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Many of you have expressed concern and outrage about the recent sentencing of Asheville GO member Stuart Peterson and are wondering what can be done to support Stuart or influence the court's decision on this and future cases.

Our partners at the Buncombe County Gang Violence Prevention Project/ "Changing Together" are hosting a "facilitated conversation" about the difficult issues facing our court-involved community members. The forum will take place this Friday, December 11, from 3-5 in the Community Room at the YWCA on South French Broad.  Buncombe County court officials will be present to discuss the sentencing and answer questions. Representatives from the Police Department and the Mayor's office have been invited as well.

In addition, we are inviting people to offer their support to Stuart and his family during this holiday season. Ideas for what to bring could include:

- Letters, books or articles for Stuart
- Diapers and/or children's toys (for kids ages 3 months to 2 years)
- Financial contributions. We are creating a fund specifically to help Stuart's family during this difficult transition. Donations can be made c/o Green Opportunities, Inc.

We look forward to seeing many of you there.

Thanks for your support,
Dan

For more information about Stuart's case, please read this Mountain Xpress article, which examines the fairness of the court's decision juxtaposed by the other, high profile decision, made by the same judge on the same day to give the Asheville firefighter who shot the bicyclist in the head 120 days.