Tuesday, January 3rd, 2006
- 1:00pm
Mark was released
from county jail today at 9am. He walked 7.5 miles back to the beach, bought a 750 milliliter bottle of Smirnoff vodka
and got hammered. The radio call went out as a man sitting on the side of the road "eating dirt".
Mark was cleared for booking at the
hospital and brought to jail for being drunk in public. I was at the jail and spoke with him. He denies eating dirt
and says, "That's ridiculous".
He was more lucid than
I expected he would be (I suppose spending 99% of the last 3 months in county jail would explain this, but I've spoken to
him after he's spent much more time locked up and it didn't make the least bit of a difference).
I released him from custody and caught
up with him an hour later down on the highway. He was still sober and was sipping from a bottle of "D.P." (Dr. Pepper).
He eagerly offered the bottle to me so that I could check the contents. From a cursory glance and whiff, the bottle
appeared unadulterated.
The reason I say Mark appeared more
lucid than usual was that his ability to respond to specific and varied stimulus, questions, and things going on in the environment
seemed a bit more original. Typically, all of Mark's responses are a series of memorizations that play endlessly like
a recycled record. Sure, this was still happening, but only 25% of the time--The rest of the time, he was relatively
conversational.
Mark also spent a great deal of time
trying to convince me that he was reading his Bible and "The Blue Book" (from AA). He showed me the books and talked
about them with tremendous enthusiasim. Sure, he has done this before, but his conversational aura had a renewed
vigor.
I have long documented Mark's remarkable
endurance and his uncanny ability to stay alive, but his current state puzzles me.
Is it possible that Mark's unique
resilience is enabling him to somehow recover from permament brain damage? Or was this a temporary synaptic
blip that shot across his reality like a burning star?
How could he be improving?
At the moment, I have no explanation
for any of this.
I walked with Mark until we came to
a donut shop. We went inside and ate.
While eating, Mark expressed his gratitude
for the way I've treated him over the years (he actually said, "...the past 5 years", even though it had been 12). He
thanked me for being his friend. I don't know if I can be objective at assessing my treatment of him, but there
are many times when I feel like I'm not doing enough, or only help when it's is convenient for me. I do know it's
been hard.
I find it incredibly sad that a man is reduced to tears just because someone bought
him a donut and spent a little time with him.
I often wonder,
how different would a person's life be if they would just do one little thing? How would they be changed by caring?
How much more satisfying and signficant and "productive" (to reach you capitalitic readers) would their lives be? Then,
how would the recipient of their "little things" be changed? I believe the trickle down effects of such behavior
is immensely powerful.
As human beings,
how much more effective and at peace would WE all be if we just took the time to care--without an expectation of
solution or success?
Sunday, January 22nd, 2006 - 8:45pm
Mark has been seen
numerous times in the past 18 days, but managed to stay out of trouble. To suggest he'd been sober would be a reach.
Mark returned to jail tonight. Once again a
little drunk, but actually arrested for tresspassing. Mark has a bad habit finding refuge from the chilly nights on
other people's property, whether it be their doorstep or their lawn furniture (which runs the risk of being urinated
all over when Mark's in town).
I sympathize with the residents that have to put
up with Mark because he always seems to bother the same people and always hovers within the same geographic, to borrow a classic
MDA phrase, "jurisdiction". So, with the way that Mark smells, I completely understand the reactions many people have
when they find him curled up on their doorstep.
The tresspassing charge is a charge that county jail
will accept, therefore, Mark was transported to county jail. All reports are that he smelled horrid and wasn't
happy to go to county (contrary to what many assume about him seeking out jail for the famed, "3 hots and a cot", not Mark--his
freedom is about the only thing he enjoys).
I also found out that Mark had a seizure
at the county jail and therefore made yet another trip to the E.R., marking it as his 390th hospital visit since 1981.
Again, I don't think there is any harm in mentioning the fact that despite Mark's moments
of clarity, charisma and remarkable physical toughness, he simply cannot take care of himself.
