Houston Herczog, my beloved son--WE NEED HELP

[meherc]

Some of you may or may not know that I was arrested on Friday, for an act of civil disobedience in defense of my son who had a psychotic break last year and killed his father, Mark Herczog, a popular musician here and in SF. My son was then diagnosed as paranoid schizophrenic and even though 3 psychiatrist's reports have agreed that he is getting worse, getting little or no care in jail and should be moved to a hospital immediately. Instead the prosecutor called for a jury trial and was granted one.

It was a surprise hearing, was not on the docket till the night before and no one called us to let us know. I consider my actions to be an act of civil disobedience, not the cell phone story (which I really couldn't figure out how to turn off). I took pictures of the bruises the officers inflicted when the four of them shoved me repeatedly and held my wrist so tightly that he bruised it. I kept saying "you're hurting me, please ease up." He insisted I wasn't standing still though I was, and was cooperating when I left the courtroom. I said I was leaving and to please stop shoving me. I held up my purse in front of me when I saw he was coming at me again and pushed it at him to keep him from hurting me again. Thus the charge of battering a police officer.

I held up a picture of Houston and his father before he, Houston, became sick, held it over my head for about 30 seconds. I held it by my side as I was leaving and the bailiff grabbed it and tore it. Those are the 2 people I love most and it was very disrespectful. There was another picture on the floor that had fallen out of my purse and some security guy gave it to me and said " I thought it was garbage."

As I was walking out the door , 2 officers were holding on to me (i suppose so this 120 lb woman would beat up the 2 big 190lb men and escape). They pushed me so hard I almost hit the railing and started to fall but caught myself because i just had knee surgery and knew I'd really get hurt if I fell.

Anyway, arrested., the police officer was holding my wrist so hard, he left bruises. When I told him he was hurting me, he said, well stand still then. Couldn't stand any stiller. Even my friends say I should just be the quiet demure mother but that obviously didn't work very well.

I don't know why the DA has it in for my kid. The reports couldn't be any clearer. He couldn't be any crazier. He needed cuffs on, though I'm not quite sure what I was arrested for - having a ringing cell phone, holding up a photo, or assaulting a police officer. Boy, they sure are mean to you in jail.They said they were taking my service dog to the pound.

I spent the '70s in Berkeley when civil disobedience and protests were what you did when you saw an injustice. You do the right thing, even if you go to jail or get beaten up, etc. Or you might embarrass your friends and and family. My boyfriend of over 2 years immediately left me because I'm always "making a scene." Many of my friends think I should just play the demure mother and watch my child go to prison when he needs a hospital. I Don't want this to happen to any other family.

We sent him to a psychiatrist for almost a year. He said he might be schizophrenic in his first session notes and NEVER followed up on it. When he was served the malpractice papers, he moved to Maryland the next day. As if that were Switzerland or the Virgin Islands. It's damn Maryland. GLICK is his name. G--L--I-C-K.

We need help. I am out of money, my 18 year old is working constantly to make enough money to help out paying her college expenses. We need people to show up at the hearings so Jill Ravitch who knows nothing about mental health won't think he's a danger to the community if he's in a hospital. The prosecutor is going for Murder 1 , life in prison. My boy is only 22 and this is killing me, let alone what it's doing to him.

The next hearing is tomorrow, April 2 (again, a surprise to me. it was just changed again), Courtroom 1, Superior Court, then Wed, April 3 at 8:30am, same place and the trial begins Friday, April 5 at 9am. Please come if you can, Please.

Marilyn Meshak Herczog, EA
Tax Preparation for the
Small Business
(707)887-8339

[Shandi]

I'm so sorry to hear about this severe injustice to you and your son. Have you spoken with NAMI? They can be very influential in cases involving the mentally ill. I don't have the phone number handy, but I'd suggest you give them a call if you haven't already.


Some of you may or may not know that I was arrested on Friday...

[Barry]

Here's the PD article on this unfortunate incident:

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20130329/ARTICLES/130329445/0/search?p=all&tc=pgall&tc=ar

[lindasw]

marilyn, dearheart...sending all my best to you and the kids..xoxox linda:heart:


Some of you may or may not know that I was arrested on Friday,...

[meherc]

Yes, the first day it happened. The director then talked to the press and represented herself as spokesperson for the family and told them my 17 year old daughter's name, school, grade and the printed a picture of her car. This was because it was a quote from her (director). Usually they keep minor's info private. I later found out from the national organization that Sonoma county's NAMI is known as the "crazy NAMI."
But I'm sure they help some people so thanks for the suggestion. They have never shown up in court to support us either though this is supposedly part of what they do. My, I'm sounding pessimistic. I'm just so tired of calling everyone I can think of to help to no avail.


I'm so sorry to hear about this severe injustice to you and your son. Have you spoken with NAMI? They can be very influential in cases involving the mentally ill. I don't have the phone number handy, but I'd suggest you give them a call if you haven't already.

[meherc]

Thank you. So you'll show up at court?


marilyn, dearheart...sending all my best to you and the kids..xoxox linda:heart:

[lrsmile11]

Dear Marilyn
I read the article on Friday and still can't believe it. I am so sorry that they didn't act on the psychiatrist reports and wonder if your lawyer can ask for another review of the reports by an Dr not already working for either side? Do you have any records from the first psychiatrist? Keep making copies and try to present all the documented information again.
I wish I could come for moral support, but can't leave my job at that hour, so I will write the DA a letter.
Please keep posting so we will know how we can support you in the future.
Laura

[Magick]

Dear Marilyn, I am just hearing about this now, it's a cold-hearted travesty, creating more suffering where there has already been so much...I am so sorry this is happening. When will we learn compassionate justice and recognize mental illness as needing treatment not punishment?
I plan on coming on Friday. Where is the trial..please post the Courtroom number, is it number one? I am assuming its at the Courtrooms over on Administration Drive behind the Board of Supervisors meeting room in Santa Rosa, yes?
You are a strong woman, Marilyn..stay the course...
In Solidarity, magick



Dear Marilyn
I read the article on Friday and still can't believe it. I am so sorry that they didn't act on the psychiatrist reports and wonder if your lawyer can ask for another review of the reports by an Dr not already working for either side? Do you have any records from the first psychiatrist? Keep making copies and try to present all the documented information again.
I wish I could come for moral support, but can't leave my job at that hour, so I will write the DA a letter.
Please keep posting so we will know how we can support you in the future.
Laura

[Magick]

I just sent the following message to DA Jill Ravitch via her Facebook page. Please do the same and keep the conversation going here so that she knows we care...

"Dear Jill, I appreciate your motto, Justice with Integrity, and ask that you search your soul to consider what true integrity is in the case of Houston Herczog.
This tragic story begs for healing. He is diagnosed schozophrenic and is in desperate need of help.
I highly recommend a book called, "Returning to the Teachings" written by a Canadian Crown attorney in Canada who explored the ancient systems of restorative justice. He was profoundly changed by the experience and found that just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to heal and take responsibility when one of our children is suffering so deeply that he has lost touch with his own integrity.
You have the power to be in touch with yours, may you be an example for restoration and compassion and not punishment that makes our mentally ill community members even worse then when they entered the system.
With deep sincerity and hope, Magick Altman
You will be in my thoughts daily as this story unfolds...may this be a learning and healing experience for all involved."


marilyn, dearheart...sending all my best to you and the kids..xoxox linda:heart:

[Ice Queen]

Thanks Majick, This is a good start. There are a multitude of residents of Sonoma County (and the world) suffering with mental illness and many of us are active participants in running, counselling, advocating and participating in recovery programs. In this time of glaring publicity on the handful of sensttional stories a blanket is being tossed over millions who suffer silently.

Public education in reducing the stigma attached to mental disorders must be addressed. It is chilling to see our efforts at de-stigmatizing our illness further cast aside while we are characterized as gun-toting loonies.

Someone close to YOU suffers from a mental illness (a word, not a label). The compassion, understanding and acceptance in society of a people with a variety of challenges needs to be addressed. Remember what we have done to Indians, Blacks, Asians, Gays, Latinos and others. Must we visit the same prejudices on groups perceived to be different from us?


I just sent the following message to DA Jill Ravitch via her Facebook page. Please do the same and keep the conversation going here so that she knows we care...

"Dear Jill, I appreciate your motto, Justice with Integrity, and ask that you search your soul to consider what true integrity is in the case of Houston Herczog.
This tragic story begs for healing. He is diagnosed schozophrenic and is in desperate need of help.
I highly recommend a book called, "Returning to the Teachings" written by a Canadian Crown attorney in Canada who explored the ancient systems of restorative justice. He was profoundly changed by the experience and found that just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to heal and take responsibility when one of our children is suffering so deeply that he has lost touch with his own integrity.
You have the power to be in touch with yours, may you be an example for restoration and compassion and not punishment that makes our mentally ill community members even worse then when they entered the system.
With deep sincerity and hope, Magick Altman
You will be in my thoughts daily as this story unfolds...may this be a learning and healing experience for all involved."

[Shandi]

What a beautiful, heartfelt, and responsible action to take. Thank you Magick for being an inspiration to all of us, who are touched by the pain of mental/emotional illness.


I just sent the following message to DA Jill Ravitch via her Facebook page. Please do the same and keep the conversation going here so that she knows we care...

"Dear Jill, I appreciate your motto, Justice with Integrity, and ask that you search your soul to consider what true integrity is in the case of Houston Herczog.
This tragic story begs for healing. He is diagnosed schozophrenic and is in desperate need of help.
I highly recommend a book called, "Returning to the Teachings" written by a Canadian Crown attorney in Canada who explored the ancient systems of restorative justice. He was profoundly changed by the experience and found that just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to heal and take responsibility when one of our children is suffering so deeply that he has lost touch with his own integrity.
You have the power to be in touch with yours, may you be an example for restoration and compassion and not punishment that makes our mentally ill community members even worse then when they entered the system.
With deep sincerity and hope, Magick Altman
You will be in my thoughts daily as this story unfolds...may this be a learning and healing experience for all involved."

[meherc]

NAMI was apparently going to come to court for support for the first time in a year and a half. They read my posting and got offended and said they were pulling out of any support for Houston. I guess they thought I said a mean thing but I thought their mission was to help the mentally ill, whether they like his mother or not. God knows what they'll do when they read this. I repeat, they have helped many people, they were just not a good fit for us.


I'm so sorry to hear about this severe injustice to you and your son. Have you spoken with NAMI? They can be very influential in cases involving the mentally ill. I don't have the phone number handy, but I'd suggest you give them a call if you haven't already.

[meherc]

I have every record and piece of paper that has been produced.
Can't really say more than that or I'll get in more trouble than I'm in.


Dear Marilyn
I read the article on Friday and still can't believe it. I am so sorry that they didn't act on the psychiatrist reports and wonder if your lawyer can ask for another review of the reports by an Dr not already working for either side? Do you have any records from the first psychiatrist? Keep making copies and try to present all the documented information again.

.
I wish I could come for moral support, but can't leave my job at that hour, so I will write the DA a letter.
Please keep posting so we will know how we can support you in the future.
Laura

[tommy]

I've worked with NAMI over the years, to help my sister who's schizophrenic. It sounds like things didn't go too well for you and NAMI. I felt really sad when I read you posting about NAMI. The local NAMI, to my knowledge, is a group of volunteers, probably only a couple, who probably have sons or daughters, or parents, who are mentally ill. They deal first hand with the stigma of mental illness, not only caring for their loved ones, but in volunteering for NAMI. It's a hopeless task.

Who would ever want to volunteer for an organization helping the mentally ill, in addition to caring for their loved ones? Who would ever want to go through the experiences that you've gone thru, with their loved ones, and local authorities, such as social workers, therapists, educators, the police... and spend their free time listening to or trying to help others dealing with mental illness? Anyone who's volunteered for NAMI is an angel.

Many suffer from mental illness themselves, and volunteer at NAMI, working in day programs for the mentally ill, and helping other people cope with the illness. I'm sorry you didn't have a good experience with them. I hope you can hold them with love, those few people who volunteer for NAMI, against unsurmountable needs, hugh suffering, their own and others, and all the difficulties experienced with civil authorities.


NAMI was apparently going to come to court for support for the first time in a year and a half. They read my posting and got offended and said they were pulling out of any support for Houston. I guess they thought I said a mean thing but I thought their mission was to help the mentally ill, whether they like his mother or not. God knows what they'll do when they read this. I repeat, they have helped many people, they were just not a good fit for us.

[meherc]

I am really scared and depressed. My son is going to trial for Murder 1 then directly to an insanity trial. He is so sick and I'm afraid they're going to send him to prison. I've just been crying for days, which doesn't help my business much.

I have no money, little credit left, have to go to traffic court and regular court for my arrest. I don't have a lawyer, I don't know what's going to happen. I have to go to court again about my malpractice suit against the dr. who treated my son for almost a year before he had his psychotic break.

I can't find a lawyer. I can't do all this myself. I've worn out my friends. I dont' know what to do. They keep changing Houston's hearings day by day. I can't do this myself.

Please someone find me a lawyer, come to court with me, write a letter to the editor. Please. I can't hold up to this much longer. Only 1% of people win a Not Guiltly by Reason of Insanity. l I can't bear to lose my husband and my son.

