with the Metabolic Studio, checking the well-being of the strawberries far from the small county seat of like me.” in the intensive care unit of Bldg 209: Garden Folly, on site at Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Harrisburg where Bobby said he Continued on page 2 It’s Harvest Time at the Gazette

BY TERENCE LYONS with tea. But the harvest was more Both the legacy of the Strawberry As the Strawberry Flag, disassem- than that. Henry David Thoreau Flag project and the struggles of vet- bled but with the strawberries still wrote, “true harvest of my life is erans looking for work are the focus alive and growing, rolled down intangible,” and so it is with the of this issue. The place of veterans in Bonsall Avenue from the quad in Strawberry Flag. the larger American society figures front of Building 208 to be recon- in this discussion of harvest, as figured in Los Angeles State His- This issue of the Strawberry Ga- does reflection on the life of a man toric Park north of downtown on zette examines the harvest. In in the Owens Valley. October 1, many of the veterans the agrarian societies of time and artists working on the move gone by, this season that we now The strawberries that made stripes reflected on the project they had call “autumn” was known by of the strawberry flag were rescued tended for more than a year. the name “harvest” – the time from a farm in Rosemead, where of year when people reaped the plants were plowed under after a What had they grown? It was now bounty of their year-long efforts. single harvest. In the flag’s stripes, harvest time, both on the calendar It was also the season when there they yielded multiple crops. So the and for the Strawberry Flag proj- was plenty of work for everyone, harvest, while it may mark the end ect. Of course, they had harvested and so the Gazette addresses the of the growing year, does not have thousands of strawberries, cooked subject of work – jobs and life’s to be the end of the life of any plant them into preserves, and served work – as part of its examination . . . or any person. There are multiple The Metabolic Studio’s trolley, named for Mark Twain who was fascinated them to each other and to guests of the harvest. harvests still to come. by the West, is an homage to the author who died one hundred years ago. Always do right. That will gratify some of the people, They say that habit is only second nature; who knows 2 and astonish the rest. but that Nature is the first habit. —Mark Twain —Pascal, around 1630

APOLITICAL GREENS... a tour around there and the old VA We entered Bobby’s Garden and I want. I just tell them what I need tomatoes. They’ll be about four CONTINUED » Veterans Gardens site down the I listened to him describe all that and they make sure that I get it. I feet high.” Of the strawberry hill where he was a longtime em- he had planted, right there on the plant the seeds and wait for them plants that were not in one of the I wanted to learn more about how ployee before the VA’s Incentive VA property, fresh food that would to come up and materialize, and I “stripes,” he said, “We took ’em Bobby and his coworkers coaxed Therapy (IT) and CWT programs go to the Strawberry Flag kitchen bring them from the greenhouse out of circulation and they’re do- the strawberries to grow so beau- there came to a halt in 2009. in Building 208. “We picked rad- to the garden and then take them ing fine. The runner beans, pole tifully, and also find out about his ishes yesterday; they’re exactly from the garden to the table.” beans, are going to go up here, and planted vegetable garden, which On the day of my tour, I could see the right size a radish should be, they are going to grow right up the is located right in the VA ground— that the VA property’s gophers, a little bit smaller than a quarter. Though the okra was about to corn.” as innovative a use of federal prop- which live under the quad, had It doesn’t take them long, they’re come up, Bobby was concerned erty as I would ever see. “Bobby’s been busy. “The guys started teas- about one of the quickest things to that he had planted it “a little bit After showing me his garden, Garden,” as it has come to be ing me that he (the gopher) was sprout up out of the ground—four too early; the ground should be re- Bobby drove me in the Strawberry known, is planted in the quad- coming for my garden,” Bobby or five days after you plant them ally warm when you plant okra, it’s Flag golf cart down the hill and rangle in front of Building 205 said. “I’m not worried about it. they’re up. Beets take a long time; a summer plant.” Another group past the baseball field that UCLA next to Strawberry Flag behind a I’ve put my mojo on it—a remedy I should have planted them about of leafy plants—“those are collard leases from the VA to the Veterans dark green picket fence (which we used back in Arkansas—and January or February.” greens”—caused Bobby to make a Gardens area where he worked for was painted white when it was you’ll see it work. [Note: Rumor confession. “The one thing I don’t nine years. The non-profit Rancho first put up in February), and vege- has it that Juicy Fruit gum and Bobby was proud to have grown like is spinach. My mom used Santa Ana Botanic Garden was tables and fruits are also growing garlic were involved.] I’m going everything from seed. “I start ev- to make me drink spinach juice scheduled to start managing the in eleven oversized “ag bins” (6 × 3 to get him, and if I can get one of erything in my little greenhouse. when I was a kid and I didn’t like site for the VA, but much to Bob- × 3–foot wooden planting boxes). them, I will put the rest of them in I don’t use plants; the company the taste of it.” As we looked at the by’s chagrin the area looked like a When he had time, Bobby gave me flight.” provides me with any kind of seed thriving vegetables, Bobby nod- ghost town.

“We picked radishes yesterday; they’re exactly the right size a radish should be, a little bit smaller than a quarter. It doesn’t take them long, they’re about one of the quickest things to sprout up out of the ground—four or five days after you plant them they’re up.”

ded to the mulberry trees growing We walked through the aban- in and outside of his garden. “You doned area where flowers still hear the mockingbird singing?” bloom and an old ficus spreads its he asked me. “They love fruit like leaves over tables in a picnic area. this, so they get all my mulber- Yards of vining nasturtiums and ries.” ivy, high grass gone to seed, and acres of wildflowers had overtak- Bobby continued with a litany of en the once productive area where the produce he is bringing out of veterans grew flowers for florists’ the good earth at our feet and in bouquets and bushels of produce the bins. “I have squash and Chi- for restaurants. nese cabbage (bok choy), here I have kale, there’s the green sun- burst squash—it doesn’t turn yel- low—and we’ll also have sunburst yellow squash. I’ve got a little bit of everything in here: greens, to- matoes, lettuce, cilantro, Brus- sels sprouts. I just cleaned those boxes, and sometime next week they will be filled with dirt. I’ve Veterans got to utilize everything and make use of all the space I can get. I’ll Print Shop have regular cabbage, Romaine lettuce, iceberg; I planted those Thursdays 5–7:30pm seeds about a month ago. I’d love Building 208 to fill all these boxes with dirt, Room 123 and I could raise vegetables year- round. Summer vegetables, winter Create and design vegetables, keep me busy, keep me your own T-shirt! young, keep me healthy.” Bobby said he and his mother raised to- matoes inside a five-gallon can in Arkansas. “We had a garden and plenty of land back home but we Lovely Ruth’s soul food Fridays were popular with veterans, administrators, and clinicians on the north side of the also grew tomatoes that way,” he VA of WLA. The Metabolic Studio’s kitchen was shut down on October 15 as the administration deemed it unsafe said, showing more of the new for patients to be cooking in the kitchen. growth. “These are my beefsteak It is difficult to get a man to understand something I’m not interested in preserving the status quo; I want when his salary depends on his not understanding it. to overthrow it. 3 —Upton Sinclair —Niccolo Machiavelli

PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST IN ACTION/ ACTIVISM: ROXANNE STEINBERG

BY LAURA SANDERSON HEALY shepherds them and other visi- Art is neither an instrument nor a tors through the strawberry rows convenience, but a secret logic of or to the kitchen or print studio. the imagination. It is another way With her big, friendly smile, tinkly of seeing, the whole sense and value laughter, and graceful presence, of which lies in its autonomy, its dis- she carries herself with poise, her tance from actuality, its otherness. striking hair in a long plait down —Louis le Brocquy, Irish painter her back. If Strawberry Flag were a (1916–) ship, Roxanne would be its figure- head. One of the brightest artistic lights that shines at Strawberry Flag is The Tax Day High Tea on April 15 Roxanne Steinberg, the Metabolic found Roxanne clad head to toe Studio’s mesmeric choreographer in a spaceman-like medical decon- and team member. A multital- tamination suit, passing through ented dancer, performer, and cos- the tea tables dispensing strawberry tume designer, Roxanne captures syrup out of a syringe as she went. the playful spirit of the artwork and That weekend she performed at the invites others to share the feeling Electric Lodge Theater in Venice in there. Gliding through the High an otherworldly dance production Teas draped in dramatic costumes called COLD DREAM COLOR. and headgear, she always fasci- nates, chiming her bell to sum- Composed of pieces based on mon veterans and guests to their the paintings of families by Irish tables, or semaphoring with color- modern artist Louis le Brocquy ful reams of fabric, twirling like a (a nonagenarian national trea- modern-day Loie Fuller. sure still at his easel in Ireland), COLD DREAM COLOR was a fam- An all-purpose participant in the ily affair: dancing with Roxanne project, Roxanne participates in was sister Morleigh Steinberg, jam sessions (making preserves) a choreographer - dancer - filmmaker and chats with veterans who have who lives in New York and Ireland. found their way to the quad and Continued on page 12

Roxanne Stienberg delighted guests at Strawberry Flag high teas. COMPENSATED WORK THERAPY BY DAVID FIERRO Mr. Fierro is a vocational rehabili- cerned and cautious of dealing ments to fit veterans’ individual tation specialist with the VA GLAHS with this new project. This was skills and to promote healthy life- Veteran Community Employment based on my past experiences of styles, such as the stationary bike Development program (VCED), bet- attempting to work with outside coach and the newsletter writer. ter known as Compensated Work agencies who, once they were ex- When the stationary bike coach Therapy (CWT). He described his ex- posed to our population, decided did not work out, they continued perience working with the Strawber- that they would rather not invest with their mission by providing ry Flag project in the following piece, the time and care it would take to a trainer for all to use. Metabolic written a few months ago. assist our veterans in fully integrat- Studio is quick to employ veterans ing back into competitive employ- who they feel would be welcome Compensated Work Therapy’s ment. additions to their staff. mission is to provide vocational and behavioral rehabilitation ser- Not only did Metabolic Studio Those veterans who have been vices to veterans with psychiatric stick with our veterans, but they of- fortunate enough to work with This chair was found in what had been the computer room in the basement or addiction-related impairments fered much more than I expected. the Strawberry Flag project have of Bldg 208 of the VA WLA. that interfere with their ability Besides working with our CWT acquired new skills [that] they to work. CWT programs strive to veterans, they provided our vet- may use to be much more mar- maintain highly responsive, long- eran population with a warm and ketable in the community. Skills If you were in the [printing] trade, you term, quality relationships with caring environment by providing such as aquaponics, hydroponics, business and industry, promot- jam sessions, entertainment, bar- solar power, print making, event ing employment opportunities for becues, plays, and teas. Veterans production, and journalism were basically had to reinvent yourself, maybe veterans with physical and mental on campus are now exposed to an beyond any skills I believed could disabilities. artistic environment they may nor- be taught in a CWT/Transitional go back for a little bit more education mally not have been exposed to. Work Experience assignment. I would highly recommend the These skills are not the only skills and just go at it from a different angle. Metabolic Studio for any project Metabolic Studio staff became a taught by Metabolic Studio staff with the Department of Veter- piece of our therapeutic environ- – there are also the valuable soft ans Affairs based on all the work ment. They take the time to meet skills which come with dealing That’s pretty much what has happened here; they have done with our veterans. with vocational rehabilitation staff with the public. Metabolic Studio has assisted us to consult when issues arise, and I have got a new eagerness, a new lease in accomplishing our goals and they become part of the solution. Even though they have only been in caring for our disabled veteran Metabolic Studio is very flexible on campus for approximately on life basically in my trade. population. with assignments, and provides six months, many veterans have reasonable accommodation for already come through the CWT When Metabolic Studio first ar- those that need the required assis- portion or have been hired by —Lawrence Flaherty, Strawberry Flag CWT worker, print studio rived on campus, I was a bit con- tance. They have created assign- Continued on page 4 If you don’t like change, you’re going to like irrelevance The true harvest of my life is intangible - a little star 4 even less. dust caught, a portion of the rainbow I have clutched. —General Eric Shinseki —Henry David Thoreau

