Mountain Views News          Saturday, April 12, 2014

AROUND SAN GABRIEL VALLEY Mountain Views-News Saturday, April 12, 2014 5 AROUND SAN GABRIEL VALLEY Mountain Views-News Saturday, April 12, 2014 5 
JUSTICE FOR HOMICIDE 

IN SEARCH OF REAL SURVIVAL

“What’s Going On?”

VICTIMS: 30 years of Rebalancing 

By Christoper Nyerges

News and Views from Joan Schmidt 

the Scales of Justice 

[Nyerges is the author of 10 books, including “How to Survive Anywhere.” 

fundraisers at her home and attendees included 

He has led outdoor field trips since 1974, and does a weekly radio show. 

A little more than 

Jimmy and Gloria Stewart, Roddy Mc Dowell 

He can be reached at Box 41834, Los Angeles, CA 90041, or www. 

thirty years ago “Lenny” 

ChristopherNyerges.com. He also works with the non-profit survival 

and Robert Wagner. Dennis and Donna Brown’s

(Ellen Griffin Dunne) made 

research thinktank, WTI, who has a booth each Tuesday at the Highland 

son Chris had been murdered and they felt great

a phone call to Marcella 

Park Farmers Market.]

relief after his conviction. However in 10 years,

Nicholas Leach, “You 

there has been 11 appeals and the Browns are not

don’t know me, but we 

on the notification list. 

to deal with stark, basic, everyday needs and 

have something terrible in 

LeeBertha also told of Marcella’s son Dr. Henry 

concerns in a harsh manner until something new 

common.” 

T. Nicholas and his important role in the cause. 
is developed. 

A terrible injustice had 

He was the key backer and proponent of Marsy’s 

 While it is true that learning how to trap and 

happened to the Dunne 

Law, California’s Victims’ Bill of Rights.

eat a rat means you don’t have to worry about 

family. Their daughter 

All of us who have 

Keynote speaker, Griffin Dunne, son of Lenny 

food from the store in the event of an economic 

Dominque, a beautiful 

devoted our lives to studying and applying skills 

and brother of slain Dominique gave an account 

collapse, it is far better to involve yourself in the 

young actress was brutally murdered by her 

of survival are well aware of the periodic events 

of his sister’s horrendous death. At the time, his 

practical and philosophical underpinnings of the 

former boyfriend, John Sweeney. On two prior 

which beset us all: wars, droughts, floods, 

mom had MS, and great stress can escalate the 

society so that such a collapse doesn’t happen in 

occasions, he tried to strangle her, so she broke 

hurricanes, earthquakes, economic collapses, etc. 

illness. “But her spirit became stronger because 

the first place.

up with him. Ultimately, he succeeded and 

Some are “acts of God,” and many are acts of man.

of rage and love. The trial and justice system 

 As our material abundance and technological 

November 4, 1982, Dominique died. The District 

 The practical skills of survival are direly 

failed her; they made a mockery of Dominique’s 

advances continue, we become more and more 

Attorney tried Sweeney for 2nd Degree murder. 

needed by all of us. And yet, the media continues 

death. ..This terrible injustice to my family…we 

dependent upon things which we cannot control. 

The jury was not permitted to hear testimony 

to serve up “reality” shows that provide little or 

reached out to Marcella Leach. My incredible 

We’re fast on the path to a “Blade Runner” or 

of physical abuse from Sweeney’s previous 

no practical skills in our day to day living.

mom went in her wheelchair. She was shy, but 

“THX1138” world.

girlfriend, so he was convicted of manslaughter 

 Shows like Survivor, Man vs. Wild, Survivorman, 

would go out and speak for any interview, to 

 If you’re worried about our future, the answer 

and served three years in prison!

and their feral offspring can be amusing, but are 

anyone who would listen.”

does not lie with a loin-clothed man with a spear, 

A year later, Marcella Nicholas Leach 

designed more for entertainment value rather 

 San Bernardino District Attorney Mike Ramos 

since a thriving meaningful culture requires vastly 

experienced the same tragedy. On November 30, 

than providing anything of real value. These 

is also a great supporter of JHV. He feels “The 

more than that. Real survival must encompass 

1983, her daughter, Marsalee Ann Nicholas was 

shows which often depict buff individuals in a 

Lady of Justice Scale has been tilted towards 

a working knowledge of politics, economics, 

murdered by her ex-boyfriend who was stalking 

wilderness setting often showcase the worst of 

murders’ rights. Needs to be tilted more on 

ecology, health, and so much more.

