REFLECTION Walk #18, Yr 2. February 6, 2016. Walkers started at Calwa Park in south Fresno. Some walkers were unaware of what “Calwa” was and wondered about the name. Walkers noticed an incredible variety of scenery, lots of dug out places along the way, holes in fences, roosters, at least seven yard sales, a wall of graffiti, goats, barbershops, loose dogs and cats, and evangelical churches.
Walkers saw the place where a son and mother were recently shot and killed. There were small homes where it was clear that lives spilled into the front yards–many of the Walkers lived in their back yards, but these people tended to live in the front yards. There was a yard with pallet ingenuity that was built into basketball hoop. Walkers suggested that there was a horizontal feel to these neighborhoods–they were at eye level with less height than some of the neighborhoods where Walkers lived.
Walkers heard the sounds of music, roosters, barking dogs, yard work machinery, and lawn mowers.
Walkers smelled fresh cut grass, pungent acidic smells like fermention, and BBQ.
Walkers wondered where people shopped for groceries, for fresh produce.
When we returned to Calwa park, there was an event happening. Dr. Joaquin Arambula had a gathering to garner interest in his run for State Assembly. Many people had begun gathering. Volunteers placed balloons and food items around for everyone to enjoy, and music played loudly on large speakers.
These are our brothers and sisters in Fresno, and all of our lives and our futures are tied together.
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