COMPENSATED WORK THERAPY Miners’ relatives crowded around In a different day and age, Jeff Hart CONTINUED » Hart on Saturday, hugging and would be the most famous Ameri- posing for pictures with him as can in our country right now. He Metabolic Studio. Countless oth- he walked down from the rescue would be honored at the White ers have volunteered or have taken AMERICAN operation into the tent camp where House. Schoolchildren would learn part in their services. I now receive families had anxiously followed his of his skill and heroism. But be- calls from other clinics inquiring work. cause Jeff Hart works in an industry on how they can get their veterans currently being demonized by (in- involved with the Strawberry Flag EXCEPTIONALISM “He’s become the hero of the day,” sert name for the clowns currently project. said Dayana Olivares, whose friend running our country) more people The following account and commen- Hart was called in from Afghani- Carlos Bugueno is one of the in Chile will celebrate this sym- Other veterans involved with the tary on the Chilean miners rescue stan, “simply because he’s the best” miners stuck below. bol of American greatness than in Strawberry Flag project have had has been making the rounds on the at drilling larger holes with the America itself their lives improved therapeutically internet. It is generally credited to T130’s wide-diameter drill bits, Ste- by maintaining their sobriety, learn- Michelle Malkin, an American conser- fanic said. ing responsibilities, and having a vative blogger, political commentator, feeling that they are part of the Met- and author. (http://michellemalkin. Standing before the levers, pressure abolic Studio family. I do not have com/2010/10/12/celebrating-ameri- meters and gauges on the T130’s to worry about the veterans on their can-greatness-in-chile/) control panel, Hart and the rest of It’s an amazing bunch of people. You got assignment displaying a lack of mo- the team faced many challenges in tivation. Every time I visit the site, While some may not believe in drilling the shaft. At one point, the the veterans are always working due American exceptionalism, I do. drill struck a metal support beam in them from different backgrounds and different to the environment which has been And I’m thinking there’s a whole the poorly mapped mine, shatter- created for them. I know that one bunch of people in Chile that would ing its hammers. Fresh equipment walks of life, but all of them are focused on veteran from the Strawberry Flag agree. had to be flown in from the United project has even enrolled in college. States and progress was delayed for Regarding the mine rescue, did you days as powerful magnets were low- this one particular goal and it’s bigger than In summary, I know that there is know: ered to pull out the pieces. much more that the Metabolic Studio and the CWT program can The guy that designed the rescue The mine’s veins of gold and cop- all of us and it seems to work learn from each other. I feel that module was a NASA Engineer? per ran through quartzite with a there are more services we can high level of abrasive silica, rock so out well. I believe that’s what it’s supposed provide for our veteran population. The Drill was made by Schramm tough that it took all their expertise But what we have accomplished Inc. from Pennsylvania. to keep the drill’s hammers from together, in these first six months, curving off in unwanted directions. to be. There’s more of a higher purpose has to be acknowledged. I am very The Drill Bits were made by Cen- “It was horrible,” said Center Rock grateful for all that the Metabolic ter Rock, Inc. located in Berlin, President Brandon Fisher, exhaust- behind it. It’s some good that people can do. Studio staff has done with our Pennsylvania. ed after hardly sleeping during the CWT program and for our veter- effort. ans. My hope is that the Depart- The lead driller Jeff Hart and his It’s an example, this Strawberry Flag has ment of Veterans Affairs and Meta- team are from Denver, Colorado. Fisher, Stefanic, and Hart called it bolic Studio can continue to grow They are on loan from the U.S. Mili- the most difficult hole they had ever together. I expect the next months tary in Afghanistan where they are drilled, because of the lives at stake. inspired you to know that you can start with to bear even more productive fruit drilling water wells for our Forward now that we have overcome our Operating Bases. “If you’re drilling for oil and you lose a little seed, wherever you’re at, and plant growing pains, have maintained the hole, it’s different. This time great rapport with each other, and He spent the next 33 days on his there’s people down below,” Ste- have created positive outcomes for feet, operating the drill that finally fanic said. that and something can come out of it, our veteran population. provided a way out Saturday for 33 trapped miners. “You have to feel “We ruined some bits, worked like it did here. through your feet what the drill is through the problems as a team, doing; it’s a vibration you get so and broke through,” Hart said. “I’m that you know what’s happening,” very happy now.” —G.G., Strawberry Flag CWT worker, kitchen explained Hart.

Open mic sessions of Strawberry Sundays returns to the quad of Building 208! Come out and express yourself in word and song! Sundays 2–4pm from November 14th The law of harvest is to reap more than you sow. Sow an Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. act, and you reap a habit. Sow a habit and you reap a 5 character. Sow a character and you reap a destiny. —Galatians

—James Allen

ENTRY FACADE ENTRY FACADE DETAIL BLDG 209 ENTRY CORRIDOR ROOM 133A ROOM 101 ROOM 101 DETAIL

ROOM 136 ROOM 138 ROOM 138 ROOM 138 ROOM 158 ROOM 158 ROOM 158 DETAIL

ROOM 133 ROOM 133 ROOM 133 ROOM 133 ROOM 134 ROOM 134 WINDOW DETAIL ROOM 135

ROOM 151 ROOM 130 ROOM 130 ROOM 130 ROOM 130 ROOM 130 WASHROOM ROOM 130 WASHROOM DETAIL

ROOM 157 S.WEST CORRIDOR LEVEL ONE NORTH CORRIDOR LEVEL ONE ROOM 107 ROOM 107 DETAIL ROOM 107 DETAIL ROOM 132A

ROOM 248A VIEW FROM ROOM 248A VIEW FROM ROOM 244 HEALTH SERVICES ENTRY ROOM 230 S.EAST CORRIDOR LEVEL TWO S.EAST CORRIDOR LEVEL TWO

ROOM 202 DETAIL ROOM 202 ROOM 202 WINDOW DETAIL ROOM 202 WINDOW DETAIL ROOM 203 WINDOW DETAIL ROOM 203 WINDOW DETAIL ROOM 203 DETAIL

HEALTH SERVICES DETAIL ROOM 210 ENTRY ROOM 210 DETAIL ROOM 210 ROOM 210 WINDOW DETAIL ROOM 210 INTERIOR WINDOW NORTH CORRIDOR LEVEL TWO Unemployment is capitalism’s way of getting you to It is the people who have no say in making wars who 6 plant a garden. suffer from the consequences of them. —Orson Scott Card —Philippa Carr

Bobby Shelton continues to tend to the remains of the garden where Strawberry Flag planted healing grounds for veterans. A little sincerity is a dangerous thing, and a great deal of An ant on the move does more than a dozing ox. it is absolutely fatal. 7 —Lao-Tze —Oscar Wilde

