Rhonda Erwin comment-62264 2012-01-17T05:14:31Z 2012-01-17T05:14:31Z Barbara you and another mother with a heart as big as yours, whose son was also murdered in the City of Sacramento, reached out to me today. When I think about how your sons were taken from you my heart breaks. Underneath your comment I posted the letter you sent me years ago. I never forgot it. We both heard gunshots... My pain is nothing compared to what you and your family had to endure. Thank you for your love. You prayed for me; I prayed for you- our prayers together; God will change things for the community divided into victims and suspects. I know my prayers will be answered, it will all go according to Gods plan not mine. And all things done through Christ will Last. Thank you for having the heart to read this after having so much pain. And thank you for responding in the Spirit of Love- God is Love. Rhonda Erwin 2012-01-17T05:14:31Z Rhonda Erwin comment-62263 2012-01-14T07:46:56Z 2012-01-14T07:46:56Z When I was pregnant 20+ years ago I made sure I took my prenatal vitamins so my babies would be born healthy, and they were. When we ran errands around town, I always kept them buckled up in thier car seats to keep them safe, and they were. I made my husband sell his hunting rifles because I worried about having guns in the house, wanting to keep my sons safe, and they were. We even moved to a house on a dead-end street, so safe, and they were. When my sons were teenagers I wouldn't let them get thier license until they were 18, knowing those 2 extra years would give them added driving experience, to keep them safe, and they were. I tried to talk my oldest son out of becoming a marine, I didn't want him to die in a foreign county. My prayers were answered when he come home from Afghanistan safe and sound. My three sons were safe. 181 days ago, (on January 3, 2006) my youngest son James died in his oldest brother's arms of a single gunshot inside our front door, during a home invasion robbery. He was only 18 years old. Why did this happen? I have no solution, I only grieve daily and hug other moms whose sons and daughters have been murdered Barbara Ramirez Rhonda Erwin 2012-01-14T07:46:56Z barbararamirez comment-62261 2012-01-14T06:01:25Z 2012-01-14T06:01:25Z My prayers are with you and your family, don't give up and stay strong as you have these last 6 years for me and for many other mothers in pain. It took 6 years but my prayers were finally answered, yours will be too. barbararamirez 2012-01-14T06:01:25Z Rhonda Erwin comment-62258 2012-01-14T02:41:53Z 2012-01-14T02:41:53Z Thank you so very much for the kind and thoughtful comment. I also give thanks to Sac Press for giving us a voice. I give thanks to the readers of Sac Press, some may not agree but none have ever caused me more pain by attacking me on this subject. That kindness has also not gone unnoticed. I appreciate everyone on this site and those away from the site which have embraced, a mother in pain. Thank you all very much Rhonda Erwin 2012-01-14T02:41:53Z Lee Middleton comment-62254 2012-01-14T00:49:17Z 2012-01-14T00:49:17Z Others may see you as a "low-income" mother. I see you as a mother who has tremendous value. I am sorry for your pain. Lee Middleton 2012-01-14T00:49:17Z Rhonda Erwin comment-62197 2012-01-13T05:44:30Z 2012-01-13T05:44:30Z The son I fought so hard to keep alive on the streets of Sacramento nearly died this past week in a California prison - I'm finished playing with people. I respect Dr King. I admire Dr King. I value all the leaders of the Civil Rights Past. But I have to deal with today - the here and now. Give a man a fish he can eat for a day; Teach him how to fish he can eat for a lifetime. I'm skipping the middle man- Dr King- I'm going to the man Dr King went to-- Jesus- the one who will look at us and not be blinded by money, grants, political advancements, endorsements. I will pay homage to Jesus when I march on January 16th. My pain is real. I will not be singing songs of the civil rights past. I will sing the following song, for answers to our loss of life and loss of freedom struggles- the entire route -- praying for solutions on what I can do to help our youth. Afterall All Things Done Through Christ Will Last! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzBwVGeaFFo&feature=related Rhonda Erwin 2012-01-13T05:44:30Z ValleyHighRepN comment-59658 2011-11-04T05:16:25Z 2011-11-04T05:16:25Z I also would like to express gratitude for this article.. I met Jack at Herman Leimbach Elemtary school. We were in second grade. We won the Science Fair together in sixth grade lol.. I will always remember Him as such a wonderful spirit. The last time I saw Jack was December of '05. I shared with Him that I was leaving to Texas to go to school. The VERY last thing my Friend said to me is that one day he was gonna be as smart as me. To know that someone took his life was heart-breaking to say the least. As I cried, I whispered to Jack that He was smarter than me, and my Mother helped with my part of the Science Fair project lol. At the moment I felt the greatest sense of peace, and comfort. I knew that He was laughing with/at me! ValleyHighRepN 2011-11-04T05:16:25Z Rhonda Erwin comment-59501 2011-11-02T16:08:21Z 2011-11-02T16:08:21Z Thank you so very much, You are soooo kind. fifthgensacramentan I am not an army of one. I have met sooo many people on this journey who are a piece of the puzzle each doing wonders in their own right. I am but one puzzle piece just trying to keep up and perhaps outspoken. lol. I salute you! And thank you Rhonda Erwin 2011-11-02T16:08:21Z fifthgensacramentan comment-59487 2011-11-02T06:51:28Z 2011-11-02T06:51:28Z Words do have the ability to move personal opion and public policy...Hopefully yours days as "An Army of One" fighting for your neighborhood, your community and your city and especially the youth of those enclaves....are a'changin for the better. Rhonda, I salute you! fifthgensacramentan 2011-11-02T06:51:28Z Rhonda Erwin comment-59448 2011-11-02T02:06:10Z 2011-11-02T02:06:10Z Ms Thompson, thank you for your comment. I will be honest the post tramatic stress from that incident as well as one far more distubing haunts me often. But it is that threat, pain that made me realize I have to mobilize in my own efforts. One thing about pain within it there is a blessing, it can trigger you to acknowledge something is terrible wrong and seek a cure before something worse happens . Without it I may not have learned the love I often see from strangers, I may not have learned to love unconditionally, I may not have learned people do care.... So from that experience and others I have been blessed. Yes, loving community members and parents together can make a change. Blessings and thank you. My son was then and is now in the loving hands of our creator and held until the day his mother can bring him home and again hold him. We will be fine, all in due time. Rhonda Erwin 2011-11-02T02:06:10Z Andrea Thompson comment-59441 2011-11-01T23:36:54Z 2011-11-01T23:36:54Z Ms. Erwin, thank you so much for sharing your story. Nobody should have to go through what your son did, nor what you went through when you heard he may have been killed. I can only imagine the horror you felt the whole time you tried to find him. Your story is powerful and meaningful, and I hope many people read it to understand the truth and the humanity behind rumors and headlines about teen violence. Loving parents and community members such as yourself are who will affect change. Thank you. Andrea Thompson 2011-11-01T23:36:54Z Rhonda Erwin comment-59388 2011-11-01T14:27:20Z 2011-11-01T14:27:20Z Thank you so very much Casey, and as always, I truly appreciate your comment and the love you extend. You are a doll (and I don't mean a chuckie doll- lol- but a sweet one. Your comment is truly appreciated. Thanks for giving me a place to share, vent and have a voice for many of us. Rhonda Erwin 2011-11-01T14:27:20Z Casey Kirk comment-59381 2011-11-01T07:18:14Z 2011-11-01T07:18:14Z Wow, this was a very powerful read Rhonda. Thanks, as always, for sharing your experience with us! Casey Kirk 2011-11-01T07:18:14Z Rhonda Erwin comment-59378 2011-11-01T05:27:10Z 2011-11-01T05:27:10Z To the three- or perhaps more to come lol- who voted the article down it would be nice if you commented. I am interested in how you perceived it and interested in why you disagree with it. I've addressed youth violence a long time trust me I can accept criticism lol Perhaps we can build upon the criticism and build a constructive bridge of dialog towards addressing youth violence. Rhonda Erwin 2011-11-01T05:27:10Z Rhonda Erwin comment-59377 2011-11-01T05:20:17Z 2011-11-01T05:20:17Z Ms Corker, thank you very much for your comment. I truly appreciate the love you have extended. When I attended the forum today I felt it was important to point out I am just a mother. Everyone in attendance spoke of their organization, school, non profit, city position. But we, those affected/ exposed to the violence, want to be a part of the solution as well. In the words of Dr King, 'We are all woven from the same garment what affects one of us directly; affects all of us indirectly" I want to thank you for reading my article and seeing more than a sometimes outspoken person:) but thank you for seeing and reaching out to a mother in pain. It means a great deal to me. Rhonda Erwin 2011-11-01T05:20:17Z Melissa Corker comment-59373 2011-11-01T04:37:13Z 2011-11-01T04:37:13Z Mrs. Erwin, until now I did not realize the depths from which your activism springs. As the mother of a 16 year old son, my heart goes out to you for what you have experienced. Is it too much for a mother to hope for that her children should walk from home to school and back again, safe and sound and without threat of violence? I don't think so – and clearly neither do you. Kudos to you for continuing to do what you feel is the right thing to do: advocate for your children... and for the children of other mothers. Melissa Corker 2011-11-01T04:37:13Z Rhonda Erwin comment-59372 2011-11-01T04:21:41Z 2011-11-01T04:21:41Z I want to add alot has changed since 2005 including an officers response where we are now more often than not working together. We have not been on a treadmill. We have come to the realization that it takes a Village to raise, protect, nurture and develop the well being of a child. We have a long way to go but we are headed in the right direction. God bless one and all. Thank you Rhonda Erwin 2011-11-01T04:21:41Z Rhonda Erwin comment-57413 2011-09-17T02:27:19Z 2011-09-17T02:27:19Z Thank you 5th gen. I really appreciate you and your comment. You are welcome and thank you! Much respect. Rhonda Erwin 2011-09-17T02:27:19Z Rhonda Erwin comment-57362 2011-09-16T17:34:23Z 2011-09-16T17:34:23Z yes, johnson's approach was a surprise to me too but it is what it is and a decision he will have to live with, sleep with and be buried with. But I want him to know he is not fooling many of us and if he won't keep it real then i will. Closed mouths don't get fed; out of sight is out of mind and when the cat is away the mice will play As far as an alternative to Johnson heck if i know, but surely their is someone out there. Johnson is in office due to fame and money cuz to be honest he had baggage running in his first election. Yes he parades the