[meherc]

I did offer to volunteer for them when my ordeal was over. I have helped many people at the jail who were unable to navigate the system, either because they didnt' know the language or didn't know how to advocate for themselves. I've held many a wife and rocked her in my arms, telling her the things people have said to me -you'll get through it, just put one foot in front of the other. I will find out how to get a translator for you, etc, etc.

I talk about my story ALL the time to try to erase the stigma of mental illness. And invariably almost everyone has someone in their family who has a mental illness and many have told me that their son has been in prison and sick for six years or two years ,whatever, but they haven't even told their best friend. By me telling my story, they see they're not alone. We have the cover story in the Bohemian this week and the cover of Mother Jones. I'm going to work to change this damn system. Didn't Margaret Mead say something about systems only change with one person at a time.


I've worked with NAMI over the years, to help my sister who's schizophrenic. It sounds like things didn't go too well for you and NAMI. I felt really sad when I read you posting about NAMI. The local NAMI, to my knowledge, is a group of volunteers, probably only a couple, who probably have sons or daughters, or parents, who are mentally ill. They deal first hand with the stigma of mental illness, not only caring for their loved ones, but in volunteering for NAMI. It's a hopeless task.

Who would ever want to volunteer for an organization helping the mentally ill, in addition to caring for their loved ones? Who would ever want to go through the experiences that you've gone thru, with their loved ones, and local authorities, such as social workers, therapists, educators, the police... and spend their free time listening to or trying to help others dealing with mental illness? Anyone who's volunteered for NAMI is an angel.

Many suffer from mental illness themselves, and volunteer at NAMI, working in day programs for the mentally ill, and helping other people cope with the illness. I'm sorry you didn't have a good experience with them. I hope you can hold them with love, those few people who volunteer for NAMI, against unsurmountable needs, hugh suffering, their own and others, and all the difficulties experienced with civil authorities.

[meherc]

Thank you, Magick. I think you are the first person who has told me I am strong instead of a pill by holding up my son's and husband's picture in court, for knocking on every supervisors; door, for going to the papers, for saying fuck this secretiveness, I am telling the truth and my kids tell the truth and I don't care anymore who I am supposed to be saying what to. I cry , I fight, I gather evidence and no one gives a damn. I've called everyone I can think of, got Chris Andrian to help us probono. But I just embarrass everyone. But I told my kid, I'm getting you into a hospital if I have to kick fucking Obama's door down. My friends have mostly left me - my life is too stressful for them.!!! Very hurtful but what can you do? I cry by myself and go to court and work for my son and take care of my daughter and feel powerless. None of those people in power will help. they try. Efren Carillo went to meet with Jill Ravitch in person. I think the more support she feels from the community, the more she will worry about being re-elected. That's what I used to get an appt. Let me find her direct e-mail [email protected] [address corrected] and the prosecutor is Bob [email protected]. Perhaps mention something something about the community supporting sending the mentally ill to hospitals instead of prisons and we are not feeling you are fulfilling your election promises and I am certainly not going to vote for you again and will complainto the Attorney general about your lack of integrity.

Dear Marilyn, I am just hearing about this now, it's a cold-hearted travesty, creating more suffering where there has already been so much...I am so sorry this is happening. When will we learn compassionate justice and recognize mental illness as needing treatment not punishment?
I plan on coming on Friday. Where is the trial..please post the Courtroom number, is it number one? I am assuming its at the Courtrooms over on Administration Drive behind the Board of Supervisors meeting room in Santa Rosa, yes?
You are a strong woman, Marilyn..stay the course...
In Solidarity, magick

[meherc]

Houston has a hearing tomorrow April 22nd at 10am Courtroom 1. The purpose says jury trial but it always says jury trial. They have been choosing the jury. I just can't lose everything. I can't find a malpractice lawyer -they all say they won't make enough money. I don't know how to be a lawyer but I have to do it myself. My friends are all sick of me talking about this. I tried to post a TED story here. about schizophrenia and didn't know how to do it. I'm afraid my son is going to die if he has to go to prison. I've been pretty much alone at the hearings. My arrest hearing didn't go so well. I was sure they'd dismiss it but the judge rambled on and the only thing I heard was a year in prison. I really need help doing the practical things. Find me a civil lawyer and actually talk to him for me about the malpractice suit. I have to write some case management paper by May 1st for the malpractice hearing which is May 16. He'll have a lawyer and I'll be trying to do it myself. I think there's a fine if I don't do it right. What's going to happen at the arrest hearing? I've never been arrested. I need someone to make me eat. I've been trying to work but I always have to be calling lawyers or journalists or trying to comfort my kid and pretending to both of them that everything is all right. There's a couple of web sites set up to give ongoing info about Houston, his state of mind and the trial and I'm completely confused and can't find them. I'm falling apart. So that's my story.

[meherc]

So, please write to them!


Thanks Majick, This is a good start. There are a multitude of residents of Sonoma County (and the world) suffering with mental illness and many of us are active participants in running, counselling, advocating and participating in recovery programs. In this time of glaring publicity on the handful of sensttional stories a blanket is being tossed over millions who suffer silently.

Public education in reducing the stigma attached to mental disorders must be addressed. It is chilling to see our efforts at de-stigmatizing our illness further cast aside while we are characterized as gun-toting loonies.

Someone close to YOU suffers from a mental illness (a word, not a label). The compassion, understanding and acceptance in society of a people with a variety of challenges needs to be addressed. Remember what we have done to Indians, Blacks, Asians, Gays, Latinos and others. Must we visit the same prejudices on groups perceived to be different from us?

[Magick]

Dear Community,
This is a chance to actually help significantly by encouraging the DA Jill Ravitch, to do the right thing, and get Houston the help he needs. This will also help his sister, mother, friends, and in the big picture possibly change the way mentally ill people are dealt with by our law enforcement and justice system.
If you haven't read the Bohemian article please do. Houston's father was terrified of calling the police because two other mentally challenged men had been killed by the police.
HERE"S WHAT YOU CAN DO:
write to DIstrict Attorney Jill Ravitch
THEN POST YOUR LETTER HERE:
So we can see it and get the momentum going to make an impact.
This is a real action that can change minds, remember Jill is an elected, not appointed official.
As a mother my heart goes out to Marilyn, I cannot imagine what she is going through, but we can do something to help.
Activist-at-large,
magick

[Barry]

If you haven't read the Bohemian article please do. Houston's father was terrified of calling the police because two other mentally challenged men had been killed by the police.
HERE"S WHAT YOU CAN DO:
write to DIstrict Attorney Jill Ravitch
THEN POST YOUR LETTER HERE:
So we can see it and get the momentum going to make an impact.
This is a real action that can change minds, remember Jill is an elected, not appointed official.
As a mother my heart goes out to Marilyn, I cannot imagine what she is going through, but we can do something to help.


The Bohemian article is here (https://www.bohemian.com/northbay/crying-for-mercy/Content?oid=2417927).
Jill Ravitch's email address is [email protected] (corrected)

[Dixon]

I only met Houston Herczog briefly once that I recall, so I have no dog in this fight. But reading the Bohemian article makes the situation pretty clear. Having worked with many a psychotic person in my mental health career, I've personally known at least a couple of them who, though very nice people when mentally clear, murdered someone when in the throes of a psychotic break, as well as another guy who cut off his own hand because the voices told him to, etc. ad nauseam... One of the guys mentioned in the Bohemian article as having been killed by the police is a guy I'd worked with extensively a few years back. As they say: Hate the illness, not the person.

In case this is of any value to anyone, here's the text of the email I just sent to prosecutor Jill Ravitch:

Dear Ms. Ravitch;

The Houston Herczog case has attracted my attention. As one who has studied psychotherapy (my MA is in Counseling) and worked in Mental Health for about 20 years, having worked with many hundreds of psychotic people, it's abundantly clear that Mr. Herczog is, through no fault of his own, suffering from a major psychotic disorder such as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. His occasional use of psychoactive drugs is irrelevant; disorders such as schizophrenia are due mainly to a genetic predisposition. There but for fate go you and I.

I can't imagine why you deemed it necessary to get another opinion about Mr. Herczog's sanity over and above the initial ones. Regardless, it's inappropriate to put someone as mentally disturbed as him in prison, where he would assuredly be victimized by real criminals. I urge you to seek appropriate psychiatric placement rather than prison placement for Mr. Herczog, thus protecting the public without victimizing a person who is unfortunate enough to have been born with a schizophrenic brain.

Sincerely;
Dixon Wragg
Santa Rosa, CA

[Barry]

Sorry, I posted an incorrect email address for Jill Ravitch earlier. Her correct email address is [email protected].
[corrected] Previous references have been corrected as well.

[Magick]

Thank you, Dixon, great letter and I hope others will step forward and write to DA Jill Ravitch [email protected]
you could also write to any of the local papers about the situation as well. Best, magick


I only met Houston Herczog briefly once that I recall, so I have no dog in this fight. But reading the Bohemian article makes the situation pretty clear. Having worked with many a psychotic person in my mental health career, I've personally known at least a couple of them who, though very nice people when mentally clear, murdered someone when in the throes of a psychotic break, as well as another guy who cut off his own hand because the voices told him to, etc. ad nauseam... One of the guys mentioned in the Bohemian article as having been killed by the police is a guy I'd worked with extensively a few years back. As they say: Hate the illness, not the person.

In case this is of any value to anyone, here's the text of the email I just sent to prosecutor Jill Ravitch:

Dear Ms. Ravitch;

The Houston Herczog case has attracted my attention. As one who has studied psychotherapy (my MA is in Counseling) and worked in Mental Health for about 20 years, having worked with many hundreds of psychotic people, it's abundantly clear that Mr. Herczog is, through no fault of his own, suffering from a major psychotic disorder such as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. His occasional use of psychoactive drugs is irrelevant; disorders such as schizophrenia are due mainly to a genetic predisposition. There but for fate go you and I.

I can't imagine why you deemed it necessary to get another opinion about Mr. Herczog's sanity over and above the initial ones. Regardless, it's inappropriate to put someone as mentally disturbed as him in prison, where he would assuredly be victimized by real criminals. I urge you to seek appropriate psychiatric placement rather than prison placement for Mr. Herczog, thus protecting the public without victimizing a person who is unfortunate enough to have been born with a schizophrenic brain.

Sincerely;
Dixon Wragg
Santa Rosa, CA

[tommy]

Dear Jill,

I have followed the tragic events regarding Houston Herczog. I have attended the same church as Houston's father, who was killed. I am the brother of Debbie Phillips, who has been diagnosed as schizophrenic since the age of 20, over 45 years ago. I personally know the difficulty of this illness, the scarcity of public facilities for treatment and housing, and the advisability of providing independent housing for mentally ill people. Debbie lived with our mother for many years, in a difficult and strained relationship, due to the illness, until I found her independent housing. Knowing the value of independent housing, I became involved and served as the Board Chair of Community Support Network, a Santa Rosa nonprofit, that owns and operated 11 houses for the mentally ill.

While the specifics of Houston's crime are hard to comprehend, I ask that you care for him as if he was your son, or your brother, or part of a family of a loved one. See that he gets treatment. See that he is able to live in a place where you'd be comfortable with a loved one living. See that he somehow gets the chance to live a live that you would want for yourself, if you were in his shoes. Make those of us who care about Houston, proud of you. Thank you.

Tomas Phillips
Sebastopol, CA




Dear Community,
This is a chance to actually help significantly by encouraging the DA Jill Ravitch, to do the right thing, and get Houston the help he needs. This will also help his sister, mother, friends, and in the big picture possibly change the way mentally ill people are dealt with by our law enforcement and justice system.
If you haven't read the Bohemian article please do. Houston's father was terrified of calling the police because two other mentally challenged men had been killed by the police.
HERE"S WHAT YOU CAN DO:
write to DIstrict Attorney Jill Ravitch
THEN POST YOUR LETTER HERE:
So we can see it and get the momentum going to make an impact.
This is a real action that can change minds, remember Jill is an elected, not appointed official.
As a mother my heart goes out to Marilyn, I cannot imagine what she is going through, but we can do something to help.
Activist-at-large,
magick

[tommy]

Barry,
I sent Jill an email thru the address you provided, but it bounced back. I was able to email her thru the Sonoma Co website, though it didn't indicate her email address.
Tomas


The Bohemian article is here (https://www.bohemian.com/northbay/crying-for-mercy/Content?oid=2417927).
Jill Ravitch's email address is [email protected] (corrected)

[Magick]

Dear Tommy, Thank you for writing to our DA Jill Ravitch, and sharing your personal story in the letter. This is becoming an unfolding of our community's story in relationship to mental illness as it serves to hopefully awaken the compassion of our legal system.
Your request that she think of him as part of her family is particularly poignant, and the truth that we all need to abide by in a world that can be so alienating. Your words remind me of the Mayan definition for human, "I am another yourself".
Warmly and with Respect, Magick



Dear Jill,

I have followed the tragic events regarding Houston Herczog. I have attended the same church as Houston's father, who was killed. I am the brother of Debbie Phillips, who has been diagnosed as schizophrenic since the age of 20, over 45 years ago. I personally know the difficulty of this illness, the scarcity of public facilities for treatment and housing, and the advisability of providing independent housing for mentally ill people. Debbie lived with our mother for many years, in a difficult and strained relationship, due to the illness, until I found her independent housing. Knowing the value of independent housing, I became involved and served as the Board Chair of Community Support Network, a Santa Rosa nonprofit, that owns and operated 11 houses for the mentally ill.