COMING TO other than a big thank you to Lauren and all this staff and the veterans The Studio for Southern that have participated in the Flag, is TERMS WITH when she took remnants and pieces of this building, 209, and took them HISTORY AND into the [LACMA] courtyard and put California History a piece together, her Strawberry In- OURSELVES: dexical Flag, and I went back on the SHARON SEKHON joined the Navy at the age of 18 to Much of the Studio’s past pro- trolley that Friday with them. And to Sharon Sekhon is the director of The fight fascism—and more recent gramming is available online at see the pieces of 209 in the courtyard Studio for Southern California His- conflicts such as the Vietnam War. the LA History Archive (www.lahis- ONE PERSON’S of the LACMA museum was basical- tory. The Studio’s reference library In doing these poignant inter- toryarchive.org), a resource that ly more than I could take. Because boasts nearly 1,300 publications re- views, we have discovered that the was funded in part by a generous STORY I thought, if I would have thought lated to Southern California history, condition currently called “post grant from the Annenberg Foun- back to when I was sitting on the including books, documentaries, fic- traumatic stress disorder” was dation. In addition to its mem- As the summer drew to a close and the ward and I would have said to a staff tion films, magazines, and various often called “battle fatigue” after bership program, there are differ- Strawberry Sunday gatherings on the member, “Hey, you know what? ephemera such as maps and post- World War II, and is nothing new. ent ways to support the Studio’s quad in front of Building 208 neared Twenty years from now there’s going cards. She has actively participated The stress of being at war and then work—such as by purchasing a what we thought was the end of their to be no patients in these buildings; in Strawberry Flag’s high teas and coming back to a society that has Studio product like LA History run, a Navy veteran came to the mic some artist is going to come along tours and brought her considerable no idea what that means has long Playing Cards or a T-shirt with an on October 3. She carried no musical and build like an art piece—part of it knowledge about the history of place been a source of profound anxiety L.A. history event or person high- instrument. She brought no poetry to here, and then they’re going to take to our programs. The Studio’s web- to veterans. lighted on the back. read. She did not sing. She had simply part of it down to LACMA, and well- site is www.socalstudio.org. told the host that she would like to heeled art patrons are going to pay One reason the Studio does its The Studio’s ongoing exhibit, come up and say a few words. This is money to see it, or just walk through The Studio for Southern California work is to highlight the often-ig- called “Love is Living Large in Los what she said. and not have to pay for that part,” History (Studio) was founded four nored parts of our history. In this Angeles,” opened September 4, they would have said, “You are out of years ago by a group of dedicated way, the Studio recovers lost his- 2010 in conjunction with the rec- Eh, I’ll make this really quick. your mind—you need more meds.” historians, teachers, and artists as tory or history people did not want ognized birthday for the found- It’s not poetry or anything, so it’s a place to critically chronicle and to discuss publicly but that can ing of the pueblo of Los Angeles: kind of an on-the-fly essay. I guess You know, completely! But yet, this disseminate the region’s social now be shared after the passage September 4, 1871. This exhibit I would call it an ode to Lauren Bon, is exactly what has transpired, and I history to foster a sense of place, of time. We encourage individuals focuses on different individuals Building 209, and the Strawberry really want people to know that back or the connection one may have to to donate digital scans of family who contributed to building com- Flag exercise. in those days there really wasn’t a a particular place. Since its begin- photographs to show change over munity across Southern Califor- whole lot of hope. And I got sent nings, the Studio has included the time in Southern California, but to nia history and includes an exhibit I really don’t talk about my past very up here because another VA didn’t role of veterans in our history. We also bring the idea home that we dedicated to activists, athletes, much. I have been out at the VA for know basically how to deal with me, have collected oral histories from have more in common than not. artists, business leaders, writers, a good number of years in about ev- so a lot of their problem children veterans of World War II—includ- The Studio focuses on the basics lawyers, preservationists, workers ery capacity you can be: employee, ended up in 209. So, it’s been uplift- ing Tom Floyd, who served under of the human experience: birth, and other individuals who “lived patient, visitor, volunteer, etc. And ing, it’s been healing. I mean I just Patton at the Normandie Inva- death, work, school, courtship, large” in Los Angeles by a life ac- when this Strawberry Flag first start- love to hear the veterans with their sion and the Battle of the Bulge, parenthood, and military service, tively engaged towards building a ed, I really wasn’t involved in it. I massive amounts of talent—they’re and Ethel Greenfield Booth, who if applicable. better good. had seen them setting up and came playing music and poetry that’s just and asked about it, and it sounded lovely and touching, and the chil- really interesting, although I really dren that are out here and the dogs because the facility is now subject to And then there are the several hun- didn’t know what it was about. And that are out here. The artists and VETERANS’ SPORTS: a sharing agreement for use by non- dreds of vets who live on the West I was sort of going through a situa- civilians and veterans and everyone veteran sports activities. Someone L.A. campus. tion where my VA archive, which I getting together and making like a IT’S A SHUTOUT remarked that the only swimming keep on the grounds, has been trav- beautiful thing together—I don’t pool on the VA grounds was filled The Consumer Council—not a VA eling all over the campus, and I ba- know what to call it, but it’s some- TERENCE LYONS in and taken out of use years ago. staff group, but an advocacy coun- sically needed a place to store it. So thing that I would have never have What’s a newspaper without a There is no gymnasium on the cam- cil that represents the consumers in my kind of self-serving way, even thought of as possible. sports page? A breakfast without or- pus. No tennis court. No handball, of VA services (that is, veterans and though my material did benefit the ange juice? A day without sunshine? racquetball, or squash courts. Not their families)—voted in October Strawberry Flag and veterans, Lau- I think this whole Strawberry Flag Throughout the brief life of the even an outdoor basketball or volley- to appoint a committee to look into ren and the artists were very kind experience and this courtyard thing Strawberry Gazette, we have made an ball court on which to play a game. the lack of athletic facilities for vet- and gave me a place to store these and everything has come together effort to put together a sports page, erans at West L.A. and report back materials; many of these materials to create something very special, or at least a sports story, for our read- There is a golf course, but veterans to them. became used in the history and stuff and it’s been wonderful to be a part ers at the West Los Angeles VA. But can only use it under the aegis of a with the Strawberry Flag. And basi- of it, and I want everybody to take in the course of that effort, we have therapist. It’s not as though there are no cally I kind of got more than I bar- back with them whenever they are discovered something even more resources available at all. The gained for, because in helping them with other veterans or with civilians perplexing than a newspaper with- GLA 2009 Annual Report shows with their history, I didn’t think that or whoever, that anything is pos- out sports news: a campus of nearly Like an “athletic club” $113,577,363 for “facilities” in I would be confronting my–my own sible and there’s new beginnings to a thousand resident veterans, and its Fiscal Year 2009 budget of history at the same—excuse me—at be made. I mean, there was lots of tens of thousands of outpatient vet- for veterans who were $744,547,205. And there is certain- the same time. ugly stuff that has gone on out here erans, without a sports program. Or once in the best shape ly enough land for some athletic on these campuses, and I don’t want sports facilities. facilities, even after turning over One Friday, Lauren was bringing to leave it on a downer note, but the of their lives. twenty-two acres to Brentwood a tour into Building 209, and I just good thing is that an artist [has] seen The VA has a Wellness Center, but School for its athletic complex that happened to want to see what they some kind of possibility to come we’re talking about sports. serves well under a thousand stu- were doing with the people they out here and plant flowers and to The VA Greater Los Angeles Annual dents. brought up on the Friday trolley. make a flag, and they had veterans As recently as the summer of 2009, Report for 2009 states that 79,893 And so I went in and looked. And I working in the kitchen, and you’re MacArthur Field at the north end “unique patients” were treated that It is no secret that the VA will soon wasn’t planning on revealing any getting paid work, and there’s even of the VA grounds hosted softball year, meaning 79,893 distinct and be dealing with the substantial in- of this, but I had actually been a pa- more possibilities for the Part Two games between the Dom and the different veterans without double- flux of veterans returning from Iraq tient in Building 209, and a lot of the or Three or whatever—little things Haven. New Directions fielded a counting for any one vet’s multiple and Afghanistan. Many of them will people that were patients in 209, in that spring off from this, and I just team and played there too. But there visits. And there are 1.4 million vets surely require medical care, includ- these old buildings, are gone now. wanted to thank everybody that was were no games to report this past in the Greater Los Angeles (GLA) ser- ing treatment for physical disabili- And in a way I felt it was kind of my a part of this. summer, and so no sports news in vice area, according to the VA web- ties and mental health disorders. responsibility to kind of come clean the Gazette. You can’t report what site www.losangeles.va.gov / about. But even those who do not—men and sort of come out with it as a liv- And it’s just been—I would say that doesn’t happen. Would it not be a good thing if the and women who are now in the ing person that’s come from the this has been one of the more posi- GLAHS headquarters facility in best shape of their lives—will re- old VA—and the old VA treatment tive of my post-military experiences At the October meeting of the Great- West L.A.—the largest VA facility in quire a place to call home. A place systems back before patients really that has really struck a nerve with er Los Angeles Healthcare System the country—had a handball court where they, as veterans, can pursue had a whole lot of rights that were me and touched my heart in ways (GLAHS ) Mental Health Consumer or a pool or a gym (boxing ring?) for and maintain the lifelong goal of enforced—it was very paternalistic. that I didn’t think were possible. So Advocacy Council, it was reported those vets to use? Like an “athletic mens sana in corpore sano—a sound thank you to Lauren, thank you ev- that MacArthur Field is no longer club” for veterans who were once in mind in a sound body. Don’t we all My takeaway lesson from all of this, erybody for being a part of it. available to such veterans’ teams the best shape of their lives. need that? BERRY W F A L R A T G S

M O E I TA D B T U O L I C S

It isn’t that they can’t see the solution. It is that they I never give them hell. I just tell the truth and they think 10 can’t see the problem. it’s hell. —G.K. Chesterton —Harry S. Truman

New Directions Choir rehearsed for two days with Berlin director Walter Asmus and then performed a dramatic rendition of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, October 31, 2010 at the VA of WLA.

the stuff they are putting out is stuff have never shared their stuff with given them a more positive outlook THE STRAWBERRY SUNDAYS’ HARVEST from their core, it’s stuff that they sit really anybody. And musicians too, for their futures. And again back to down when they are alone and write there’s a couple musicians that the poets, poetry is cathartic, they WITH PAUL CROWLEY about, it’s stuff that is important to had never played in public too. It’s get more out of it by reading it to them and really hits home. amazing to hear. There are actu- them, baring their souls to the au- Paul Crowley: The veterans that poetry, it’s all their poetry, originally ally two performers—one poet and dience, baring their souls and get- come up on Sunday afternoons, we written, from stuff about their expe- Laura Sanderson Healy: And Straw- one musician actually told me that ting such a great response. It far have both performers that play mu- rience in the military, in the wars, berry Sundays got them to do that, Strawberry Sundays and Strawberry outweighs anything they could get sic, some of their own stuff and cov- and afterwards, with homelessness, to sit down and write. Flag really saved their lives and they from a counselor, a psychologist, a er some of the other musicians from drug abuse, alcoholism, whatever feel because of the positive energy psychiatrist. the 70s, 80s, whatever. Then we have happened to them over their life. Paul Crowley: Almost all of the po- and what they get to do up here a group of veterans that come up And what I’ve observed by watching ets that come up there and read and everything like that—this has and read these guys and listening to them… have never read in public before, changed their lives immensely. It’s

A Veteran’s Pride Untitled

BY BRUCE RILEY BY AN ANONYMOUS VETERAN this is a poem for Long ago two families knew what was needed Rolling in the glowing clover all the lonely vets Codified in their will their land they deeded Six million years for the half-life to decay the ones i haven't met A gift to the fighting men of this nation What does it matter? We’ll all be long gone anyway. this is a poem for A place of healing, a permanent station the boys in uniform This hallowed ground Your kids won’t need to wear lead shields the ones here now A beacon for veterans all around To play sports on Brentwood School’s athletic fields and the ones before In modern times increasingly unheeded Everything will be just fine Perceived by our government an excess of land unneeded. Go ahead! Sign on the dotted line this is a poem about our FLAG It’s all in the enhanced use lease keep it high Why do senior VA staff live on site Another part of the Golden Fleece. so it won't sag Like some kind of parasite? i never let it drag For them there is no urgency Then one day the land did shake it's red, white and blue In a 9-1-1 emergency It became a casualty of the Northridge Quake we fly it high for me It’s city fire who’s paid to inquire. Oh Sepulveda what became an ordinary clinic and you What of our homeless veterans’ plight? Oh I’m such a cynic Why does leadership treat them as part of urban blight? State-of-the-art E.R./Urgent Care promised it's a symbol of our Do they dream of a hallowed land stolen in broad daylight? All I saw was Building 2 demolished courage and our faith Another promise abolished. it's there so we can face This VA hospital tertiary the soldiers from the wars Is built upon the old soldiers’ sanctuary At Sepulveda I’m more likely to see a movie set the wars from every place The sole purpose of the deed Than a fellow disabled vet so, i am for one, full Was to be there for veterans in need. When fictional patients generate more revenue of pride to know your What’s a VA manager to do? by my side Isotopes to rotten cantaloupes to know at least we tried Everything it would seem “Oh, screw you, veterans” is the message that gets through we didn't run or hide Has been tossed in the ravine Over the years my growing frustration i'll preach it loud From headstones to telephones To see our sacred lands to show i'm proud Into this impromptu dumping ground Subject to ever-growing exploitation Unusual items can be found Alternate funding streams Buried beneath this toxic mound. To keep the VA from falling apart at the seams This is all part of the misuse, better known as fraud, waste, Rumors of radioactivity and abuse. Just beneath human activity Look, there’s Rover Work!?!?!! Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire 11 — Maynard G. Krebs, in The Many Loves of Dobie shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. Gillis —1 Corinthians 3:13

