TENTH ANNUAL Lifer BBQ Picnic (6/27/2026)--- find YOUR LIFER or ATTORNEY (Buena Park)

 

TENTH ANNUAL Lifer BBQ Picnic (6/27/2026)--- find YOUR LIFER or ATTORNEY (Buena Park)

Fun had by ALL again at the wonderful Buena Park (Anaheim area). Saturday 6/27/2026 was a wonderful early summer-day at the Park, with temperature hovering around 70-75  degrees with a great rolling breeze. "Doc" Miller made a short appearance on 6/27/2025 at the Picnic (caught on picture with Renegade Attorney). "Doc Miller" was the original author (Founder) of the California Lifer Newsletter (CLN).

These Annual Lifer "get together" was started many years ago by Keith Chandler and then moved to "Doc" Miller's backyard, on his BBQ grill. The tradition was moved again and continued the last 10 years by Gary "RED" Eccher and Keith Chandler (aka ECC) at the Park. A big SHOUT OUT to these guys and all the folks that help set up (and tear down) the chairs, tables and the in-coming food! 

 

     

 

1^st photo (Left): Gary "RED" Eccher and Attorney Diane Letarte.  Attorney Letarte (aka Renegade Attorney) has met with released clients for over 20 years at these Annual events. She is one of the longest standing Parole Hearing Defense Attorney - over 25 years - yes one of  the "OG" of the group. 

2^nd Middle photo: Attorney Letarte (aka Renegade Attorney) and the real “OG” who started the get together which eventually became the Annual “bigger get together” party à  Keith Chandler. 

3^rd photo (Right): Attorney Letarte (aka Renegade Attorney) and the infamous John Dannenberg of the (In re Dannenberg – 2007) and Attorney Michael Beckman.

 

                     

Attorney Letarte and x-client David Garnica (ARC)   David Sloane (LSA) and Yolanda (Letarte office)

On or about 2013, I received a call from Hollywood film producer Scott Budnick regarding my “then incarcerated client” youth offender David Garnica. Scott and I talked about his Youth Offender Project now called the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC); a Los Angeles-based non-profit that mentors incarcerated youth, provides reentry services, and advocates for justice reform. David Garnica was one of the first IP Youth to go through his Prison program, within CDCR. David is now a representative at the ARC – giving back by helping other Lifers and enjoying the Annual BBQ Party.

 

                   

    Letarte's x-client In re Vicks (2013), Yolanda           Attorney Letarte & CLN Founder “Doc” Miller

 

More Fun Photos..... with Lifers and their family and friends. 

We also had some SPECIAL GUESTS appearing from the Board of Parole Hearings, including a couple of BPH Commissioners and the head of the BPH FAD (Forensic Assessment Division).

 

Vanessa (LSA), Atty Beckman, FAD       LSA, Attorneys Beckman & Norton           Fun group around the food tables

 

                                      

 Group at tables and BPH Commissioner                              Attorneys Beckman, Norton, Gilbert

  

        

  Fun in the shade at Buena Park                              Fun at grill and food tables]                     “Red” and BPH Commissioner 

 

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THE 3PM LONG STANDING ANNUAL LIFER PHOTO SHOOT

 

  

We hope to see you all next year - Pass the word – Much Fun and plenty of Food every year, with the typical grilled hot dog, BBQ style. We had additional food items ranging from pizza to fried chicken; delivered fresh and hot throughout through the day. The meals were well rounded with veggies, fruits (sweet)! We had great 75ish degree weather with cool breezes in the typical Southern Sunny California day. It appears that over 200 people gathered thorough the day at Buena Park (ANAHEIM) from Noon to 5pm.