Chico's Book in Common: The Soloist

Haiti and Homelessness

2010-03-20T18:59:58Z

Two months and and week have passed since the earthquake struck Haiti and destroyed much of the city of Port-au-Prince, killing 300,000 people and leaving over a million people homeless. We talk about homelessness in our communities in northern California, but homelessness on this scale is something that we in this country have never dealt with. Right now, many Haitians are living in tent cities, but with the rainy season poised to begin in April, another humanitarian crisis is ready to unfold.

Everyone has been overwhelmed by the situation in Haiti: the Haitian government, the Red Cross, the U.N.--no one knows how to deal with destruction and homelessness on this scale. It's not only that Haiti has few resources to draw on, it's also that such a loss of shelter in a densely-populated area has not happened in the last 100 years or so, perhaps ever. Three million people were living in the Port-au-Prince area at the time of the quake. Many have left to live with family in the rural areas of Haiti, which are struggling to absorb so many displaced people. The emphasis has been on the basic necessities--water, food, shelter, medical care--but so much else has been lost, too. Schools--education never has been available for most Haitians, but what was there has been crippled, with many schools destroyed and teachers killed.

I don't have the answers, but I know that Haiti needs to remain in our consciousness, and providing whatever aid we can should remain a priority. Even with the recent recession, most people in the U.S. have resources way beyond what the ordinary Haitian possesses. Sharing those resources right now and in the year ahead is critical. Compassion fatigue can wait--Haiti needs us right now.

Soloist Author to Speak at Chico State

2010-03-20T18:42:44Z

Steve Lopez, author of The Soloist, is coming to speak at Chico State this Tuesday, March 23 at Laxson Auditorium. This visit provides a chance for students, faculty, and community members to hear what this L.A. Times reporter has to say about his book and to ask him questions about homelessness in Los Angeles and how his life has changed since writing this book. I'm curious about how Nathaniel Ayres is doing these days. Has he managed to stay in his apartment? Is he still playing music, and does he perform for anyone in particular?

All of you blog readers out there (where are you, anyway?)--what questions would you like to ask Lopez? How has reading The Soloist changed your ideas and ways of being? I know that I've been more tuned in to noticing those who might be homeless, whether it's here in Chico or in a trip I just took to Fort Bragg. One question I had is why so many people who appear to be homeless have dogs. Do the dogs provide companionship, protection, a sense of rootedness in an otherwise nomadic life? I remember hearing the director of the Torres Shelter mentioning pets and saying that they wanted to be able to accommodate people and their pets, but they couldn't right now.

Earthquake in Haiti

2010-01-13T19:56:08Z

Yesterday, an earthquake measuring 7.3 struck Haiti, destroying much of the capital of Port-au-Prince and killing and injuring thousands. It is a terrible catastrophe to strike this fragile country, and I am grieving for the people who must respond to such a huge crisis. The suffering that many have endured and will continue to endure is extreme, unthinkable, yet I know that Haiti will rise from this convulsion, too.

As I continue writing my book on literature and the Haitian Revolution, I think about the kinds of convulsions that strike us all, both rich and poor. The rich are mostly shielded from economic downturns and are able to escape impending crises because of their greater mobility. But an earthquake comes with no warning and levels grand hotels as well as tumble-down shacks; indeed, the grand hotel is exactly where one doesn't want to be in an earthquake, crushed by levels of concrete from above or trapped in the debris. To be buried alive seems the greatest physical and mental torture of all.

This kind of large-scale devastation and loss of shelter returns us to the subject of homelessness, as a disaster like this can render anyone homeless and in need. I write this post as an appeal to help the people in Haiti in whatever way we can, with material aid or with sympathy and prayer; and let us also remember and help those who lack good and secure shelter in our own community.

Musings on The Soloist

2009-12-09T23:16:06Z

As the weather has turned cold here in Chico, I've been thinking more about what it would be like not to have a home to retreat to, especially for sleeping. I imagine the local shelters are getting even more traffic than they usually do.