A lot of the vets have told me that on some things, but hey, you know, they’re in trauma therapy and I’m old, I’m falling apart. KELLYE when they bring up a lot of their CURTIS Well, I’m not sure why but trauma during groups, this has Things that can’t be fixed here at I think somebody was VIDEO TESTIMONIAL given them a place to come and use VIDEO TESTIMONIAL the VA is what really needs to be OCTOBER 8, 2010 a better coping skill. They come OCTOBER 8, 2010 looked at. It’s people taking care under the assumption here to cook; they come here and of people. How to see compassion that these buildings were Veteran Curtis Bailey works as an Kellye Coleman, a non-veteran, eat lunch, and communicate. This in your heart for another human is a licensed MFC therapist artist through CWT at the not used. I know that helps them to start to relax. There being who might just need a help- volunteering at Strawberry Flag. Strawberry Flag Print Studio. needs to be an environment that ing hand, somebody to talk to, a not 208 but 205 and 209 is not as clinical but more of just a shoulder to lean on for a minute, are underutilized. I have Hello. My name is Kellye Coleman. therapeutic, calming space that’s I don’t understand sometimes somebody to walk with, simple no idea why 208 was I am a [licensed] marriage and fam- safe. It’s definitely safe. As a clini- where everybody’s at. VA’s a good stuff, to be shown that people care ily therapist. I work at a psychiatric cian, I’ve observed and it’s a safe place. You got a lot of people who about love, kindness, compassion. included in that when facility here in Southern California. environment and it’s also a place need a lot of help; mental, physical, We’re in a fellowship; you used to there’s four functioning I’ve worked there for the past seven where the community is involved clinical, and medical, I guess you call it ‘brotherly love.’ Sometimes programs in this building. years. I’ve been a trauma therapist. with veterans which is a bit un- could say. The VA can fix all that. that’s all it takes. It’s going to be I have worked with people with heard of. There’s a lot of things that that what a lot of people need when I would like to know a number of mental disorders: realm doesn’t fix. It doesn’t even they get back and that’s what I who made that decision schizophrenia, bipolar. We’ve actu- The mythology behind the Viet- begin to get there. The only thing found up here, up on the hill. I that this building was ally had quite a few veterans come nam vets [is] that they were kind that could fix these areas is people. didn’t expect to find any of this in, in crisis. of left out in the street, and I’m People taking care of people. Vets when I got here. I came here to empty. Yeah, I mean I can hoping a project such as this one, taking care of vets. Compassion. have my teeth fixed and take care understand the building I just want to make it brief. I have a pilot project would be a way to I’m grateful for every day I’m on of other medical issues, things to our left, the one where been brought on board here re- change that mythology and prove this earth. I’m grateful for every like that. Thank you VA very much cently to just help out and give that the community does care day that I wake up and breathe for helping me with that. I feel bet- the print studio is, I know some clinical information regard- about Vietnam vets. We don’t oxygen. I’m grateful for what has ter physically. But I feel a whole that one is not being ing this program which I truly be- want to see them homeless. We been given to me in these last few lot better mentally, emotionally used and the building lieve in. From what I’ve seen, it’s are willing to show up, if only the years of my life. thanks to all the friends and the positive in all aspects and I would VA would allow us to be here. It’s new family that I’ve met up here to our right, I believe like to be on board to sort of be the an important shift that I think We’ve got an awful lot of our boys, on the hill, 208, 209, and with what only the bottom floor person here on site to be a clinician the VA needs to make all over the young boys, who’ve given up ev- seems to be a bad word up here, is used as a mailroom. and help with the veterans issues, country. It can’t completely be erything, their life, and some of the Strawberry Flag. These people, anything that would come up while a separate entity. them have given up their lifestyle, they showed me kindness, gave Other than that, I don’t they were on site, I would be here to their family, their youth, their in- me time, allowed me to discover think there’s anything assist with that. Taxpayers’ money, my tax money nocence, and they’re doing all that I actually have some artistic functioning there. So, pays for these facilities and we this just so that we can go home at talents that I would never have And just a brief overview of what I want to know that these people night and watch our TV, drive our been able to explore if I hadn’t I have no problem if see is happening here and why I are being taken care of when they cars, sit in a park, eat whatever we come up here. These people are something happens to think it’s so important, is the fact return. I believe that the Iraqi and want, whatever, whenever we want worth their weight in gold if not those buildings, but not that the Metabolic Studio and the Afghanistan vets are going to be and hopefully, God willing, they’ll more. They’ve given me purpose Annenberg Foundation has been coming home and it’s going to be coming home soon. Some are in my life. I volunteered hours and ours when you have a providing employment, and the increase the population here and not going to be in very good shape. days and weeks up here for noth- homemaking program to stats that I believe I have here is instead of dealing with it when it’s There’s nothing nice over there. ing because to be around these our left, an occupational that at least seven compensated a crisis, can’t we just do a preemp- We can fix their broken legs, re- people, that’s how good it felt. work therapy employees have tive strike and start projects such pair their wounds, sew them back therapy program been working here on site and it as this one where the community together, heal them, and make Now I’m working what they call downstairs, a vocational has been extremely productive for feels involved? I think that connec- them feel better, physically, clini- a CWT job up here on the hill. It rehab program on both them. I have talked to each one tion makes the vets feel empow- cally. We can’t let these men and started with the Strawberry Flag individually and said that this has ered and they don’t feel hopeless. women go to the wayside—his- people, but they’ve been told to floors, and the Wellness given them a place to work, feel Clinically and therapeutically it’s tory’s shown that doesn’t work. Ev- leave, to go away. For what? Why? Center to our right. I don’t productive, which in turn helps a win-win all the way around. The erybody knows what we’re talking What’d they do? I don’t get it. I understand what would them feel some self worth, they [Annenberg] Foundation is wiling about there. don’t understand. I’m still up here feel valuable. We have the kitchen to employ vets and the goal was to working but I don’t know; is that in be the need to get rid here where everybody comes in employ even more. How can that When I got here to the VA, I came jeopardy, is that in danger? Do we, of all these programs or and joins together and eats and be a bad thing? I don’t understand. here clean and sober but I had veterans, got to go away now too? have us moved. socializes and feels validated. This That’s my two cents. I hope that we some issues in my life that I really When is that going to happen? is not to say that this isn’t hap- get permission to stay. Thank you. didn’t understand. I was pretty I don’t know. pening at the VA but from what depressed. I had some medical is- —David Fierro, VCED I see therapeutically this site acts sues. I came here and got my medi- as a sort of decompression site. cal fixed up. They’re still working

CANCER (June 22–July 22) LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 23) that’s the time to go after the person you’ve had HOROSCOPES Romance and your social life will come in full swing You need to make time for your friends and family your eye on. You are confident and hopeful this this month. You’ve been busy at work, but now’s the this month, though this will be a hard task because month, which is a winning combination for your so- ARIES (March 21–April 19) time to focus on your home life and relationships. November is full of work-related responsibilities. cial life. Financial matters will start to resolve this This month, a relationship of yours reaches a new However, dear Cancer, avoid bringing coworkers However, the 10th through the 12th is a good time month. Focus on eating a much healthier diet this 18TH ANNUAL level of understanding and commitment. Money oc- into your personal life; it will lead to trouble later. to ask for the raise you’ve been working toward. Or- November. Don’t travel to places you’ve already cupies your thoughts, and much of your free time The last week of November will bring the need to ganize your personal finances this month and stop been. goes to learning about finance. Don’t get too swept become more active and exercise. Spending some overspending. Others may rile you up, but keep VETERANS’ up by your research, dear Aries. Be sure to listen time alone will help you bring out your creativity, calm no matter what, dear Libra. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) to others more than offering your opinion this No- which has been dormant for some time now. Work is going to play a major role in your life. Your vember. A travel opportunity will come toward the SCORPIO (Oct. 24–Nov. 21) career has taken center stage for a few months HOLIDAY end of the month. LEO (July 23–August 22) Your home life does not require much attention now, but toward the end of November, your life will Leo, the beginning of the month will prove difficult this month, though you will start to daydream about regain its balance. Be careful to not handle your TAURUS (April 20–May 20) and full of seemingly fruitless work. However, it is your ideal home. Feel free to talk to your partner love life like a job, it will not bode well for you. Single CELEBRATION November is a great month for finding new love. necessary work, and your life will return to normal about this; it’s likely they have been thinking about Aquarius, you may find a new love through job-re- However, if you are already involved, be ready to midmonth. Single Leos, you may meet a new love it too. You have plenty of confidence this November lated channels. This is not the time to test people’s Sunday, December 5, 2010 argue over where you’ve been spending your time. though your job. Be careful with money this No- and it shows! Your coworkers are looking to your allegiance to you. The last week of the month is Your financial responsibilities will take precedence vember; you’ve been spending recklessly and it’s opinion and ideas to take direction from, dear Scor- focused on friends and group activities—go ahead 1–6:30pm over your social life this month, dear Taurus. This is catching up with you. This is an emotional month pio. Catch up on your paperwork and return the e- and enjoy yourself! the time to look into those health issues that have for you, but persevere, the ease of the next few mails you’ve been putting off. Join us as we honor and thank you, our been nagging at you. You will experience good news months will be your reward. PISCES (February 19–March 20) Veterans and Active Duty Personnel on the last two days of the month. Professional se- SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Dear Pisces, this is the month to be aware and crecy will lead to devastating circumstances. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sep. 22) November is going to be a great month for you, cautious. You tend to live spontaneously, but try Great fun, delicious food and live Turn up the charm this month, Virgo! You’ve had Sagittarius! Both your career and family will bring to plan ahead instead this November rather than entertainment. GEMINI (May 21–June 21) your eyes set on someone or something and this is you plenty of positive attention. There may be just giving in to your desire to have a change of Joy and love are in the stars for you this month, dear the month for you to go out and get it! Your roman- some wants of your own that need to be put aside pace. Issues with a partner will come to a head this Featuring Jim Belushi and Gemini, if you can put your work aside long enough tic partner is acting irresponsible this month, and in the beginning of the month as well as rethinking month; find common ground and remain honest at to let them in! Money is a hard matter for you to it may be time to downgrade your relationship with of your plans, but others have your best interests at all times. Be careful with your money at the start of The Sacred Hearts Band talk about this November, but it does take up much this person—do this on the 15–16 when you’ll be heart and you will be taken care of. Only tentatively the month and be careful with your words in social For more information please visit of your time and thoughts. There is an activity that most persuasive. You’ll meet some very eccentric give advice this month. settings around the 17th. Play your cards right, and www.vhcevent.org you’ve been asked to join in by an elder male—go for people toward the end of November and will end up close to your chest this month, and you will come it! It’s the right path for you to be on. Money owed in the most unusual circumstances with them—just CAPRICORN (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) out ahead. to you by a family member will return at the end of go with it, you’ll have fun. This is a good month for love, dear Capricorn. the month. Around the 13th, you are your most attractive and The habit of sauntering and of indolent careless apply his hand in twenty different ways almost every application, which is naturally, or rather necessarily day of his life, renders him almost always slothful and 12 acquired by every country workman who is obliged to lazy, and incapable of any vigorous application even on change his work and his tools every half hour, and to the most pressing occasions.