kids around him now but i remember during the first campaign he did not even show up, when the allegations occured with the underage women, to the mayoral candidate forum given by sacact at a high school (youth presentaion). I remember cuz people were asking why he wasn't there and i stuck up for him stating why should he if he look at one of these overly developed girls sideways it may be falsely stated that he is looking at an underage girl. (I don't forget anytihing pertaining to Johnson....) But heck he got in office with that and other allegations so my hope is maybe their is another celebrity with money in sacramento but unlike Johnson they have no baggage and possess a conscious for doing what is right...since it appears some voters appear to like celebrities- regardless of whether they are ethical or possess integrity. As, always thank you for your response it is also very much appreciated. Rhonda Erwin 2011-09-16T17:34:23Z fifthgensacramentan comment-57361 2011-09-16T17:30:21Z 2011-09-16T17:30:21Z All I will add to Susie's comments are....that's a grand slam letter. Thanks Rhonda...5th Gen. fifthgensacramentan 2011-09-16T17:30:21Z Rhonda Erwin comment-57359 2011-09-16T17:21:46Z 2011-09-16T17:21:46Z Thank you Susie. As always, your comment is very much appreciated. I can feel / hear your heart as well. Rhonda Erwin 2011-09-16T17:21:46Z cogmeyer comment-57355 2011-09-16T16:36:37Z 2011-09-16T16:36:37Z Good letter Rhonda, and I agree with you at least regarding Johnson's suprisingly soft approach to crime and youth violence in our city. But I gotta ask, who is your preferred alternative for Mayor? cogmeyer 2011-09-16T16:36:37Z Susie Shields comment-57350 2011-09-16T16:18:15Z 2011-09-16T16:18:15Z Thanks, Rhonda. I can tell you wrote from your heart. I heard you. Susie Shields 2011-09-16T16:18:15Z qdinile comment-51694 2011-06-04T20:03:53Z 2011-06-04T20:03:53Z how do i find out who is following me and why? I am recently disabled and they even following me down to my moms hospice room 3 hours away! its been happening for about a month qdinile 2011-06-04T20:03:53Z Rhonda Erwin comment-50923 2011-05-21T07:04:59Z 2011-05-21T07:04:59Z You credit the decrease in violence from the 90's to law enforcement. And that's okay. But their are many contributing factors including a community seeing so many die and so many who will die in prison. I know many people who have spent years in prison or lost a love one working very hard not to lose their child. The up and down crime wave has existed for years, every other decade...suffering reduced much of the crime not suppression. But that's my opinion and you are certainly entitled to yours and I respect it. Yes, kids lived in neighborhoods that were so violence. They walked to school, played, and walked home often without backup, without a bullet proof vest, many without guns... I'll share a story. When my son was shot at in my front yard. I called officers, over and over. Eventually they responded. When the armed youth came back days later I called, called, called.... and eventually when the coast was cleared they responded. When an unarmed teen took a bike from another teen right across the street their were at least 6 units responding. (I still have the pictures) I could fill this section with many stories of response and some unpleasant experiences when response arrived. But I am not intending to criticize officers. I respect the work many do. I realize the city doesn't want to provide survivor benefits heck they can't afford it. Perhaps if they had to pay survivor benefits to families losing their child they would look at ways of protecting them. Perhaps at another time I will discuss the many multi-jurdictional tasks forces created to assist with crime. The Safety of this city is not as much at risk as it is suggested with the cuts. I am not saying law enforcement is not important. It is one component. And honestly, they won't get the cuts. This happens every year. And every year an elected official will pull a rabbit out a hat to keep the funding stream going. For goodness sake, plea deals are now 25yrs to life in prison many youth are facing 54+ years to Life. I don't want to have a debate. You are entitled to your opinion. It is sad the number of assaults on officers have gone up. The number of assaults on community members by community members have as well. It's just much of it doesn't get reported due to how some---not all-- respond when called. I credit the fact many are dumb and think they can kill someone just like themselves and it won't be valued. After all they don't see many valuing their life. But they are smart enough to know if they harm an officer they will receive the death penalty. And to be honest an officer is safer on the streets of Sacramento than many teens/ youth. In 2005 former Police Chief Najera stated a Black youth between the ages of 16-25 has a 50% chance to die in this city. Rhonda Erwin 2011-05-21T07:04:59Z Rhonda Erwin comment-50924 2011-05-21T06:49:15Z 2011-05-21T06:49:15Z And finally: The youth programs, parks, community centers and other amenities are important and actually they do neighborhoods lots of good and will continue to do so even if the law department budget is cut. I truly commend you for putting your blood, sweat and tears into protecting the city. I know lots of folks from all walks of life with efforts to also protect the city, who labor some get paid and some don't. I know lots of folks who have missed birthdays, Christmas, games.... because of the violence, some are dead and some are the walking dead, and some are families suffering. An officer can change a career but many families will only move from one neighborhood with violence to another. I recall a mother crying to me, :"I moved so my son could live" and two weeks later he was shot and killed in her new neighborhood. I remember telling her "it's everywhere we can afford to live." I feel bad officers have to miss holidays with their families. I feel bad families are having holidays without their loved one also. In the words of Dr King, ".... what affects one of us directly affects all of us indirectly" The city will not lose jobs or businesses because they don't feel safe. The city will protect them from the youth. The city just won’t protect the youth. I see it at the lightrail and I seen it with the response to Second Saturday's. Lots was said at the meeting the other night and not all of it was accurate. I understand you too feel strongly about this subject and I respect you for it. I am not intending to minimize the job that many have taken on as a career. I am maximizing the fact that many elected officials in order to remain in office or advance a career are not looking at reducing crime they are looking at their career and many were looking at their job being threatened. I understand that I have friends who have lost their jobs at Arco arena and other businesses. People should stand up for something they believe in. They should support their friends who may lose their jobs. I respect that. Just call a spade a spade. Heck, I stand up and support my community divided into victims and suspects. I respect you for supporting yours. I don't respect the pretense that Protect Sacramento was looking at reducing crime when actually it was about protecting jobs for a department. Many are losing jobs. It is the sign of the times. The chickens has come home to roost. Again, thank you for your comment. We may not agree but I respect you for posting it. Rhonda Erwin 2011-05-21T06:49:15Z Rhonda Erwin comment-50922 2011-05-21T06:22:06Z 2011-05-21T06:22:06Z ProudMom: Thank you very much for your comment. I appreciate the passion you brought. Yes, the police gave a not-so-transparent presentation and at a later time perhaps I'll discuss it. I wish no one would lose their jobs. But that is not realistic considering the mess many politicians in efforts to advance careers have created. Many city employees, county, state who are not in law enforcement are under the same duress with not being able to pay their mortgage, car loans, bills.. who have worked very hard to provide services as well. I do not make light of the efforts of many in law enforcement. My father recently retired from 30years as a Special Agent DOJ Supervisor. He worked hard, long hours and put many away. Prior to that he worked at the DA office. My sister is going on 30 years with the Sheriffs Dept. I have an uncle who retired Sgt with SPD, and cousins, in laws...who retired and / or still employed with CDC. I worked at the Sheriffs Dept and the County Jail. Respect many I worked with. I went to a Xmas party at a Deputy house had a wonderful time with the bond created. I know the bond many have for their fellow officers. I have a great deal of respect for many officers/ deputies. And their are some I do not respect. But that is with any occupation their are good and their are bad. But in no way did I suggest "everyone in law enforcement or everyone who participated in the campaign were scheisters who are only interested in money. " I will not bite my tongue, I am suggesting your union is. Rhonda Erwin 2011-05-21T06:22:06Z ProudMom comment-50917 2011-05-21T00:41:15Z 2011-05-21T00:41:15Z You are correct. The Chief gave a not so transparent presentation. The presentation was that there isn't enough money to continue to provide the current level of service if they take another 12 + million dollars out of the budget. The police department has not been spared cuts in the last several years. Officers and other department employees took pay freezes, pay cuts and furloughs In fact, if this money is taken out of the budget, it will be over $35 million dollars in about 4 years. The police department has functioned pretty well in that time due to good leadership and creativity. Another 12 million means that we lose 10 percent of the police department. Officers who have children, mortgages, bills and who have worked very hard to protect the city that employs them. Many of those officers are citizens of Sacramento, which adds to the unemployment and decreases the tax base. We went out to support our fellow officers, on our own time. You recount stories of violence and pain, but it's nothing like it used to be. Nearly 20 years ago, when the department was at levels that we will be reduced to and didn't have the specialty units that we have used to lower the rate of violence in Sacramento, there were 99 homicides in one year. That is nearly 2 a week! We responded to shootings, violence and death nearly every night. Kids lived in neighborhoods that were so violent that officers wouldn't go less than 3 at a time. Even a few short years ago, the homicide rate was nearly 60 a year. With my husband in the homicide division, we ate many a family dinner on his desk at the police department to make sure that my kids got to see their dad at least once a week. The extra officers, the extra programs and the focus on violence that the specialty units (which are about to be cut due to lack of funds) have reduced the homicide rate to less than 30 the last several years. That's 60 plus funerals that aren't being planned, 60 less families devastated by the death of a loved one. I'm not saying that the youth programs aren't important because they absolutely are. With a 98% graduation rate, the Magnet school program is one of