My visit with a true hero: Walter Hoye

Rarely am I kept up at night by a burning need to get something off my chest. But tonight is such a night for me.

Yesterday evening, I had the chance to visit a friend of mine who is a guest at the Alameda County Jail. It was, as I explained to him, the first time I had ever visited someone in jail. But knowing what he was imprisoned for, I could not in good conscience stay away. I could not sit idly by without letting him know how his much his sacrifice meant to me and so many others.

“What did he do?” you ask?

That is the same question my kids asked when I told them that I would be going to support my good friend in jail.

You can imagine their confusion when I told them that Rev. Walter Hoye was imprisoned for standing in front of Planned Parenthood, holding a sign that read, “Jesus Loves You and Your Baby. Can We Help You?”

“Can they do that?” my son inquired after a moment of stunned silence?

Apparently, they can in Oakland, California; one of several cities that has passed an ordinance creating a 100 foot “Free Speech Free” zone around abortion clinics. Specifically the ordinance makes it unlawful, and punishable by up to one year in jail, to knowingly approach within eight (8) feet of any person seeking to enter an abortion clinic, without their consent, to counsel or distribute literature to them or to urge them not to obtain an abortion. And it appears that Rev. Hoye being in front of Planned Parenthood with his sign made him guilty of violating this ordinance.

But what the enemy meant for evil, God is turned for good. Walter shared with us how he has been able to witness to his fellow inmates and even the guards. The stacks of letters he receives on a daily basis has others inquiring as to who he is and why he is jail. He has also taken to purchasing food and other items from the prison commissary and giving it to the newer inmates. He does this even as he himself has chosen to fast from food during his incarceration.

His sacrifice has not been without victory. He tells of how he led five men to faith in Christ during his first week in prison. Right outside the prison, other pastors have taken to holding prayer vigils every Sunday evening for Walter. Last week was the first and about 20 were present. This week that number was doubled. And I believe it will double again next week as more and more people hear Pastor Hoye’s story. I myself, have been moved by the numbers of people who have responded to the injustice of Walter’s incarceration; not only prolife activists, but those who cannot believe that someone would be imprisoned for exercising their God given right to free speech.

Now, I cannot say that Walter’s time jail has been without challenges. Walter is notably tired and in need f rest. He explained to us that because of the crowded conditions and the fact that many of his fellow inmates would stay up all night, there were not many opportunities to sleep. His already slim frame was visibly weakened as the result of his fast. His only nourishment coming from the 4oz containers of apple juice that his fellow inmates save and share with him.

I share this with you, not to illicit your sympathy, rather to inspire your action. It is my hope that Walter’s commitment to stand for what he believes in would help others to give up their roles as mere spectators and encourage them to get in the game.

That is not to say that we all have to go to prison. But we can help. Walter has asked everyone to continue writing to him while he is in jail. The letters both encourage him and provide opportunities for him to witness to others. You can write to him at:

Walter B. Hoye II
PFN# BGR852
Santa Rita Jail
5325 Broder Blvd.
Dublin, CA 94568-3309

Walter also asks that we send notice to the justice system that his imprisonment was wrong. He asks that we send a blue envelope to Judge Stuart Hing. The envelope should be sealed – DO NOT PUT ANYTHING IN THE ENVELOPE! And on the back, write: FREE WALTER HOYE as large as possible.

You can address it to:

Alameda County Superior Court
WILEY W. MANUEL COURTHOUSE
Attention: Judge Stuart Hing, Dept. 109
661 Washington Street, Oakland 94607-3922

If you would like to help with Walter’s defense send your contributions to Life Legal Defense Foundation. Their website is – www.lldf.org.

Finally, if you can give of your time, there will be prayer vigils every Sunday starting at 6:30 pm at the prison (Santa Rita Jail 5325 Broder Blvd, Dublin, CA 94568-3309.


As you can see, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. The only question is, what are we willing to give up to protect innocent life? How about to protect our free speech rights?

I could not help but ask myself, if I could be as committed as Walter? If presented with the choice of my freedom or standing for what is right, which would I choose?

Walter’s example has made that choice a little easier for me. How about you?