—Adam Smith, The Wealth of Nations, in arguing for the division of labor

PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST cheek to cheek, was amazing, as CONTINUED » they seemed to defy the forces of A CASE STUDY IN TRANSFORMATIVE gravity. Morleigh created the show with Roxanne’s equally renowned cho- I enjoyed comparing notes with reographer husband Oguri, the writer Martha Ann Babcock, who PHILANTHROPY: STRAWBERRY FLAG Japanese-born master of Butoh attended excerpts from COLD dancing, who also performed with DREAM COLOR that the Steinberg BY RICHARD L. FOX Angeles County Museum of Art and well-being of others, the hallmark of Robert Scott and Cat Westwood, sisters performed at The Flea in Strawberry Flag was not only an art- operated the “Twain” trolley tour, philanthropy. over from London. Music for the New York City in May. (Martha Ann work, but also a philanthropy project. which raised public awareness of production was by Feltlike with Paul had met Roxanne at Strawberry Lawyer Richard L. Fox of the Dilworth the difficult issues facing veterans. Does the Strawberry Flag pro-ject Chavez and The Edge, U2’s guitarist Flag in November when she partici- Paxson LLP firm in Philadelphia ex- fit within the meaning of “transfor- and Morleigh’s husband. pated in Great Performances’ South- amines the project in that light. He Although the Strawberry Flag sculp- mative philanthropy” or “traditional ern Stories.) She found herself in specializes in advising nonprofit ture, which was the original impetus philanthropy”? “Morleigh and Oguri collaborate re- awe of its power. “There was a lot of groups and donors and is the author for the entire project, has now been Traditional philanthropy is focused ally well,” Roxanne told me after the Irish mysticism about it,” she said. of the treatise Charitable Giving: removed from the West Los Angeles on short-term goals while transfor- show, which was more conceptual “Roxanne’s strong face was visible Taxation, Strategies and Planning VA campus, it has left behind a ma- mative philanthropy seeks long- and slow-moving than the normal from the beginning. I thought of (Thomson Reuters). The Annenberg jor philanthropic footprint and lega- term change. Whereas the former form of classical dance. (Oguri and Irish spirits, the bog—haints, Celt- Foundation is among Dilworth Pax- cy that will continue to have a lasting is a response to an immediate need Roxanne run the Body Weather ic fairies, and banshees without the son’s clients. impression for years to come. The or symptom, the latter is a strategic Laboratory performance company screams. It was also reminiscent of Strawberry Flag project raises im- effort to eliminate the cause that and are Electric Lodge artists-in-res- the Symbolist painter Odile Redon.” Strawberry Flag, a project of artist portant issues that are often consid- gives rise to that need or symptom idence.) The artist le Brocquy, she Lauren Bon and her Metabolic Stu- ered in the context of philanthropy, in the first instance. said, was a friend of COLD DREAM Martha Ann found the fabric mo- dio, is a philanthropic success story which are addressed in the follow- COLOR’s costume designer Mariad tif interesting (“taking up the fab- and a vivid reminder that helping ing question-and-answer format. Transformative philanthropy takes Whisker (what a fabulous name!)— ric, winding it up, was like life”). those in need can be accomplished a proactive role in forming orga- “and I think my sister had met Louis She also found it representative by simply helping them to help What is the philanthropy behind the nized, collective responses to ad- and his wife Anne and wanted to do of “Irish linen—white, clingy like a themselves. What’s most impres- Strawberry Flag project? dress problems and create long- something that connected to the cocoon; it reminded me of insects, sive about the success of the Straw- Philanthropy, in its most basic defi- term, systemic change. By creating place where she lives and to the a caterpillar making a chrysalis. berry Flag project is that although nition, is “the love of mankind.” and implementing long-term solu- important legacy of painters and Then there was unfurling the fabric, Ms. Bon is a director of the Annen- Having a will and a desire to help tions to the problems facing vet- artists there.” the bundle representing the wom- berg Foundation and the Metabolic others in need is the defining aspect erans, the Strawberry Flag project an’s role in Ireland, baby after baby, Studio is a direct charitable proj- of philanthropy. Today, important clearly fits within the meaning of In the program, Morleigh writes having one child after another, op- ect of the Annenberg Foundation, aspects of philanthropy focus on transformative philanthropy. that the dance pieces crafted from pressed, and sad. They threw the Strawberry Flag is a low-cost project, an active effort to promote human le Brocquy’s paintings explored the white linen out like a carpet, and driven to success with passion, dedi- welfare and the well-being of others. Has the Strawberry Flag project human form “both figuratively and then bundled it up. The music tin- cation, and hard work – all with the The Strawberry Flag project has tak- brought awareness of its issues to viscerally… as a profound mani- kling reminded me of Irish Water- active involvement of the very people en on the long-term challenges fac- the public? festation of the spirit, painting the ford crystal.” the project was created to help, the ing veterans in the greater Los Ange- Transformative philanthropic pro- full scope of the human condition veterans of the West Los Angeles VA. les area, many of whom have trouble jects look to eliminate the root with particular reference to the In May, Oguri and Roxanne staged finding work and re-establishing causes of a problem and create per- Irish identity.” Le Brocquy’s paint- a mind-blowing conceptual per- The project falls under the increas- themselves in society. manent social change. Informing ings “take us on an uncharted formance called “For the Corn and ingly popular concept of “hands-on the public about the issues facing journey from the exterior reality to Flowers” at Lauren Bon’s artwork philanthropy,” where philanthro- The Strawberry Flag CWT program these projects makes society aware the complexity and mystery of the The Anabolic Monument at the Cali- pists, such as Ms. Bon, along with at the West Los Angeles VA campus of the problem, as well as the pos- interior human landscape… his fornia State Historic Park with per- her Metabolic Studio team, roll up created meaningful and purpose- sible solutions, and increases the figures are imbued with a vitality cussionist Tatsuya Nakatani, who their sleeves and work from the ful jobs, provided unique training chances of creating permanent that imagines a springing from the played cymbals, singing bowls, and ground up, as opposed to the tradi- and opportunities, and, most im- change and gaining the support for singular plane of the canvas into a bowed gong. Roxanne reminded tional philanthropic concept of sim- portantly, instilled a sense of confi- such change from the public. multidimensionality.” And so, the me here of a female Samuel Beck- ply giving away money. What started dence, pride, inspiration, and hope dancers translating these ideas had ett character, unlayering items of out as a Strawberry Flag sculpture, to those veterans participating in This is where the Strawberry Flag the wraith-like figures slipping the material as she transited the space, an artwork in the form of a veter- the program. By participating in project has uniquely excelled. It has confines of the picture frames and while Oguri moved glacially atop ans’ program, led to a full-blown this program, veterans were taught educated the public about the issues possessing the stage. At one mo- the decaying straw of the former Strawberry Flag Compensated Work to help themselves and, in the face facing veterans through a multitude ment, Roxanne balanced on one Not A Cornfield. I loved it when Rox- Therapy (“CWT”) program on the of often overwhelming odds, were of outlets, including the Strawberry leg while winding up and unravel- anne did a slow tumble at one point West Los Angeles VA campus. It pro- able to achieve things they never re- Flag’s own radio station and news- ing fabric; this reminded me im- and ended up laid out flat. It is al- vided meaningful work and unique alized they could. They took on and paper. The project also participated mediately of the Noh-inspired W. ways thrilling to watch such world- training opportunities for veterans, met difficult challenges, which will in community outreach programs, B. Yeats one-act play At the Hawk’s class performers, and I can’t wait to including the opportunity to work at have a lasting impact over their en- like the Twain trolley tours, the Well. All the performers were made see what she has up her multilay- a fully operational print shop, kitch- tire lifetimes. More than anything Strawberry Sunday events, and a up with very pale faces, and in ered sleeves next. en, and newspaper. And it also cre- else, the Strawberry Flag project has series of high teas where veterans the dark theater it was spooky at ated an outdoor sculpture at the Los promoted human welfare and the Continued on page 13 times when all that was visible was a ghostly face suddenly appearing in the blackness.

It was a dreamlike event, well named because of its otherness; all of the participants conveyed various dynamics of families in- teracting together. “We had this large body of work to kind of distill,” Roxanne told me, “and so we took characters from the paintings who come in and out of a lot of the work, like the mother. There’s one paint- ing that’s called Sickness and [has] the mother lying down. My sister and I were trying to decide who would be the mother in this—she’s almost like an angel, or it’s like her soul is kind of coming out and she’s kind of flying, so we had our two heads together and we worked with that image.” Seeing the two These white roses where the first things the Metabolic Studio planted at the quad. The tent having just been removed, they are now all that remains in Steinberg sisters moving sideways, front of Bldg 209 from Strawberry Flag. There is some of the same fitness in a man’s building the poetic faculty would be universally developed, as his own house that there is in a bird’s building its birds universally sign when they are so engaged? 13 own nest. Who knows but if men constructed their dwellings with their own hands, and provided food for —Henry David Thoreau, Walden, or Life in the themselves and families simply and honestly enough, Woods, in arguing against the division of labor.