the best, if not the best out there. I know many officers who volunteers as mentors and coaches when they aren't working, hours of volunteer work. But we are facing reductions at a time that parolees are being released from prison in record numbers, the probation department has almost ceased to exist and plea deals are being handed out right and left because there isn't room to house them. These are the people who commit those shootings, stabbings, homicides, burglaries, robberies and other crimes that cause the devastation that you speak of. The numbers of assaults on officers has gone up exponentially, and I credit it to training and a whole lot of luck that we haven't lost anyone. The youth programs, parks, community centers and other amenities are important, but they do the neighborhoods no good if we can't protect them. I am married to a police officer and I myself have been a department employee for quite a while. We have both literally put our blood, sweat and tears into protecting the city we work for. We have missed birthdays, Christmas, games, school activities and other important events because of this job. My kids understand that it is important. You say nothing stops a bullet like a job. However, the city will lose jobs and businesses if they do not feel safe here. They said that very thing at the meeting you attended the other night. I understand that you feel strongly about this subject, and I commend you for it. But please do not minimized that sacrifice by comparing us to scheisters who are only interested in money. We have families to protect and take care of too. ProudMom 2011-05-21T00:41:15Z Rhonda Erwin comment-50776 2011-05-18T17:18:04Z 2011-05-18T17:18:04Z "The definition of insanity is to continuously do the same thing over and over and expect different results" Benjamin Franklin & others-- The counsel expects different results, promised different results, "If you give us more we'll do more" but it seems to me, every year the counsel will fall into the hands of the pied piper and the atmosphere of crime still exists, occurs, will occur and law enforcement budget increases, programs decrease and the end result --more will bury their children and even more will face life in prison..... Rhonda Erwin 2011-05-18T17:18:04Z Rhonda Erwin comment-50775 2011-05-18T17:10:23Z 2011-05-18T17:10:23Z justiz- thank you for your comment. Question re: "The People that Protect Sacramento represents were responding to emergencies or stopping criminals" Who was responding to emergencies or stopping criminals last night when the room was filled with Protect Sacramento representatives?? Don’t you have neighborhood surveillance cameras/ with mobile unit responders to assist when you can’t be everywhere? Shouldn't that free up some manpower? I’m not suggesting the officer who responds to a homicide is not left with the gruesome images… but so is the nurse, funeral director, friend of the victim, witnesses.... Heck, what affects one of us directly can and has affected so many of us indirectly. Yes, they were out helping protect the community. Key word - "helping" they are not doing it alone. Also, I am not making light of their efforts. Re: "What we are arguing is that Sacramento safety is important because if kids don't feel safe at schools, playgrounds, neighborhoods then your child and my child will have a more challenging time growing up. " I’m not suggesting Police presence is not important. Law enforcement can be a deterrent but not a solution. Also I've spoken to many of our children and they have a more challenging time growing up with the presence of so many officers pulling them over randomly, searching some illegally, some putting misinformation on police reports.....Some have had more guns put to their head by officers on a traffic stop than by gang members during a crime. Some have a more challenging time growing up than others. Re:, ":Everyone is realistic with the budget but if the cuts are made we will all see the impacts in our community." Is everyone realistic? or are some just greedy and continue to take from the needy? You can't drain blood from a turnip. If leaders keep playing into the hands of the pied piper of City Hall we will continue to fund law enforcement and take from other programs and the neglect will cause crime to rise and suppression tactics to thrive. Thank you for the discussion. Rhonda Erwin 2011-05-18T17:10:23Z justiz comment-50772 2011-05-18T15:57:55Z 2011-05-18T15:57:55Z Where was "Protect Sacramento" when those sad incidents happened that you mention...where was "Protect Sacramento" during the Mayor's crime forum? The people that "Protect Sacramento" represents were responding to emergencies or stopping criminals. The officer who responds to a homicide is often left with the gruesome images that stay in your mind forever, the detectives that respond leave behind their family on Christmas, birthdays, etc for one to two days straight to help bring to justice the criminal who committed the crime. So when you ask where were they...they were out helping protect the community. No one is arguing the value of children programs, parks, etc....that is why officers participate both on and off duty for programs like PAL, Kop N Kids, Youth Fairs, Summer Camps, Mentoring Programs, Magnet School and many more. What we are arguing is that Sacramento safety is important because if kids don't feel safe at schools, playgrounds, neighborhoods then your child and my child will have a more challenging time growing up. Everyone is realistic with the budget but if the cuts are made we will all see the impacts in our community. justiz 2011-05-18T15:57:55Z Rhonda Erwin comment-50766 2011-05-18T07:41:06Z 2011-05-18T07:41:06Z oops, I met May 17, "2011"- excuse the errors... I had lots on my mind. Before I could comment on the not-so-transparent presentation of Chief Braziel or the sometimes misleading comments I heard tonight I had to get this out my system. To hold this in would only cause me anger when I need to move on. My heart and prayers go out for this city through this budget process where our elected officials appear hypnotized by the numbers (hundreds) in attendance at city hall ONLY during budget times and not the number (hundreds) of people fighting to live and living to die in this city due to the neglect of this city as it dances with the Pied Piper/ endorser of City Hall. Rhonda Erwin 2011-05-18T07:41:06Z cogmeyer comment-49678 2011-04-25T16:58:39Z 2011-04-25T16:58:39Z Keep updating this list Rhonda. We all need to see this. And i have to ask, any reports of our local media whore Darrell Steinberg attending any of these funerals? cogmeyer 2011-04-25T16:58:39Z nicc916 comment-49660 2011-04-24T15:10:39Z 2011-04-24T15:10:39Z This is way too many young people dead!! R.I.P. to em all! nicc916 2011-04-24T15:10:39Z Rhonda Erwin comment-49581 2011-04-22T06:13:50Z 2011-04-22T06:13:50Z April 21, 2011: 13yr old boy hospitalized after being shot near Florin / Power Inn. Bringing the total to 15 gun shot wounds in the last 7 days. 4 stabbings, 5 deaths. In the last 6 days we could have lost 20 lives, by the grace of God not every victim died but that will not comfort the 5 families who will bury their loved ones nor will it take away the injuries those who survived are left with. This is truly sad. Rhonda Erwin 2011-04-22T06:13:50Z Rhonda Erwin comment-49565 2011-04-22T04:57:47Z 2011-04-22T04:57:47Z I absolutely agree, I don't see the present ones being too well thought out either and lots of self-serving ideas masqueraded as prevention. I agree gang injunctions are un-American and should be unconstitutional. Gun control is a joke. We can put tracking devices in sneakers so we can locate missing hikers, put tracking devices in cell phones and we can locate missing and wanted folks, put tracking devices in cars and we can locate stolen cars BUT WE HAVE NEVER thought the need to put tracking devices in guns and we probably never will after all crime does pay, it is not design to go down..... Faith base interventions well I've had disappointments, but it is what it is, too many people get grants dangled in front of them like carrots dangled in front of rabbits and they hop off into money, money, money land.... I've seen too much division when grants become available and some only address it when it became available…. I remember once I was at a funeral of a young homicide victim and the pastor said, 'If anyone sees anyone from my congregation, any of the boys and girls standing on the corner, you come get me." I nearly lost my breath, I thought "why do they have to be from your congregation, 'Isn't it written, 'what kind of man are you who have 100 sheep and one is lost; that you don't leave the 99 and go out into the wilderness and get the one that is lost? And when you find him bring him back....." Why couldn't we call you if we see any youth standing on the corner??? Well that's not the reaction of all within the faith base community but I will be honest, I've been disappointed by a few. But to err is human; to forgive divine. Again, thanks for your comment. Rhonda Erwin 2011-04-22T04:57:47Z Davi Rodrigues comment-49529 2011-04-21T19:00:16Z 2011-04-21T19:00:16Z I'm not above generalizations at all Rhonda, but I still look for other surrounding information. That said, I don't have any real answers to the gang/youth violence problem right now, but I don't see our present ones being too well thought out, and somewhat self-serving for those that promote them. Gang injunctions = un-American and seem unconstitutional to me. Gun controls = not working at all, and only cripple non criminal users Faith based interventions = serve to promote religion as much or more than solutions to the problem Davi Rodrigues 2011-04-21T19:00:16Z Rhonda Erwin comment-49528 2011-04-21T18:54:26Z 2011-04-21T18:54:26Z Hunnicutt: I have to run. I appreciate your comment and you are absolutely right.... When resources drop crime rises, oh their is more I could say to your comment. But I'm going to be late. Thank you again. You used a hammer and hit the nail with some strong arm muscles! Their are many contributing factors to the violence and I am reading some good stuff by some good folks. Thank you all Rhonda Erwin 2011-04-21T18:54:26Z Hunnicutt comment-49525 2011-04-21T18:30:21Z 2011-04-21T18:30:21Z Expect to see more crime and violence in urban areas as Social Services are cut at the State and local level. All you have to do is look back 35 years ago to see how American cities turned to crap during the 1970’s and into the 1980's. Violent crime rates were at their highest during this time period and inner cities were really in the dumps. Prepare for the worst, history tends to repeat it’s self especially when no one thinks it can happen again. These are people who have gotten use to the government paying them to just sit around for years and years. With both continued high unemployment and extreme cut backs to social service, I would expect inner cities to take a turn for the worse. Many people will start to do things (crimes) that they would never think of doing before just to get by. Hunnicutt 2011-04-21T18:30:21Z Rhonda Erwin comment-49478 2011-04-21T17:59:19Z 2011-04-21T17:59:19Z John Boyer, thank you for your comment. I truly appreciate it. I was at a Native American Women Warrior retreat a couple years ago