The Story from American Public Media

"John" School

Thursday, March 22 2007 | Send to a friend

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.      

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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!
  

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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.