Friday, January 27th, 2006 - 9:00pm
Mark was brought
in for being drunk in public.
Monday, January 30th, 2006 - 12:40pm
Mark was brought
in for being drunk in public. Again. He's starting to hit his stride in 2006, getting picked up 3 times in 8 days
tells me his New Year's Resolution was memory moment now mangled. Mark is starting to dial up the rancid odor as
well, too. He's already clocking in at about 700 Hobo-units on the Allenometer.
Right before Mark was released, he had a seizure.
These days, 30 minutes one way or another makes all the difference whether he has a seizure or walks away unscathed...
Saturday, February
4th, 2006 - 1:05pm
Mark was arrested
for being drunk in public. There were numerous radio calls that of a "man down". Mark was taken to the hospital
again (his 394th visit), treated, brought to jail, and then released. He looked horrible. His feet looked like
swollen sausages which causes him to walk like an 80 year old man.
Thursday, February 9th, 2006 - 9:10am
Mark was arrested
for being drunk in public. He's got a court date coming up, which means he's got just a few more days of freedom before
he "no shows" and gets picked up for the warrant of failing to appear. His awareness of the current date and time is
nil. He could afford to clean up with a county jail stint, which is inevitable.
Saturday, February 11th, 2006 - 4:30pm
I suppose it was
just a matter of time before Mark wandered back into the laundromat and violated the restraining order against him.
Mark's awareness seems to come and go in regards to this restraining order. The last thing Mark wants is to
go to county jail and violating the order is a one way ticket. The fact that he has been arrested over 20
times for violating this order tells me there are times when he doesn't quite get it. In conversation, he has
also illustrated that one moment he knows he shouldn't be in the laundromat and the next moment he swears he's never
been in the place.
Mark was transported to county jail. He'll
go to court on the 14th and then his other 6 appearances for being drunk in public will be handled from county jail or go
to warrant.
Saturday, February 18th, 2006
After serving less
than a week for violating a restraining order, Mark was released from county jail and made back toward Newport. Except
this time things were different. It appeared that Mark took a wrong turn and headed north when he reached Pacific Coast
Highway. Mark usually heads south into Newport. This time he got drunk and arrested in Huntington Beach.
As far as I know, this is only the 2nd time Mark has ever been arrested in Huntington.
Monday, February 20th, 2006 - 6:50pm
Mark made his way
back to Newport after being released in Huntington. He promptly got hammered and arrested. The charge was tresspassing
because he was on someone's private property. Nevertheless, Mark seemed as detatched as I've ever seen him. Mark's
head was swollen, his legs multi-colored, and his attitude was as parched and fried as his skin.
Mark couldn't generate any thoughts in regards
to how or why he ended up in Huntington Beach. All he could do was shrug. I wish I knew if he was confused or
made a purposeful decision to go there. And yet, he had the wherewithall to find his way back to Newport. Either
way, Mark's inability to answer was not good.
Upon Mark's arrival, he delivered an excited,
"Hi Dave!". But that was it. He was a zombie. One of the officers asked Mark if he had as song
for him. Mark's reaction was akin to kick starting an engine or an old juke box. Mark roared to life
with a raucous rendition of "HOT LEGS!" by Rod Stewart...This lasted about 45 seconds. It was over. Mark
seemed like a dehydrated robot as he powered down, slipping back into a depressed funk.
When I asked Mark if he'd ever been arrested in Huntington
Beach, he said, "Never." Then, when I asked him if he was arrested in Huntington Beach 2 days ago, he said, "Yes" and
nodded. I then asked him how many times he thinks he has been arrested in his entire life. He couldn't answer.
Mark shook his head and said, "I don't know." Finally he guessed, "107"? This is a number he has said many times.
It's usually 107, 108, 115 or something close to that. He's been giving this answer for 3 or 4 years now. It's
as if Mark's memory is frozen in time.