their was a speaker who gave a presentation about brain chemicals and how violence, tragedy affects the brain and is passed through DNA. Your comment triggered my memory of the guest speaker and I need to read the material I received. The presentation of tragedy, violence, affects on DNA being generational was powerful. I think we should look at youth violence with evidence based, researched based and scientific based study. Thank you for your comment. And yes, Marvin Gaye gave it to us simple. And we do need to talk to the youth/ families and see what is really going on. Also, man is his own worse enemy and with youth violence it is often someone killing someone just like themselves; same ethnic, economic and social background. Thank you again for your comment. Rhonda Erwin 2011-04-21T17:59:19Z Rhonda Erwin comment-49477 2011-04-21T17:34:53Z 2011-04-21T17:34:53Z AyatollahGondola- LOL, re: rap- fair enough:) Thanks for the warning and the laugh:). All jokes aside Thank you for taking the time to respond. Thank you for caring. I agree often this violence is the first exposure many young people have to death. The first funeral I went to as a child was my grandmothers. But now grandma is going to funerals of their grandchild. Lots of folks are numb; lots of folks are in a psychologically frozen state. Thank you for not generalizing. I truly appreciate your comment. Rhonda Erwin 2011-04-21T17:34:53Z Rhonda Erwin comment-49475 2011-04-21T17:24:01Z 2011-04-21T17:24:01Z Henry. you wrote "our' violence. I bet it just flowed out naturally, you didn't even think about it and probably didn't even realize it--that's why I LOVE you so much. You're genuine. Please don't you ever stop caring, loving and mobilizing in efforts to address/ prevent the violence. You are truly appreciated. Rhonda Erwin 2011-04-21T17:24:01Z John Boyer comment-49473 2011-04-21T17:15:45Z 2011-04-21T17:15:45Z My all time favorite song. Problem is violence is again on the rise all over the globe with little understanding of why man is his own worst enemy. We now turn to The why is our brain chemicals with literally no science to back it up, a total dead end. Marvin Gaye gave it to us simple; Talk to me so you can see whats goin on! John Boyer 2011-04-21T17:15:45Z Henry Harry comment-49471 2011-04-21T17:05:11Z 2011-04-21T17:05:11Z Rhonda. I took a little break to read. You know I pay attention, but your writing just gave me a better picture of our violence over the last few weeks. Don't stop! Don't let it overwhelm you. But don’t stop! LOVE Henry Harry 2011-04-21T17:05:11Z Davi Rodrigues comment-49464 2011-04-21T15:40:29Z 2011-04-21T15:40:29Z I never cared for marvin gaye, but whatever method gets people listening to the issue is a welcome one. Just don't expect me to sit through anything that resembles rap, or you may be adding someone to the list of those driven to violence :) Rhonda, The problem with these killings is that they are very often the first exposure to the permanence of death that the perpetrators have. I'd be willing to wager that the majority of those are quite well affected by the experience, but it is then too late for them to benefit from it in most regards. By benefit, I mean that any life changing epiphanies that come from it are useless because they are now criminal killers. This doesn't apply to everyone of course, because some people slip quite easily into killer mode. Those would be the conscience lacking ones, and there's a lot less option for them to be changed. Davi Rodrigues 2011-04-21T15:40:29Z jensenlee comment-49462 2011-04-21T11:18:15Z 2011-04-21T11:18:15Z Marvin Gaye’s music, and what he would have created, is still missed. Gaye’s “What’s Going On” was a departure from his love songs of the past. Inspired by his brother’s experiences in Vietnam, Gaye’s masterpiece was almost not released by Motown head Berry Gordy, who didn’t believe it was commercial. On my Rockaeology blog at http://bit.ly/fIqvPt is the story of the innovative studio techniques, like dual lead vocal tracks, that helped make “What’s Going On” revolutionary. jensenlee 2011-04-21T11:18:15Z Rhonda Erwin comment-49433 2011-04-21T07:14:17Z 2011-04-21T07:14:17Z I know my articles bring on a somber mood and I apologize. It's just we are a part of Sacramento, a sad and uncomfortable part of Sacramento. I believe the good outweigh the bad and will overshadow the bad. Their are lots of good and upbeat articles here on Sacramento Press. I truly appreciate them all. But for too long many of us have been overshadowed, swept under the rug, our deaths dismissed and too many are gone. So uncomfortable or not it is what is we are also a part of life (and sadly premature death) in Sacramento. Again, my apologies if anyone is uncomfortable by the articles I am now posting. But I feel it is important to share the discomfort many of us are also living with. Peace and love to all. Rhonda Erwin 2011-04-21T07:14:17Z Rhonda Erwin comment-49399 2011-04-20T04:30:25Z 2011-04-20T04:30:25Z Thank you so very muich for your comment.. You wrote: " These type of violent incidents happen all the time, but its only when someone gets killed at Second Saturday that the public really seems to care." And sadly it is what it is, that's usually how it happens and not just with second saturdays but when it affects someone personally - in whatever way- they'll start to care if only for a short time..... Sacramento does have a problem with youth violence and more people are addressing it now than ever before. Hopefully it's not too little too late. As the list of names above indicate we've lost too many for too long; Thanks again for the comment. Much respect Rhonda Erwin 2011-04-20T04:30:25Z newguyinsac comment-49381 2011-04-19T22:41:58Z 2011-04-19T22:41:58Z Sad, but this also illustrates that Sacramento has a serious problem with youth violence and needs to do something to begin addressing the issue. These type of violent incidents happen all the time, but its only when someone gets killed at Second Saturday that the public really seems to care. newguyinsac 2011-04-19T22:41:58Z Rhonda Erwin comment-49316 2011-04-18T20:05:38Z 2011-04-18T20:05:38Z The reason I put this song on this article was because I learned so many youth relate to it. And if it touches the heart or comforts the heart of one youth than it served it's purpose. And for me it is about the youth… The youth will always be a priority for me. But I realize it will take more than the youth to get officials, organizations, non profit., public safety... to significantly address this issue I plan to ask many youth who have a loved one who died on our streets or one who will die in prison the question, "tell me why we die?" I will ask them not in a controlled setting but individually and from my heart for a truthful response. Since they have nothing to gain by propaganda, fabricating, no money/ grant ... to be had and no department to enhance, no political career to advance I believe I might get a more truthful answer from them. I would like to have a discussion on why we are dying. I wish instead of simply voting it a thumbs down you'd also share why you disagree with it. I think it can open a constructive bridge of dialog. If not constructive it could at least give us a direction on what stereotypes… we need to look for and disarm. A conversation on this could teach me something. I’m really interested in how people see or look at youth violence. I’m interested in learning from those affected/ exposed to the violence and learning from those not so much exposed to it. I think we all can offer insight…. I’m curious can a song overshadow the recent deaths/ pain? Can people actually care more about the music than the loss of life? I am willing to share and learn from everyone. Addressing youth violence is extremely important to me. I don't care if you vote it a thumbs down but please share your thoughts on the subject. I will respect your opinion Rhonda Erwin 2011-04-18T20:05:38Z Rhonda Erwin comment-49314 2011-04-18T19:26:17Z 2011-04-18T19:26:17Z Another mistake often made is throwing the violence in a gang member category. I've heard from people who knew the victims...and to my knowledge none of the above were gang - related. For years some were involved in gangs died but their death actually was not a result of gang activity but over a girl, property…. But the media release given to the media will dismiss the death as gang related and some people no longer see human beings but see what they’re labeled as and the deaths/ pain will be dismissed by many who don‘t know the individuals. The Mayor has a 'Gang" meeting tomorrow nite. It sounds good calling it gang prevention, but to be honest some victims and accused have been gang members but most of the deaths have not been gang related and actually so many have died/ suspect were not in a gang.... But it's easier for some to accept it if we removed the human aspect and not call it a youth violence prevention forum and simply label it “gang prevention“. After all their appears to be grants, money in “gang” prevention and not in youth violence prevention…. Thank you for your heart, your love, your empathy. My heart aches for your pain. No, your friend did not deserve to die like that. My heart, prayers, love is extended to you. The families will get through it. We have love for them; but God, my son, will love them more. Oh and the ignorance of many of these kids wanting an identity, wanting to belong to something…. bragging about the murder rate well that doesn’t last long in fact it stops as soon as it is their friend that died. Thank you for your comment. Much love and much respect Rhonda Erwin 2011-04-18T19:26:17Z Rhonda Erwin comment-49313 2011-04-18T19:12:01Z 2011-04-18T19:12:01Z It hurts my heart as well. And many comments on-line, on anther site, that are racist can add insult to injury but try and look beyond it. I know it's hard when you know some of the people who have died and the deaths continue to mount. (On the other article I commented the following to your post “…their are always more loving than the not so loving. It's just the not so loving are more vocal…Mark Twain wrote, "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime." Heck, some should leave the comment section of the news stories and get to see and know the people they comment on. They might be surprised to see love where they thought their was none. ). I think some who make those comments don't see "people" but animals since the article written is usually titled "Gang Member..." The tone of the article doesn't suggest a human being died/ took a life.... The same thing with "Ex con...Parolee....." They’re no longer a "man" and that's the ignorance that follows when you label people. But too err is human; to forgive is divine. Rhonda Erwin 2011-04-18T19:12:01Z nicc916 comment-49307 2011-04-18T17:21:43Z 2011-04-18T17:21:43Z This all really hurts my heart! It hurts my heart even more when i read about all this stuff online and i have to read through all the racist comments that people leave. They act like everyone involved in all this is just a animal even the victims. Recently a kid i went to school with was killed in front of the ihop in north sacramento. He was not a saint but he was a good dude and did not deserve to die like that. I hope all the familys get through this I really do. These