Caravan for Peace updates leaves California arrives in Arizona (Incredible response, gracias!)

DAY 1 (August 12, Sunday, San Diego)

California Dreaming as Friendship Park launch on Sunday was magical with Aztec Dancers and music in San Diego/ Tijuana, Enrique Morones of Border Angels, Congressman Bob Filner and Senator Juan Vargas and community welcome all to San Diego, then Javier Sicilia shares the importance of Caravan For Peace with Justice and Dignity with hundreds of supporters on both sides of wall and dozens of international media folks. (caravanforpeace.org) At USD's Founders Chapel a moving Mass with dozens of victims in tears as they reflected on the disappearances or murders of their loved ones. The Institute of Peace and Justice presents a report on the 70,000 violent deaths in Mexico the last 6 years due to the failed drug policy and the continued demand for drugs by US consumers. The evening @ legendary CHICANO PARK (thanks you CP steering committee & community) with A NEW PATH & partners shares more testimonies of US and Mexican grieving Moms, including Maria, the wife of Anastasio Hernandez and violent death he suffered at the hands of US Border Authorities. The First day ended with the incomparable MISA AZTECA musical performance.

DAY 2 (August 13, Monday, Los Angeles)

We arrive at historic Placita Olvera as community welcomes us, we hold a press conference and community forum we are joined by Hollywood ! Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Katia del Castillo, Diego Luna, Sergio Arnau, Guillermo del Toro y muchos mas. We then proceed to plaza for a cultural festival with music, art, poetry and more testimonies. The evening is spent with Hermandad Mexicana for a wonderful meal and great memories of MARCHA MIGRANTE I & CARAVAN'S first couple of days, as we also stayed at Hermandad Mexicana, when we also crossed country to DC and helped spark national policies with the "immigrant spring marches" of 2006 ! Si SE PUEDE!

Day 3 (August 14, Tuesday, Los Angeles, Huntington Park) We go to City Hall as Javier and "caravaneros" receive proclamation in support of CARAVAN FOR PEACE. Outside we march, "que queremos Paz, cuando Hoy ! Que queremos Justicia, cuando Hoy!" Then Javier comes out of City Hall and we rally in front of Los Angeles City Hall (picture) before heading to Huntington Park for Press Conference and lunch. In the evening we go to CASA ZACATECAS for vigil then celebration. Que Viva Mexico !

Day 4 (August 15, off to Phoenix, Arizona) Before we leave California, we see and meet with a group of young "dreamers" in front of HERMANDAD MEXICANA waiting for "Deferred Action Applications" on first day available. Enrique of Border Angels, gets off bus, in support of Arizona Boycott, and the very racist policies still taking place in Arizona, including Arizona actions against dreamers. Caravaneros head to Arizona after breakfast, arrive to "bienvenida" in Phoenix in evening.

Day 5 (August 16, Phoenix the Tucson) Caravaneros hold a press conference/rally in front of Tent City (where thousands of undocumented migrants have been inhumanely detained) BORDER ANGELS Pam Calore, Elizabeth, Mercedes, Lupe, Estela, Hugo and Micaela continue on Caravan while Enrique honors boycott. Javier then meets briefly with Sherriff Joe Arpaio, speaks of a more humane manner in which to treat human beings. Caravaneros head to Tucson and met by community members.

For more information on Caravan and where we are or where we are going (caravanforpeace.org) Thanks again for support, hope to see you, during our caravan for peace, with justice and dignity

Para mayor información, visite: www.caravanforpeace.org