While the specifics of Houston's crime are hard to comprehend, I ask that you care for him as if he was your son, or your brother, or part of a family of a loved one. See that he gets treatment. See that he is able to live in a place where you'd be comfortable with a loved one living. See that he somehow gets the chance to live a live that you would want for yourself, if you were in his shoes. Make those of us who care about Houston, proud of you. Thank you.

Tomas Phillips
Sebastopol, CA

[Barry]

I have double checked her email address and sent an email to [email protected] without it bouncing back. I had posted an incorrect email address yesterday. I have corrected all references to her email address on this thread.


Barry,
I sent Jill an email thru the address you provided, but it bounced back. I was able to email her thru the Sonoma Co website, though it didn't indicate her email address.
Tomas

[Dorothy Friberg]

We can rattle our cage and shout and write letters all to no avail. "be the change you want to see in the world". We need to see our neighbors as what they are, as imperfect as ourselves. When we stigmatize people with mental illness as something 'other', we have lost sight of the people in our own lifes, and ourselves, and the way we treat them. This is not one family's story, it is OUR story. Dorothy Friberg

[lindasw]

Dear Ms Ravitch,
I write to you as the former Food for Thought food bank manager, who for over fifteen years, worked with the Herczog family in their capacity as volunteers.

When they were small and well into their early teens, Houston Herczog and his sister would stand with Marilyn and Mark in front of a designated grocery store on a Saturday, approaching strangers and asking them to donate a can or two of something needed to help feed those living with HIV/AIDS. They always were present and supportive at the food bank's fundraisers. Houston's mom was a regular fixture as part of my Wednesday morning crew, calling clients each week for their grocery orders, taking time to reach those who were on delivery because they were too feeble or unable to come in to receive their food. Like clockwork, this family showed up to give from their hearts---and now, I beseech you to take a moment, search your heart and return the favor for a family that has given so much.

There was a time where those living with HIV/AIDS were stigmatized here in Sonoma County because of their illness. And as we well know, this marginalization still exists in this world. Humans, suffering from a virus, those already living with such a horrific illness, punished. Services and care here once was non-existent and we fought, systematically and diligently to fill this void with housing, food, healthcare. Dual diagnosis issues were addressed. People took care of one another and of strangers. And, the battle still rages on.

Today, we stand at a similar crossroads: how to re-create what the Reagan Administration so thoughtlessly dismantled so that we may, somehow, help to restore services and assistance for those in our county who are dealing with such severe mental illness issues. As you well know, in the last 20-30 years, the resources that were set in place to care for those in our midst and their families living with these issues have all but dried up. Oakcrest closed its doors, as did most of the direct services provided by our own Public Health Department. Funding that once trickled down from the Feds to the State to our county for helping the mentally ill among us, has all but dried up. And what remains? Families, in the throes of crisis, watch their loved ones 5150'd or taken away to Oakland or Marin for temporary holding and evaluations, with little or no follow-up care plans once released. Families, unable to afford pricey private facilities, deal with the issues of their sons and daughters behind closed doors, fearful--as Mark and Marilyn Herczog were---that an uneducated and un-trained law enforcement officer called to intercede may accidentally murder their seemingly out of control child, as we saw happen here in Sebastopol a few years back.

But, today, we here reaching out to you, have one life to think about among many: Houston's. My last dealing with him was at the food bank, just a few months before Mark's murder. This kid, whose mom had dragged him in to volunteer because she was so concerned about his depressive state, stood in the walk-in freezer with me, stocking the shelves. I asked him to hang in there, to keep coming back and maybe it would help him feel better. He said, "nothing can help me feel better". And, in all my motherly wisdom, I told him, "just hang in there kiddo, its gonna be alright".

So, I implore you, Jill. Carefully read through these missives that are coming to you on this family's behalf. See that, instead of friends of Mark's yelling to lock his son up for what he took from them all that morning, this community is pleading for Houston's life and asking that we, that you, offer instead a compassionate alternative of treatment that can hopefully lead to eventual wellness, so that this troubled kid may have a true shot at becoming a productive member of society. I know there's goodness in there, inside of Huston, a decent kid, filled with regret who misses his dad, and who suffers, locked away behind his demons of mental illness. Look beyond the "letter of the law" as a true leader, and try to imagine what its like in the complicated and often untoward world of those living the nightmare of mental illness. As family, as friends and loved ones, as mothers filled with such fierce love for our children, and as those that voted wholeheartedly for you to take over and turn around the former DA's office and practices, we beg you to reconsider this case. Give this kid the care he needs. Maybe you can be the one to make it eventually "alright" for him and countless others like him, after all.

Thank you for your time.
Linda Schram-Williams

[Magick]

Linda, Thank you for this eloquent plea for Houston, from first hand experience . I hope everyone reads this and becomes more informed on the disastrous lack of services, understanding and compassion for the mentally ill.
Its amazing that Houston was giving to others even as he suffered from his own demons and depression.
KEEP the LETTERS coming and let us know when you get any responses from DA Jill Ravitch.
Let's keep our attention on this until we see a shift. Best, magick

Dear Ms Ravitch,
I write to you as the former Food for Thought food bank manager, who for over fifteen years, worked with the Herczog family in their capacity as volunteers....

[sebastacat]

Hello everyone. The following is a letter which I just sent to Sonoma County District Attorney
Jill Ravitch:

Dear Ms. Ravitch:

I write this letter to you regarding the tragic Houston Herzog matter which is now before the Sonoma County Superior Court and which you, as Sonoma County's top prosecutor, are responsible for prosecuting.

While I do not know Houston Herzog personally, I know several people who do. Since I do not, my letter will be based on my observations and information which I have gleaned from various media sources.

I think we can both agree that Houston Herzog is a very disturbed young man who suffers from the "silent disease" -- mental illness. As I'm sure you know, funding sources for those who suffer from this disease have just about dried up. Accordingly, Houston Herzog was not able to receive much-necessary treatment for a condition which he acquired through no fault of his own.

I believe that a much better course of action would be to get this troubled young man into a facility where he can finally get the necessary and humane treatment that he desperately needs and is long overdue.

May you be guided by compassion.

[gypsey]

In the current May-June issue of Mother Jones magazine there is an in-depth article about the plight of the mentally ill in California and the US as well as Houston's experience. It is written by a cousin of his and is balanced, fair, and compassionate. I was personally enlightened by the interviews with the SonomaCounty jail personnel who do their best with a population that they were never trained or funded to deal with.

It's so easy to cast blame. But as the daughter of a famed advocate for the mentally ill in California, I know that the DA and the legal system face difficult choices. The services to help Houston, keep him safe and us safe are not in place and change cannot happen overnight. (Yes, we need to be safe, too.)

This is not about Jill Ravitch making the "right" decision; she'll have to work within legal guidelines and limited power. Nobody can wave a magic wand. It's about a big change and a long-term change, that needs to happen in our community and in our state...and it will take money and a will to make it happen.

I urge everyone to read the Mother Jones article by Mac Mclelland and to educate themselves about this complex and very human issue.

[Barry]

In the current May-June issue of Mother Jones magazine there is an in-depth article about the plight of the mentally ill in California and the US as well as Houston's experience. It is written by a cousin of his and is balanced, fair, and compassionate..

You can find a audio version of the complete article here (https://www.motherjones.com/podcast/schizophrenic-killer-my-cousin?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+motherjones%2Fradio+(Mother+Jones+Radio)).

[Magick]

Its great to see there are letters going out daily to DA Jill Ravitch. Thanks, Sebastacat for sending your well-written letter. Its important that you wrote, even though you don't know Houston, it is very valid that you want your voice to be counted as well since we are all concerned about the treatment of the mentally challenged.

Individual letters are said to carry alot of weight.

May Jill feel the responsibility that rests on her shoulders and recognize that this crisis offers an opportunity to change the way we deal with our dear ones who are suffering so profoundly.

Best, Magick


Hello everyone. The following is a letter which I just sent to Sonoma County District Attorney

[Barry]

It's great to see there are letters going out daily to DA Jill Ravitch.
Indeed it is! Thanks also to you, Magick, for helping keep a focus on this effort for compassion and justice! :waccosun:

[Magick]

Hello! While I agree there is no magic wand to be waved, magick is really the focus of intention on many levels. Right now the effort to write to our DA can bear fruit. Of course the DA's office has restrictions but it was not necessary to call a 4th opinion when 3 mental health professionals already confirmed his mental state and said he was not in a condition to know what he was doing, or be responsible for his actions.

As Houston's lawyer stated if you keep looking you will eventually find a different opinion.

It is important to note that no one is calling for revenge against Houston, quite the opposite. That is very unique. Even Mark's friends and family have stated that he would be fighting for his son, even now.

No one is calling for him to walk out and be a danger to society. We are calling for compassionate care, as we should for everyone. Our system is sadly based on punishment, not restorative justice, and this must change.

I recommend you read Returning to the Teachings by Rupert Ross a prosecutor in Canada who learned a new way we could deal with each other, that is humane and heals the society that creates so much pain, violence and suffering as well as the individuals who have lost their way.

I'm glad you mentioned the Mother Jones article and that you appreciated it. I will be reading it and commenting soon.
regards, Magick


In the current May-June issue of Mother Jones magazine there is an in-depth article about the plight of the mentally ill in California and the US as well as Houston's experience. It is written by a cousin of his and is balanced, fair, and compassionate. I was personally enlightened by the interviews with the SonomaCounty jail personnel who do their best with a population that they were never trained or funded to deal with.

It's so easy to cast blame. But as the daughter of a famed advocate for the mentally ill in California, I know that the DA and the legal system face difficult choices. The services to help Houston, keep him safe and us safe are not in place and change cannot happen overnight. (Yes, we need to be safe, too.)

This is not about Jill Ravitch making the "right" decision; she'll have to work within legal guidelines and limited power. Nobody can wave a magic wand. It's about a big change and a long-term change, that needs to happen in our community and in our state...and it will take money and a will to make it happen.

I urge everyone to read the Mother Jones article by Mac Mclelland and to educate themselves about this complex and very human issue.

[joybird]

Linda,

this is a heartbreaking and vulnerable letter and I appreciate your willingness to write it and share it.

Joy


Dear Ms Ravitch,
I write to you as the former Food for Thought food bank manager, who for over fifteen years, worked with the Herczog family in their capacity as volunteers.

When they were small and well into their early teens, Houston Herczog and his sister would stand with Marilyn and Mark in front of a designated grocery store on a Saturday, approaching strangers and asking them to donate a can or two of something needed to help feed those living with HIV/AIDS. They always were present and supportive at the food bank's fundraisers. Houston's mom was a regular fixture as part of my Wednesday morning crew, calling clients each week for their grocery orders, taking time to reach those who were on delivery because they were too feeble or unable to come in to receive their food. Like clockwork, this family showed up to give from their hearts---and now, I beseech you to take a moment, search your heart and return the favor for a family that has given so much.

There was a time where those living with HIV/AIDS were stigmatized here in Sonoma County because of their illness. And as we well know, this marginalization still exists in this world. Humans, suffering from a virus, those already living with such a horrific illness, punished. Services and care here once was non-existent and we fought, systematically and diligently to fill this void with housing, food, healthcare. Dual diagnosis issues were addressed. People took care of one another and of strangers. And, the battle still rages on.

Today, we stand at a similar crossroads: how to re-create what the Reagan Administration so thoughtlessly dismantled so that we may, somehow, help to restore services and assistance for those in our county who are dealing with such severe mental illness issues. As you well know, in the last 20-30 years, the resources that were set in place to care for those in our midst and their families living with these issues have all but dried up. Oakcrest closed its doors, as did most of the direct services provided by our own Public Health Department. Funding that once trickled down from the Feds to the State to our county for helping the mentally ill among us, has all but dried up. And what remains? Families, in the throes of crisis, watch their loved ones 5150'd or taken away to Oakland or Marin for temporary holding and evaluations, with little or no follow-up care plans once released. Families, unable to afford pricey private facilities, deal with the issues of their sons and daughters behind closed doors, fearful--as Mark and Marilyn Herczog were---that an uneducated and un-trained law enforcement officer called to intercede may accidentally murder their seemingly out of control child, as we saw happen here in Sebastopol a few years back.

But, today, we here reaching out to you, have one life to think about among many: Houston's. My last dealing with him was at the food bank, just a few months before Mark's murder. This kid, whose mom had dragged him in to volunteer because she was so concerned about his depressive state, stood in the walk-in freezer with me, stocking the shelves. I asked him to hang in there, to keep coming back and maybe it would help him feel better. He said, "nothing can help me feel better". And, in all my motherly wisdom, I told him, "just hang in there kiddo, its gonna be alright".

So, I implore you, Jill. Carefully read through these missives that are coming to you on this family's behalf. See that, instead of friends of Mark's yelling to lock his son up for what he took from them all that morning, this community is pleading for Houston's life and asking that we, that you, offer instead a compassionate alternative of treatment that can hopefully lead to eventual wellness, so that this troubled kid may have a true shot at becoming a productive member of society. I know there's goodness in there, inside of Huston, a decent kid, filled with regret who misses his dad, and who suffers, locked away behind his demons of mental illness. Look beyond the "letter of the law" as a true leader, and try to imagine what its like in the complicated and often untoward world of those living the nightmare of mental illness. As family, as friends and loved ones, as mothers filled with such fierce love for our children, and as those that voted wholeheartedly for you to take over and turn around the former DA's office and practices, we beg you to reconsider this case. Give this kid the care he needs. Maybe you can be the one to make it eventually "alright" for him and countless others like him, after all.