We sent Mark to county, where I'm sure he'll be released
and make his way down the frigid river trail and back to Newport.
Saturday, February 25th, 2006 - 12:30pm
Mark apparently only
did a day or two at county because he got picked up for being drunk in public again. This makes Mark's 400th
official E.R. visit.
Tuesday, February 28th, 2006 - 12:28am
Mark was arrested for
violating the restraining order at the laundromat. He smelled and looked awful...I’ve seen this too
many times, but it still doesn't make it easy...Especially when his mental faculties are slipping.
Mark was transported to county jail. He has a number of drunk in
public cases, tickets, and the restraining order...I expect him to do a little time.
Monday, May
1st, 2006 - 8:00am
Mark has been in county jail since February 28th, 2006. Today he was supposed to have a court hearing regarding his
future, enforcement issues and other legal scenarios, but the hearing has been postponed until Monday, May 15th,
2006.
The previous few months have yielded a number of meetings...Informative and once again frustrating...The premiere of the feature-length
“DRUNK IN PUBLIC” film at the 2006 NEWPORT BEACH FILM FESTIVAL was a grand success. Not only have I met with members from the city and the police department, but I've also met with Probation
and Adult Protective Services personnel. Furthermore, I've met a few friends via the screening that have been touched by
the story and are willing and inspired to aid in finding a solution for Mark David Allen...IF THERE IS ONE...
After 12 years of following Mark, it appears that the only situation that would work for him is one that would hold him against
his will. Personally, I don't believe jail is the correct environment for Mark--But I'd be foolish to ignore its life-saving
benefits...Especially for him. Had it not been for the number of times Mark has been arrested, he would've been dead
long ago. I'm also aware that there are many people out there that would be fine with his death.
The perspective that Mark is better off dead, while appealing for some, is truly a limited perspective. Yes, there are
those with a callous disregard for anything that doesn't fit into today's definition of success, but I don't necessarily
think that this point of view is selfish or mean-spirited in all cases. I do know that it is myopic.
I know the perspective is limited because I realize most people want everything in their lives compacted into a nice little
pill that goes down easy. Everything is a 90 second news-bite. The issue is surface glazed, tight and neat, which is the opposite of real life. There are levels, issues, gray areas...Things that don’t sell and test the patience.
If you are willing to look below the surface, you will find the truth. Most people say they want the truth, but really don’t. They
don’t want to be lied to...They want something the middle. The truth hurts
sometimes. The truth also liberates.
I've seen the other side...I'm on the front line and I see the impact Mark has had
and continues to have on people. He's just the person to deliver this kind of message.
Mark may be the ONLY person capable of delivering this message, albeit a message of self-destruction...A message, which
reaps a horrifying existence as its reward...
Despite his inability to tell the truth, Mark’s story doesn’t get any more
real. Life isn't always gift-wrapped in pretty little package. Life can
be ugly. What do we see in it? How does it challenge us to think, feel, narrow our vision? There's
more to this than "You're wasting your time with this drunk loser, who should be dead in the gutter..." which
is something I've been told more times than necessary.
Although I like to treat people how they should be, at their potential, at their best, should've I expected any other response?
I want to see the best in everyone. Despite Mark's obvious shortcomings, if you look a little deeper--there is more. Much more.
I've seen
how Mark affects the dependent, the lost, the addicts...
I've seen
how Mark affects everyday people with struggling loved ones...
I've seen
how Mark affects the common person unaffected by addiction and clueless to the world of brutal day by day existence to just
"get well"...who simply asks, "Why?" or "What might have been?" or any other question that provokes thought...Or God
forbid, feeling...
I've seen
how Mark impacts those in the field, those who've spent a lifetime dealing with every kind of person imaginable and unimaginable. People in a ridiculous state of dire need...These are workers that are often unfortunately,
yet understandably "de-sensitized" to human anguish...The ones that have "seen it all"...Well, I've seen Mark impact even
them...GREATLY...I hear their stories...I read their emails...I'm talking nurses and cops and doctors and firefighters
and social workers and counselors and paramedics...Those that deal with the traumatized every single day...