kids now of days argue about whos city has a higher murder rate as if it makes there city better. I really hope these kids wake up and realize that killing each other is not the answer!! nicc916 2011-04-18T17:21:43Z Rhonda Erwin comment-49302 2011-04-18T08:21:50Z 2011-04-18T08:21:50Z nicc916- Thank you for your comment, heart, passion, insight, and strength. I am so glad you made it and did not get caught up in the madness or even caught in the crossfire. Yes, things can change at the drop of a dime. Your generation and the one that followed had it worse. Some people see gang bangers I see many crack babies. Crack was a cancer that destroyed a community and it's polyps broke off and continue to spread in so many directions.... Now we're left with Chemo and Radiation (suppression and attempts at prevention) The aftermath of violence, the atmosphere of violence is hard to shake especially since so many profit....and many are a commodity for political career advancements and department enhancements.... Tonight I spoke with a 22yr old girl who was going to a party this weekend but changed her mind. Three of her friends were shot and one died. I haven't the strength tonight to write of one more losing their life before another as been buried. It is heart- breaking. Don't feel hopeless. I know many who are glad to see someone else make it out even if they haven't. Not everyone will feel like you're a square. And if they do then they never were a friend. A friend will want to see you do better. All life matters. All people matter. One day son those you mentioned that judged folks will also be judged. Don't spend your time being fed up with them Some of it is deep rooted and you can't change the way some may feel. We can only change ourselves. But their are always more loving than the not so loving. It's just the not so loving are more vocal- lol. We have to Live life as best as we can. We fall down. We get back up. We make our bed we don't have to lay in it we can get up, and make it again. Mark Twain wrote, "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime." Heck, some should leave the comment section of the news stories and get to see and know the people they comment on. They might be surprised to see love where they thought their was none. Re: the city- More people care than you know. Sometimes some feel it's not politically correct to show that they care and work behind the scenes. I won‘t make excuses for them- it is what it is….But I know many in the city who do care. However, my feelings on Kevin Johnson aren't much different than yours. Rhonda Erwin 2011-04-18T08:21:50Z Rhonda Erwin comment-49303 2011-04-18T07:48:01Z 2011-04-18T07:48:01Z nicc916. Also, Baby I've been around a long time. I too have lost many people I love to death and prison. I can tell you've been around. Yes, the funk lords, (I'd name them but heck most of them are family men now with kids of their own they're trying to keep alive and free) were more innocent. Heck, they went to parties and pop-locked- lol. Yes, when LA came and brought Crack and made money when folks had no job/ money and saw them making money off their community well a new breed of gangs began. Folks were no longer pop lockin they were trying to make money too .. Many were youth trying to feed their families....when the adults were no longer able too... Now I am rambling.... But what you wrote is so true . It went unaddressed with officials only seeing prisons as the answer and now decades later we're left with this madness. I might know sevon. I think I heard him at an event a few years ago. I lost the phone with his number (I remember the name since the preachers weren't too happy-lol) He let everyone have it. I know many people and I recently reached out to those still in prison and on the streets. I know the 80's gang members are different than the 90's and the 90's different that the decade after.... So, I am speaking to generations of folks. I just wanted to thank you again. I really appreciate you taking the time to comment. Much love and Much respect. Keep your head up! Rhonda Erwin 2011-04-18T07:48:01Z nicc916 comment-49297 2011-04-18T02:45:31Z 2011-04-18T02:45:31Z thank you for what your trying to do in sacramento i'm glad someone has the heart too. i'm a 26 year old that grew up in north and south sac and i'am a witness to how dangerous this city can become at a drop of a dime. i used to contribute to the madness, i ran with gang bangers hustlers and thieves but i made it out and changed my life. it seems like almost everyone in my generation is either dead, in prison and on drugs, it's so sad. i wish i could help my peers but they just look at me like i'm a "square" because i changed i feel hopeless sometimes. i read the comments people leave on news sites when a murder occurs and i cant believe what people say. they act as if life in the ghetto doesnt matter, that were all just animals and we all deserve death and prison. i'm so fed up with peoples outlooks!! the city of sac does not care about us either, you think kevin johnson would coming from oak park but all he cares about is generating money for the city. the city of sac doesnt even acknowledge that we have a serious gang problem and we have for over 30 years. the bloods and crips from los angeles came in the late seventies and early eighties and replaced the more innocent street gangs like the funk lords and the dawg catchers. during the second wave of the la gang invasion in 85-86 they brought a new drug called crack with them and when that hit the streets of sac it has been a war zone on and off ever since. a whole generation of young black and latino males were killed or put into the prison industrial complex to become slaves for the state. its funny how the government made money off the supply of the drugs and made money when people went to jail for drug related offenses, trust me it's truly a double whammy. i know i'm rambling on lol, so i will end this by saying THANK YOU for caring and showing love to these kids and there families who face so much grief in the city of sacramento. i wish there was a whole community filled with people like you. THANK YOU for inspiring me to make a change I could have easily been one the young people slain on one of your lists (trust me a couple of nights i thought there was no chance of surviving i still have a scar by my scalp from being pistol whipped). THANK YOU SO MUCH, NICK. P.S. Please look up a gospel rapper named sevin he was once a blood from oak park and the youth look up to him a lot. i think he can help you get your message of peace out. nicc916 2011-04-18T02:45:31Z Rhonda Erwin comment-49292 2011-04-17T20:40:06Z 2011-04-17T20:40:06Z Thank you Sherrie. And thank you for being a mental health advocate, for being thoughtful and committed. Your advocacy is very important and your labor is greatly appreciated. Thank you for also writing from your heart. In the words of Margaret Mead, " Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Please keep up the labor! Much respect Rhonda Erwin 2011-04-17T20:40:06Z Sherrie Tyler comment-49291 2011-04-17T20:01:17Z 2011-04-17T20:01:17Z "Love and Pain are colorless" great words Rhonda and I clicked on the link to Al Green's song..."How can You Mend a Broken Heart" and enjoyed listening to this song and thank you for writing this article. Sherrie Tyler 2011-04-17T20:01:17Z Rhonda Erwin comment-49289 2011-04-17T18:54:36Z 2011-04-17T18:54:36Z Also, We've addressed youth violence in the spirit of anger, frustration, greed, ignorance, hatred, division....and our visions have been clouded. But if we address it in terms of tolerance, compassion, unity and LOVE we would clearly see solutions. Thank you for your comment and for reminding me all our youth can get caught up..... And thank you for perhaps showing someone the life they save could in fact be that of their own child. Since it can and has happened to those from "good families" You are greatly appreciated. Much respect Rhonda Erwin 2011-04-17T18:54:36Z Rhonda Erwin comment-49288 2011-04-17T18:52:01Z 2011-04-17T18:52:01Z I absolutely agree. I think lots of people don't realize heck, the life they save could be that of their own child. I know many people of "good families" who have 1) buried a child and 2) who visit a child in prison. In the lines of juvenile hall you see people of ALL ethnic backgrounds you can see both mother and father standing in line to visit their son. Heck, for a moment people bond and realize we can all be affected-- family of youth as victims and youth as suspects. For a moment we don't get the "it's the parents fault" I remember the first time I stood in a prison line for visiting I was even surprised and it opened my eyes to see people of different economic, ethnic and social status visiting a family member. I think the media has contributed to a division. Sometimes creating an atmosphere of "them" and "us" I think that influences politics... Heck, I remember a city billboard on gangs which stated "Your kids..." and had a picture of a cemetery... instead of 'our kids..." I don't think youth violence or youth as suspects/ victims should be addressed in terms of race or income level because you limit your outreach, support, understanding and cause further division. Not to mention a mother who is white will feel no comfort that her child that was murdered was not black. Her pain is in the fact her kid is gone. A Black mother feels no comfort that she buried a Black child and it happens to many. Her discomfort is in the pain of burying a child. I think we have to look at ALL youth, save the life of ALL youth. After all youth are impressed with or influenced more so by peers…. Rhonda Erwin 2011-04-17T18:52:01Z tenglish comment-49287 2011-04-17T17:45:38Z 2011-04-17T17:45:38Z I realize everyone has their own opinions but I think they fail to see how quickly one of their loved one's could - hopefully not - get caught up in a mess. It just amazes me. I thought I had my son under "control" and he comes from a "good family" so I think everyone should have a little tolerance in their lives, a little compassion - LOVE. tenglish 2011-04-17T17:45:38Z Rhonda Erwin comment-49252 2011-04-17T05:23:28Z 2011-04-17T05:23:28Z Thank you so very much naga. I really appreciate your kind words. I love you all too. So very many are laughing all the way to the bank never looking back at the mounting pain, the broken hearts, the absence of life, as so very many of us are longing for the touch, the voice, the face of our love ones. For so long; so many gone so many broken hearts. Thank you again. Peace will come. It's always darkest before the dawn. I love you and much respect. Rhonda Erwin 2011-04-17T05:23:28Z Rhonda Erwin comment-49256 2011-04-17T04:09:41Z 2011-04-17T04:09:41Z Thank you! And I know who you are:) With all my heart I appreciate all that you do and all your efforts in reaching out to at risk youth in fact to all youth. You are a wonderful force out here and please keep it up!! None of us can do it alone and all of us can play a role in saving the lives of all youth. Also, I stopped reading many comments on news stories after several years of seeing the "hatred" towards many youth. But heck, I'm glad I spent the time reading them:) and commenting back- lol. It prepared me to fight off the hatred- lol and move on. And heck, now if I