The Story from APM

"John" School

Thursday, March 22 2007

JOHN SCHOOL

Norma Hotaling talking about her time on the streets

Norma Hotaling was a prostitute and drug addict for a decade before she turned her life around.  Then, with the help of a cop who had arrested her numerous times, she began what she calls a "John School" - the First Offender Prostitution Program.

Located in San Francisco, the school caters to men arrested soliciting sex for the first time. The men agree to pay $1,000 to attend an intense day-long session.  If they don't re-offend for a year, their records are cleared.

The most effective part of the program is a tough confrontation with a number of former prostitutes, including Norma.

Norma talks to Dick about her past and why her "John School" is so effective that it's being copied around the country.      

Add to story

THREE STRIKES

Marion Downs, competing in a mini-triathalon

Listener Art Mines sent an email to suggest a story. This is what he said: "I think you'll find my colleague and friend who is 93 years of age a living inspiration".

He was right. His friend is Marion Downs and she is full of stories, many of which involve brushes with death.

I used up all my choices of ways to die, so I can do anything I want.
- Marion Downs

The 1935 blizzard

The first story she told Dick happened when she was 21. It was 1935, Northern Montana. There was a blizzard. Her thermometer read 60 below. The gas in the furnace was frozen. Marion found herself outside with her 3 month-old child, crawling on the ground looking for a cabin.

You couldn't see in front of your face... You had to feel your way, and we got there [to the cabin] till the blizzard wore itself out six days later. We survived and survival is the name of the game.
- Marion Downs

• See photos of Marion in action
• Learn more about Marion's "real" job
• Find out about Marion's book "Shut Up and Live!
  

Add to story

Your Story - Richard Watson

Richard Watson

Richard Watson called in to tell us a story from his time serving in Vietnam.  He was a "forward observer" during the war, which meant he was in charge of directing his troops safely from one point to another. One day, he nearly directed his troops right into a bluebird's nest. He still treasures the memory of how he and the troops in the battlefield skirted around the nest.