I've seen
how Mark is like other people. People recognize him in their families--where unheard of tragedy has unfolded—and
been shared with me...People recognize Mark in their friends and co-workers...People recognize him in the mirror.
MAYBE MOST IMPORTANTLY, I’VE SEEN HOW MARK AFFECTS ME.
As hopeless as Mark appears, by telling his story he grows more purposeful everyday...As do I.
It's never a mistake to care for someone. The process of compassion trickles into every aspect of your life. The
act of perseverance toward a goal of helping another human being is never wrong--No matter how successful, or God forbid unsuccessful,
the outcome may seem.
Success is typically defined by society. I know dozens of people who are less effective at impacting the world than
Mark David Allen, yet they are deemed a “success” and he is deemed a “failure”. This project has made me think about the definitions of success.
What is a success?
Are you a success because you have Corian counters in your 3-car garage or a kick ass stock
portfolio or a set of teeth and tits made from materials that will last longer than your marriage?
We cannot forget the process of living, learning and growing. I've heard that God is more concerned about our character,
than our comfort...That certainly applies to this situation...In a world where struggle and tragedy and human suffering take
a backseat to who’s dating who in Hollywood, this concept makes sense, too.
When I started this film, 12 years ago, it was primarily about helping Mark...Over time,
I realized how much I was growing and being helped by being part of the process of trying to help Mark. Now, I see how much the film and the project are helping others and am embracing the perspective that many
great things are happening that are happening simply because I’m trying. The
effort has yielded saved lives. More remarkably, I can only comment on the many
things I’ve witnessed. How many more people has Mark and this project affected
that I will never know about? The picture is bigger than ever...And growing.
The difficulties of Mark's situation are exacerbated by the fact that Mark does improve physically when in custody...Therefore
when Mark has a preliminary evaluation, he often passes because his long term memory is filled with sincere promises
of sobriety and personal rectification. Once a person spends a little time with Mark, they realize, he really hasn't
said anything dramatically new in the past 10 years...
The documentary does show Mark's physical improvement after even the briefest of jail sentences...What cannot be
halted is the degradation of his mental abilities--which continue to de-rail. In fact, mentally, Mark has been
getting worse year after year--regardless of his environment. The Organic Brain Syndrome and the Korsakoff's Syndrome
are irreversible conditions.
Nevertheless, isn't there a more appropriate option than jail available to meet Mark's needs? Even those in probation,
the courts, and many others that are faced with this case, agree that prison is not the best thing for Mark, but few alternatives
seem to exist.
This problem has many angles, it's a fabric. Each issue weaves through another—And everyone seems to have a somewhat
valid argument. There are no enemies. Addiction could be considered the
enemy. Waging war on addiction is a tragic paradox. When addiction is a part of each other, our loved ones and our lives—We’re waging war on ourselves.
At one time or another, everyone has been fooled by Mark's charm and sincerity and ability to draw on old memories
where he says exactly the right thing. He's unique. His case is unique. To say the problem is
frustrating is an understatement.
I don't believe that any one entity is fully at fault. Arguably, I’ve spent 12 years documenting my own failure
at finding real help for Mark. I would probably join the chorus in saying this
if I hadn’t seen the impact on others, as well as myself. I see the big
picture and it’s not just about Mark. It’s about all of us. Simply because we’re looking at this issue, means we’re on the right track. But it’s still not enough.
Everyone involved needs to bring their "A" game and perseverance. If we're all on the same page, it's do-able...But then again, when people grow weary, or get busy, or get
distracted with the beauracratic difficulties--the dialogue starts up, "he's "just a drunk" or "we have more important things
to focus on"...Much of this dialogue has some truth to it. Then again, what happens when the day comes when Mark steps
out in front of a car and causes damage to someone other than himself? Will he still be just a drunk? Will there
be anything more important than that moment? How many lives will be impacted?