hear it somewhere it bounces right off of me and I don't dwell in anger. The way I see it; only love can conquer hate. But much of what I have read on news stories was/ is sickening. Heck, I remember a time when I would read front page metro stories on wanted suspects and wondered who the heck was the victim? Heck, how can you have a murder suspect without a murdered victim? I remember a time, not too long ago, when our victims were not seen as victims and not shown. Ignoring the victims and only showing the youth as suspects allowed and contributed to much of that hatred that you read now. That’s why I started writing of all the funerals, victims…. But on this site there is a safe haven I have never read on this site a hateful comment towards the youth or the families. People may not always agree with me or I with them but here their is a level of respect and we share a common goal of wanting to see the violence, pain... addressed, lives saved and a community to take steps towards healing. Again, please keep up all your labor; it has not gone unnoticed and we love you for it. Rhonda Erwin 2011-04-17T04:09:41Z tenglish comment-49253 2011-04-17T03:17:32Z 2011-04-17T03:17:32Z Even though this is a sad and upsetting article, it is a lot better to read this sort of stuff rather than the hatred posted as comments on news articles. "Those people" act as if CHILDREN deserve to die.........sickening. You are a wonderful force out there Rhonda ~ Keep it up!! tenglish 2011-04-17T03:17:32Z naga comment-49250 2011-04-17T00:18:21Z 2011-04-17T00:18:21Z Play Al Green instead of gangsta rap. There's the real deal and there's the racket where big playas laugh all the way to bank with profits from their videos that perpetuate stereotypes and hatred. We love you Rhonda. Peace to you and these families. naga 2011-04-17T00:18:21Z Rhonda Erwin comment-49248 2011-04-16T21:10:07Z 2011-04-16T21:10:07Z Thank you so very much Casey. I really appreciate both your kind words and making the corrections. Much respect Rhonda Erwin 2011-04-16T21:10:07Z Casey Kirk comment-49247 2011-04-16T20:08:24Z 2011-04-16T20:08:24Z Thank you for your moving piece, Rhonda. If you click on the song title, it is now linked to the YouTube video. I also corrected your typo. Please e-mail support@sacramentopress.com for any edits in the future. Casey Kirk 2011-04-16T20:08:24Z Rhonda Erwin comment-46715 2011-03-02T06:50:38Z 2011-03-02T06:50:38Z Heck, I can’t be mad at the Kings/ owners of the team when their behavior is not much different than ours. They are doing no more than what many of us in Sacramento are doing-- looking after our own financial needs/ concerns. We are not in a genuine mutual respectful two way street with the Maloofs. We are tangled in money each looking selfishly at their selves. This issue is complex because it is tangled in money. Greed (Maloofs) and Deficit (city of Sacramento) is a bad combination because both parties are looking at and for money. (just as crime/ suppression) We are not entering an agreement of mutual respect; it is an agreement of what can you do for me - money is that simple answer and makes matters so complex and our response always wrong. Too many seem to think money will answer / solve the problem. Too many will think “we need more money- just as when addressing youth violence/ suppression vs. prevention…and the mentality of youth crime/ gangs….) So much can be solved if we stop putting the cart before the horse- stop looking at the money first. Heck, then we can solve our problems and the money will follow. But that’s my two cents. Thank you and blessings to all. Rhonda Erwin 2011-03-02T06:50:38Z Rhonda Erwin comment-46708 2011-03-02T05:17:13Z 2011-03-02T05:17:13Z Also to answer the last part of your comment, lots of folks can't afford the art like they can't afford, at this time, to support the NBA team. Second Saturday is filled just as Arco was at the last game - it's a darn near free event. And I think Sacramento has lots of knowledgable, insightful, passionate people; I read what many say on this site and I believe people working collaborately looking at a problem verses looking at money, they can drum up ideas and the money will follow. But we want to follow the money. Take a lazy, easy, quick fix, band aid on fracture route verses drumming up those ideas..... I don't have the answers, never said I did, but I am willing to work and have done so, without pay, for the city that I love and the people of the city that I love. Kings is a business, I don't expect them to work for free, but I do expect our leaders to stop trying to follow the money and learn to let the money follow the labor, hard work, determination.... If we look beyond the money; the money will come. But we want to look at buildings....lol to put on a shaky foundation. Rhonda Erwin 2011-03-02T05:17:13Z Rhonda Erwin comment-46706 2011-03-02T05:10:09Z 2011-03-02T05:10:09Z Thank you; I love it too. Rhonda Erwin 2011-03-02T05:10:09Z Rhonda Erwin comment-46705 2011-03-02T05:06:37Z 2011-03-02T05:06:37Z Also, Let’s talk about the tangled web we weave when we practice to deceive. Filling Arco arena with tickets darn near given away, for the final games to make the kings think they have overwhelming support will aid how in the long run? When the game tickets go up back up and the auditorium is no longer filled and the team owner gets a higher offer elsewhere and decide to leave again are we suppose to try and buy them again? And keep this up until we’re in further debt. Seems we’re putting the cart before the horse or we’re going in circles chasing our tails giving all we have is one-sided when the end result is they will follow the money and let’s keep it real this city is in deficit/ broke. Has this city did a comprehensive study to determine the employment ratio, income ratio, fan base ratio in the cities with NBA teams and compared/ contrasted them to our city? I can’t afford to attend the games and I know many others who can’t either. Seems we should focus on bringing up the income level, supplying more jobs, businesses….. So more can support a team in Sacramento. It’s not that I want the team to leave. But if they do, oh well, challenges make us go beyond the norm. Challenges are not suppose to paralyze us they’re suppose to help us discover who we are, what we can and should do, and look for another direction to go. I don’t believe in crying over spilled milk nor do I believe in being loyal to anyone who will follow the money and not care about the people it could affect. You appear more worried about the Kings than it appears the Kings are worried about this city. But that's just my opinion. And you are equally entitled to yours. Rhonda Erwin 2011-03-02T05:06:37Z Rhonda Erwin comment-46704 2011-03-02T05:04:03Z 2011-03-02T05:04:03Z Billyjames4545: 1) Yes, it’s possible to think outside the box and still support keeping the team here. It’s possible to say let them go and support their decision to leave without having a bone to pick with them. It’s possible to look at this unselfishly. Are you looking at what’s best for you/ the city or what could be best for the Kings, their team? 2) Yes, the article focuses on the Kings leaving because they have planned before to leave and they are once again making plans to leave 3) I don't have a bone to pick with the Kings that's silly. They are a business and are doing as most businesses do; I don't fault them for that- it is what it is their prerogative. They are going to follow the money and if the money is greater elsewhere they will leave. They don't appear devoted to this city but yet you appear to want the city to show devotion to them. I can't be devoted to someone, anyone or any organization that can be bought/sold and will sell their self to the highest bidder or bail out when times are hard and leave when it appears some are depending on them. But that’s my opinion. Rhonda Erwin 2011-03-02T05:04:03Z Lindol French comment-46701 2011-03-02T03:44:06Z 2011-03-02T03:44:06Z I love the H.L. Mencken quote. Phenomenal. Lindol French 2011-03-02T03:44:06Z Billyjames4545 comment-46655 2011-03-01T21:08:57Z 2011-03-01T21:08:57Z You know it's possible to think outside the box and still support keeping the team here. Your article focuses on the kings leaving, why not stop picking a bone with the kings and use that energy to drum up real ideas about how to make this a real first class city. You could complain about something like why 15 thousand plus people go to second Saturday, but very little of them actually buy art to support the artists. A multi demential art scene is part of any first class city. Sacramento does not have that. Billyjames4545 2011-03-01T21:08:57Z Rhonda Erwin comment-46615 2011-03-01T03:25:17Z 2011-03-01T03:25:17Z Thank you for your comment. I do appreciate it. We can agree to disagree. I won't say goodbye to the city if the Kings leave. I will say Goodbye to the Kings--your loss will become our gain because we will have to work harder to think outside the sports arena box. Thanks again for sharing your opinion. And I thank Sac Press for allowing me to share mine- lame or not- I was able to voice my concerns, opinion and release the frustration after reading some comments-lol. Thank you again for reading.. Rhonda Erwin 2011-03-01T03:25:17Z Rhonda Erwin comment-46614 2011-03-01T03:22:10Z 2011-03-01T03:22:10Z Thank you for your comment. It is appreciated. Yes, I have been to a Giants game, No I haven't been to Denver..... Years ago I went to a Golden State Warriors game I think it was in Oakland....lol. Again, I think the cities you mentioned might offer more for the teams, community, city than the sports team. I'm not saying the sport team is not a source of revenue but I am saying I think the cities offered more for the teams as far as entertainment and perhaps that added to keeping the teams there. But again, thank you for your comment. I can’t say that I can't wait for the day to leave; But I will say I can't wait for the day where I can contribute and make it a better city. But I'm in for the long haul; I am in a marriage -dysfunctional one- with Sacramento-lol but it is one until death do us part. It has been my source of pain and one day my source of joy. I do want the best for this city with or without the Kings. Thanks again for commenting. Rhonda Erwin 2011-03-01T03:22:10Z Michael Zwahlen comment-46607 2011-02-28T23:53:40Z 2011-02-28T23:53:40Z You got it right Steve. Rhonda seems to of the view that only basketball will leave the city if the Kings leave but that is far from the truth. With out the Kings as a major tenant the arena will close, the Kings make it so the arena breaks even and able to stay open and without them it will close. Say good-bye tax revenue to the City if the Kings leave and the cutting of even more social services. Another lame article that looks like something I would be reading in the SacBee comment section. Michael Zwahlen 2011-02-28T23:53:40Z Steve Tuck comment-46596 2011-02-28T20:43:34Z 2011-02-28T20:43:34Z I don't know where to start so I'll just say this: if the Kings leave they will take top entertainment with them. The arena will have little life left. It will rot and at some point soon need to be demolished. When that is gone where will entertainment such as Lady Gaga, Usher, Eric Clapton, Disney on Ice and Sac State graduations, high