California News Roundup - March 23, 2009

Mournful calm follows Oakland firestorm It was early Saturday afternoon, and Curtis Mixon was talking with his 26-year-old nephew. Lovelle Shawn Mixon had called on a cellphone from his newly purchased 1995 Buick as he drove through east Oakland.

Schwarzenegger lends voice to infrastructure chorus Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger joined other political leaders Sunday to push for increased federal spending on infrastructure projects as a way to stimulate the economy and said that "one has to look at" increasing the gasoline tax as a way to pay for such public works improvements.

Skelton: Capitol dysfunction is what makes special interests run "Sacramento is dysfunctional" has almost become a cliche. But Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger repeated it recently and sounded profound -- more profound than he probably intended.

for California's jobless Imagine the federal government offering California more than $2.5 billion to help its unemployed workers. You'd think that lawmakers would leap at the money, especially with the unemployment rate climbing to 10.5% in February. And yet when the Assembly took up a bill last week to make the state eligible for the aid, resistance from Republicans left the measure one vote short of the two-thirds majority needed for speedy passage. Proponents plan to bring a new version of ABX3 23 to the Assembly today, and lawmakers shouldn't hesitate to pass it.

CPS standards for hiring can be strict, or minimal In Kentucky, a state social worker was fired after being accused of driving a child while under the influence of drugs.

Proposed easing of concealed-weapons law draws fire What issue could unite a Republican lawmaker from Southern California and a 46-year-old lesbian from Natomas? Guns, of course.

Litter project hit by turmoil A popular state volunteer program that picks up litter on California highways is snarled in a tangle of bureaucratic goofs, a lengthy rules revision process, and a protracted legal battle between state officials and an anti-illegal immigrant group.

20-week extension for jobless benefits headed for a vote this week Richard Cadena, jobless for months, has a four-letter word for any California lawmaker unsure whether to pass or defeat legislation to extend unemployment insurance benefits: pass.

Governor open to feds raising gas tax for projects The federal government has to look at raising the gasoline tax to pay for public works improvements, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said in a "Meet the Press" interview that aired Sunday.

The Buzz Off on spring break this week? Word of advice from Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner: Don't party, drive, then land in court. A DUI or booze-related crash may cost you $13,500 – and a life, warn Poizner and the Auto Club of Southern California. They also cite a scary study: a 116 percent rise in alcohol-related deaths among college-aged women. Oh, and then there's L.A.'s rash of DUIs involving young female celebrities. (We had to check: Poizner has no DUIs.)

Walters: Taxable sales decline slams state, locals When California's voters slashed property taxes by passing Proposition 13 in 1978, cash-strapped local governments began looking for new ways to finance their operations.

Oakland police deaths: What went wrong? Killings of several police officers as happened in Oakland over the weekend are rare and significantly impact police training to prevent similar attacks from happening again.

Stark says he'll pay higher taxes Rep. Pete Stark was back in his East Bay district Saturday, just days after admitting that he has been taking a $3,853 tax break on his Maryland home by declaring it his primary residence.

With economy in a rut, is now the right time for state's global-warming law? Even before the recession hit, some California industries worried about the costs of complying with the state's landmark global-warming law. Now, with rising unemployment and a staggering economy, their worry has turned to fear.

No law allows sham pot sales So raids on suspect dispensaries can and should continue
'Federal resources should not be used to circumvent state laws,” said President Obama a while back. 'Federal resources should not be used to circumvent state laws,” said President Obama a while back. Pot's defenders heard that as welcome relief from federal raids on storefront dispensaries that supply “medical marijuana” to “qualified patients” and all comers with cash.

Schwarzenegger target of recall rally led by former supporters, John & Ken

Heads on a stick!

That is the newest promotion by Southern California radio talk show hosts John and Ken, as they go after GOP electeds who they say supported tax inreases.

One of the primary targets of their tax revolt was Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who ironically was supported by John and Ken over the clearly more fisacally conservative, Tom McClintock.

THE FACTS ARE CLEAR: Assembly Republicans did not support tax increases by supporting the spending cap

It has been alleged that Assembly Republicans voted to increase taxes because they supported the Spending Cap. This is simply not true! All one has to do is to read the bill and look at the timeline.