Thank you for your time.
Linda Schram-Williams

[joybird]

Here's my letter.

https://mail.google.com/mail/images/cleardot.gif
Dear Ms. Ravitch,
I am another county resident deeply moved by this tragedy. I ask you please to do the human thing here and make sure Houston is given the care he needs, not prison time.Listen to your heart, as ours are breaking.

Joy Helstienhttps://mail.google.com/mail/images/cleardot.gif

[gypsey]

Magick,

thank you for introducing the topic of restorative justice in your response to my posting. It is a movement that has been successful in Canada and is now beginning in the USA.

As the former consultant to First Peoples Cultural Council of British Columiba (all 27+ tribes) I have front line knowledge of the restorative justice movement. And, as mentioned in my previous post, I also have experience through my late mother's decades of service to the mentally ill. I am not sure every--or even any-- mentally ill person is a candidate for restorative justice, or should be expected to make amends for an act that voices told them to do.

That said, if you (the Wacco community) google "restorative justice in Canada-what victims should know" and also go to www.rjworld.org (https://www.rjworld.org) (about the movement in the US from the point of view of offenders' advocates) you'll find more in-depth information regarding the concept Magick referred to.

What I actually hope right now is that Mac's article will galvanize all of us to become informed, speak out at the state level, and vote with our consciences and yes--with our wallets.


Hello! While I agree there is no magic wand to be waved, magick is really the focus of intention on many levels. Right now the effort to write to our DA can bear fruit. Of course the DA's office has restrictions but it was not necessary to call a 4th opinion when 3 mental health professionals already confirmed his mental state and said he was not in a condition to know what he was doing, or be responsible for his actions.

As Houston's lawyer stated if you keep looking you will eventually find a different opinion.

It is important to note that no one is calling for revenge against Houston, quite the opposite. That is very unique. Even Mark's friends and family have stated that he would be fighting for his son, even now.

No one is calling for him to walk out and be a danger to society. We are calling for compassionate care, as we should for everyone. Our system is sadly based on punishment, not restorative justice, and this must change.

I recommend you read Returning to the Teachings by Rupert Ross a prosecutor in Canada who learned a new way we could deal with each other, that is humane and heals the society that creates so much pain, violence and suffering as well as the individuals who have lost their way.

I'm glad you mentioned the Mother Jones article and that you appreciated it. I will be reading it and commenting soon.
regards, Magick

[Barry]

Thanks again for all your heartfelt letters.
The trial of Houston Herczog as begun.


If he is convicted of murder, a second trial will be held to determine whether he was sane at the time of the attack. If jurors say he was, he faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

A finding of insanity could put him in a mental hospital for many years.

Both sides estimate the first phase of the trial will be over in a few days.

You can see the PD article here:

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20130429/ARTICLES/130429553/1350?p=all&tc=pgall&tc=ar

May justice be served and Houston be given the medical treatment he needs. Please join with me in holding his mother, Marilyn and sister, Savannah, in our hearts during this difficult time.

[Barry]

https://www.waccobb.net/forums/waccobb/keep90days/2013-05-05_11-22-41.png

The Mother Jones cover story, Schizophrenic. Killer. My Cousin (https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2013/04/mental-health-crisis-mac-mcclelland-cousin-murder). aboutHouston Herczog Is now available online here (https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2013/04/mental-health-crisis-mac-mcclelland-cousin-murder).

[Malene Rander Comes]

This is my letter to Jill Ravitch. It is a little more edgy, and less kind. There is nothing wrong with constructive anger on occasion.

Ms. Ravitch,

The Houston Herczog case is truly tragic. To prosecute this young man as a criminal is inexcusable. He is obviously psychotic. Psychosis is a severe mental illness that renders those who suffers out of touch with reality. It is not Mr. Herczog's fault that he suffers from a psychotic disorder, any more than it is someone's fault if they get cancer.

I can't imagine what your motivation is to continue to pursue this case as a criminal case, but I am not assigning any positive motivations, I can assure you of that.

If indeed you have integrity then you work to get this young man the help he needs. If you don't have integrity, then I will be happy to remember that next election cycle.

[theindependenteye]

>>>This is my letter to Jill Ravitch. It is a little more edgy, and less kind. There is nothing wrong with constructive anger on occasion.

I'm missing some knowledge here. How does the district attorney arrive at a decision not to prosecute a crime? If a person has been stabbed to death, does the DA have the authority to make the determination, prior to an indictment, that the confessed perpetrator is innocent? I would think that's a decision of the jury. There's generally a huge outcry — and often rightly so — if a DA fails to bring an indictment, for example, against a police officer who shoots an unarmed man, or as happened in Florida when someone claims self-defense.

As I've understood it, this jury makes the determination of guilt, and if guilty, another jury determines the question of insanity. Am I mistaken?

My personal opinion is that indeed the young man is schizophrenic and should receive care.

I have mixed feelings about the whole system of prosecution vs. defense that requires both sides to do their absolute utmost to put a winning spin on the evidence, whatever their personal beliefs. But given that we have a government office with a prosecutorial function, I don't understand how Ms. Ravitch can do otherwise than prosecute. I'm asking to be informed.

Peace & joy—
Conrad

[Dr Pam]

>>>This is my letter to Jill Ravitch. It is a little more edgy, and less kind. There is nothing wrong with constructive anger on occasion.

I'm missing some knowledge here. How does the district attorney arrive at a decision not to prosecute a crime? If a person has been stabbed to death, does the DA have the authority to make the determination, prior to an indictment, that the confessed perpetrator is innocent? I would think that's a decision of the jury. There's generally a huge outcry — and often rightly so — if a DA fails to bring an indictment, for example, against a police officer who shoots an unarmed man, or as happened in Florida when someone claims self-defense.

As I've understood it, this jury makes the determination of guilt, and if guilty, another jury determines the question of insanity. Am I mistaken?

Peace & joy—
Conrad

It's been a while since I did any work in connection with a case like this, but I'll put in my 2 cents. When the defendant has a mental illness, there are a number of events that can take place.

1) The defendant can be evaluated for Competency to Stand Trial. If by reason of the mental illness, the defendant is not able to understand the nature of the charges against them, participate in their own defense, or consult with counsel he or she is not competent to stand trial. There is no trial unless or until the defendant becomes competent. A competency evaluation is conducted by a forensic psychologist/psychiatrist.

2) The defendant can plead "Dimished Capacity" or "Irresistible Impulse." In states that recognize these pleas, if found to hold for the case, they result in a reduced sentence because the defendant is believed to be not fully responsible for his actions by reason of mental illness. Wikipedia tells me this was abolished in California in 2002.

3) The defendant can plead Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity. A trial takes place, and expert(s) in forensic psychology and psychiatry evaluate the evidence and present their opinion(s) to the court. The expert cannot make a determination of whether the mental illness rendered the individual not responsible, which is a matter for the jury. "Insanity" is a legal term, not a medical term. The words "insane" or "insanity" will never appear in a forensic expert's report except as a reason for referral. A plea of "Guilty but Insane/Mentally Ill" is also permitted in some jurisdictions, including California. In this case, the defendant would be remanded to a treatment facility when a bed eventually becomes available if the experts concur with the Mentally Ill status.

I will be pleased to be corrected and updated by folks who know better than I.

Dr Pam

[Dixon]

I have mixed feelings about the whole system of prosecution vs. defense that requires both sides to do their absolute utmost to put a winning spin on the evidence, whatever their personal beliefs.
You and me both, Conrad! All my life people have been telling me I should be a trial lawyer (or on a debate team). But those positions require closedmindedly pursuing one's goal of "winning" the argument. As a committed rationalist, I have to be free to say "By golly, you're right! You've made a compelling argument and shown me that my client is, in fact, guilty. Thanks for correcting me!" Imagine how brief my career as a trial lawyer would be, LOL!

[Malene Rander Comes]

To the best of my knowledge, and I am by no means very knowledgeable about legal stuff, the DA has to represent the people. This means they are only allowed to prosecute if the genuinely believe a crime has been committed. In cases where a person is obviously mentally ill the prosecutor can choose a joint recommendation with the defense attorney to push for treatment. That would be equal to the prosecutor saying "A crime was committed, but I recognize this is a mentally ill person who could do no better".

That would then go to the judge who could still demand a full trial, or who could agree and the case would proceed to "sentencing", which would consist of x amount of treatment, no option to be let out without it being court ordered.

That is just to the best of my knowledge though. One reason the insanity plea is often not used is because the hospitals are often not kind or healing places to be, and a commitment to a mental health ward is until the judge is convinced you are better, which might be never. In this case, the hospital is marginally preferable to prison, especially cause the prison sentence would be so long. Best case scenario this young man gets his disease under control and starts the process to petition for release in 5-10 years. I actually know of one such California case. The woman got out of the hospital after 7 years.
Malene


>>>This is my letter to Jill Ravitch. It is a little more edgy, and less kind. There is nothing wrong with constructive anger on occasion.

I'm missing some knowledge here. How does the district attorney arrive at a decision not to prosecute a crime?

[Malene Rander Comes]

You actually could then be a prosecutor. According to the statutes the prosecutors have to be convinced that a crime was committed, and they have to be convinced they can win the case. If at any time in the case the prosecutor is not convinced that the defendant is guilty then they have to change course. And if the defendant is too insane to be in control of their actions that counts as "not-guilty by reason of insanity"

Which is why Ms. Ravitch has another option - if she is convinced that this young man is mentally ill, then she would "lose" the case due to his insanity. If she is convinced of that then she can't continue the case, but should make a joint recommendation for treatment.

Of course, in reality, ego enters the booth, and it becomes about winning. And that is why we are all writing to Ms. Ravitch to tell her to do the right thing. The difficulty here is that Ms. Ravitch has clearly committed to a path, and it is that much harder for her to change course. We should all remember her lack of integrity come election day!

Malene


You and me both, Conrad! All my life people have been telling me I should be a trial lawyer (or on a debate team). But those positions require closedmindedly pursuing one's goal of "winning" the argument. As a committed rationalist, I have to be free to say "By golly, you're right! You've made a compelling argument and shown me that my client is, in fact, guilty. Thanks for correcting me!" Imagine how brief my career as a trial lawyer would be, LOL!

[Peace Voyager]

Of course, in reality, ego enters the booth, and it becomes about winning. And that is why we are all writing to Ms. Ravitch to tell her to do the right thing. The difficulty here is that Ms. Ravitch has clearly committed to a path, and it is that much harder for her to change course. We should all remember her lack of integrity come election day!

Malene

After the outcome in this case and mine, let me say, we don't have to wait until election day to take action; DA's can be recalled and disbarred.

Please see the additional information I posted today and previously on Wacco related to the DA's office.

It all matters; but no matter how the deck is stacked against us by well connected players; if enough of us unite in our efforts, the criminals running our county and justice system, along with the well protected profiteering law breakers; can be brought to justice themselves.

www.waccobb.net/forums/showthread.php?97567-Apple-Blossom-School-now-will-be-Wine-Grape-School-!!!-!!&p=165992&posted=1#post165992 (https://www.waccobb.net/forums/showthread.php?97567-Apple-Blossom-School-now-will-be-Wine-Grape-School-%21%21%21-%21%21&p=165992&posted=1#post165992)

[Malene Rander Comes]

Hey Colleen,

First of all, I am so, so sorry for what you and your daughter went through. Such horror defies description, and I completely understand and even applaud your anger against Ravitch. I volunteered for the Santa Rosa rape crisis line for 3 years, so I really do get it.

You posting the story, and me or others reading it makes a difference. We will remember ravitch's cruel actions. You are beating a drum for "something" more. I too am currently beating a drum for help with a worthy cause. A cause that killed 300,000 people last year and will kill 300,000 people again this year. See my post. https://www.waccobb.net/forums/showthread.php?97864-9000-mile-walk-around-the-US&p=165918#post165918

Here is something I have found. We are all overloaded right now. The first thing I think when I see your drum is: "I can't do any more activism right now, I am overloaded". We are all just human in how much we can handle. So, I know when people aren't able to help me with my cause it is the same overload. I have found that making it relatively easy to get involved helps. This means, you have to do the heavy lifting for your cause. Giving people specific things to do, and then showing them where and how to do it helps tremendously. Giving people various levels of involvement also helps. Some people do not want to be hugely involved, others are more touched by your cause and wants to really get in to it. Examples of small ways to get involved are:

Send a letter - you can even write the template and ask people to send it. At the very least provide the email address and tell people what they are advocating for.
Forward your cause on facebook.


These two are small and fast involvements, and they are specific. People can say "Yes", do it and move on with their lives.

You can ask for larger involvements as well, but make sure they are specific, and do not take people's overwhelm personally. There will of course be fewer people who want to be more involved. It is natural.

If you want to truly advocate for a cause, then you need to drive the involvement. We are all overloaded, and you can't expect others to get involved with something non-specific, or take leadership for you. If you dont want the leadership, then how can you expect others to take it?