What is the cost of a preventable situation? There always seems to be
just enough interference to lull people away from a solution.
Mark simply does not fit into anyone's agenda. He is not on anyone's priority.
There are times when I feel like there is more I could do. I think it’s
healthy to do so because it reminds me that I still care.
Clearly, Mark is a unique case. The fact that his short-term memory is shot should at least point him in a different
direction other that incarceration. Does he even know what he's doing when he violates restraining orders or urinates
and defecates in front of a crowd in broad daylight? It's very clear he doesn't even know the date and time anymore--How
is he supposed to appear in court? Then again, the warrants issued for his arrest
on “fail to appears” actually save his life because he is forced to sober up, eat a decent meal, get consistent
medication for his brain injury related seizures.
I'm eager to see what developments occur in court in 2 weeks. I also have many more people to talk to...Presentations
to make...There is a possibility that I may have a fundraiser if I find out that the roadblocks are simply financial in nature. There also may be an opportunity to put forth some legislation. This is wide open and there is no turning back.
Life is about people and I have to admit, if it were not for Mark, I would not have met
many of the people I now consider friends.
I understand now that if I never find
“the solution” to meeting Mark’s needs—the project, nor I will be considered a failure. I believe I will only be considered a failure if I give up or realize I don’t care anymore.
Monday, May 15th, 2006 - 8:30am
Mark appeared in court today. His days of wandering the beach are over. A number of entities have been searching for
a solution that might meet a list of everyone's needs. Of course, Mark's needs are not at the top of this list...But
he has made some choices over the years that have permanently affected his freedom to choose his destiny--Then again, with
serious brain damage, drawing the line on responsibility gets to be very tricky.
What makes matters even more frustrating is that I do not believe that ANYONE on this list who actually knows a thing
or two about Mark thinks that jail is the answer.
Nevertheless, jail IS going to be the answer right now. Frustration is imminent, especially since I don't think anyone
has it out for Mark...He is simply a victim of circumstance. A victim of the system that has no place for someone
like him...There are many others that slip through the cracks, as well. Mark does not fit into a pretty little box or
convenient solution.
The courts have decided in order to protect the citizens from Mark's presence and harrassing nature, as well as better utilize
the local police, fire and hospital resources, it would serve to have Mark not around...
I can see this point of view--Mark should not be around. Mark should be in a facility that can meet his needs.
If one existed. Mark is not a criminal. I think this point has been stressed enough.
Now, it's time to take a vacation from idealistic planning and unfortunately venture down a path known as reality...
Mark's next court hearing is June 16th, 2006. At this time Mark will be placed in rehabilitation/treatment facility.
This will be a voluntary facility (as all rehabilitation-type facilities are). If Mark leaves the facility before completion
of the program it will be a probation violation and a jail sentence will decided by the courts will be implemented.
Once Mark finishes this jail sentence (which I know he will have to do because HE WILL leave that program--if he knows he
can), then he will be free. But there are now new terms of his probation. No alcohol is one of them. If
Mark is caught with alcohol, it will be another probation violation.
In addition to the restraining order at the laundromat, Mark will have a court order preventing him from going within ONE
MILE of 27th street in Newport Beach. This essentially bars Mark from going anywhere near his typical wandering grounds.
No visits to the triangle lot, no visits to the pier, no Seashore drive...Essentially, no Newport. If he crosses these
boundaries--A probation violation = Jail time.
The goal is to keep Mark away from those that have been bothered by him. Mark will either go elsewhere (doubtful because
this is all he knows...or he may not understand the circumstances), or he will be spending a lot more time in jail...
The term "warehousing" is an ugly one, but I think everyone agrees that is what is going on here. Legally, there are
no other alternatives.
Initially, it was thought that Mark would get state prison time for numerous probation violations (which is quite common).
This is an alarming notion, considering drunk in public is hardly a crime. Nevertheless, this concept dissolved in reality
because the offense an individual is on probation for must be felony, in order for state prison to be a consideration.
