9/11 prompts man's career in art

Steve Peterson The Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack on America served as a catalyst for many changes in this country. Today, the United States may seem a little less free, but the event prompted a new lease on life for one man.

Steve Peterson, who raised his family in the Agoura/Oak Park area from 1968 until 1992, worked in construction for decades and was instrumental in building Whizin's Center.

After 9/11, he turned his passion for poetry, song and writing into a permanent career.

The poet, singer, songwriter, author and actor will perform songs from his CD, "I Just Wanna Be in Love," and will also sign his book "Healer" at Borders in Thousand Oaks on Fri., April 28, from 8 to 10 p.m.

On Sept. 11, 2001, Peterson said, he and his father were in Mexico.

"When we crossed the Mexican border as we returned, the (airplane) passengers began singing the song 'America the Beautiful,'" Peterson said. "It was an amazing moment.

"As soon as I got home I turned on the news and saw the World Trade Center go down and the families on the streets of New York looking for their loved ones. Life never seemed more precious to me."

Although Peterson was already writing poetry before 9/11, after he returned from Mexico he felt compelled to make dramatic changes in his life. He quit his job, got a divorce and transformed some of his poetry into songs, including "These Colors Don't Run," which was played on radio stations throughout the U.S. as American troops moved into Iraq.

"Healer" is a suspense novel, Peterson said. The story is about a man named "Healer," a direct descendant of Judas whose family has passed down instructions from Jesus to Judas through generations. "Healer" is the family member who finally carries out these instructions after 2,000 years.

"The story and the characters came to me in a series of dreams over a three-week period of time back in the late 1990s," Peterson said.

In addition to writing novels, poetry and songs, Peterson plays a 12-string acoustic guitar that was created by singer/ songwriter Stephen Stills and given to Peterson on Sept. 11, 2002.

Peterson lived in Oak Park for 20 years. At the time, it was just another section of Agoura. He discussed the area's history, including Coffin Corners, the local liquor store in Agoura. He said he lived with Ray Button, the blacksmith, next door to actor Buddy Ebsen in Old Agoura.

Eventually, Peterson married and raised his four children in a home near Agoura High School.

"I have a strong belief in the process of peace and feel that if enough of us participate in the process it will be achieved in my children's lifetime," Peterson said.