Bird’s eye view: Father, son hike along US-Mexico border

Thursday, August 8, 7 – 9 p.m., Eastsound Fire Station

— from Elly Hoague —

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Do you want to know what’s really happening along the US-Mexico border? On August 8, 2019 Paul Pineda and Aliza Diepenbrock allow us a bird’s eye view into the border crisis from their personal experiences.

For several years now, the Trump administration has blasted out the message that we need a massive wall running the length of our Southern Border to protect us from murderers, rapists, marauders, and other criminals entering our country illegally. Paul Pineda (brother-in-law of Orcas resident, Jan Ehrlichman) and his son Nick wanted to gain a more accurate picture of the borderlands by hiking the full length of the border, talking with people on both sides, and documenting their experiences.

The Pinedas have planned to do this in four legs, the first of which was completed in March 2019. They expect to return for the second leg in late October 2019.

This is a particularly personal story: Paul grew up along the border in El Paso, Texas. All four of his grandparents crossed from Mexico into the United States as children and teenagers some hundred years ago. But this is certainly not a unique story, as so many current citizens and residents have a similar family history. Even today, families risk so much to cross into the United States. Paul hopes that sharing their photos and tales from their trek will serve as a catalyst for others to reflect and discuss these issues, and to encourage other Americans to recommit to the true core values of our country. 

In addition Aliza Diepenbrock will provide us some insight into her seven weeks of volunteer work at Annunciation House, a refuge of hospitality and assistance for migrants located in El Paso, Texas. She is at once an inspiring individual and an insightful narrator.

Our Revolution San Juan County, the Orcas Women’s Coalition, and the Local Immigrant Family Treasury are the sponsors of the evening speakers. Free admission.

PLEASE JOIN US: 7 to 9 p.m., August 8, Orcas Island Fire and Rescue.