Sunday before last, May 20th, 2007, from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. the Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks park was the site of a Father’s Rally and picnic as the National Coalition of Free men welcomed Fathers 4 Justice to Los Angeles.  In reality, the event more widely welcomed Fathers for Justice to California. People came from as far away as Sacramento (to the north) and as far away as San Diego (to the south).
Yours truly arrived at dawn to get the spot we wanted at the corner of Hazeltine and Huston.  I unloaded picnic supplies for about half an hour, and then broke out a new reclining lawn chair to await the arrival of others who’d help with set up. It was good we arrived at the opening time for the park as others were soon setting up nearby. A children’s birthday party was immediately to our west. They’d set up one of those big blow up tents on which children love to play and romp.  Throughout the day, the voices of excited and happy children would provide a pleasant backdrop.
 
By 10 A.M., we were ready. Throughout the day, a steady stream of folks arrived.  Some mentioned they’d seen one of the flyers we‘d passed out, and others just saw the signs at our event and wanted to know more. We accommodated all.
Near the beginning of our event, one young lad of about six or seven saw the big purple CRISPE bus that drove up from San Diego and asked Harry about it. “What’s that big purple bus about,” he asked? “It’s to get Father’s and their children back together,” replied Harry, of the San Diego Men‘s Center.  The young man then sincerely asked Harry, “Can you get me back my Daddy?” How do you answer a question like that? Harry was touched by the question, but responded professionally, “We’re working to restore contact for all Fathers with their children, but it’s going to be a lot of work to make it happen.â€ÂÂ
Many conversations went on throughout the day as people joined us for a hot dog, potato salad and a soft drink, then left to go about their Sunday routines.  One enthusiastic fellow commented to my surprise, “I just had to see that truck and meet the guy who drives it.” “That truck,” was parked prominently on Huston close to the corner where it intersects Hazeltine, and just to the west a few car links, was the big CRISPE bus in all its glory.  I even brought the “old truck,” but was so busy with activities I didn’t even wash it or put a sign in its bed.
All in all the days events went well and we acquired a page and a half of names, phone #’s and email addresses from people who said they would be interested in F4J and/or NCFMLA future activities.
Just before the conclusion of our rally/picnic a shout went out, “group photo.” Those still present assembled in the shade of the CRISPE bus and posed for the cameras.
Overall, the day’s events were considered by all a success. We made new friends, reestablished contact with old friends, promoted Father’s and Men’s issues, and had a fun time doing it.
Immediately after the picnic we put everything away, then CRISPE1 and I hopped in that big motor home to take off for Sacramento, where we would participate in strategic planning, training and activism. The long drive north met the sunset about halfway there. We basked in the warm glow of the setting sun as we basked in the warm memories of the day and anticipated the promise of things to come the morrow and the next.   To be continued…