her. Marcella suffered the trauma of violent 

human nature in order to keep us glued to our 

victims’ side, needs to support victims. We get 

 Our answers lie in making the time to educate 

victimization by the criminal justice system. A 

seats.

there by organizations such as JHV. Marsy’s Law 

ourselves to the things that really matter in 

week after the funeral, Marcella met the murderer 

 Though it amusing, and often nauseating, to 

has helped…sets the precedent for the entire 

life. For that matter, in today’s information-

coming out of the market. He had been released 

see hungry men and women eating snakes, rats, 

country.”

glutted world, it’s a real challenge to discern 

on $50,000 bond and lived only two blocks from 

and grubs, there seems to be little relevance to the 

 Deputy D.A. Kathy Cady, an Honorary Board 

between useful and useless information, between 

her. It would be almost two years before he went 

millions of modern urban dwellers. 

Member spoke of the fine work of JHV, who 

entertainment and education, between that 

to trial. 

 What then is real survival all about?

hold crime clinics for victims’ rights, restitution 

which leads us to freedom and that which merely 

This is why Justice for Homicide Victims 

 Our food-related survival skills necessitate our 

and unsolved murders. JHV collaborates, meets 

tittilates. 

Foundation (JHV) began. On April 6, JHV 

knowledge of urban food production, such as 

legislators and law enforcement members and 

 If we desire to be a part of the solution to the 

marked its 30th Anniversary by honoring its 

growing fruit trees, raising vegetables in limited 

recently received a Commendation from the L.A. 

ails of modern civilization, then we must choose 

founders, Ellen Griffin Dunne (“Lenny”) and 

space, raising chickens, making compost.

County Board of Supervisors.

to not live our lives driven by fear and greed. 

Marcella Nicholas Leach, recalling early days and 

 We need to educate ourselves to what foods 

Jeannette Chavez, mother of slain 

Yes, real survival means that we must change 

paying tribute to the many victims whose posters 

have great nutritional value, and which do not. 

Samantha Salas have become very involved and 

ourselves first. 

were on display at Rose Hills Memorial Park in 

If we cannot grow at least some of our own food, 

addressed the group. Her younger daughter 

 Sometimes, we have to realize that we’ve been 

Whittier. The day was inspiring and brought 

we should support those farmers at local farmers 

Brittney read her poem, “Family Chains”.

hypnotized, and that we must fight our own 

hope to victims’ families, but at times heart-

markets who are providing local quality food.

During the program, guitarist/singer Kevin Rose 

ignorances. Real survival means that we must 

wrenching. Marcella was able to attend and 

 Real survival in the modern world includes 

performed “Stairway to Heaven” and “Tears in 

become like children again, and realize that there 

welcomed attendees; Lenny passed away in 1997, 

practical knowledge of economics. How can you 

Heaven”. Crystal hearts presented to Marcella 

is no dishonor in going back to Square One. By 

but her two sons, Griffin and Alex were present.

get more for less money by spending less and 

Leach, and Lenny’s sons, Griffin and Alex. A 

reassessing everything that we think we know, 

Jane (whose parents had been murdered) 

earning more? You begin by separating need from 

most appreciative Marcella told us “JHV is the 

and by asking questions anew, we may discover a 

and Bill Bouffard, current JHV Presidents traced 

want, and then you re-evaluate everything in 

most outstanding non-profit group”. Teary-

new found joy in our very existence.

the early history and read names of JHV members 

your life that is touched by money. Ask yourself, 

eyed she looked at board members with love 

 The pursuit of material survival is too often 

who had passed away.