A CASE STUDY... CONTINUED » Indeed, the staff at the Miami VA Healthcare System has indicated THE PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF VETERANS and visitors came together to visit its desire to have projects like the and learn from one another. Strawberry Flag on its campus as part BY TERENCE LYONS was an economic motive to develop UC Riverside history professor of its CWT program and to create Veterans have an image problem. land that was largely unused, and Catherine Gudis added, “There’s Through these outreach programs, a Strawberry Flag-type initiative. It’s not just that veterans, as a class soldiers receiving pensions did something about a sense of dis- the public was able to get involved of people, present a problematic have spending power, but accord- ablement, of not being able to re- in activities relating to the program, Is the Strawberry Flag project image to the public, although that ing to then-current accounts, the connect, that happens in that mov- learn more about its mission and a philanthropic success? is almost certainly true. It is also people in Los Angeles and the other ie, that then is lived out or borne goals, and gain a greater under- There are a number of ways to evalu- the fact that veterans very often do communities wanted to have the out by so many people in subse- standing of the issues facing veter- ate whether or not a philanthropic not have an accurate idea of how old soldiers in their midst, to lis- quent decades, where your expe- ans and, ultimately, join the effort to project is successful. Generally, if a they are perceived by the public, ten to their Civil War stories, and to riences simply aren’t matched, create a solution. project is able to attain its mission, and so they can be oblivious to how honor their service (at least to the but everything else [is] going on meet the needs of the individuals it that perception may impact their Union). around you, and [you] start to form Does the Strawberry Flag project is attempting to support, and raise lives. And similarly oblivious to either an interior life that’s sepa- follow donor intent? public awareness of the issues in- how the nation’s veterans’ policy Notwithstanding the tendency to rate from the rest of the world or Donor intent is a fundamental is- volved, the project is deemed a suc- and VA programs can affect that romanticize the past, it seems to be an insular existence, right?” sue in philanthropy, focusing on cess. Across the board, the Strawber- perception. the case that the status of the veter- whether the expectation of a donor ry Flag project should be considered an remained quite high toward the But the public perception of the regarding the specified use of a con- a bona fide philanthropic success. The biblical harvest axiom—“As ye beginning of the twentieth century, veterans who faced that “sense of tribution is met. Interestingly, the sow, so shall ye reap”—applies to and again in the aftermath of World disablement,” who were not “able land on which the Strawberry Flag Indeed, the United States Depart- public perceptions too, and it may War I. to reconnect,” after World War project was operated, located at the ment of Veterans Affairs itself has be a bitter harvest if veterans and II was tempered by the fact that West Los Angeles VA, was given to recognized the success of the Straw- those who work for them do not The high respect accorded World these vets were everyone’s fam- the federal government pursuant to berry Flag CWT program in an article take care regarding the seeds they War II veterans is now legendary, ily and friends, people they had an 1888 deed in which the donors posted on the United States Depart- plant in the public’s mind. perhaps all the more so in light of known before the war and with explicitly set forth the intent that the ment of Veterans Affairs website, America’s treatment of vets in the whom they talked and ate and land be used for the establishment entitled “Success Story: Strawberry When the California State Veterans years that have followed. The veter- slept after the war. and maintenance of a “home” for Flag Project,” where West L.A. CWT home was dedicated on the West ans of the Greatest Generation had veterans. chief Joseph Ciccone emphasized Los Angeles VA campus this June, not only fought in a popular and Perceptions Change that the project has enabled the there was the usual compliment of just war, and one that we had clearly Vietnam was different. Not only Although the West Los Angeles VA CWT veterans to acquire new trans- martial music, provided that day by won, but everyone knew the vets— was that an unpopular and con- itself has not appeared to follow the ferable skill sets that have better the Marine Corps band from Mira- personally. Military service was so troversial war, and one that we donors’ intent, the Strawberry Flag prepared them for employment in mar, but there was also recorded nearly universal that, if you were not had clearly not won, but military project has done so, in building a the increasingly competitive labor background music played as the yourself a vet, your husband, father, service was far from universal— bridge between the notion of home market which confronts everyone in crowd assembled and later as peo- brother (maybe even sister), or next- rather than running out to enlist, and the reality of hospital by creat- today’s challenging economy. ple socialized after the ceremony. door neighbor likely was. many sons and brothers and even ing a community on the campus, “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “Mairsy fathers stayed home and prayed thereby serving the very purpose Through the efforts of Strawber- Doats,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo”: Korea—the “forgotten war”—fol- for a high lottery number… or left for which the land was intended. ry Flag, the public has a greater all World War II music, even though lowed so closely on the heels of home and went to Canada. The project encouraged veterans awareness of the issues facing there are few World War II vets still World War II that, depending on to become involved in activities on veterans and the possible solu- alive. Vietnam veterans are now in your point of view, its veterans either One commentator described the campus that helped create a more tions. Most importantly, the reac- their sixties and will be moving into basked in the aura of the high regard 1978 movie Coming Home, in which “home-like” atmosphere, such as tion of the veterans participating the home, but they didn’t play any for World War II vets or were simply Army wife Jane Fonda falls in love weekday afternoon tea, where tea in the Strawberry Flag project has Jim Morrison. ignored, unseen in the shadows. with wheelchair-bound Vietnam and bread with treats (including been overwhelmingly positive, veteran/war protester Jon Voight strawberry jam made in the kitchen with such individuals now on The American military establish- The fact that the mid-century veter- before her captain/husband Bruce from Flag berries) were served. their way to productive and mean- ment still cloaks itself in images of ans were respected does not mean Dern comes home, as “the quint- ingful lives, thanks to the project. World War II—the last really popu- that they did not have their trou- essential Vietnam War film—it’s Can the Strawberry Flag project lar war. But that self-image is not bles. Onboard the Metabolic Stu- anti-war, pessimistic, gritty, de- serve as a model for others? the current public perception of dio trolley that carried passengers pressing, and ultimately sort of The true importance of a philan- veterans: that perception changes this summer between Strawberry whining.” thropic project can be judged by over time. Flag at the VA and the Los Angeles whether it creates a successful mod- County Museum of Art, film and Respect for veterans of the Viet- el that can be followed by others. The Good Old Days book critic David Kipen observed, nam War was low not only because The Strawberry Flag project is an in- When the federal government de- “The best cinematic treatment of part of the public regarded them WWW.STRAWBERRYFLAG.ORG novative project that has emerged cided to locate a national soldiers the plight of the veteran was made as having been complicit in wag- as part of the experience of work- home west of the Rockies in 1887, within about a year of the end of the ing the unpopular war and even ing with veterans and clinicians at Los Angeles was among several Second World War, and that’s The in My Lai–type atrocities, but also the VA of West Los Angeles and is communities that competed for Best Years of Our Lives, and it hasn’t because a larger part of the public a model that other VA’s can utilize. the opportunity. Of course there been bettered since.” Continued on page 14

by the 425th Civil Affairs Battalion, PARROT SANCTUARY ON VA on to a shelter for wild parrots that ter the birds in their large, purpose- A THANK YOU FOR another Army Reserve unit. had been abused or whose owners built cages. He recently said he GROUNDS HELPS VETS AND couldn’t care for them. She came relates to the Burt Lancaster film THE WELCOME TENT Rochelle Fabb, project manager at BIRDS HEAL FROM TRAUMA up with the idea of a park for par- The Birdman of Alcatraz in a big way, Strawberry Flag, said that she want- rots where veterans could care for having experienced life behind bars BY TERENCE LYONS ed to send a “shout out” of thanks BY LAURA SANDERSON HEALY the birds, learning skills through himself. The Strawberry Flag welcome tent, to the Army Reserve for their assis- Down the hill from Strawberry occupational therapy. The veterans in which veterans met each after- tance in providing this literal and Flag and off of Constitution were better able to heal themselves “I’ve watched it a lot,” said La Rue noon for tea and pastries, and in figurative shelter to the many vet- Avenue, behind the UCLA-leased and learn to care about life again one spring morning as he went which they gathered throughout the erans at the VA who made the tent Jackie Robinson Stadium baseball by tending to their exotic winged about his chores at the sanctu- day for conversation, camaraderie, a regular rendezvous for the more field, is a noisy, hidden treasure friends. ary. “He was institutionalized—you and periodic respite from the mili- than a year that it stood on the quad on VA property that was once part can get like that. Even when the tary atmosphere of the VA, was itself in front of Buildings 208 and 209. of the Veterans Gardens: Serenity Ohio-born former marine Melvin doors were open, he wasn’t able to a military veteran. Park Parrot Sanctuary, established La Rue serves as the park’s supervis- go out.” The horrors of war, which The 425th generally uses the tent by psychologist Lorin Lindner, for- ing caretaker, and he runs it like a La Rue experienced while serving It was provided to the Metabolic in support of its motto—to “Win mer clinical director of the New battalion, looking after 39 stunning with his Marine division in Beirut, Studio team for the veterans’ use the Peace”—throughout the Pa- Directions rehabilitation program macaws, Amazons, African grey caused many problems in his life, through the efforts of the 311th Sus- cific area. The 311th, which is pre- at the VA. Veterans whom Dr. Lind- parrots, cockatoos, and Indian ring- and he came to New Directions from tainment Command (Expedition- pared to deploy globally to conduct ner led in group therapy sessions neck parakeets who sing, talk, and federal prison. “Since being involved ary), a U.S. Army Reserve unit just combat service support operations, (struggling with homelessness, screech up a storm (sometimes a with the parrots,” he said, “the case down the street on Federal Avenue can add the provision of shelter post traumatic stress disorder, and reason owners ask the sanctuary to managers and people at the pro- in West Los Angeles. The 311th and succor to its many accomplish- addictions) responded positively adopt them). La Rue starts between gram I was with say I smile more, arranged for the tent to be loaned ments. on field trips Lindner took them 6:00 and 7:00 a.m. daily, looking af- Continued on page 15 There is some of the same fitness in a man’s building the poetic faculty would be universally developed, as 14 his own house that there is in a bird’s building its birds universally sign when they are so engaged? own nest. Who knows but if men constructed their dwellings with their own hands, and provided food for —Henry David Thoreau, Walden, or Life in the themselves and families simply and honestly enough, Woods, in arguing against the division of labor.