Prison time is the last thing Mark needs, unless, ironically, it's the only place he could find some sort of alternative treatment.
Such a muddled web inefficiency all of this is turning out to be even though people want to help, which I think is true.
But humanity gets in the way of humanity, because I just think energies evaporate that much quicker when those that need the
most help, seem unable or refuse to even help themselves. I see and understand why it breeds a touch of contempt.
Why wouldn't it? Wasted effort always makes people respond in this manner. It's a matter of perspective and process.
Tuesday, May 16th, 2006 - 8:30am
Today, I was invited to speak at a
multi-disciplinary meeting that consisted of a multiple agencies regarding the frustation of dealing with "difficult" cases...There
were about 40 professionals from various fields. Numerous social service agencies, Adult Protective Services,
county & city caseworkers, probate, medical experts and a handful of other entities I've never even heard of.
It was a fantastic opportunity and I wondered what it was that I could provide them, being as my formal training in these
areas is very limited. Apparently, my film, is a pefect case study showing this frustration. Additionally,
I am an expert in frustration and slamming into obstacles. No arguments here.
The meeting was affirming, educational
and very sobering...
I was officially informed that there
is NO place for Mark David Allen in his current state of health. Officially, unless a person exhibits signs of brain
damage AND dementia, they are ineligible for resouces.
The problem, once again, is that when
Mark is cleaned up and sober (after a jail stint), his long term memory spoils it for him. Unless he starts really acting
out, he is not going to raise any flags that will signal he needs help. The 400+ arrests appear to be a non-issue, as
are the 400+ E.R. visits. Absurd.
Shocking
as it is, the reality is that the system that prosecutes and evaluates Mark David Allen, has declared "he is not bad
enough yet".
To wrap up this chapter,
I must state that I do not believe Mark is capable of understanding the terms of his court orders, restraining orders and
treatment center agreements. Even a neurological exam--If ever ordered by the courts--Would not help the situation.
Official proof of Mark's condition would not alter the course of Mark's existence because his behavior is still considered
"acceptable". A facility does not exist for those with this "middle-ground" behavior, it's a classic "CATCH-22".
On top of all this, those involved in these process have verbalized
"we know he's messed up" and that the only alternatives are to "warehouse him". It is only possible to utter such comments
and not sound horribly callous because the reality is that those involved have realized there is no place for Mark David Allen.
But it's not over. I'm not done.
The members of this multi-disciniplary meeting were touched by my project--thankfully, most people cannot walk away from the
film unchanged... These are professionals who've spent decades in social service. I pretty much expected them
to be sensitized to these types of issues. I was wrong. The emotional impact was phenomenal. In the end,
this shines a positive light on those in law enforcement and social service--Because they are still capable of feeling.
It's not too late for them, either.
The people in the meeting starting using the phrase, "firestarter" in a sincere manner as they referred
to me and the film... They suggested I pursue legislation and change the system. What started out as a project
about a man whom no one cares about is now possibly the ignition button on changing the system? Unimaginable.
Additionally, numerous
treatment centers have viewed the film...Word is getting out...The response is exhilarating. Audiences are stunned.
Program directors are calling me. Everyone wants to see it...
And feel it.
At this time, my efforts to
get Mark David Allen the help he needs can be labeled a failure. This is an argument I cannot win....But I've succeeded
in opening the eyes of the world...And the hearts of the blind. Asking questions. The lives changed, enlighted,
and saved are too numerous to count...
Furthermore, this is only half of the
story. The other half of the story really has nothing to do with addiction. This may be the point of the
whole project...Because what has unfolded is a bigger story than just addiction... The story is about the process and
the adjustments of our meager perspectives.
The things people tell me about how
this film affected them, brings me to tears, and has forever changed me...The friends I've made and the people I've touched...Who
do I thank? Mark David Allen?
This project is a legend of personal
wreckage and perseverence...It is a transformation of the expectations and the definitions we have of success and failure...