“How can I obtain this thing, or service, or skill, 

and gratitude, “This would not be possible 

compassionless. We need compassion for each 

Speaker LeeBertha Pickett-Allen spoke 

without money?” Is it possible to trade or barter?

without you”. Chrystal gavels were presented 

other if we want to have a society that is worth 

of her late son Ernie. Although there were many 

 And then there is the ages-old good advice for 

to L.A. County Deputy D.A. Kathy Cady, Frank 

living in. 

witnesses to his murder, no one would come 

how to soundly deal with material things: why 

Girardot and San Bernardino County District 

 William Blake once summed up the essence of 

forward. “When I met Marcella, I was grieving 

buy new, if used will do? Don’t discard if it can 

Attorney Mike Ramos.

Real Survival when he stated, “I sought my soul, 

and crying. Then I met Lenny and we talked. We 

be made into something else, etc.

 After the speakers, people sang, “We are 

but my soul I could not see. I sought my God, but 

went to police and became involved. It took 14 

 Economic collapse of a country’s currency 

the Survivors”. Doves and balloons were 

my God eluded me. I sought my brother, and I 

years to bring justice for my son.”

has happened many times, usually due to the 

released, followed by the lighting of a candle in 

found all three.” 

LeeBertha mentioned other early JHV members 

over-extension of the leaders who controlled the 

a beloved one’s memory. Please go on line and 

Jack and Genelle Reilly, whose daughter Robin 

purse strings, and who considered themselves 

find out how you can help. We can never rest

had been murdered and Doris Tate, mother 

more deserving than the general populace. A

till justice is done for all slain victims: www.

of actress Sharon Tate, and their involvement. 

collapse of a country’s currency forces the people 

justiceforhomicidevictims.com

LeeBertha recalled that Lenny had several 

FOOTHILL UNITY CENTER TO HONOR CYNTHIA KURTZ, SGV 
ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP, AT APRIL 24 GOLDEN PLATE AWARDS 


“Fabulous ‘50s” benefit will also acknowledged in the program. LA County Supervisor Michael 
salute Colleen McEvoy, local For more information Antonovich, Peter Amundson, 
Jewish community, Simplicity and sponsorship, program Bob Bartlett, Fred and Diane 
Bank advertising and auction item Bowden, Michael and Annie 
donation forms, visit www. Cacciotti, Charles and Diane 

Cynthia Kurtz, President 

foothillunitycenter.org. Carroll, John and Kris Fasana, 

and CEO of the San Gabriel 

George Haines, Peter and Toni 

Valley Economic Partnership, 2014 Golden Plate Awards 

Hoffman, Monrovia Mayor 

will receive the 2014 Heart in Honorees 

Mary Ann Lutz and Corey Lutz, 

Hand Humanitarian Award at 

Heart in Hand Humanitarian: Betty Sandford, Pete Siberell, 

Foothill Unity Center’s 15th 

Cynthia Kurtz, president and Don and Maria Schweitzer, and 

Annual Golden Plate Awards 

chief executive officer, San William and Linan Ukropina. 

on Saturday, April 26. The 

Gabriel Valley Economic 

award, the Center’s highest About Foothill Unity Center 

Partnership 

accolade, honors local people 

Founded in 1980, Foothill Unity 

who have made an outstanding 

Neighbors Helping Neighbors/Center is the primary provider 

impact on the quality of life in 

Volunteer: Colleen McEvoy,of food, case management/

their communities and beyond. 

longtime Center supporter and crisis help, and access to health 
Tickets to the event at The annual holiday benefit party care resources across eleven San 
Trinity Ballroom in Pasadena host Gabriel Valley cities. As the 

federally designated Community

are $150 per person. The 

Neighbors Helping Neighbors/Action Agency for the Foothill 

evening’s Fabulous ‘50s theme 

Corporate: Simplicity Bank Area, it operates two locations, in 

will include a showing of 

Monrovia and Pasadena, serving 

classic cars, silent and live Neighbors Helping Neighbors/clients in Pasadena, Altadena, 
auctions, and oldies music. Faith Based: Jewish Federation South Pasadena, Sierra Madre, 
Sponsorship opportunities of the San Gabriel and Pomona Arcadia, Monrovia, Bradbury, 
start at $2,000, with special Valleys, Temple Beth David, Duarte, Azusa, Baldwin Park and 
recognitions including ads in Pasadena Jewish Temple and Irwindale. 77% of clients are at or 

below the National Poverty Level. 

the Tribute Program. Ads may Center, Weizmann Day School 

The number of people it serves has 

also be purchased separately. 