school playoff games, etc, be held? The musical acts will bypass Sacramento for Oakland or San Francisco. Fine. If you are a fan of a big time musician you'll drive two hours to see the show. What does this mean for Sacramento? No dining out before or after the show at local establishments. Fans who would travel from outlying areas to see the show and stay in hotels near Natomas won't come here. It'll be a small loss but it's not an economy-killer. Sac State will probaly bring graduations to the Memorial or back to campus. High school playoff basketball will probably be moved back to the little gym on campus. But I agree with you. The sun will still rise. The commute will be just as long. The city will still operate as usual, minus the activity in one part of Natomas. City leaders have tried for a new arena for years but it is the age-old question: who wants to pay for it? The small-minded people of Sacramento don't want to chip in to a small tax increase to support a building they, their family, or their friends will at some point visit for a reason other than a basketball game. It's not all about basketball. The Kings play 41 regular-season home games per year. That leaves 324 other nights per year that the building will be used. In other cities where a new sports and entertainment complex was recently built, the surrounding area was completely revitalized. Ever been to a Giants baseball game? The first year that park was built the surrounding areas were parking lots. Now? It's surrounded by high-rise living, restaurants, bars, shopping, and prime office space. Ever been to Denver near Coors Field? The area where the park is located was a dump before the field was built. Now it is a revitalized part of town where people go to eat, drink, shop, spend time, etc, whether there is baseball or not. San Diego? Same thing. Sacramento is too narrow-minded, short-sided, and small-town thinking to deserve a pro sports franchise if it has been this impossible to get a building built. This city is missing out on so much and I can't wait until the day I can leave too. Steve Tuck 2011-02-28T20:43:34Z wilporter comment-45503 2011-02-11T18:53:13Z 2011-02-11T18:53:13Z Not sure that kudos to the owners of answering services come into play with this article. Certainly those kudos are well deserved however, this is article is written by a front line person commenting about her experiences after only a few weeks on the job, not an expose on the industry. Rhonda, keep up the great work and it would be interesting to see any additional articles about your experiences in this industry. All the best. wilporter 2011-02-11T18:53:13Z ABAwebmaster1 comment-45417 2011-02-10T22:09:27Z 2011-02-10T22:09:27Z That is an exceptional article. I'm not a telephone receptionist. But as webmaster for an answering service, I listen to endless calls where our telephone secretaries receive kudos' from callers for the excellent service they receive, the compassion shown by one of our operators who met them at the point of their need, or going the extra mile to assure their message is delivered. Then the telephone secretary gets a SHOUT! on our employee website for the praise they received. But it in no way makes up for the numerous calls they must endure from callers who don't know they are there to represent our client as if they were an employee. So the caller thinks they are talking to our client and they vent at them. That in itself, is the best compliment we could ever get as an answering service. We appreciate our telephone receptionists and understand what they endure to make our clients look good! ABAwebmaster1 2011-02-10T22:09:27Z ansernet00 comment-45114 2011-02-04T18:45:13Z 2011-02-04T18:45:13Z I just want to say that I really appreciate Ronda drawing attention to a business industry that most people don't even know exists, yet we're there 7/24/365 days a year acting as the middle man for people, as well as small and large companies. In the latest snowstorm Answering service owners were paying for rooms in Hotels near their locations so their staff could work and process all the emaergency call that came for clients as diverse as Heating & Oil specialists, Plumbers, various technicians, electric companies, etc, etc. 'd like to throw kudo's out to Ronda for making our industry better known, but I just wish she'd thrown some kudos to the owner's of these services who struggle with goverment regulations, constant financial pressures, and turnover due to the calling enviroment in order to keep their businesses alive and well. We are also mostlly family owned and operated and are also dedicated to the well being of our most important resource our staff. I just hope Ronda's employer's fit that profile. ansernet00 2011-02-04T18:45:13Z wilporter comment-45041 2011-02-03T16:23:04Z 2011-02-03T16:23:04Z You have hit the nail right on the head - it is a "life skill" - not taking things so personally - offering a kind voice and a helpful attitude in the midst of a crisis a caller has just told you about - whether real or self created - Developing a good case of short term memory loss will help as well. But it's good to remember those you helped in a true time of need, but it's also good to recall (withough violating HIPAA) some shall we say entertaining calls I have worked in this industry as an SOB ( son of the boss ) for more than 25 years. I worked the overnight and once took a call from someone who was shall we say folicly challenged and had sought the help of somone to assist. The caller was in a panic as his "system" had fallen off his head in the middle of the night and had attached itself to his cheek. for this gentleman it was indeed an emergency the clinic however had no emergency notification instructions so i had to calm him down and let him know his message would be received by the office the first thing in the morning. I have also received multiple calls this past year from women going on cruises with their husbands demanding that a specific prescription be refilled before the ship leaves at 6am the next day. Most physicians have instructions that they will not respond to calls regarding routine rx refill calls after hours. Well i over rode those instructions since the wife was in dire straights because she was not going on a 6-10 day cruise with her husband who had forgoten to get a refill of the umm "little blue pill" that starts with a V and ends with GRA. Those are good times to remember !! More good days are ahead for you. Take care wilporter 2011-02-03T16:23:04Z Rhonda Erwin comment-44921 2011-02-02T03:35:02Z 2011-02-02T03:35:02Z Thank you Specialtytas, wilporter and goodphone for your kind words and insight. I've learned a great deal from working for an answering service company. Most of all, I've learned patience;) I work with a great crew who I admire greatly for not taking the calls so personal and for keeping me in the spirit of love. I am grateful to my co workers, team leaders and managers who offer us a great support system. I use to wonder why we have so many "spirited fun" activities, now i know it's to create a balance and keep positive energy in the work place. Heck, in the words of Dr King, "we are all woven from the same garment what affects one of us directly affects all of us indirectly." Where I work we are a family and we can't let one of us become down due to a "mean" spirited call. We have to bounce back and be there for one another. I do agree, you do have to be multi-talented, wear many hats, go above and beyond what is expected or expressed by many and handle the calls with grace. It's not just an employment skill--- it's a life skill. I think working for the company has made me a better person. I am grateful to have had yet another life experience causing me to look at the man in the mirror. This experience has enabled me to be more conscious to my own actions and how I treat others. Again, thank you for the kind words and insight. And today I had a great day!! I left smiling!! Rhonda Erwin 2011-02-02T03:35:02Z goodphone comment-44850 2011-02-01T18:06:59Z 2011-02-01T18:06:59Z Kudos to YOU for so eloquently explaining what you go through. I too own an answering service and I know my operators deal with difficult calls of all kinds on a day to day basis. You are all unsung heros every day. Our staff not only handles these callers with grace, but we've won the ATSI Award of Excellence for the last six years. (Wait, that's wrong our OPERATORS have won it. I just cheerlead and hand out bonuses.) Here is something that might help dealing with the "unique personalities. From time to time, we run a fun little contest "caller of the week." Any operator can nominate a call for any reason. We all review the nominated calls, and award a gift card for the "winner". Some are funny, some are wacky or perhaps impaired by adult beverages, and some just don't realize that while misery loves company... company does NOT love misery. Bless you and keep up the good work! Hugs, Paula Ford, www.answercenter.biz goodphone 2011-02-01T18:06:59Z wilporter comment-44835 2011-02-01T17:28:05Z 2011-02-01T17:28:05Z Kudos to you for the job you do and the people and companies you provide service to. The government can tell their "non-essential" personnel to stay home during the upcoming snow storm, this does not apply to answering service employees. Business does not stop because of 3" or 3' of snow and answering service employees make sure of it for hundreds of thousands of businesses. Businesses know they can keep their employees safe at home and off the road and not miss a beat thanks to the dedication of thousands of employees who will be braving the elements in the next few days to make sure So Kudos to them as well for doing what most people would say is above and beyond the call of duty, but for an employee of an answering service is part of the job. wilporter 2011-02-01T17:28:05Z Rhonda Erwin comment-42694 2010-12-24T04:52:49Z 2010-12-24T04:52:49Z Cogmeyer:) Merry Christmas!!! to you as well and God Bless. Thank you!!!! I have to do some last minute shopping and couldn't start til after work so I'm heading out the door. But I couldn't leave without letting you know I know you never implied, suggested or felt that any race is all bad.... My apologies, I should have phrased my comment differently. I also value our discussion and your continued dialog of this topic. I'd like to continue the discussion later. Merry Xmas and to you and all a good night:) Rhonda Erwin 2010-12-24T04:52:49Z cogmeyer comment-42683 2010-12-23T21:34:50Z 2010-12-23T21:34:50Z Rhonda I never stated or implied that youth violence only affects black families. I also never stated or implied that any race or culture, black or otherwise, is all bad, or has completely embraced any negative elements. I focused onthe African American culture in my comments because an NAACP Press Conference was the subject of your article, and the press conference was in response to gang related homicides where both the suspects and the victims were black. For the record, while I am freakishly white, but I too have black family members :). I have the same thoughts and concerns as you about the ongoing, mostly unreported, gang violence. And closer to home I worry a lot about my middle schooler nephew (half black) and the things that influence him. I stand by my comments regarding