Jessica to Prison

Jessica was secreted off to prison last night in the middle of the night. Judge Lodge refused to look at the points of law that her attorney presented. According to the attorney, Steve Balash, Jessica was sentenced for both killing Alex and for causing him great bodily harm. Ya’ can’t do both. Judge Lodge refuses to apply the rule of law. He insists that anyone with a .20 blood level is a “drunk.”Here are some thoughts from Jessica’s mom, Melanie.This was written Wednesday, 3/28/07:Hi folks – by now most of you know that Jess got slam dunked in court yesterday – the judge refused to even look at the errors in the sentence and went on a very unbalanced rant about Santa Barbara and drinking in general. He never addressed the motion or the arguments and just said stick it where the sun don’t shine. The DA was very happy that the points of law were totally overlooked but it appears that there is little left to do.If anyone is going to write to Jess, do it now, ’cause if she is going to be hauled off to prison I would think it would be within the next two weeks. Once that happens I will email the address and her “W” number. The inmate emails I have read all recommend postcards at first as they will get there much faster – other mail can be delayed up to a month.She will need all the contact and support she can get at first because they isolate them, yell at them, intimidate them with shoving and arbitrary commands and changes in schedule, etc. One girl could not leave the “tank” for three weeks, because the guard said she had to have a hair tie to leave but would not let her leave to go try to buy one…so it is just bullying and power stuff – they strip search frequently and keep them in a moo-moo type clothing item for at least 2-3 weeks. That is called the break-in and I guess it’s pretty hard. During that time they can GET postcards but cannot call, send mail or contact the outside in anyway. It is supposed to instill respect for the guards and meekness toward the whole system.All I can do from here is just try to facilitate her support system and I thank you – each and every one – for the support you have given her and me. I know God has a plan, and I am trying to relinquish my own will towards that….But plan to fight in whatever ways we can as long as we can! thank youLove,MelanieSent Friday, 3/30/07Hi folks:I hate to tell you, but jess got taken late last night and had her friend Em call me today to let me know…her last words were don’t forget to call my mom and tell her I love her and tell everybody I will be okayxoxoxo no address yet but this is what I have to offer so farI am trying to get information on her, but I guess, due to the holiday, have had no luck – may have to wait till Monday – I think they knew that and it sucks! Steve is so mad she got shipped so bizarrely late at night and so immediately – He said it’s personal and very unusual – arrggh.

Find Another Way Home!

Hi All , It’s Paige.I need your support with an event I’m involved in to raise awareness to the dangers of drinking and driving, and the alternatives to driving after partying.As some of you may know, someone very close to me was killed in a drunk driving accident in Santa Barbara on August 6, 2006. His name was Alex, and he was attending UCSB. At the end of a party one night, he accepted a ride with someone who had been drinking. As they got onto the 154, heading back to IV, the car he was in crossed the double yellow line and was involved in a head on collision. He died instantly. The driver was recently sentenced to 5 years in prision. So many lives have been irrevocably damaged by this one PREVENTABLE incident.Alex really enjoyed concerts and had many friends involved in the vibrant local Santa Barbara music scene. His friends and I have been hard at work planning a concert and a fun night out downtown. We want this concert to bring our community together, promote local bands and live music and remind us all NOT to drink and drive. So many of us have been affected by drunk diving, either by DUIs, accidents or the loss of a loved one. There are so many options available, and so much our community can learn about drinking and driving. Our concert will highlight many of those alterntatives.Plan on joining us at SoHo Restuarant and Bar in Santa Barbara on Friday April 13, 2007!! There will be giveaways, free cab rides and discounts, games, music and more. Please add yourself to our site myspace.com/anotherwayhome and pass this email on to your friends and family! If you’re coming from out of town, let me know if you need accomodations. For more info, to get involved, or make donations please write me back at rampaige19@aim.comHope to see you there!!!!!!Love,Paige