...A practice in compassion where
it seems futile, and least warranted... Wasted.
It is evidence that our human understanding
of purposefulness is not yet fully actualized. How do you explain Mark's purpose when he appears to be a shell of a
human? You can't. Only God works like this. Romans 8:28 talks about God using our failure as His success.
Okay. I suppose it's time we all accept this. Why can't we? Why do we fight it? Why can't we see that our
narrow vision limits everyone?
People tell me their perspectives on
transients and law enforcement have improved because of the time I've spent with a man who no one no longer cares
about.
This film reminds us that life is a
process, a journey...And that the ends never will justify the means.
Finally, this film is evidence that it
is never a mistake to care. The process of caring is worth it. Even if the conclusion is not in line with our
goals and the is never met...
Mark David Allen has not quit...And neither
have I. I don't believe I have the right to say that any of this is over.
Tuesday, June 27th, 2006
45 years ago today, Mark David Allen
was born. He spent another birthday behind bars...But as Richard Lovelace once said, "Stone wall, nor iron bars do not
a prison make."
Mark David Allen has been awaiting
placement in a treatment program since his May 15th sentence of 114 days (76 days actual time). Part of his sentence
included a good faith attempt by probation to try to find a treatment program that would house Mark. These treatment
programs are voluntary and it was explained to Mark that if he chose to leave, it would be considered a violation of his probation.
Of course, everyone involved understands
that Mark has brain damage and a seizure disorder, therefore this is not an easy task for probation...Or anyone for that matter.
It's extremely time consuming and de-energizing to pursue this course of action. I applaud the courts for the attempt,
even though I also disagree with the attempt without an official neurological evaluation. To penalize Mark for
not following through, when his ability to follow through is, to a degree, in question.
We need to answer the question. Can he
or can he not follow through? If not, a different course of action must be pursued. This will benefit everyone.
But it is not realistic.
Apparently, I am not alone in my opinion on this because
not a single treatment center could be found that would take him. Those programs that were somewhat interested,
but understandably wanted a neurolgical evaluation to determine his rehabilitative prognosis. Rightly so, I feel.
Either way, the period of time has eclipsed and Mark
is to be released on July 4th with very strict probation guidelines. The terms of his formal probation prohibit him
from entering certain areas in the city, possessing alcohol, or being intoxicated. This is a tall order for Mark, whose
ancient routine of wandering into town and drowning himself in vodka has only been interrupted by forced stays in jail (stays
that no doubt have saved and extended Mark's troubled existence).
Mark apparently agreed to the new terms of his probation in
court, fully sober, having spent the last 2 and a half months in county jail. He verbally agreeed with the judge,
who admonished him of the penalty of violating the probation (up to 9 months in county jail). Mark also signed on the
terms and conditions sheet, claiming to understand everything.
Probation, the police department, the courts and
the residents of our city are hoping the stiff terms and penalties will somehow snap Mark out of his destructive
cycle. This would ideal, but I predict otherwise. I understand that Mark is an agreeable person and
would appear to understand these terms, but I see him being incapable of making alterations to his behavior.
Only time will tell.
Other interesting questions arise; upon his release
from county jail and magnetic approach to the coast--Will he instead turn north and head into Huntington Beach? "SURF
CITY" would seem a very natural fit for him with his legendary surfing background...Or will he head south to Laguna
Beach where there are many more available services to the homeless?
I see Mark doing neither. It would
be silly to think he will change. Why would he? I think he will simply offend the terms and be violated.
I think this will happen over and over until things in the circumstance and things in the system change.
Like a Great White shark, Mark will endure the
test of time, remaining predictable and unadulterated by the system's attempt to make him clean. Mark will outlast everything
in his radius. Judges, probation officers, doctors, counselors, cops, medics, nurses and jailers will all end their
careers before Mark ends his.
This is not to say that change is impossible, or
that I don't have hope. I just don't believe there are the proper agents in place to enact the expected change.