Do you want me to sign something to remove ravitch? I would be happy to - show me where. (BTW, you can set up free petitions to sign online). Those petitions can be promoted on facebook, twitter, craigslist and here. Do you want me to write something about ravitch being bad for us? Direct me please. Those are two fast ways I am willing to be involved. I am not at this time able to do much more than that, but I bet there will be some who are - if they had a leader.

Here are some other ideas - Do you have proof that ravitch is systematically acting corrupt? Compile it - all of it and then contact every single local reporter you can think of. PD, Boho, SC Gazette, Radio shows etc. Make it easy for them to access the information. Contact multiple reporters.

I just had another idea for you. If you have proof that ravitch should be disbarred, I would collect the proof and then send it to the bar association. Then take up an online petition, and make certain that the bar association sees the petition as more people sign it. This would put some pressure the right places. Another way you can ask others for involvement is to get help with reviewing your proof against ravitch to make certain it will carry the biggest impact.

Good Luck!
Malene


After the outcome in this case and mine, let me say, we don't have to wait until election day to take action; DA's can be recalled and disbarred.

[rossmen]

compare this case to the lady who stabbed her mother. criminal prosecution way before trial was halted for her by a judge and she is going to a mental hospital. ravitch could have let the same thing happen in this case with three docs determining mental illness. instead she got a forth evaluation so she could put it before a jury. the jury gets to decide now. what is ravitches motivation for pushing this one?


>>>This is my letter to Jill Ravitch. It is a little more edgy, and less kind. There is nothing wrong with constructive anger on occasion.

I'm missing some knowledge here. How does the district attorney arrive at a decision not to prosecute a crime? If a person has been stabbed to death, does the DA have the authority to make the determination, prior to an indictment, that the confessed perpetrator is innocent? I would think that's a decision of the jury. There's generally a huge outcry — and often rightly so — if a DA fails to bring an indictment, for example, against a police officer who shoots an unarmed man, or as happened in Florida when someone claims self-defense.

As I've understood it, this jury makes the determination of guilt, and if guilty, another jury determines the question of insanity. Am I mistaken?

My personal opinion is that indeed the young man is schizophrenic and should receive care.

I have mixed feelings about the whole system of prosecution vs. defense that requires both sides to do their absolute utmost to put a winning spin on the evidence, whatever their personal beliefs. But given that we have a government office with a prosecutorial function, I don't understand how Ms. Ravitch can do otherwise than prosecute. I'm asking to be informed.

Peace & joy—
Conrad

[lindasw]

Jill Ravitch posted this on her facebook page today...
Here is her posting and my response:

Jill Ravitch (https://www.facebook.com/jill.ravitch?hc_location=stream)

Tonite I stood behind a fellow at the market who corrected the clerk when she only charged him for the two donuts in the bag - he said there was one more but he'd eaten it while shopping. She laughed and told him he could have gotten by without paying, and he told her then he'd be thinking about it all night. Best part was his son was standing next to him and heard all of this. Yet another example of why I'm so proud to be a member of this wonderful community.

Linda Lou (https://www.facebook.com/lindalou5150) that's great jill...likewise, we ravitch voters would be extremely proud of you if you would do the right thing for the mentally ill in this community, drop your dog-with-a- bone attitude and send houston herzog into a mental health facility where he belongs instead of a jail cell where he doesn't belong for the rest of his life...just sayin'....we expect more from you ...don't be another mindless passalacqua clone...

[Dixon]

compare this case to the lady who stabbed her mother. criminal prosecution way before trial was halted for her by a judge and she is going to a mental hospital.
One factor is that people in general are a lot more comfortable with executing or imprisoning men than women. Years ago at SSU I saw a documentary about women who murder. The directors, a man and a woman, were there to discuss the film. (Sorry, I don't recall the name of the film or of the directors.) They said that, surprisingly, 1 out of 7 murders in this country are committed by women (and very few of them are the justifiable kind where the woman kills her abuser as an act of self-defense). But the proportion of women amongst death row inmates is way less than 1 in 7; the vast majority of female murderers escape the death penalty. When I asked the directors why, their answer was simple: sexism.

[podfish]

the vast majority of female murderers escape the death penalty. When I asked the directors why, their answer was simple: sexism.where's Joe Manthey (https://www.joemanthey.com/j1.htm) when you need him?

[Peace Voyager]

compare this case to the lady who stabbed her mother. criminal prosecution way before trial was halted for her by a judge and she is going to a mental hospital. ravitch could have let the same thing happen in this case with three docs determining mental illness. instead she got a forth evaluation so she could put it before a jury. the jury gets to decide now. what is ravitches motivation for pushing this one?

Yeah the PD had both stories on the same page recently. Hard to miss the irony of the Editor that day, and no comparison by the reporters either.

I think in my case, it was both a personal and political bias; as well as, protection for some very dirty insiders. Democrats, even so-called progressive ones, can be rather ruthless when you challenge them from within the party.

Is there anyone here up to speed with the recall process?

[rossmen]

sexism is one of my guesses too. also i think that the severity of illness plays a part. houston was sane enough to call for a lawyer when the interrogation got to his action. the woman parent killer is reported to be totally out of it, talking to herself in court. perhaps the da doesn't think that people who remember their rights are insane? my own experience with the criminal justice system is that if you push for justice you will be targeted for more severe penalties. if you can persevere through the harassment, then there is a good chance for a reasonable outcome. the reality is that houston will probably be locked up longer at our expense, though he is probably more capable of living a normal life given his shorter history of trouble and greater awareness of others.


One factor is that people in general are a lot more comfortable with executing or imprisoning men than women. Years ago at SSU I saw a documentary about women who murder. The directors, a man and a woman, were there to discuss the film. (Sorry, I don't recall the name of the film or of the directors.) They said that, surprisingly, 1 out of 7 murders in this country are committed by women (and very few of them are the justifiable kind where the woman kills her abuser as an act of self-defense). But the proportion of women amongst death row inmates is way less than 1 in 7; the vast majority of female murderers escape the death penalty. When I asked the directors why, their answer was simple: sexism.

[oliviathunderkitty]

I don't think sexism quite nails it, which is to say I think it has more to do with society's negative attitudes towards women than towards men. Misogyny includes patronizing and paternalistic attitudes towards women. Thus, women, being inferior, cannot be held accountable in the same way as men are. I think this is largely an unconscious attitude, a complicated one and a pervasive one.


One factor is that people in general are a lot more comfortable with executing or imprisoning men than women. Years ago at SSU I saw a documentary about women who murder. The directors, a man and a woman, were there to discuss the film. (Sorry, I don't recall the name of the film or of the directors.) They said that, surprisingly, 1 out of 7 murders in this country are committed by women (and very few of them are the justifiable kind where the woman kills her abuser as an act of self-defense). But the proportion of women amongst death row inmates is way less than 1 in 7; the vast majority of female murderers escape the death penalty. When I asked the directors why, their answer was simple: sexism.

[Dixon]

I don't think sexism quite nails it, which is to say I think it has more to do with society's negative attitudes towards women than towards men. Misogyny includes patronizing and paternalistic attitudes towards women. Thus, women, being inferior, cannot be held accountable in the same way as men are. I think this is largely an unconscious attitude, a complicated one and a pervasive one.
I think both dynamics could be in play, and they both fall under the category of sexism. Also, there are good evolutionary reasons why we tend to be more protective of women than men, having to do with the greater importance of an individual woman than any individual man in assuring the procreation of the tribe/species (because of how sexual reproduction works--I won't belabor the details here.) Of course, it's still sexism, and we can still try to get past it.

[Peace Voyager]

My :heart: goes out to you Marilyn.

I pray the next round of this trial brings your son, and our community the kind of justice we all deserve.

How we treat and prevent mental illness must be overhauled.

:waccosun: Peace,

Colleen

[mamaj]

She so far is doing the same as Passalaqwa and Mullens NOTHING!


Jill Ravitch posted this on her facebook page today...
Here is her posting and my response:

Jill Ravitch (https://www.facebook.com/jill.ravitch?hc_location=stream)

Tonite I stood behind a fellow at the market who corrected the clerk when she only charged him for the two donuts in the bag - he said there was one more but he'd eaten it while shopping. She laughed and told him he could have gotten by without paying, and he told her then he'd be thinking about it all night. Best part was his son was standing next to him and heard all of this. Yet another example of why I'm so proud to be a member of this wonderful community.

Linda Lou (https://www.facebook.com/lindalou5150) that's great jill...likewise, we ravitch voters would be extremely proud of you if you would do the right thing for the mentally ill in this community, drop your dog-with-a- bone attitude and send houston herzog into a mental health facility where he belongs instead of a jail cell where he doesn't belong for the rest of his life...just sayin'....we expect more from you ...don't be another mindless passalacqua clone...

[aunt2d]

Dear Sonoma County,

I'm Houston's "Aunt Toodie" and Mark Herczog's little sister, Annette Keys. I just returned to Ohio after testifying for Houston, along with Mark's eldest daughter, Cameron, and Mark and Marilyn's daughter Savannah. Yep, Savannah testified for her brother!!! When she heard how the prosecution's testimony was leaving out some truths, she asked to get involved. She was rivetting and honest and emotional and funny and both girls were poised, confident and amazing. Waner didn't cross examine Cam, but he went after Savannah and that girl held her own! Naturally, the Press Dem wasn't there that day. As a matter of fact, I had a talk with Paul Payne about what I felt was biased reporting on Friday, and last Sat. was the first day a balanced report was printed. Hope it stays that way.

After my experience as a witness, then watching 3 days of testimony, it's pretty clear that from the start, Bob Waner and Jill Ravitch aren't out for the truth as they continually professed to us. They just want Houston in prison for the conviction. It's disgusting. From the day of the arraignment, Marilyn, Cameron and friends and family at that meeting told Bob Waner that Houston was sick, that she and Mark were worried sick, had no recourse for help - everything - and he assured us that the family would have a say in this. He strung us along for 18 months, acting like he cared. He doesn't care a whit about us. I've written Jill Ravitch numerous letters and emails on behalf of the family to please stop this trial and convert to a bench trial for the experts only (which was an option, along with her signing off on hospitalization after TWO doc reports came in) - but I got a reply after the trial started, saying how the jury will find the truth. How can they, when we can't even discuss Mark's wishes - or even show a handwritten prayer (one of many) that Mark had written to God pleading for help for his son?

While in the courtroom after my testimony, I beheld the "two-tiered" justice system at work and it's a sad reality that money, power and position have the upper hand in any trial. The DA has more funding, staff, technology and time than the PD and it's apparent in each attny's preparation for testimony, questioning and statements to the jury. While Houston's attorney is dedicated and cares deeply for Houston and what our family is going thru, her previous caseload and lack of support and finances puts her at a disadvantage. She doesn't have a team of paralegals to do her bidding and prepare power point presentations like the DA used in his closing for the first phase. What's more, most people who have attended the proceedings have perceived a bias for the prosecution.. The Judge over-rules 90+% of Karen Silver's objections and sustains 90+% of Bob's. (Except, I'm happy to report, when Savannah was on the stand. She was given a lot of leeway.) I'm not the only one who notices that she looks to Attny. Waner as she makes her decision. I need to say that these are just perceptions, but they are shared perceptions, and quite telling, at the very least.

Now, they're painting my brother Mark as a mentally ill man with drug problems. Mark was a pillar of the AA community with nearly 35 years sobriety who was a wonderful, stand up guy. The best of the best. There is so much that's morally wrong and reprehensible about this trial I don't even know where to begin. When all is said and done, I plan to write an OpEd piece on our dealings with the justice system.. In Ohio, we have mental health courts for these types of crimes. At the very least, Ravitch should hire an attorney who at least understands mental illness to prosecute trials involving mental illness. I doubt Mr. Waner believes in insanity at all and clearly embraces, and argues, the fact that you have to be a "wild beast" to have schizophrenia. The fact is, there are 3 main types of schizophrenia: catatonic (self-explanatory), disorganized (those whose intrusive thoughts have little rhyme or reason) and paranoid (the highest functioning of them all). Houston is paranoid schizophrenic.

Now that the jury (who had no idea that 3 docs declared Houst insane at the first phase) came back with a Murder One verdict, the second phase of this case will be hard fought, and won by people of heart - not of means. I've been blown away by your support and action on Houston's behalf and I'm writing to thank you and ask for your continued action. If at all possible, we need people in that courtroom! Because Marilyn is a witness, she can't be there for her son, and the jury needs to see that he has support outside the family. We couldn't stay in town, and it's terrrible not to be there to support him and hear the testimony. Besides, if this case has caught your attention, you should see what's happening in Courtroom One for yourself. We also need letters to the Editor, more letters to Jill, and Marilyn could use some personal support as well.

If you'd like to keep up with the proceedings, there are two FB pages you can check out. One is called "Friends and Family of Houston" - dedicated solely to the trial, witnesses and daily reports. The other is called "Herczog Family Tragedy" and this site allows you to offer advice, share your experience with mental illness and print words of support and compassion, that will be passed onto Houston. We also have a fundraising site going for Houston.at www.gofundme.com/20dyck (https://www.gofundme.com/20dyck). Houston is a remarkably intelligent young man who, once hospitalized, wants to further his education and make a worthwhile contribution to society. This fund is currently helping with expenses and allows him to afford books, phone calls, and $$ for his jail needs (the cost of phone calls are outrageous - $35 for 20 minutes), and unfortunately we are not a family of means (hence, the Public Defender). Once he's hospitalized (it's too hard to let myself think otherwise), he can use the rest for classes, etc. Houston's a great writer, and his story can help so many people. We just want to give him the best chance we can for a new beginning. He never asked for this, none of us deserve what we've been through, especially Mark. But at this point, we have to stay strong and believe that justice of the highest nature, will prevail. God bless you all! You are an amazing community!!! Thank you again, from all of us.