THE PUBLIC PERCEPTION... both complaints from the same CONTINUED » vets, but sometimes you do. OBAMA, THE TRUTH WILL SET THEM FREE Surveying the services provided by did not know these soldiers—in- the VA, it often seems that the two BY PATRICIA FOULKROD est wound we have inflicted on our ity more ability to transition back to stead of people they had known principal goals of VA programs— Patricia Foulkrod produced and di- best and brightest. It is one thing their families, children and commu- before the war and with whom they apart from the very important physi- rected The Ground Truth, a feature to say a war is difficult and cost bil- nity. Unfortunately, time in Iraq for talked and ate and slept after the cal healthcare the VA provides—are documentary that was short-listed lions – it is not going well – it may many will set the stage for a new war war, these vets were people they just to prepare vets for productive work for an Oscar nomination and focuses not be won. It is quite another to at home, and even after a mission saw on television or hitchhiking at in civilian society (i.e., a job) and to on our soldiers returning home from admit to over 1.5 million volun- soldier’s believe in, the effects of an onramp. secure their veterans benefits (i.e., Iraq and Afghanistan. This piece ap- teer soldiers as over 400,000 have war are often deep. However, more disability). Of course, the VA does peared in the Huffington Post on Sep- already filed medical claims, that money, more therapists, and more The “sense of disablement” and in- not always pursue both goals for the tember 1 and is reprinted by special there was no mission, except to citizen support for our troops can- ability “to reconnect” that the Viet- same vets, but sometimes it appears arrangement with the author. – Ed. come home. not heal the no-mission wound. nam vets shared with the World War to, if only to provide everyone with a President Obama mentioned a sol- II vets were not shared or appreciat- Plan B. dier from the Army’s 4th Brigade, I directed The Ground Truth, a I have seen severe depression, ed by the public generally this time 2nd Infantry Division, who stated 2007 documentary film regarding drugs, an inability to ask for help around because these vets were not In September, the Los Angeles Times that he wished those who are no the physical and emotional effects in the VA maze that most can not everyone’s family and friends. Rath- reported on veterans’ struggles to longer here could have seen the our current wars are having on our navigate on a good day, and most er, vets were more likely portrayed find and retain civilian jobs, citing withdrawal. soldiers. Over and over I heard the painful, the young wives living with and often perceived “as potential se- the case of a 29-year-old vet who “has same response from soldiers in traumatic brain injured husbands rial killers—somebody who’s going applied for at least 25 jobs since in- In last week’s LA Times, Ned Parker the Army, Marines, Navy, National who used to be dudes and studs and to go up in a tower,” as critic Kipen juries he suffered in Iraq forced him reported comments from the same Guard; it ceased to make sense to are now unable to feed themselves. said on the trolley. “The villain of to leave the Army three years ago.” Army 4th Brigade. One soldier, ask the question: What do you think And the silent question of “Why” is choice was a deranged Vietnam vet- According to the Times, the man as they passed an Iraqi field, said, is the mission in Iraq? 99% said a deafening, and not uttered because eran.” “said when he tells employers he “Saddam really hid those WMD variation of: “to protect your bud- this war’s pain wants relief, and it is needs time off to see therapists for well.” Everyone laughed. Another dies, get this shit over with, and go perceived to be cruel and unpatri- And Now? post-traumatic stress disorder and said, “I have no faith in people home.” otic to tell a mother her son died, is Veterans today are not viewed with a brain injury, they don’t call back. whatsoever. Put two people in a permanently wounded, or mentally the derision suffered by the Vietnam ‘They think you’re mental,’ he said.” room with a hammer and one of The first thing I learned from in- disturbed in vain. vets when they came home. But they them will wind up dead.” Parker’s terviewing a military general is that are also not enfolded in the arms of And can you blame them? Expand- article is a cautionary tale that your troops must buy into a combat We need to stop telling our sol- a public for whom vets are people ing the diagnosis of post-traumatic President Obama does not have mission in war, if you want to be diers how brave and heroic they they all had known before they went stress disorder to include all vet- the stomach to tell. He loves the successful. I would add, if you want are – and start asking for their to war and with whom they all now erans who are entitled to disabil- troops, but like a father who can’t your soldiers to come home with forgiveness for telling them they talk and eat and sleep. ity compensation, and increasing admit that his son is in deep trou- less PTSD, less intrusive thoughts, were liberating people who blew sympathetic understanding of the ble and it may be from his parent- less drug and alcohol addiction, them up, forced them to impose Veterans still face that “sense of dis- invisible wounds of war to promote ing, neither Obama, Bush, nor the less domestic and violent crimes at democracy on tribal people they ablement, of not being able to re- the public’s understanding are both Pentagon will ever admit the deep- home, less suicides, and possibil- Continued on page 15 connect” that World War II and Viet- laudable goals. But there is another nam veterans faced, and although side to that coin, as noted by UCLA the public gives them respect for psychiatrist Patrick Link in March their service akin to World War II 2010 at a gathering sponsored by the vets, the public does not share or ap- L.A. County Department of Mental I’ll have regular preciate that disablement and dis- Health and the VA Greater Los Ange- connect as it might if these vets were les Healthcare System. cabbage, Romaine everyone’s family and friends. How do the public perceptions of lettuce, iceberg; As history professor Gudis said on veterans promoted by these efforts the Metabolic Studio trolley, “The play out for the vets looking for a I planted those seeds refrain for a lot of veterans coming job? As the Los Angeles Times story back from Vietnam was, ‘We never noted, “[M]any employers do not got our parade,’ but even when you know how to accommodate these about a month ago. get a parade, the parade is a way of invisible wounds and worry that keeping everyone in the motorcade [veterans] might ‘go postal.’” Or, as a I’d love to fill all these at arm’s length.” veteran on the Metabolic Studio trol- ley commented, “The public no lon- boxes with dirt, and And so the public’s perception of ger looks at veterans as baby killers veterans today depends in large as many did during Vietnam; now I could raise vegetables measure on the seeds planted in they just think we’re whacko.” the mind of an arm’s-length public by veterans and those who work for Veterans and those who work for year-round. Summer them. them must project a coherent, bal- anced, and accurate image of the vegetables, winter What Seeds Are We Sowing? military experience, and the leader- Perhaps the two most common sub- ship, adaptability, loyalty, and team- vegetables, keep me jects one overhears veterans talking work that it develops. At the same about at the VA—in a hospital wait- time, real disabilities that service busy, keep me young, ing room, over meals in the chow personnel suffer should be recog- hall, at a bus stop, or outside the nized and compensated. But the Dreamer’s barbershop—are the public perception of veterans today keep me healthy. troubles they have finding a decent may be blurred by some fuzzy think- job and the difficulties they experi- ing, ambiguous communication, or —Bobby Shelton ence getting their disability rating. even an effort to have our cake and Mel Williams, CWT worker with Strawberry Flag, has become an authority Of course, one does not always hear eat it too. on vermiculture, having been trained by the radical ecologist, Nance Klehm.

Keep in mind that everyone is dif- vinced that the food was delicious heal itself and return to a balanced so many beautiful people with Dear Raw ferent and took different experi- and makes your body feel good. We place through diet. Environment, amazing stories who helped us to ences away from Raw Mama lunch- had some guests up to the kitchen like diet, should also be a part of remember that positive thoughts Mama es. Some visitors didn’t need to be that came, didn’t like the food, but maintaining balance. Try to cre- are crucial in keeping an emotion- convinced that the food we made kept trying different things until ate a sanctuary by surrounding al balance. The kitchen at Straw- As Strawberry Flag, as well as your was good and good for you. Oth- their minds were changed and they yourself with favorite plants, re- berry Flag was truly an amazing Raw Mama Tuesday lunches, have ers tried and didn’t like what was were raw food converts! laxing music, comforting smells, place full of positive energy, loving now come to a close, do you have offered. And yet, the visitors who and wonderful people. We were people, and plenty of smoothies! any lessons, tips, or suggestions stand for my success were those As far as suggestions go, remem- so lucky in the Strawberry Flag Keep healthy, keep happy, and be to give? visitors who did have to be con- ber that your body has the ability to kitchen to meet and interact with well. Dull November brings the blast, Even if something is left undone, everyone must take Then the leaves are whirling fast. time to sit still and watch the leaves turn. 15 —Sara Coleridge —Elizabeth Lawrence

OBAMA... CONTINUED » But the roof in the trailer/barber To me, it was real hard, just walk- REPAIRS COMING shop leaks, as was evident a few ing up the hill and seeing the emp- did not understand, and still keep weeks ago when the Dreamer JULIO ty space where all the strawberries asking them to protect contractors TO BARBERSHOP was holding free haircuts day. It and bikes and the trailer used to be. VIDEO TESTIMONIAL who are corporate slaves making BY PAUL CROWLEY seemed that it was raining harder I have to get used to the thought of OCTOBER 8, 2010 twice their salaries. We knew down A major makeover that is a good in the trailer than outside, and seeing it empty. I was used to it, it’s to our core there was no mission, so deal more than cosmetic is in the a representative from Volunteer Julio Espino is a veteran volunteer in been there the whole time, it’s a we acted like a country not at war. works for the Freedom Barber Services was standing inside with the kitchen of Strawberry Flag. shame that a lot of veterans didn’t I know many soldiers helped the Shop at the West L.A. VA, thanks an umbrella opened. (Slight exag- take advantage of it. It was a plea- Iraqi people, did what they could to to the efforts American Legion geration, but only slight.) sure and an honor to get to know train their soldiers, and that some of Post 322. A watertight roof (so vets My name is Julio Espino. I’ve been what the Metabolic Studio does these soldiers have spent more years can be high and dry while they get And a covered porch area is some- coming here since April, around and what Strawberry Flag does and with Iraqis than with their fami- their hair high and tight) and a thing the Dreamer has dreamed mid April of 2010. My experience the staff. Just by being around you lies. I also know military service is covered veranda (to accommodate of, so he can more comfortably coming up here, I find it very thera- guys, you planted a seed in my head cherished by many, many soldiers outdoor haircuts for wheelchairs accommodate wheelchairs that peutic. I am not, I was never used and my heart that I should help out despite hating the Iraq War and not and nature lovers) will soon be on don’t fit into the trailer, and so to speaking with anyone about cer- people as much as I can and also having a mission. the way. that vets can gather out of the rain tain problems, stuff that happened think about the environment. May- and in the shade in the tradition of to me. Around here, I got the, when be that’s why I started a bamboo Until we can look our soldiers in the Anyone who has spent time at the Main Street barbershops. I first discovered it, from the get-go, flooring company. eye and tell them what they already barber shop – located in a trailer met Rochelle, Gabriella, Ms. Ruth, know better than anyone else – that north of Wilshire Boulevard in the Enter American Legion Post 322, and they welcomed me with open I want to say thank you for allow- there was no mission – how can we parking lot just west of the Haven which has recently begun meet- arms. I’ve been volunteering here ing me to come into your lives and genuinely welcome them home or (Bldg 212) – is familiar with the ing on the West L.A. VA grounds in since then. Every chance I get; I showing me love when I needed it expect them to heal? They will be proprietor, known simply as “the the new California state veterans come up here and help them out. the most and showing me how I looking in that rear-view mirror for Dreamer.” He is a veteran who home. Phyllis Miller, Executive It feels like I’m not a patient in the should be. I never met more caring years to come whether they want to has been servicing the veterans Project Coordinator for the Post, hospital. When I’m here I’m away people than I have here. You, all of or not while we move on to Afghani- in that location for approximate- was contacted to see if they might from all that because the kitchen you, are wonderful, beautiful, spir- stan and Pakistan. They will see in ly thirty years, and he provides a donate funds for the repairs or feels real good to me. It was sad to ited people and I thank you from that mirror things they wish were huge complement to the atmo- know someone who might. “Tim- see the strawberries go, but I un- the deepest part of my heart and not there that we can never see or sphere to the VA grounds. Work- ing is perfect,” she said, since “we derstand that a lot of good things my soul and I thank you for letting erase. But we can at least acknowl- ing through Volunteer Services at are now in the process of sending have to come to an end to make me into your lives. This time that edge that they are not crazy for their the VA, the Dreamer gives about our request for funding to a group room for better things. I’m look- I’m here, I will never forget it. I just frustration and anguish as they had 150 free haircuts to veterans two back east.” ing forward to the next exhibit want to say thank you. I hope that to do their duty while trying to figure days a month, including “house that they have here. I may not be the VA lets you operate here be- for over seven years why they went, calls” on patients in the hospital After preparation of a proposal around, but hopefully by then I’ll cause without you guys, they’re will and why they were deployed over and the nursing facilities, going to of material, time, and other con- be up in central California, trying be less activities, less things to do in and over again to fix the mission that the wards and attending to their siderations was put together in a to get my own project going, my the VA. Everything you need a per- could never be found. needs. rush, the funding request was sub- own something going up there. mission slip or whatever and right mitted on time, and Miller says here it feels so good to just come in she is confident that it will be ap- Coming here has given me more here. Even chopping up vegetables proved so work can begin soon. ideas than I ever had before. I’m and seeing people enjoy the food, going to get some land up there make dressing for Tuesdays and As the Dreamer says, “A new hair- and grow a bunch of vegetables people enjoy that. Making jam on cut can do wonders to help with and sell it to local restaurants and Wednesday, people are wowed; we self-esteem and spirit. Also it is a also to farmer’s markets but also to open up their eyes. matter of doing the right thing, at the homeless. Have a kitchen like the right time, for the right reason, they have here. I’m still working on Just want to say thank you for the ex- for the right person.” how that’s going to work out but in periences that are forever instilled the meantime, I’ve been focused into my heart. Now I have to make on my treatment here. October 27th my life. I have to take it out of here is my last day here but I’ll still be and just put it out there and apply around in the area and it would be it and I’ll do that. If you guys need ART MUSEUM comforting to know that this place a flooring company, call me. Take NOW FREE for Veterans and all is still going to be here, that this care. Adios. God bless you guys. Active Duty Military Personnel. kitchen is still going to be here. To 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024 know that I could drop by anytime: Phone: 310.443.7000 it’ll be like a family reunion, where HOURS: I know I’ll be welcome with open Tues, Wed, Friday, Sat: 11am – 7pm, WWW.STRAWBERRYFLAG.ORG Thurs: 11am – 9pm arms. Bobby Shelton’s greenhouse became the prototype for the intensive care Sun: 11am – 5pm unit in Lauren Bon’s indexical work, Building 209: Garden Folly.