A book group that I'm in met this last Monday to discuss The Soloist, and we had a good discussion that tended to drift from scenes in the book to our own experiences with mental illness. Everyone in the group told of a friend, family member, or roommate who struggled with some form of mental illness. We talked a lot about how mental illness can be difficult to diagnose and to treat--what does it mean to label someone schizophrenic, or bipolar, or OCD?

The other interesting revelation in the group is that one of our members had read a book called "The Soloist" that was not Steve Lopez's book. The strange part of it all was that the other "Soloist" had some similar themes to Lopez's book, such as a protagonist who played the cello. And it was recently published, too. Apparently, "The Soloist" is a popular title. Has anyone else out there read this other book and wondered why we've focused on mental illness and homelessness in our Book in Common events?

CAPE Forum and Book Club

2009-11-11T17:52:55Z

I attended two events this last week that I wanted to comment on. The first was a CAPE Forum at Chico State on homelessness, featuring a sociology professor, a philosophy professor, the director of the Torres Shelter, and a Butte College student who had been homeless and stayed for several weeks at the Torres Shelter.

Cynthia Siemsen, the sociology professor, gave a fascinating history of homelessness, asking us when we thought the first anti-vagrancy law had been passed. In my mind, I was guessing some time in the 19th century, but she told us that 1349 was the date of the first vagrancy law, which was prompted by events like the rise of the capitalism and the population decimation of the plague. Basically, feudal lords wanted to keep a ready work force and not have to pay them any more than they had before the plague, so laws were passed that stated that those not attached to a job were considered vagrants. The claim was that those who refuse labor would give themselves up to vice or "other abominations." So, from the fourteenth century, the perception arose that those who are somehow outside of the wage-labor system are stigmatized, or as Siemsen put it, quoting another sociologist, are "tainted, discounted." Certainly, the modern day conception of the homeless does reflect this idea not of a whole person but of one both tainted and discounted.

Becky Cox-White, a philosophy professor who teaches moral theory, spoke about whether those who are homeless can be seen as responsible for their homelessness, and she outlined a theory of responsibility that hinged on one's mental competence and the availability of reasonable options. Based on those criteria, most who were homeless could not be seen as ultimately responsible for their homelessness. Professor Cox-White also insisted that our society has a responsibility to care for these people, and she suggested that we all practice sacrificing something small--the daily mocha, lunch out--and giving that money to support those in society who need it.

Brad Montgomery, the director of the Torres Shelter, spoke of his experiences at the shelter and how they are hoping to serve more people and serve them better through their current remodeling and expansion. But he started his talk with his own story, one of meeting his father for the first time at age 6 and finding out that his father had been homeless and struggling with alcoholism. His story had a happy ending, as his parents reconciled and he built a loving relationship with his father, who managed to stay sober. The Butte College student who spoke related how her time at the shelter was positive and healing, and while she still is in transition, living with friends, she is no longer homeless and looks positively to the future.

The second event featured Bill Such of The Jesus Center, who led the Barnes and Noble book discussion on Sunday and discussed his work at the center as well as some themes of The Soloist. Bill spoke eloquently about his own life experiences and about our culture's attitudes toward the homeless. What I found particularly interesting were the questions from the audience about how to approach homeless people--should I give someone money if he/she asks for it? what about the young, able-bodied folks who hang out at Children's Park?--and Bill Such's message was that each of us needs to find a way to give of ourselves, whether it is in time, money, talent. The important piece is that of connection to and compassion for the homeless, so that we affirm our essential shared humanity. Bill used the phrase "I am because we are" to describe this sense of interconnection.

I found both events inspiring and affirming, and I welcome comments from those who attended either one.

CAPE Forum on Homelessness

2009-11-04T22:15:12Z

"What is our Community's Responsibility to the Indigent Homeless in Chico?"

Wednesday, November 4th, PAC 134 at 7:30 p.m.

The Center for Applied and Professional Ethics in conjunction with the Chico Community Book in Common, The Soloist, presents a community panel discussion on the topic of indigent homelessness in Chico. Join our panel of experts as we ask what, if any, obligations we have to our fellow community homeless?