[aunt2d]

Sonoma County,

I thought I posted this yesterday, but apparently my
session timed out. I just wanted to let you all know that testimony ended in
Houston's trial on Friday and closing arguments are slated for 10am tomorrow
morning! Marilyn closed ot the testimony and everyone present said she did a
great job and clarified important points with poise and confidence. Cudo's to
you, Mar! That witness stand is not an easy place to sit.

Houston's attorney successfully proved to the jury that the prosecution's
expert witness, Dr. Missett, was incompetent. Actually, he managed to do a lot
of that himself by forgetting important facts and fumbling through two days of
testimony. He never mentioned that Houston was on an anti-psychotic in his
report. He listed nine "Axis One" diagnoses for Houston. "Axis One" is
the category for the most severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar
disorder, but Dr. Missett listed things like "anti-social behavior due to
stealing his mother's pills and killing his father." All were
successfully disproven and rejected through Karen and the three other experts.
It was evident to anyone in court how much these doctors care about Houston and
believe he should be hospitalized.

One of the most disturbing things about his testimony was that Dr. Missett
actually filled in some of the "bubble" answers on one of personality tests he
administered to Houston. There were answers on the test in both pen and ink.
Houston is only allowed to use pencils. The doctor could not remember why both
were used, but he testified that he noticed some of the answers were not filled
in, so he gave the test back to Houston to complete. This is not how these
tests are conducted. Once the client is done, they're done - whether all the
questions have been answered or not. Finally, part of another doctor's report
was included with the testing results. Dr. Missett could not remember why or
how it came to be there. To be honest with you, his report was a sloppy
and appalling 32 page character assassination of Houston and his parents. It
was loaded with with misassumptions and mistruths and from what I'm told, Karen
did a great job discreditting this witness.

Bob Waner had originally planned to call Dr. Misett and two jail guards to
testify as well as play a number of recorded phone calls to Houston from friends
and family. After Dr. Missett's two and a half days on the stand, he did not
call the guards or play the tapes. Both attorneys rested their cases on
Friday. While this all seems very positive, we've been here before and have
been punched in the gut too many times to feel truly confident about anything.
At least, I don't anyway. I'm concerned that this group of men and women,
patient and dedicated as they may be, are going to judge Houston's sanity at the
time of Mark's death. Shouldn't this be decided by experts? If the jury
is instructed to choose between the experts' opinions, then we have a shot. If
they choose to play god, then who knows. (BTW, this case could have been
tried in a "bench trial", where the judge questions just the experts and makes
her decision. We pleaded for Jill Ravitch to make this choice, but she blew us
off so that Bob Waner to force us to re-live this tragedy again in open court.
How Houston got through this, I will never know. Thank God for Dr. Apostle, who
finally got him on medication that's working for him.)

Come Monday morning, please keep Houston and his attorney in your
thoughts. Once the jury begins deliberations, Houston will be placed in a tiny
cell to wait. He's allowed no book, no nothing, so he will be alone and in
fear. If you can, please pray for him. And if you really want to take some
action, send the letters you wrote to Jill Ravitch to the Press Democrat and the
Bohemian! It's time people know how members of this community feel about what's
transpired here. God bless you all again, and thank you so much for being such
wonderful, caring people!

Warmest regards,
Annette Keys
(Houston's "Aunt Toodie". Don't ask. My dad gave me the nickname.
Still don't know why!)

[Barry]

Houston Herczog was was declared not guilty by reason of insanity. :heart:

Here's the PD article (https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20130521/ARTICLES/130529900/1350?Title=Jury-Herczog-insane-when-killing-his-father-).

[rossmen]

duh, of course. the citizen's question is why does our da practice torture of the mentally ill at taxpayer expense? is it her sexism, or perhaps her distrust for those who ask for justice? she lost to a jury of peers, will she be accountable for her stupid mistake?


Houston Herczog was was declared not guilty by reason of insanity. :heart:

Here's the PD article (https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20130521/ARTICLES/130529900/1350?Title=Jury-Herczog-insane-when-killing-his-father-).

[Malene Rander Comes]

This is the video I just sent to Ms. Ravitch.

Malene

Ms. Ravitch,

So you lost the case. That is the good news. The bad news is your wasted tax payer money on a case that not only wasn't winable, but which it was morally reprehensible to prosecute.

Come election day you will be remembered as the DA who tortured a mentally ill man and his family who had been through enough, and wasted tax payer money on an case that should never have been brought to trial.

You lost the case, and your lost respect. If you don't have the conscience to feel bad about your choices, I hope you feel worried about your future. If you don't have the conscience to feel bad about your choices then you are a worse person than Houston Herczog.

Sleep Tight!
Malene Comes

[aunt2d]

Malene, thanks so much for sending that to Jill! I hope more people take your lead. (Regarding your last sentence however, Houston is not bad. He is sick.)

I sobbed from relief after I heard the verdict and I'll tell ya, I haven't felt this happy and vindicated in a very very long time. (I also feel like I could sleep for a month or I would've posted about this glorious victory
sooner.) At the same time, it's going to take awhile to get past my anger at the many ways this tragedy was compounded by bad choices and ignorance.

This entire thing was an absolute nightmare that could have ended months and months ago. After the arraignment, Bob Waner told everyone present, "We realize there is mental illness involved and the family will have a say in what happens with Houston." In numerous meetings, phone calls, letters and emails,
they strung us along with rhetoric, all the while planning a juicy murder trial and conviction for the office superstar.

Meanwhile, for 8 months before he was medicated, Houston was alone in a 6 x 10' cell, 23 hours a day plagued by hideous voices and flashbacks of that horrific night. He was suicidal for a very long time, and help came when he was placed naked in a rubber room for days, with no bed, mattress or sink - just a hole in the floor for a toilet. He learned not to ask for help after that.

While I'm happy about finally moving forward, I don't think I can be silent about what Houston and our family went through. Now that the verdict is in and Houst will finally get help, I pray this case will create awareness in the community about the prevalence of mental illness and the need to destroy the stigmas surrounding it; and activate community leaders to look into better options for education, treatment and justic for mentally ill offenders so that another family will never have to endure what we did. When I think of the people that could have been helped with the money that was spent on this case and Dr. Missett, it makes me sick. As for Jill, I hope Sonoma county remembers her actions (or lack thereof) come November!

Thanks again, everybody, for your incredible support and advocacy!


This is the video I just sent to Ms. Ravitch.

Malene

Ms. Ravitch,

So you lost the case. That is the good news. The bad news is your wasted tax payer money on a case that not only wasn't winable, but which it was morally reprehensible to prosecute.

Come election day you will be remembered as the DA who tortured a mentally ill man and his family who had been through enough, and wasted tax payer money on an case that should never have been brought to trial.

You lost the case, and your lost respect. If you don't have the conscience to feel bad about your choices, I hope you feel worried about your future. If you don't have the conscience to feel bad about your choices then you are a worse person than Houston Herczog.

Sleep Tight!
Malene Comes

[meherc]

Yes, I offered to volunteer with them when this whole thing is over and I have recovered too.



I've worked with NAMI over the years, to help my sister who's schizophrenic. It sounds like things didn't go too well for you and NAMI. I felt really sad when I read you posting about NAMI. The local NAMI, to my knowledge, is a group of volunteers, probably only a couple, who probably have sons or daughters, or parents, who are mentally ill. They deal first hand with the stigma of mental illness, not only caring for their loved ones, but in volunteering for NAMI. It's a hopeless task.

Who would ever want to volunteer for an organization helping the mentally ill, in addition to caring for their loved ones? Who would ever want to go through the experiences that you've gone thru, with their loved ones, and local authorities, such as social workers, therapists, educators, the police... and spend their free time listening to or trying to help others dealing with mental illness? Anyone who's volunteered for NAMI is an angel.

Many suffer from mental illness themselves, and volunteer at NAMI, working in day programs for the mentally ill, and helping other people cope with the illness. I'm sorry you didn't have a good experience with them. I hope you can hold them with love, those few people who volunteer for NAMI, against unsurmountable needs, hugh suffering, their own and others, and all the difficulties experienced with civil authorities.

[meherc]

Ravitch said "she had to keep the community safe." I said I am not suggesting you put him in Courthouse Square with a machete, just let him go to the hospital so he can be treated properly" He is a wonderful, smart, talented, loving kid. He is just sick now.

I thilnk Ravitch counted on the community to look at Houston as a monster but most of them, including the jury didn't. If I can see that, his wife, if his daughters can see that, if his family can see that and forgive him because he is obviously very sick (paranoid schizophrenic), why didn't Ravitch stop it when she could or the judge could have made a decision from the bench.

She is out to claw her way up the ladder. I am going to write to the Press Democrat with an open letter to Ravitch outlining what I think of her. The final psychiatrist which the prosecution hired was so inept, people were laughing at him. He filled out the MMPI for Houston and admitted it! He virtually made up the whole report. He said Houston came to my house that nite and stole 29 of my Adderal. I had changed the locks 2 days before and hadn't told anyone. I don't have 29 pills in the house. On and on.

Only 1% of NGI [not guilty by reason of insantiy] cases are successful and the prosecutor, Bob Waner, had just lost one to Chris Andrian (who very kindly worked for us pro bono) recently and he might have wanted to regain his rep.

Thank you all for your support. I still have my trial on Thursday, Houston has another hearing on the 18th. A lawyer told us that the prosecutor could appeal. That's not true, is it? We couldn't go thru this again. I must hold the record for being thrown out of the courtroom.


compare this case to the lady who stabbed her mother. criminal prosecution way before trial was halted for her by a judge and she is going to a mental hospital. ravitch could have let the same thing happen in this case with three docs determining mental illness. instead she got a forth evaluation so she could put it before a jury. the jury gets to decide now. what is ravitches motivation for pushing this one?

[meherc]

"A worse person than Houston Herczog"? He is not a bad person, that's the whole point. He's sick.Thank you for writing your letter though.


Malene, thanks so much for sending that to Jill! I hope more people take your lead. (Regarding your last sentence however, Houston is not bad. He is sick.)

[rossmen]

i think your advocacy for your son is a heroic example to us all. getting thrown out of court and prosecuted is not an easy road. i hope you have the strength to keep up this good work. thanks also for the info on why ravitch has been such an aggressive attack dog to your son and grieving family. the da's ego is clearly in play and getting in the way of serving safety, community and justice. may your efforts be instrumental is guiding ravitch to dial down and see the humanity of all involved in the criminal justice system.


Ravitch said "she had to keep the community safe." I said I am not suggesting you put him in Courthouse Square with a machete, just let him go to the hospital so he can be treated properly" He is a wonderful, smart, talented, loving kid. He is just sick now.

I thilnk Ravitch counted on the community to look at Houston as a monster but most of them, including the jury didn't. If I can see that, his wife, if his daughters can see that, if his family can see that and forgive him because he is obviously very sick (paranoid schizophrenic), why didn't Ravitch stop it when she could or the judge could have made a decision from the bench.

She is out to claw her way up the ladder. I am going to write to the Press Democrat with an open letter to Ravitch outlining what I think of her. The final psychiatrist which the prosecution hired was so inept, people were laughing at him. He filled out the MMPI for Houston and admitted it! He virtually made up the whole report. He said Houston came to my house that nite and stole 29 of my Adderal. I had changed the locks 2 days before and hadn't told anyone. I don't have 29 pills in the house. On and on.

Only 1% of NGI [not guilty by reason of insantiy] cases are successful and the prosecutor, Bob Waner, had just lost one to Chris Andrian (who very kindly worked for us pro bono) recently and he might have wanted to regain his rep.

Thank you all for your support. I still have my trial on Thursday, Houston has another hearing on the 18th. A lawyer told us that the prosecutor could appeal. That's not true, is it? We couldn't go thru this again. I must hold the record for being thrown out of the courtroom.

[sebastacat]

Dear Meherc:

I have been reading your posts and praying for you. Sebastacat feels that no one should have had to go through the ordeal which you and your family just went through -- and which, unfortunately, it sounds like you're still going through.

When I read about the inept "doctor" (egg-spert) which the prosecution hired to bolster its case, I just simply could not believe it.

But filling in the blanks on a test which is supposed to be filled in by the person being tested? That sounds like professional misconduct to me. Perhaps you should look into filing a formal complaint with the state medical board.
And you now have the best evidence you could ever hope to have: the doctor's own words.

And when Waner made the lame argument at the end of the trial in his closing argument that the jury should just disregard the opinions of the doctors -- including the doctor which was hired by the district attorney's office, the office which HE, HIMSELF works for -- it smacked of prosecutorial desperation at its finest.

Both he and Ravitch should be absolutely ashamed of themselves. Am I proud of them as public servants that they made a decision -- without first involving your family -- to prosecute Houston in the first place, when they said that they would involve the family in the decision process and when they knew that he had a history of mental illness for which he had never been treated? No.