On February 14, 2009 the Assembly voted on ACAX3 1, which approved the spending cap for the ballot. If you read the bill, you will notice that there is no mention of taxes or the fact that proposed taxes would be extended for three years, should the spending cap be approved. Even the Assembly Analysis there is no mention of tax increases, BECAUSE THEY AREN’T THERE!!! The reason why Republicans voted for the spending cap is because it was (and still is) a good idea.

Fast forward to February 19, 2009 when the Assembly voted on ABX3 3, which actually authorizes the tax increases. This measure authorizes the tax increases for five years. However, it also states that should the spending cap fail passage the tax increases will end in two years as opposed to five. And as one would expect, the Assembly Analysis also reflects that this is the case.

Now look at the vote tally for ABX3 3. You will notice that only three Republican Assembly members voted for it. Also, note that this measure was voted on five days after the spending cap was passed.

I have to admit that I am very disappointed in my fellow conservative commentators who are so quick to throw our own under the bus with little to no discussion of the facts. Is this not representative of a lynch mob mentality? Is this how we really want to be?

I understand the anger over this tax increase. Heck, I agree with it! But before we start stringing people up, should we not make sure that they are in fact guilty of the crime?

In Case you Missed it: Assembly Debate on HR 5 (Video)

Here is the Assembly Debate on HR 5, which expressed the Legislature's desire to have the California Supreme Court overturn Prop. 8.

The debate begins at about 2:14.30 on the video:

California News Roundup - February 3, 2009

State to stop imprisoning some illegal-immigration repeat offenders California corrections officials say the state will no longer spend the estimated $10 million a year it costs to lock up undocumented immigrants with prior convictions who reenter the country illegally after being deported.

The governor's gifts: Antiques, clothes, wines and cigars Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger last year received more than $32,000 in gifts, including a Mongolian shield, a bronze bust of a California condor, a replica of a high-speed train, antique dumbbells and lots of wine and cigars.

State's in a drought, but it's not the worst ever The warnings have been ominous this winter: California is headed into the worst drought in modern history. The water supply is drying up. Or, as one water association declared last week, "Things just keep getting worse and worse."

California delegation to try a bipartisan meeting In a story that has circulated around Capitol Hill for years, California's famously fractured delegation gathered for a rare bipartisan meeting and decided to send for pizza -- only to get into a fight over what toppings to order.

Assemblywoman Diane Harkey accepted $16,600 from firms borrowing from husband's company California Assemblywoman Diane Harkey accepted $16,600 in political contributions from real estate developers who had received loans from her husband's business, now under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Peter Schrag: California's broken budget The way the budget deal was reached in Sacramento, and what's in it, shows how bad the system has become.The latest refrain in Sacramento's inner wonkdom is that it's time to eliminate the "big five" system, under which the governor and the majority and minority party leaders in each house of the Legislature disappeared behind closed doors to cook up the state budget deal late last month.

GOP recruiter's pay, results questioned The head of an upstart group that aims to recruit California Republicans to run for statewide offices earned $900,000 in salary and benefits in the 2007-2008 election cycle, angering some Republicans who wondered Monday if the cash is being well-spent.

Field Poll shows early backing for budget items on ballot Likely voters in the May 19 special election initially support six ballot measures designed to complete the budget recently approved by lawmakers and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, according to a Field Poll released Tuesday.

California farms, cities warned they may lose access to state's creeks, rivers Thousands of California farms and cities have been warned that their permission to pump water from rivers and creeks could be cut back if the drought worsens.

The Buzz: Bass gave present to Parra, before the fall Premonition? Perhaps. Former Assemblywoman Nicole Parra, D-Hanford, recently filed disclosure documents listing a $64 gift she received last year from Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, several months before such bad blood erupted between them that Parra was banished from the Capitol to an office across the street. Bass' earlier gift to Parra? A "Falling Slowly Orchid."

Dan Walters: California politicos try to fix election via ballot title When someone proposes an initiative ballot measure, the attorney general gives it an official title and summary. There's always been much political angst, as well as legal wrangling, over the wording of controversial issues.

Capitol Alert: Cal's uninsured motorist rate still highPosted by Dan WaltersTwo decades ago, it was estimated that as many as a third of California's motorists were driving without insurance, but a series of get-tough laws reduced the rate by more than half to 18 percent, according to a new nationwide survey by the Insurance Research Council.