PARROT SANCTUARY ... La Rue. “She’s been running the pick what they want off the tray and Sometimes the birds wreak a bit of A little cockatoo tilted its head CONTINUED » streets.” Given the hawks, ravens, take it somewhere and eat it,” La havoc—they should, after all, be in upside-down to get a good look at coyotes, and raccoons that actively Rue said, “then they’ll come back the wild, and usually forage by flying a visitor, then opened its beak and and the clinical director up there range the VA property, it was a bit of and pick something else off the tray. from tree to tree in the forest. “Oh, said, “Hi, sweetheart.” “Remem- says I’m not as angry as I used to be. a miracle the bird got home in one I put lettuce at the bottom of the tray quit chewing up the house,” La Rue ber Baretta?” La Rue asked. “That As far as I was concerned, I wasn’t piece, both agreed. to keep the food from falling out, barked at one of the parrots who was was a cockatoo, and this is Bobby. angry, but everybody thought I was.” but they’ll take the lettuce and chew chipping away at a new structure She’ll dance around for you.” La Albertson’s Markets donates its on it for a while then throw it on the inside his cage. “I think they are ge- Rue laughed as he bounced along La Rue told me about an escaped left-over produce to the sanctuary, ground.” netically mixed with beavers the way with her. He said he wished more parrot who had returned that day, to which is a non-profit organization they tear up some wood,” he said. visitors would come down to see the the delight of her mate (“he hasn’t that operates through donations. Many of the birds have plucked out But they seem to be connected to colorful, often funny birds. When left her side since she came back”) “We have so much lettuce I don’t their feathers, a sign of stress much their people, and La Rue transport- people attend the weekly Farmers and also her human fans, includ- know what to do with it,” La Rue like that which causes people to bite ed one cockatoo to the funeral of its Market on Thursdays, “they always ing Strawberry Flag Compensated said, showing the kitchen where he their nails or twist their hair. “Par- former owner when the woman’s say, ‘I didn’t know this was here.’ I Work Therapy worker Mel Williams, prepares both hot and cold food for rots like to be talked to and are very husband and mother requested it. try to encourage people to sign the on his run that morning collecting his feathered charges. Every day he social creatures and need a lot of at- “The bird was quiet as a mouse dur- book so I can see how many come produce scraps from Serenity Park chops up food for the hanging trays tention or they will pluck their feath- ing the service, and soon as I walked through.” for the compost pile at Strawberry he puts in the parrots’ enclosures. ers out,” he said. Veterans who work out of the chapel it cried ‘Hello!’” Flag. “I’m glad you’re back,” said This includes vegetables and fruit with La Rue get a benefit from bond- The family requested no flower trib- For more information and Williams to the bird, who had been (apples, corn, tomatoes, avocadoes, ing with the birds they talk to and utes but asked that friends make directions, visit the park’s website AWOL for two weeks after a worker mushrooms) as well as mixed nuts play with. Owners visit their former donations to the sanctuary, having at www.parrotcare.org left a cage door open and she flew and seeds. And huge bowls of water pets, and the intuitive birds often themselves become major donors out. “She’s tired and hungry,” said are constantly being filled. “They sense a visit. at $10,000 a year. Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by Striving for success without hard work is like trying to 16 the seeds that you plant. harvest where you haven’t planted —Robert Louis Stevenson —David Bly

Gordo, he made beautiful purses, belts, boots, and saddles as a leath- Ballona Creek and the erworker, and was an amateur ar- chaeologist. Mike was a major play- er in hosting Lauren Bon and the Watershed of the Metabolic Studio’s film Silver and Water at Cerro Gordo and the dis- West Los Angeles VA covery of silver and gold on the algae ponds that he helped to care for. He A CONVERSATION WITH ROY VAN DE HOEK was also ferryman for Swansea pier, where the Bessie Brady docked. BY LAURA SANDERSON HEALY is straightened with levees like the Roy van de Hoek, co-director of Mississippi River. Sometimes in the In fact, over the last four years of his the nonprofit Ballona Institute, middle of the swampy areas, you life, Mike collaborated with Lau- thought that the topography on see wild celery growing and it’s like ren Bon and the Metabolic Studio the northwest part of the VA prop- a garden. I think the Ballona Wet- in such endeavors as filmmaking, erty lookd like a canyon. “The lands could be farmed a little bit, algae production, electrophoretic ravine has a small drainage run- too, if it benefits nature. deposition, and policy change. Up ning through there, and this part People don’t realize that one of the until the time of his death, he was of the drainage has been filled benefits of a rice farm is that a lot preparing a speech regarding pri- and they have put a baseball field of birds and swans go to rice fields. Veteran Mike Patterson embodied the “American Exceptionalism” discussed vate property owners’ rights to be on top of the creek. I think this It’s all about connecting nature and in this paper. He was a passionate believer in the American dream. read to Senator Feinstein in Wash- would have gone to Ballona Wet- farms and living together. Mel’s ington D.C. Mike also had hoped lands; all the rainwater off of this (Williams) compost pile here at OBITUARY that ranged from being CEO of one to create a sustainable wind energy park goes by storm drains to Bal- Strawberry Flag will have the earth- of the first wind energy companies farm on the dry lakebed, and was in lona Creek and into our marsh. The worms, so the robin’s going to come in Tehachapi, California, during the process of building a prototype Ballona Institute lays claim or inter- when Bobby (Shelton) puts them Michael the ’80s, to being one of the first in- windmill at the time of his death. est on anything that’s in the Ballona out in his garden soil. In North- ventors to propose a solution to the Mike was always looking for alterna- Owens Dry Lakebed dust problem tive, innovative solutions to the dry Patterson in cooperation with scientists. Men- lakebed dust issue. He was erecting tioned in University of California a windmill prototype on the Swan- People don’t realize that one of the benefits Michael Patterson — Father, Broth- – Davis papers and the Air Quality sea dunes in collaboration with er, Grandfather, Son, Husband, Group Report from the Crocker Nu- the Metabolic Studio for that very of a rice farm is that a lot of birds and swans Friend, Wizard, Vietnam Veteran, clear Lab, he submitted one of the reason. go to rice fields. It’s all about connecting nature Owens Valley Cowboy, Miner, Histo- early proposals for dust mitigation rian, you name it. to the Los Angeles Department of Mike was caretaker, guardian, and and farms and living together. Water and Power and the California mentor to itinerant souls in the Michael Patterson, 64, was a man State Lands Commission more than Owens Valley. He was a maverick, of many talents, many stories, and two decades ago. On the subject of inventor, entrepreneur, and root many passions. Part wizard, part his intellect, Mike said “My genius? beer brewer, and was the owner and watershed, so we’re connected and ern California, at Chico, north of cowboy, and always a gentleman, It’s why I wear cowboy boots…to intrepid miner who maintained and that was why I was motivated five Sacramento, tundra swans, storks, Mike’s last humble abodes includ- avoid learning how to tie my shoes.” descended into the deepest and still years ago to write my essay on the cranes, and big huge geese come to ed a stunning, magical, historically operational mine on the West Coast. VA land.” farm fields where rice farmers leave prominent ghost town—Cerro Gor- Among his many other careers and Mike was an actor who appeared in A veteran wondered where, exactly, 20% of the rice on the field. The do—tucked away inside the beau- interests, Mike was an advocate for TV programs as well as independent the Ballona Wetlands were, and rain comes and the kernels float in tiful Inyo Mountain range as well private property in Inyo County and and feature films such as Silver and asked Roy what was special about these flooded areas, and when the as James Brady’s adobe dwelling for the entirety of the United States. Water by Lauren Bon and the Meta- them. “The Ballona Wetlands is a birds arrive they can feed on those complete with sweet-natured din- He delivered pivotal monologues bolic Studio. The world is simply a low-lying area where a few different extra rice grains. There are national goes; Midnight the Mule that Mike about private property and private little less bright without dear Mike’s rivers come in, close to the ocean. wildlife refuges nearby; the govern- lovingly bred, broke, and cared for; ownership concerns in Lone Pine wonderful sense of humor, gusto, Years ago we lost half of it to the big ment protects some of the really and a fascinating shed with an idio- and Independence town meetings genius, zeal, creativity, and love. sailboat harbor (Marina del Rey) wet swampy areas around the rice syncratic collection of stone imple- as well as at a Metabolic Studio Not a soul could or ever will be like that was dug into the marsh. It’s farms where the birds can sleep ments at Swansea. Also, Mike was event. He was a local advocate in the Michael Patterson. He was a one-of- swampy and muddy like a bayou, at night. The swans fly to the farm miner extraordinaire as majority fights against Senator Diane Fein- a-kind human being that touched soggy, with lots of frogs and crabs fields in the daytime and eat, and owner of the Cerro Gordo Mining stein’s wilderness bills, and was in every person he met and is missed and fishes. Wetlands have other then before it gets dark they fly a District in the Inyos. Two of his min- frequent contact with Feinstein’s every day. nicknames: marsh, bog, paddy. mile or so back to the government’s ing claims were lovingly named Dor- staffers in Fresno and Bakersfield. [The Ballona Wetlands] has high marshlands, where they feel safe in othy and Toto. grounds, or uplands, and you go the water and where they can swim Mike was also a fantastic historian from a little higher to lower and and sleep. They do this for the whole With a big heart and a sharp mind, and tour guide for his unique ghost the water takes passageways going winter. That’s a balance, a coopera- Mike had many endeavors in his life town, Cerro Gordo. While in Cerro this way and that, and one of them tive partnership.

HOURS OF OPERATION THE STRAWBERRY GAZETTE

Print Studio Workshop Produced in conjunction with Strawberry In the Occupational Therapy Room Flag and the Metabolic Studio, Los (Room 123) of Building 208. Angeles. The Metabolic Studio is a direct Thurs, 5:30–7:30PM charitable activity of the Annenberg Foundation. Strawberry Sundays Each Sunday at the Blues Veterans correspondent: Terence Lyons Quad of Building 208 Contributing writers: Curtis Bailey, Kellye 2–4:00PM Coleman, Paul Crowley, David Fierro, Patricia Foulkrod, Richard L. Fox, Laura Sanderson Farmer’s Market Thursdays Healy, Julio Espino. Thurs, 12–6PM Gazette manager: Kelli Quinones Photographer: Joshua White Parrot Sanctuary Artist/production: Lauren Bon Thurs, 7AM-dusk Layout: Brian Roettinger

Canteen/ Restaurant Edition of 2000 BERRY W F Mon–Fri, 7AM–2PM A L R A T G

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M O Barber of Dreamers E I TA D B T U October 2, 2010: Strawberry Flag all packed up and ready to leave the VA of WLA. Open daily, 9AM–7PM O L I C S