2014 Golden Plate Awards more than tripled over the last five 

The Center is seeking items 

Honorary Committee years, making community funding

for the evening’s silent and 

contributions and volunteer support

live auctions. Donations Co-chairs are Mickey and Lee more critical than ever. 
valued at $100 or more will be Segal. Committee members are 


REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 16! 
SOUTHLAND RESIDENTS CAN SAVE SOME 
CASH WITH ANNUAL LAWN MOWER 
EXCHANGE PROGRAM 
SCAQMD Expects to Exchange 4,000 Lawn Mowers This Spring 
Southland residents can register starting on Wed., April 16 to get up to 75 percent in savings on a 
new electric lawn mower with the South Coast AQMD’s popular Lawn Mower Exchange Program. 
Now in its 12th year, the program helps the wallet and air quality by trading residents’ used, highly 
polluting gas-powered lawn mowers for environmentally friendly, cordless battery-electric models. 
This year’s program offers 4,000 mowers for trade-in. SCAQMD encourages residents to act fast once 
registration opens and secure a spot at one of four events being held this year in Long Beach, Pasadena, 
Riverside and Anaheim. 
“By participating in the Lawn Mower Exchange Program, residents will get a brand new mower that 
is easier to operate and quieter than a gas model for just a fraction of the retail price,” said William 
A. Burke, Ed.D., SCAQMD’s Governing Board Chairman. “In addition to taking advantage of this 
great offer, residents will also help better their community by eliminating air pollution from old gas 
mowers.” 
In fact, an older gas-powered lawn mower can spew more pollution into the air in a single year than 
a car driven more than 22,000 miles. 
Residents have the opportunity to register and choose from one of five Black & Decker and Greenstation 
battery electric models ranging from $100 to $250: 
-- Black & Decker 18” 36 volt, $100 (Retail price: $379) (75 percent savings!)
-- Black & Decker 19” 36 volt, $180 (Retail price: $429)
-- Black & Decker 19” 36 volt self-propelled, $250 (Retail price: $479)
-- Greenstation 20” 24 volt, $160 (Retail price: $430)
-- Greenstation 19” 24 volt self-propelled, $230 (Retail price: $470) 
To take advantage of this great offer, residents must pre-register at www.aqmd.gov by clicking on the 
Lawn Mower Exchange banner, or calling 1-888-425-6247. Registration opens April 16 at 8 a.m. and 
is on a first-come, first-served basis. 
Exchanging a mower is easy and convenient – only a 10- to 15-minute process – and participants 
never have to leave their car. Upon arrival, workers will remove the old gas mower from the vehicle 
and drain it of hazardous fluids prior to its destruction at a metal recycling facility. After payment is 
made, attendants will place the new, boxed mower in the customer’s vehicle. To view a video on the 
exchange process, visit www.aqmd.gov. 
Residents must be at least 18 years old to participate in the program. Gas-powered mowers must be 
in working order and only one mower per household can be exchanged. Cash, check or major credit 
cards are accepted for payment. 
Exchange events will take place as follows. All events will take place on Saturdays from 8 a.m. 
to noon. 
-- May 3 in Long Beach-- May 17 in Pasadena-- June 14 in Riverside 
-- June 28 in Anaheim 
When the program ends this summer, SCAQMD will have scrapped more than 55,000 highly polluting 
gasoline mowers, removing almost 114 tons of smog-forming pollutants from the Southland’s air. 
This year’s program is sponsored by the SCAQMD, in cooperation with the California Air Resources 
Board, Southern California Edison, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, City of Anaheim, 
City of Pasadena, Long Beach City College, Bourns, Inc., UC Riverside, and Anaheim Public Utilities. 
The program is funded through SCAQMD’s Air Quality Investment Program (AQIP), which is 
financed by Southland companies that pay a fee in lieu of offering rideshare incentives as required by 
SCAQMD’s Rule 2202. 
The Lawn Mower Exchange Program will offset more emissions than would be achieved by an employer 
rideshare program. SCAQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and 
major portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties. 
YOUR AD COULD BE HERE!
Call Patricia at 626-818-2698 Today!