Do I feel safer that they put on their "tough as nails" persona after they made this poor decision and prosecuted Houston to the fullest extent of the law? No.

Do I have more respect for them as public servants now that they've lost this case which cost the taxpayers of this county hundreds of thousands of dollars and put your family through a living hell? NO!

Sebastacat thinks that some degree of accountability is in order. As a lifelong, 51-year resident of this county who has not a blemish on his record and considers himself to be a good law-abiding citizen, I ask members of the WaccoBB community to continue to make your feelings known, your displeasure felt and your voices heard.
Then -- and only then -- will our public officials perhaps come to their senses and think twice next time before they embark on such a perilous judicial roller-coaster ride at the taxpayers' expense.

And finally, let's not forget to remind them of something else, something even more important: We're dealing with people's lives here. The victim, the perpetrator -- and their families. And in my opinion, that's way more important than any attorney's ego will ever be.

[meherc]

In a very hard to get meeting with Ravitch (she doesn't have time to meet with you, says the secretary. I call the next day, secretary says since she didnt' call you, she doesn't want to mee)t I called prosecutor, said , Gee, too bad Jill refuses to even take my calls. When I go the the newspapers and tell them the DA won't even return the calls of a grieving widow with a schizophrenic child in jail, I don't think that's going to look very good for Jill. And isnt' she up for re-election next year? My, I don't think the community will look at her as someone with "integrity" when they hear this and won't be voting for her again. I got a call from her office with the mean secretary suddenly very nice, practically begging for a meeting. When we did meet, I asked Jill if she had anyone in her family with a mental illness. No, she says. She must be the only one in America who doesn't but they know zilch about mental illness. I definitely knew more - bipolar and schizophrenia typically come on between 18 and 25, had to explain meds. They were giving him Trazadone for psychosis. I said you might as well be putting leeches on him to help.

[meherc]

Now that I am allowed to, I want to publicly name the person I consider responsible for most of this, the psychiatrist who had been treating Houston for almost a year before the psychotic break. He knew of the increasing violence and strange behavior (I phoned him approximately 16 times during that year). His session notes don't show any of my calls but do show Houston's talk about hearing voices, disordered thoughts, destroying his room with a machete. This idiot doctor -Dennis Glick. GLICK, GLICK, GLICK- had suggested he was schizophrenic or schiazoaffective at his first visit but then decided he had a drug problem, not bothering to ask me if my pills were missing. We're talking about 3 pills missing in 4 incidents over the year. I am prescribed 9 /day.

I tried to sue him for malpractice and when the attorney had the papers served on him, he left the state and moved to Maryland the next day. I am going to report him to every association,governing board and newspaper that will listen.I had to drop the case because the lawyer pulled out because he couldn't get access to Glick's notes, which I think he falsified anyway. I wrote the summons/legal complaint myself (thank you, Nolo Press) and filed it on the last day but could not flnd a lawyer to help me, all saying it wouldn't make them enough money. I couldn't handle doing one more thing so dropped the case but that doesn't mean I'm keeping quiet.

We had no health insurance and had to pay $300/visit and I consider Glick the one who killed my family. Mark is dead, Houston will probably not get out till I'm dead and my daughter is taking all her anger out on me so won't talk to me. I am $35k in debt because I couldn't work for a year. Oh, there's more but I don't want that bastard Glick to get off scott free with no consequences . I don't want him to do this to any other family.

[Dr Pam]

Here is Dr. Glick's current contact and licensing information in Maryland. I thought some of us sympathetic with the Herczog family plight might wish to contact Houston's former psychiatrist or his state licensing authority and express our opinion of his treatment. He has not maintained his California medical license, as it expired last year.

The URL for the Maryland Medical Board is https://www.mbp.state.md.us/. Anyone can check licensing status online on almost any health care professional in any state with nothing but a name. If the name is "John Smith" you might need another way to verify it is the correct person. The California medical board URL is https://www.mbc.ca.gov/.



22232

[Barry]

I want thank everybody who wrote to the D.A. on behalf of Houston, and in particular, Magick, for helping to spearhead this initiative. It's been a great example of the community coming together to support someone in need and upholding compassionate justice. :waccosun:

[meherc]

Thanks for giving me courage, Magick, and for taking action as well as supporting mine. You write much kinder letters than I and I'm sure yours work better. I use more of the "Gee, Jill, when I tell the papers about how you treated me, I don't think the community will be too sympathetic. Hmm, election next year, guess you'll have to kiss that one goodbye. Next time you talk about integrity and doing what's right,for the community, you might actually do it.As a matter of fact with all the national attention, you might consider training at the IT Institute."


I just sent the following message to DA Jill Ravitch via her Facebook page. Please do the same and keep the conversation going here so that she knows we care...

"Dear Jill, I appreciate your motto, Justice with Integrity, and ask that you search your soul to consider what true integrity is in the case of Houston Herczog.
This tragic story begs for healing. ...

[meherc]

And he asked for a lawyer twice as did I when I was arrested. I asked what would happen if I chose to remain silent and thecop said jail for a year. I also found out that if you say a word after asking for a lawyer, your Miranda rights are waived.


sexism is one of my guesses too. also i think that the severity of illness plays a part. houston was sane enough to call for a lawyer when the interrogation got to his action. the woman parent killer is reported to be totally out of it, talking to herself in court. perhaps the da doesn't think that people who remember their rights are insane?

[jsjjane]

Just want to set the record straight about one of your earlier posts. Dr Glick, Houston's psychiatrist, did not leave town because of anything to do with Mark's death. He had been planning the move for a long time. I know this because he worked in the office next to mine and we talked frequently. He was planning the move for a long while before he told his patients and he quite honorably made sure his patients were informed well in advance of his move. I know this because some of my clients were also his patients. So he certainly did not skip town the next day after being served anything.

I knew Mark, he was a client for many years. And I would see him in the waiting area while Houston was with Dr Glick. When we talked Mark was happy with Dr Glick and Dr Glick helped many, many people in this county for decades. He also did much pro bono work for the indigent in our county. Anybody who has worked with people with severe mental illness knows the heartbreak and difficulty of finding lasting help. Dr Glick is a man who would go above and beyond the call of duty for his patients. Just FYI.



We sent him to a psychiatrist for almost a year. He said he might be schizophrenic in his first session notes and NEVER followed up on it. When he was served the malpractice papers, he moved to Maryland the next day. As if that were Switzerland or the Virgin Islands. It's damn Maryland. GLICK is his name. G--L--I-C-K.

[Sabrina]

I'm late to reading all the threads here - finally found the time; it inspired me to leave a scathing voice message to Ms Raviching Ravich about the way she handled the case, wasted tax dollars, AND the fear she put the Herczog family and the entire community through in the way she handled and treated Houston. THANK GODDESS she lost the case; but it sure scares the heck out of me for how she may handle / treat others in the future - I hope she learns a lesson and starts to get educated. It's shocking how little she new about mental illness / challanges in her position as a prosecutor. DA's should have mandatory training regarding mental illness in this day and age.

Where is the video?


This is the video I just sent to Ms. Ravitch.

Malene

Ms. Ravitch,

So you lost the case. That is the good news. The bad news is your wasted tax payer money on a case that not only wasn't winable, but which it was morally reprehensible to prosecute.

Come election day you will be remembered as the DA who tortured a mentally ill man and his family who had been through enough, and wasted tax payer money on an case that should never have been brought to trial.

You lost the case, and your lost respect. If you don't have the conscience to feel bad about your choices, I hope you feel worried about your future. If you don't have the conscience to feel bad about your choices then you are a worse person than Houston Herczog.

Sleep Tight!
Malene Comes

[norcalgal]

A few things about medical records. Patients are entitled to copies of their records upon written request. The Physicians office has 2 weeks to comply. Physicians must keep patient medical records for a period of time, I beleive it's 10 years, but I am not sure.
In the each medical chart should be a diagnosis, treatment plan and detailed notes of each visit whether its for mental health or medical issues. You may not be able to file a lawsuit, but you can have the chart reviewed to see if he was following protocol for best practice in the State of Cailfornia. I hope this is helpful.


I had to drop the case because the lawyer pulled out because he couldn't get access to Glick's notes, which I think he falsified anyway.

[Dr Pam]

I tried to sue him for malpractice and when the attorney had the papers served on him, he left the state and moved to Maryland the next day. I am going to report him to every association,governing board and newspaper that will listen.I had to drop the case because the lawyer pulled out because he couldn't get access to Glick's notes, which I think he falsified anyway. I wrote the summons/legal complaint myself (thank you, Nolo Press) and filed it on the last day but could not flnd a lawyer to help me, all saying it wouldn't make them enough money. I couldn't handle doing one more thing so dropped the case but that doesn't mean I'm keeping quiet.


I can't understand why no attorney would represent your family in a wrongful death suit. Perhaps matters would be different now that Houston's future has been decided. Lawsuits sometimes only prolong the trauma and the sense of loss because the person who is grieving has to keep dealing with the past day in and day out. On the other hand, successful law suits can bring a sense of relief that justice has been done.

[jbox]

I can't understand why no attorney would represent your family in a wrongful death suit. Perhaps matters would be different now that Houston's future has been decided. Lawsuits sometimes only prolong the trauma and the sense of loss because the person who is grieving has to keep dealing with the past day in and day out. On the other hand, successful law suits can bring a sense of relief that justice has been done.

This has been an odd thread in a way, lots of attention paid to everything going on with regard to the legal and psychological issues of Houston, Marilyn's legal issues, the insanity vs. criminal conundrum,. condemnation of the DA and the legal system as a whole. But I don't think the issue of Mark Herzog being stabbed 60 times and Houston's father losing his life has come up but once on this thread. Isn't that an issue here too?

[Sabrina]

I'm sure Mark will continue to be grieved and I know the family had a large service for him with all community involved. What more is there to say for that? This IS the discussion about it. Mark lives on in those who love him including his son, X wife, daughter, and many others including, I believe, in this conversation. Just my opinion and belief.

[meherc]

They all said they wouldn't make enough money on it even though I did have a case..I want justice. I consider that Glick killed my family and then ran awayl. Every therapist that I ever went to called to offer their condolences. Not a word from Glick. Afraid of a lawsuit if he said any thing?
I wrote a long e-email refuting what that woman had claimed and of course it whooshed away when I was almost done.


I can't understand why no attorney would represent your family in a wrongful death suit. Perhaps matters would be different now that Houston's future has been decided. Lawsuits sometimes only prolong the trauma and the sense of loss because the person who is grieving has to keep dealing with the past day in and day out. On the other hand, successful law suits can bring a sense of relief that justice has been done.

[rossmen]

what is your point? revenge? here is a family seeking healing and wholeness in a system designed to punish wrong, looking for community support. maybe you can get a job with the da ;(


This has been an odd thread in a way, lots of attention paid to everything going on with regard to the legal and psychological issues of Houston, Marilyn's legal issues, the insanity vs. criminal conundrum,. condemnation of the DA and the legal system as a whole. But I don't think the issue of Mark Herzog being stabbed 60 times and Houston's father losing his life has come up but once on this thread. Isn't that an issue here too?

[meherc]

And what do you suggest I do? Bring him back to life? It's done. We are still mourning Mark and I cry every day because I miss him so much. But he would have forgiven Houston because he knew H was sick, not mad at his Dad .I feel awful that I love Houston so much and we were so alike and I couldn't tell how sick he was. I thought he was depressed like I have been since I was 15. Houston cries every night too because he now knows it was his dad and not an evil demon. How would you like to live with that forever? I tell him that I KNOW his dad forgives him because he loved H more than anything in the world and he is there watching over him. So I am concentrating on my kids. BOTH of them. They need a mom now, not stories about their dad's killing..

That's kind of my job, not yours, don't you think? I do tell our story often but not for the vengeful reasons you seem to want. It's so people are not ashamed and think they're the only one with mental illness in their family.. I've had people thank me because their son has been in jail for 6 years and they haven't even told their best friend. There is still that strong stigma about mental illness and I am not ashamed of my son. It doesn't feel so hot when everyone is talking about their kids going to Oberlin, winning a scholarship, or Yale or studying pre-med and I pipe up with "Well, my son was declared insane this week". But he is brilliant and artistic and we're doing the best we can in the situation when you're heart is wrenched out of your chest.

We had a huge memorial for Mark, several fundraisers with his band playing, and my wonderful friends setting up bank accounts for me and Savannah so I can survive (I haven't been able to work for a year, went through all my savings and don't know what to do because I still can't think right and forget things after 5 minutes, fall over, have a hard time driving and can't work very fast. (All my clients on WACCO, close your ears). I lost 40 lbs and would not eat at all if people like my mailwoman didn't come on her break and feed me. She insists on watching me eat so I actually do it.. And a fund for Savannah to help her pay for school. That kid was taking 19 units and had a 30hr/week job. I said slow down, you don't have to work that hard. She said if she stops, she thinks about Daddy.

So, feel free to say what you want about Mark, he was a wonderful man,, but don't you dare disparage my kid.



what is your point? revenge? here is a family seeking healing and wholeness in a system designed to punish wrong, looking for community support. maybe you can get a job with the da ;(

[meherc]

I actually went to see Paul Payne and thanked him for what I thought was even handed reporting. I testified too, Annette. Gotta remember that family thing, remembering I am part of things too..