I'm planning to attend this panel, which will include a sociology professor from Chico State, the director of the Torres Shelter, a philosophy professor from Chico State, and a student at Butte College who was homeless. The Butte College student's story is featured in the latest issue of the News and Review. And in case you don't know Chico State well, PAC stands for Performing Arts Center, which is on West Second Street.

Town Hall Meeting Connects People Across Chico

2009-10-23T15:35:31Z

"Who are the Soloists Among Us?" This was the title of a short film presented at the Town Hall meeting at Chico State last Wednesday, and in this film people talked about their state of homelessness--how they got where they are, what it was like to be homeless. What really stuck with me was one man who said (I'm paraphrasing): "I'm either going to get myself together, or I'm going to walk in front of a car." Wow--what a drastic choice. Those who are homeless must suffer from the lack of social status as much as from the lack of the security and stability that a permanent home brings.

A few more thoughts on the event. We had roundtable discussions in small groups. I sat at a table with a woman who works for Legal Aid and who had provided legal services to homeless folks. Another young woman at the table was a Chico State student who had been serving as an intern at the Esplanade House, which provides goods and shelter for homeless families. Another young woman came to the event because it was part of a class she was taking in Leadership. We had diverse backgrounds, but what we all shared was a sense that the recent cutbacks in state funding for various social programs would hit the homeless very hard. Agencies in Chico seem very successful in partnering to provide services, but with their funding drastically reduced, they are not able to provide the services that are needed. The question left in my mind was one of our society's priorities. Are we so focused on individual gain and financial success that we've lost our sense of collective prosperity and social good? Some people clearly still work for these collective goals, but will they be able to continue their work if they are not given the financial support they need?

Town Hall Event at Chico State

2009-10-13T16:13:45Z

Here's an excerpt from the announcement for a special town hall meeting tomorrow:

"Homelessness and mental illness in Butte County will be addressed at a special campus and community town hall meeting Wednesday, Oct. 14, in the Bell Memorial Union Auditorium at California State University, Chico.

The town hall meeting will be from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Everyone in attendance will have an opportunity to actively participate in discussions and problem-solving. The event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

Participants will include city and university leaders, providers of services to the homeless and mentally ill, and residents who are or who have been homeless and/or mentally ill."

I plan to be at the event and invite those who are interested in these issues in our community to come, too.

Oroville Event for Book in Common

2009-10-06T21:45:58Z

There are many community events that relate to the themes of The Soloist, and here is the announcement for an event in Oroville today:

Book in Common Event In Oroville Today

Homeless in Oroville

Tues., Oct. 6, from 4pm - 5pm
Oroville Public Library

Carol Zanon, vice-chair of the Greater Oroville Homeless Coalition who works with the chronically homeless and chronically mentally ill residents of Oroville begins the community discussion. Please bring a non-perishable food item donation for a community food bank.

Contact: Brenda Crotts at 538-7196

Steve Lopez Wins PEN Award; First Book Group on The Soloist

2009-10-02T21:48:23Z

For all who've read and enjoyed The Soloist, you'll be happy to know that Steve Lopez won the prestigious PEN award for creative nonfiction for The Soloist. The awards were announced yesterday, Oct. 1.

If you're interested in attending a book group discussion on The Soloist, the first of these discussions will be held tomorrow, Oct 3, at 2 p.m. at Barnes and Noble. Here's the announcement from the Chico State Book in Common website:

Book Discussion: The Soloist

Saturday, Oct. 3, at 2 p.m.
Barnes and Noble Bookseller

Emily Fisher, an attorney with Legal Services of Northern California, will talk about the book and how the community and students can get involved in advocacy on behalf of the homeless or those with mental health issues. Emily currently serves on the Mental Health Services Act local housing committee.

http://www.csuchico.edu/bic/calendar.shtml#Oct

The above link will give you announcements for Book in Common events for the month of October.

