MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES ON THE LOSS OF AL.  I met him many years ago while a teenager.  Al is having his favorites at a feast, chicken long rice, adobo??  I want to let you know that I will be bringing wine (case) and cheese/crackers.  Is that okay?  My mom, Molly, Al through the Tule Lake pilgrmages we’ve shared an incredible experience with him up in Klamath.  She said she has koden for the Robles Family.  Al told mom that he knew my dad (since passed) from J-town, maybe at the Bothan club or in Buchanan Mall.  Maybe they are listening to jazz up there now, talking story, drinking beer and laughing with Bill Sorro and all the manongs from i Hotel. My husband will be there on Sunday to pay respects…His father, Bob Palapaz has known the Robles family since way back when.  I look forward to meeting you, mahalo, momii palapaz

We have gotten so many notes from Al’s friends and Colleagues that I decided to post them here.

Dear Robles Family,

I am sad about Al passing away. I grew up in S.F. and in the 1970s my eldest sister Emilya Cachapero (who danced with Alleluia in Bagong Diwa) often brought me to hear Al read his poetry when I was a kid. Al was a huge part of why I knew I could be a writer too and he helped me see that that the work of an artist/activist was necessary for the survival of our communities. Today I am a playwright and a teaching artist and I’m grateful that Al influenced my dreams as a child and inspires my work as an adult.

I am looking forward to attending his memorial on Sunday.

I wish your family peace and blessings,

Patty Cachapero