Dear Sonoma County,

I'm Houston's "Aunt Toodie" and Mark Herczog's little sister, Annette Keys. I just returned to Ohio after testifying for Houston, along with Mark's eldest daughter, Cameron, and Mark and Marilyn's daughter Savannah. Yep, Savannah testified for her brother!!! When she heard how the prosecution's testimony was leaving out some truths, she asked to get involved. She was rivetting and honest and emotional and funny and both girls were poised, confident and amazing. Waner didn't cross examine Cam, but he went after Savannah and that girl held her own! Naturally, the Press Dem wasn't there that day. As a matter of fact, I had a talk with Paul Payne about what I felt was biased reporting on Friday, and last Sat. was the first day a balanced report was printed. Hope it stays that way.
...

[meherc]

Only 1% of people who plead NGI win their case. THANK YOU,WACCO.


Houston Herczog was was declared not guilty by reason of insanity. :heart:

Here's the PD article (https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20130521/ARTICLES/130529900/1350?Title=Jury-Herczog-insane-when-killing-his-father-).

[meherc]

Ah, just the woman I've been looking for. I feel it is necessary to re-set the record straight. First of, you must be talking about some other Glick or some other family since your memory of things is so far off as to be delusional.

Since he quite honorably informed his patients of the move, we must not have been on his list. He did not tell Houston, who would have been jumping up and down with joy. Since I was the one paying out of pocket, one would think he'd mention it to me also. When I left a message on his answering machine telling him about the killing, he never even had the courtesy of calling back. Quite a coincidence, that he left a day or two after getting my lawyer's letter, I have the letter in my and- left no forwarding address and wasn't able to give the police his session notes till11/30 when they were requested the next day.

He was not a fan of Glick. Mark despised Glick after Mark wanted to ask a simple question about our son and Glick said sure, make an appt and it will be $300. Mark would never even set foot in his waiting room after that. Houston was 21 so we usually just sent him off on his own with a check which certainly was generous of Glick to charge us full price when Mark was on disability and I was unemployed. He must have been so busy treating all those indigent people, he forgot about our income.

Unless he was living a double life, Mark was definitely NOT one of your clients. He was not a big fan of Shin Jitsu or whatever you do is called. He had Kaiser and I handled the finances and never saw your name or any kind of Asian business name. You should be ashamed of yourself, making up lies, like Mark was your client' or he happily praised Glick. It even came out in court that Mark couldn't stand Glick. It is also in the court records that all three of the professional and well respected psychiatrists were dumbfounded at how incompetent Glick was. I tried recorded to scan that part of the report to you,

I am dumbfounded myself how you could just make all this up.
What kind of a person would do that ?


Just want to set the record straight about one of your earlier posts. Dr Glick, Houston's psychiatrist, did not leave town because of anything to do with Mark's death. He had been planning the move for a long time. I know this because he worked in the office next to mine and we talked frequently. He was planning the move for a long while before he told his patients and he quite honorably made sure his patients were informed well in advance of his move. I know this because some of my clients were also his patients. So he certainly did not skip town the next day after being served anything.

I knew Mark, he was a client for many years. And I would see him in the waiting area while Houston was with Dr Glick. When we talked Mark was happy with Dr Glick and Dr Glick helped many, many people in this county for decades. He also did much pro bono work for the indigent in our county. Anybody who has worked with people with severe mental illness knows the heartbreak and difficulty of finding lasting help. Dr Glick is a man who would go above and beyond the call of duty for his patients. Just FYI.

[jsjjane]

Marilyn, you are way off base to call me a liar. Everything I said was true. The only way I knew Mark was that he was a client. He did a trade with me for installing an alarm system in my home a few years ago and he was a client before that. What I said about Glick was true too. I knew he was leaving for Maryland way before his patients. I don't know why he didn't tell your son. I don't know if he didn't tell your son. I don't know if your son was seeing Glick during the time when he was telling patients. It doesn't matter if you believe me or not, I'm just letting you know what I know because I thought you were interested in truth. My mistake.

I am so sorry about your son. I am so very very sad that your ex husband is gone. Mark was a really good man. I'm so sad for your entire family. And I agree that the mental healthcare in this county is shameful as a whole. I have a friend with a son now who is much like Houston and can't get mental health because he's violent and poor. I appreciate your stand for better mental healthcare. May it be so.


Ah, just the woman I've been looking for. I feel it is necessary to re-set the record straight. First of, you must be talking about some other Glick or some other family since your memory of things is so far off as to be delusional.

Since he quite honorably informed his patients of the move, we must not have been on his list. He did not tell Houston, who would have been jumping up and down with joy. Since I was the one paying out of pocket, one would think he'd mention it to me also. When I left a message on his answering machine telling him about the killing, he never even had the courtesy of calling back. Quite a coincidence, that he left a day or two after getting my lawyer's letter, I have the letter in my and- left no forwarding address and wasn't able to give the police his session notes till11/30 when they were requested the next day.

He was not a fan of Glick. Mark despised Glick after Mark wanted to ask a simple question about our son and Glick said sure, make an appt and it will be $300. Mark would never even set foot in his waiting room after that. Houston was 21 so we usually just sent him off on his own with a check which certainly was generous of Glick to charge us full price when Mark was on disability and I was unemployed. He must have been so busy treating all those indigent people, he forgot about our income.

Unless he was living a double life, Mark was definitely NOT one of your clients. He was not a big fan of Shin Jitsu or whatever you do is called. He had Kaiser and I handled the finances and never saw your name or any kind of Asian business name. You should be ashamed of yourself, making up lies, like Mark was your client' or he happily praised Glick. It even came out in court that Mark couldn't stand Glick. It is also in the court records that all three of the professional and well respected psychiatrists were dumbfounded at how incompetent Glick was. I tried recorded to scan that part of the report to you,

I am dumbfounded myself how you could just make all this up.
What kind of a person would do that ?

[Sabrina]

Actually it's not true that one "can't get mental health" because they are violent and poor. If they are poor enough they qualify for something; not a whole lot of choices, but....

[meherc]

Marilyn, you are way off base to call me a liar. Everything I said was true. .

I'm sorry to have implied that you lied, however our experiences don't align. This is my last word on the subject.

[meherc]

if your kids are ,21 they have to call and make the apt themselves. That's pretty hard to do if you're a paranoid
schizophrenic. My son was not violent until he had the psychotic break. To 5150 them, they have to actually be in the act of threatening or hurting someone. The low cost clinics mostly had wait lists so I considered that to be pretty hard to get help when you need it if you are poor.

Actually it's not true that one "can't get mental health" because they are violent and poor. If they are poor enough they qualify for something; not a whole lot of choices, but....

[jesswolfe]

Um as someone who has dealt with mental health professionals, you would be surprised how often people fall thru the cracks. Psychiatrists and therapists are people and yes a lot of them have stigma issues with their clients. I am a pretty easy going person but in my time in the mental health system, I have been dumped by psychiatrists who didn't like it when I spoke up about my care or lack thereof. Its been surprising to find out what kind of things psychiatrists have said about me in their notes. I have met a few psychiatrists who are ok when their clients show simple issues but not every psychiatrist is able to handle complex cases. Truthfully I have only met two in my journey that I have a lot of respect for because they were honest with me and truly cared about how I am really doing.

And including violent behavior on top of the usual biases, its hard to get the right care. Yes if you don't have money there is help, but not a lot. The bar for qualifying for medical assistance is very high. While there are a lot of good programs in the county, there isn't a lot of people who qualify for it. And top that with the reality that it takes time to accurately diagnose someone in some cases. So it can take years to get the right diagnosis and treatment.

There is a great video about stigma that was produced with Prop 63 funds. It was shown recently on PBS. Its available online now apparently. Here is the link:

https://www.eachmindmatters.org/great-minds-gallery/view-the-film/

Blessings,
Jessica



Actually it's not true that one "can't get mental health" because they are violent and poor. If they are poor enough they qualify for something; not a whole lot of choices, but....

[jesswolfe]

I can imagine that there are a lot of people who are reading this thread who don’t know what its like to have a family member or friend who has schizophrenia. There are lots of misconceptions out there. I know you have probably heard a lot about mental illness and violence because of the school shooting last year. So here is some information for you to take a look at:

There is a schizophrenia simulation developed by Jansen Pharmaceuticals for doctors. They talked to people with schizophrenia to find out what they actually experienced when they had auditory and visual hallucinations. Its a virtual reality system that is designed to help doctors who have had no hallucinatory experiences of their own to know what their patients experience so they could better treat them. The first part of this video is what a normal person experiences. The second part of what a person with schizophrenia experiences. Very different.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWYwckFrksg
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWYwckFrksg)
I have known a few who have been driven to the brink of suicide by the voices, especially if they are particularly vicious. Because they don’t always know what is real and what isn’t, the paranoia some feel can cause violent outbursts. However, the feelings that trigger the violence are fear, not usually anger. The hallucinations can cause a problem with treatment as well because the onset of hallucinations causes a lot of shame. They don’t want anyone to think they are crazy, delaying the onset of treatment until their life totally blows up. For the most part, the earlier the treatment begins, the better.

The problem, though, is that the medications don’t always work. They might work for one or two symptoms but not all. And in some patients they don’t work at all. On top of that the side effects of antipsychotic medications can be daunting. They can cause significant weight gain, type 2 diabetes, hormone imbalances, sleepiness, a blunting of affect. Therapy can be very helpful in learning how to use better coping skills to deal with the hallucinations, however, its hard to get therapy because the focus is so much on medications. Medications alone aren’t enough.

Blessings,
Jessica

[mamaj]

Barry you wrongly removed my post concerning Houston and his family. This was NOT hearsay info. It came from Marks' girlfriend of 7 yrs. who knows his family very well and she is truly heartbroken and devasted over what happened to the man she loved dearly. His girlfriend and I have been best friends,like family for over 40 yrs. It is obvious Houstons' mother has been acting out inappropiatly and continues to be abusive to Houstons' sister. His sister needs help and should not be living with her mother . She has to lock herself in her bedroom all the time to protect her self,she told Marks' girlfriend this . She really needs help,but there is only so much Marks' girlfriend can handle , this has been a nightmare for her to say the least.:heart::heart:

[Malene Rander Comes]

Frankly, even if what you say is true, and I have no way of knowing it is true, this post is incredibly inappropriate. One thing is asking for help with letter writing to officials etc, but there isn't anything we on a message board can or should do about this. I suspect the whole family is traumatized, and I suspect all of them deals with the trauma differently, and probably not always in the most constructive way. We are after all, just humans.

If you truly care about the family then I suggest you look in to getting them some actual help - community resources, low cost / sliding scale therapy, what ever else they need. If there is something specific an online community like this can do, then sure, let's hear about it. If not, then it is time for the family to works towards as much healing as is possible, and that will not happen like this.

Malene


Barry you wrongly removed my post concerning Houston and his family. This was NOT hearsay info. It came from Marks' girlfriend of 7 yrs. who knows his family very well and she is truly heartbroken and devasted over what happened to the man she loved dearly. His girlfriend and I have been best friends,like family for over 40 yrs. It is obvious Houstons' mother has been acting out inappropiatly and continues to be abusive to Houstons' sister. His sister needs help and should not be living with her mother . She has to lock herself in her bedroom all the time to protect her self,she told Marks' girlfriend this . She really needs help,but there is only so much Marks' girlfriend can handle , this has been a nightmare for her to say the least.:heart::heart:

[rossmen]

you want berry to reply publicly? i appreciate your info, really right for all? you are replying too all. is the grieving ex the right world? you know more than me or most and i appreciate your willingness to share, please do it in a way that doesn't trash those in the same place ...(


Barry you wrongly removed my post concerning Houston and his family. This was NOT hearsay info. It came from Marks' girlfriend of 7 yrs. who knows his family very well and she is truly heartbroken and devasted over what happened to the man she loved dearly. His girlfriend and I have been best friends,like family for over 40 yrs. It is obvious Houstons' mother has been acting out inappropiatly and continues to be abusive to Houstons' sister. His sister needs help and should not be living with her mother . She has to lock herself in her bedroom all the time to protect her self,she told Marks' girlfriend this . She really needs help,but there is only so much Marks' girlfriend can handle , this has been a nightmare for her to say the least.:heart::heart:

[norcalgal]

I Agree with Berrys' actions!

Mamaj, whoever you are, this is not the place for this. This family, including Marks girlfriend, needs support and a safe place to heal in our community. Lashing out publicly is just cruel! If you are in her circle of support, that's wonderful and continue to do so. Marks death and Houstons actions, who is Marilyns son with Mark, has been a horrific blow to this family with rippling effect throughout the entire community. Please be mindfulful and move foreward with compassion in your heart for all.


you want berry to reply publicly? i appreciate your info, really right for all? you are replying too all. is the grieving ex the right world? you know more than me or most and i appreciate your willingness to share, please do it in a way that doesn't trash those in the same place ...(

[meherc]

I couldn't believe it but it actually is true that if the crime (or malpractice in this case) was committed in California and he beats it to Maryland, the case has to abide by Maryland law so, theoretically, he could just move to another state each time he gets a summons. These laws are weird. I just decided it was too hard to remember who I was allowed to talk to or smile at and who I had to run away from so I told all of them that I'm just going to tell the truth, consistently, and if the "wrong" person heard it , so what?