North State Symphony Plays Beethoven

2009-09-27T19:19:47Z

Today at 2 p.m. in Laxson Auditorium, the North State Symphony will be performing Beethoven's Symphony No. 5. This event, besides bringing excellent music to Chico, complements the many events over the year that resonate with The Soloist. Those who have read the book or seen the movie know that Nathaniel Ayers looks to Beethoven as supreme inspiration, his god of music. He decides that Los Angeles will be his home when he finds the statue of Beethoven erected in a city that is culturally diverse but fairly young, as far as cities go. Without home or job, Nathaniel is free to choose his place to live, and he exercises that freedom by sleeping in different spots. Most of us wouldn't consider that kind of freedom a blessing, but it is the antithesis of the mental institution, which brought confinement and drug-induced numbness for Nathaniel.

This also brings to mind the notion that artists may suffer more than others from mental illness. The painter Vincent Van Gogh is the first to come to mind, but there are certainly many others. If you know of any books that address this topic of artistic expression and mental illness, send in the title(s).

L.A. Ranked Meanest to the Homeless

2009-09-22T21:24:54Z

Affordable Housing Finance Magazine just published in its online edition an article that ranked Los Angeles as the city least friendly to the homeless. Here are the first two paragraphs of the article:

"Los Angeles is the meanest city in America when it comes to its treatment of the homeless, according to a new report by the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty and the National Coalition for the Homeless.

The ranking is based on several factors, including the number of laws targeted at the homeless, the enforcement of those laws, and the general public climate toward homeless people."

The article also talks about how many communities across the U.S. are getting tougher on homelessness, with "an 11 percent increase in laws prohibiting loitering in certain public places and a 7 percent hike in laws prohibiting "camping" in certain public places."

These statistics surprised me, but I'm wondering how many of you out there feel this is the right direction for communities. What are the alternatives to laws prohibiting loitering?

If you're interested, here's the URL for the article: www.housingfinance.com/news/ahf/072009-ahf-LA-Ranked-Meanest-to-the-Homeless.htm

Downtown Chico

2009-09-20T16:51:18Z

As I was walking through downtown Chico on Thursday night on my way to the Kick-Off Celebration for The Soloist, I began to observe more closely the number of people who seemed to be making a home, at least for part of the day, on the streets of Chico. Compared with Berkeley, where I lived for seven years, Chico seemed to have little of what people often talked about as the problem of homelessness. In Berkeley, it was hard to walk ten feet down Telegraph Avenue without being asked for spare change or passing by someone slumped on the sidewalk. I remember facing the moral dilemma of whether to stop and give the so-called panhandlers any change I might have or to mumble "Sorry" and walk on by. Each time I made that decision--to give or not to give--I had to justify my decision in my mind: this person looks really needy, that person looks like a strong young guy who's just trying to get money to buy booze. The experience of confronting this choice every day prompted me to get involved with the Alameda County Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity, perhaps to help make up for those times I said "Sorry" and walked on.

As I thought about the differences between Chico and Berkeley that night in downtown Chico, I walked towards a young man sitting on the street, cuddling a kitten. He looked up as I approached and asked for spare change. Wow, I thought, that doesn't happen very often here. I had no money with me, so I had nothing to give, yet uttering that word again--"Sorry"--brought up those feelings that I had failed in my moral obligation again. Thinking of how this all resonates with The Soloist, I'm reminded of how Steve Lopez decides to stop and make a personal connection with someone who would otherwise be dismissed or ignored. What does it take to make us stop and connect?

City Plaza Event for The Soloist

2009-09-16T21:16:52Z

On Thursday, Sep. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Plaza, a kick-off celebration will be held to mark the beginning of an exciting year of events and discussions centered on the Book in Common at Chico State and Butte College this year, The Soloist. This book, written by Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez, explores topics such as homelessness, mental illness, and the power of music.

This is the inaugural post for this blog, which is dedicated to sharing ideas and connecting people across the community who have read the book and are moved to talk about the important issues that it raises. To that end, I ask for your comments on directions you'd like to see this blog take. Please post any suggestions you have. I will read all comments, and I hope you'll find this a good place for a lively exchange of ideas, insights, and practical advice.