TO REPLY TO DAVID, CLICK ON THE BLUE TITLE AT DAVID-MCCALLUM-ON-THE-OUTSIDE
CALIFORNIA
On Monday, March 30th, I arrived in New York from California after spending four days in Sonoma County, specifically in a small town called Sebastopol where the people could not have been more welcoming. I was there to attend the 2015 Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival, where the film “David and Me” was being shown. Unfortunately, they could only play the original version without my release from prison at the end.
I traveled to California with Marc Lamy; one of two filmmakers who co-directed the film. The other filmmaker, Ray Klonsky, was unable to attend the event.
Once arrived at the San Francisco Airport, I was overwhelmed by finally being in California. When I was a child, I often dreamed of going there. Even in prison, I was fascinated with the television commercials showing California which only added to my desire to go there. As an adult, and hearing many stories from friends about their trips to California, made me even more eager.
When I arrived in California, I could hardly believe it because just a little over five months ago, it looked like I wouldn’t be anywhere but a prison. Once out of the airport, I noticed tat everyone wore shorts and t-shirts. I wasn’t quite dressed for the occasion but I did not look embarrassing either. It was very sunny and hot, but not humid like New York. The reason why I was in California in the first place was because of the 2015 Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival where the documentary David And Me was screened. When the film was completed and I was introduced to the audience, I and the film received a standing ovation. I could hardly believe it! Here I was in California at a film festival receiving a standing ovation from people who seemed genuinely interested in my story. I could tell from the Q&A afterwards that they were intrigued and upset about a criminal justice system that they probably didn’t think existed on the level that the film illustrated. The film co-directed with Ray Klonsky and Marc Lamy won the best audience award.
I was hosted by a very nice couple who lived in a small town called Sebastopol, about an hour and a half from San Francisco. The couple’s at who home I stayed was a beautifully constructed house. From the outside, it didn’t looked that big, but once inside, I immediately saw that this house had plenty of space. The couple, Rick and CJ, could not have been more gracious. There were many of times that they left Marc and me in the home by ourselves for long hours at a time. Initially, I was very nervous and apprehensive about it but they made me feel very comfortable, so comfortable that I begin walking around the house as if I actually lived there. It really reminded me of the times when I visited Toronto and stayed at the home of Dorion Kingsmill and Steve Stuart. They are the parents of Ray Klonsky’s wife Robbie. Rick was a very good tour guide too. I could tell that he revelled in Sebastopol and was very proud of his small town.
We went to a place on a cliff where we could look directly into the Pacific Ocean. I actually spotted a whale but needed binoculars in order to get a much better view. The wind was blowing and it actually scared me to the extent that I thought I was going to fall off the cliff. Rick also showed us some of the many wineries in Sonoma County which Rick assured us was not in competition with the other more famous Napa County. I actually did some wine tasting for the first time in my life. We must have participated in three wine tasting events. Eventually, I begin to spit the wine out into this pail because I was starting to feel a buzz and it was very early in the afternoon.
Rick and his CJ also have this huge pool in the back of their home, where I officially began taking swimming lessons. Although I had been in a pool as a kid, I had never really learned how to swim. This was a great experience. The town of Sebastopol was very small but I could see that the people there were very proud of their town and what it had to offer. The town, to my surprise, shut down very early, even on Friday and Saturday night. I had to remind myself that every place is not nor has to be New York City. Rick gave me a brief driving lesson with this electric Tesla that he recently purchased. Having never driven a car before, I was very nervous and didn’t quite get it down, but the experience was thrilling. As the visit came to end, I could see that Rick and CJ were sad to see us go. We promised to keep in touch.
After the showing of the film Sunday night, March 29th, Ray’s thirtieth birthday, it received a standing ovation. Marc and I were surprised by the strength of the reception but we were in a special kind of town with socially committed people who came in surprising numbers to the entire festival. I could hardly believe it! Here I was in California at a film festival receiving a standing ovation from people who seemed genuinely interested in my story! I could tell from the Q&A afterwards that they were intrigued and upset about a criminal justice system that they probably didn’t think existed on the level that the film illustrated. The Q&A was longer than I expected, and, afterwards, droves of people approached wanting to take pictures and selfies with me and to ask more questions about my experience. The people of Sebastopol are looking forward to watching the reedited version of the film. Still, the film was voted the audience favorite at the festival. Wow!
As a kid who often dreamed of going to California, it was wonderful and sometimes surreal to be there where the weather was as gorgeous as I had dreamed about, warm in the day for swimming and cool and comfortable during the night. I plan to go back to California at some point.
Now back in NY, I feel a sense of sadness. I think some of it has to do with being in such a beautiful place for four days and then to coming back to Bushwick, NY where I live. It was somewhat of a let-down. I mean, my sadness has nothing to do with my family, or even my neighborhood. Being able to travel now and visiting places that I had dreamed of for many years, I cannot help but feel sad when I leave these places. I felt the same way when leaving Toronto, or even Montreal, after being there for only one day. My next destination to visit is Vancouver, British Columbia, where I’m told it’s beautiful, especially during the summer. I will go there to visit Ken Klonsky and his wife Mary Ellen Belfiore and other friends there who supported me unconditionally during my time in prison. While in Vancouver, I will travel to nearby Ferndale, Washington to visit my dear friend Gary Dolin and his family. I am looking forward to spending time on Gary’s farm. I also plan to visit Atif Rafay who is currently incarcerated at Monroe Correctional Institute in the State of Washington. Atif has been incarcerated, I believe unjustly, for twenty years, convicted for the murder of his family, with no chance of parole. I am looking forward to meeting and talking to Atif; I want to assure him that I am willing to do whatever it takes to help him receive the justice that he and his family deserves.
During my quest to get out of prison, I made a promise that I would live a productive life in which I would help others who are in a similar situation. My desires are simple but important and attainable. I would also like to obtain a job. It is very important for me to have a family at some point. I have already started to live out some of my dreams. I am traveling now which is something that I always wanted to do.
Before arriving in California the plane did a stop-over in Las Vegas. Although I did not leave the airport, I decided to put Vegas on my list of places I have been. This particular airport was lively, not that I was surprised by what I saw nor was I surprised by the energy emanating from all the people. Clearly, the airport was brimming with tourists. In fact, a friend said to me during a trip to Times Square that you can easily spot a tourist because they’re always looking up and around with amazement. Well, if that’s the case, then I was a tourist too because I had done the exact same thing in the airport.