Capitol Alert: California isn't toughest in imprisonment Criminal corrections - prisons, jails, parole and probation - have been California's fastest growing public expense in recent years with the state's correctional costs doubling in the last decade to about $10 billion a year.

Wet February helps water supply, but not enough The storms pounding the Bay Area and blanketing the Sierra Nevada with snow have brought California back from the brink of the worst drought in state history, but the drenching is not enough to assure adequate water supplies this summer, state water officials said Monday.

Opposition forms for state spending-cap Prop 1A A coalition of strange bedfellows already is getting together to fight against Proposition 1A, the state spending-cap proposal that is the long-sought centerpiece of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's budget-reform effort.

Sean Penn joins campaign for 'Harvey Milk Day' in California Fresh from his Oscar-winning portrayal of the iconic San Francisco gay rights leader, Sean Penn is joining in the call to create "Harvey Milk Day" in California.

Legislature backs fight against Prop. 8 Both houses of the state Legislature passed resolutions Monday endorsing the legal effort to overturn California's same-sex marriage ban, just days before the issue goes to the state Supreme Court. The resolutions passed along party lines, 18-14 in the Senate and 45-27 in the Assembly, with several members absent in both chambers.

Dissatisfied with state budget, voters envision bleak future, poll indicates Most California voters dislike last month's state budget package, with the frustration highest among people likely to vote on the May special election ballot measures integral to the $40 billion plan, a new poll shows.

California News Roundup - March 2, 2009

Concerns arise over fast-track deportation program Federal authorities are increasingly deporting illegal immigrants through a fast-track program that bypasses court hearings, an effort by the federal government to save money, reduce backlogs and clear detention beds.

George Skelton: New Assembly panel goes on a quiet hunt for Capitol waste If it works, it could mean the budget deficit had one positive aspect.From Sacramento -- In a small hideaway hearing room at California's Capitol, something unique happened last week. A new legislative committee convened with the single goal of making state government more efficient and less costly.

Delta cutbacks put Valley farm town on In the San Joaquin Valley, the most productive farmland on earth, panic is more abundant than the crops that usually blanket the ground.

Unions hold the wild card on proposed state spending cap Labor unions that blasted a state budget deal for its constitutional spending limit have gone quiet as the state gears up for a May 19 election asking voters to ratify the agreement.

The Buzz Close behind a legislative proposal to legalize, regulate and tax marijuana comes a proposal to tax meat. The group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals – PETA – is sponsoring billboards with a cow's photo and a slogan "Tax Pot (Roast)." PETA people say meat should be taxed at 10 cents a pound because eating it causes harm to health and the environment. And also to the animals whence the meat came.

Dan Walters: California's 40-year mental help pledge undone Before he became president pro tem of the Senate – thus gaining the thankless chore of dealing with the state's immense budget crisis – Darrell Steinberg was best known for a 2004 ballot measure that raised income taxes on the wealthy for local mental health services.

Deja new: Prop. 8 challenge reaches Calif. court One year and one day after the state Supreme Court entertained arguments on extending marriage to gay couples, many of the same lawyers will be back before the same seven justices Thursday arguing why California's voter-appproved ban on same-sex marriage should stand or fall.

Calif. Sup. Ct. arguments on Prop. 8, at a glance WHAT: The California Supreme Court will hold three hours of oral arguments from 9.am-noon Thursday on three lawsuits seeking to overturn Proposition 8, the ballot measure that amended the state constitution to reinstate the ban on same-sex marriage the court threw out last year.

Richmond hopes to protect 5 miles of wetlands By Carolyn Jones, Chronicle Staff WriterThe north Richmond shoreline has seen its share of blasts and explosions - from the dynamite factory, shooting range, oil refinery and a century of political fireworks.

Air regulators show no letup in their war on emissions Even during this deep recession, California's air-quality regulators are on an accelerated schedule to adopt a series of global warming initiatives considered unmatched worldwide.

California should be reimbursed State Sen. John Benoit amusingly calls his Senate Bill 125 a "stimulus measure" - which it certainly would be for California if it accomplishes its objective.