I pray. I have hope. That will never change either. Once again, all of our efforts must match Mark's
endurance. Anything less equals failure.
What this really means is that Mark
will live out the rest of his days in county jail..."Warehoused" as they say...With brief excursions to the lands
end--for a quick hit of a the salty breeze upon his sun-starved face...And if he's out long enough a guzzle of poison to re-awaken
his death march.
The jail time will simultaneously continue to keep
Mark alive and kill him as well.
Tuesday, July 4th, 2006 - 11:30am
From what I've heard, probation was
unable to find any treatment center that would accept Mark David Allen by today's deadline. Therefore Mark was released
from county jail at 1:30 in the morning today.
Mark was arrested 10 hours later
in Newport Beach within the forbidden boundary of his probation terms. Mark was sober. He was also, as predicted,
completely clueless of his terms of probation.
When he arrived at the jail, Mark instantly
recognized me with a robust, "There's my friend, David Sperling, over there." Certainly it was nice to hear Mark's voice
and check in with him. It was also nice to see him not totally destroyed, like the last time I had seen him. Additionally
this was an important opportunity to get a read on Mark's state of mind. After all, he'd been in jail, which means
meals, no alcohol and shelter...He even gets his medication there.
Since Mark remembered me, this indicated that his long
term memory seemed to be okay. He had also lost a little weight and didn't seem as bloated. His teeth did appear
to be a little less...present--I suppose, would be the way to describe it. Mark now had a more pronounced lisp.
Still, his body movements appeared stiff and his shuffling ways were still with him.
The last time I had seen Mark, he was a shell
of himself, virtually unable to communicate. After his 4+ months of drying out in jail, Mark spoke with vitality.
Still, there was no new information, no new sayings or slogans. He repeated all of the old "illogical jurisdiction"
mantras. It was nice, but kind of sad, as if he was stuck in time...Like the Great White shark...I suppose.
|
| Mark was arrested the same day he was released... |
Most importantly, when I asked Mark about his probation,
he looked at me blankly and just said, "No." I then asked him if he knew how long he'd recently spent up at county
jail. Mark responded, "I have no idea...Anyway, David, you look very very sophisticated in my illogical correspondance,
sir." I asked Mark about the probation, the boundaries, the court, his time in jail...Each time I got a blank look...As
if he knew he was supposed to know, but the information just wasn't available.
What makes this more alarming is that this is the
best condition Mark has been in for 5 years. He's had time to think about this, he's had paperwork and constant reminders,
he's been assigned a probation officer...Nothing is sticking with him, new memories are just not at his disposal.
So this appears to be the course for Mark David Allen.
Get out, cross the line, go back. One of the key problems I have with this "Groundhog Day" approach, is that resources
and money are still being wasted on Mark. It cost roughly $25,000 to keep someone without medical issues in custody...More
for Mark. It becomes even more inefficient because Mark is now taking up a bed space in county jail that could be used
for an inmate that really belongs in jail.
Why can't we take this money, this $25,000 and all of these resources and put them to use in a facility
that would more appropriately address the needs of Mark and others like him?
Because facilities like this are a fantasy--They
do not exist. There is no "other" place. Why? I'm not quite sure. But I'm looking into it.
I'm also looking into using Mark's story to ignite a path toward legislation that may create such a place for Mark and those
like him, those that cannot be quantified and constantly slip through the cracks.
Mark was transported back to county jail and is currently
awaiting sentencing for violating his probation.
Thursday August 3rd, 2006 - 5:50pm
I put in a few calls in order find
out the results of Mark's court hearing and the length of his sentence regarding his probation violation.
Mark was sentenced to 60 days, concurrent sentence,
credit for time served, blah, blah, blah--mish-mash, mish-mash...His release date is supposed to be August 12th.
I expect Mark to be arrested shortly after his
release...On August 12th.
Saturday August 12th, 2006 - 7:30pm
Mark was released at 1:00am today.
He was arrested at 7:30pm
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