the misplaced confidence and failures of the NAACP to address the most pressing problem affecting black America. The NAACP would have you believe that partisan politics, unfair crack sentences, and one more government program is what the black community needs most. Just take a look at their website, or listen to the comments from NAACP leadership and you can see how out of touch that organization is. If only a there was a new, grass roots movement of concerned black mothers who decided to join together and demand the best for their communities and their children,. Like a million man march combined with a Tea Party. Hint Hint Rhonda! Merry Christmas Rhonda, and God Bless! cogmeyer 2010-12-23T21:34:50Z Rhonda Erwin comment-42672 2010-12-23T06:35:46Z 2010-12-23T06:35:46Z Mark Urguhart-Webb- Thank you also for your comment. I agree family is important, extremely important. Heck, I know many family members who were extremely involved with their children and their child was influenced outside the home...... Don’t get me wrong I don’t make light of parental involvement. I also understand why so many will look at this issue in terms of color. Heck perhaps that's why their is so little effective solutions since it appears many think of this as a race issue….So we get stalled on conversations of race. The youth (involved in gangs of all ethic groups) are often hurting someone just like themselves, same ethnic, social and “economic “background. Their is a self-hate which needs to be addressed just as their are many other factors which need to be addressed. Thank you also for your comment. Much respect. And I give respect to people for sharing whether we agree or not. You opened up, shared and that can lead to a constructive bridge of dialog. Thank you Rhonda Erwin 2010-12-23T06:35:46Z Rhonda Erwin comment-42671 2010-12-23T06:23:35Z 2010-12-23T06:23:35Z Cogmeyer: Youth violence does not only affect black youth and not all Black families are affected by the violence. I know many black families, perhaps many within the NAACP, heck I have many family members in law enforcement, retired from law enforcement, state, federal, county, self employed who are not directly affected or exposed to the violence. They aren’t low income. So the common denominator I see is income not color. You wrote, "African-American culture has embraced the gang culture," That is simply not true. It may appear that way too many who watch lots of TV, news, read the paper.... But their are many within the African American community who do not embrace gang culture. And many outside of the African American community who do embrace gang culture. Heck the RICO Act.... wasn't a result of black youth. When Scarface, Carlitos way, gangster movies came out lots of easily to be impressed kids began to ignorantly allow life to imitate art. Cogmeyer, When you are on the outside looking in you may get a distorted view. Please do not mistake what I often write about as a reflection of the entire black community. It is not. Also, when I go to prisons I sit with families of all ethic groups.. When I go to funerals I've sat with families of all ethic groups. When I attend courts sitting with the families of victims or suspects I do so with families of all ethic groups. I've never sought out the NAACP to solely address this issue because not all blacks are affected..... I will comment further later I am really tired. I do appreciate your comment and welcome the dialog. To me it is a constructive bridge of dialog. I want to end with I don't see this as a civil rights issue. I see it as a human rights issue. Much respect Rhonda Erwin 2010-12-23T06:23:35Z Rhonda Erwin comment-42670 2010-12-23T06:23:16Z 2010-12-23T06:23:16Z cogmeyer: I do agree what I mentioned nips around the edge….Now, the violence has existed for decades their aren't that many two parent homes, fathers are dead, fathers are in prison. We have the 80's crack babies. Nancy Regan and her insignificant Just Say No Attitude and no resources available as a nation decided a war on drugs would be done through suppression. Now, we can't Just Say No to gangs and take the suppression attitude to fix it. When it surely didn't help the war on drugs. I don't think it has much to do with a slavery mentality. I think it has to do with how we addressed people becoming walking zombies, the devastation and aftermath of a drug epidemic which cities chose to ignore as they chose to ignore youth violence. Children were taking care of themselves and their siblings. It isn't like it is now, as we address meph with campaigns, resources, rehab.... When it pertained to a crack community the answer was "arrest away the people" In Sac a judge would throw away the key had little understanding for those with drug addiction until his nephew, who was successful, became addicted and then he began looking for treatment. Just as with drugs as long s it is merely affecting the low income community we aren't seeing opportunities, resources,, campaigns..... we are seeing cameras, uniforms, sirens, helicopters… When it begins to affect the haves and not just the have not’s then elected officials and many others look for options solutions other than arresting away a problem. Rhonda Erwin 2010-12-23T06:23:16Z Isaac Gonzalez comment-42669 2010-12-23T02:38:26Z 2010-12-23T02:38:26Z Casey, it took many mistakes to reach this point of view... Isaac Gonzalez 2010-12-23T02:38:26Z Casey Kirk comment-42636 2010-12-22T21:39:07Z 2010-12-22T21:39:07Z Wow, Isaac. "We must teach our young that the pursuit of wealth has little to do with money, but rather wealth can be defined by a healthy mind and body, respect for others and the community in which you live, and freedom from the hollow pursuits of status and money. Too many of our young idolize rich and flamboyant famous folk, and get drawn into a false sense that money with fill the void that is in their hearts. This void can be filled instead with self-respect, knowledge, and a determination to be more than the sum of our environment" If this mentality was instilled in everyone, our world would be an amazing place. You are a wise man. Casey Kirk 2010-12-22T21:39:07Z Mark Urquhart comment-42634 2010-12-22T21:26:24Z 2010-12-22T21:26:24Z What cogmeyer said. Slavery ended in 1865 or so. time to move ahead and reinvent the african american and rise above the self-imposed stereotypes of black youth culture. This kind of change comes from the family. Perhaps we should be targetting and educating the older generation in the hope that that will help build a stronger family base so clutural change can happen. Mark Urquhart 2010-12-22T21:26:24Z cogmeyer comment-42632 2010-12-22T21:12:41Z 2010-12-22T21:12:41Z Rhonda I am not necessarily opposed to the solutions you mention, but they just nip around the edge of the real problem. The African-American community (if there is such a thing for any group or race :) ) has the unrealistic expectation of wealth, health, peace, and education while at the same time ignoring the building blocks necessary to acheive those things. It may sound quaint, but there is a recipe for reducing gang violence and it has nothing to do with boondoggle school programs. The biggest anti-gang tool available are parents who value educational attainment, 2 parent households, delayed parenthood, respect for women, and self-sufficiency. Unfortunately the African-American community has suffered because many came from a starting point of slavery which held all these values in contempt. And whatever gains have been made since slavery for mastering this "recipe" are now slipping away as African-American culture has embraced the gang culture, disrespect to women, government handouts as a political block and disavowed 2 parent households, police "snitching" and education. What is interesting is that the largest national organization that (supposedly) represents African-Americans completely ignores this reality. A quick look at the homepage of the NAACP (naacp.com) tells you where there concerns are (criminal sentencing, analysis of the tea party (huh?), and Democratic Party political activism. It's the business of the NAACP and their donors on what they do with their money, but we are kidding ourselves if we think the NAACP has any interest in addressing the roots of the gang problem. So I would suggest the starting point for solving the problem would be to first recognize that while the NAACP had an important role in the civl rights fight 50 years ago, they are complete failure in helping resolve the biggest issues facing black America today. A new organization is needed that will organize African-Americans to help themselves (in the same way the NAACP did in the South 50 years ago). The Kennedy and early Johnson administrations never took civil rights seriously until MLK and his followers took on a level of commitment (and risk) that could not be ignored, and only then did Johnson fight for passage of the Civil Rights Act. Same situation now. As long as you have disconnected organizations like the NAACP in the alleged position of leadership; and as long as school, police and DA programs are viewed as "solutions", the dead bodies will keep piling up. When African-Americans finally take to the street not against Korean shop-owners but against the gang-bangers, drug dealers, misogynists culture, and stand up for your kids, then you will finally see real help arrive from the rest of society (and the government). cogmeyer 2010-12-22T21:12:41Z Rhonda Erwin comment-42629 2010-12-22T17:52:55Z 2010-12-22T17:52:55Z Ah heck I'm gonna be late. But one last comment (for now-lol) I don't single out Kevin Johnson cause I (or the community) needs his help. I single him out because SPOA needs his help to continue to be greedy. Please do not misunderstand my reasoning. I'm a simple person but not that simple-minded. I do appreciate much of your comment and I will show that appreciation when I'm off work. Thank you again. Rhonda Erwin 2010-12-22T17:52:55Z Rhonda Erwin comment-42628 2010-12-22T17:44:31Z 2010-12-22T17:44:31Z Also, why do you think SPD arrest record is so impressive??? THE COMMUNITY comes forward. THE COMMUNITY is NOT silent. Please don't believe the propaganda. IF it weren't for the COMMUNITY SPD arrest record would not be impressive. Rhonda Erwin 2010-12-22T17:44:31Z Rhonda Erwin comment-42626 2010-12-22T17:38:17Z 2010-12-22T17:38:17Z Quest, thank you for the response. I don't have much time. I will comment later to more of what is written. I just want to say re: "the community shields the perps" the community does not shield the perps- that's propaganda- it's false. Heck, to keep it real we aren't shielding anyone and I won't shield the NAACP on issues of youth violence. And some want to live it isn't about shielding.... 2) We are not asking elected officials to solve the problems cure our ills. But we have to get them on board since money spent in their budgets will go to more suppression which is doing more harm than good. Heck more youth are dying with their names put on police reports with false statements..... Heck, if they are shielding someone it won't appear like it on a police statement..... I have to go. But I do appreciate your comment. Yes, change comes from within, from the people, and in the words of Dr King, 'we are all woven from the same garment what affects one of us directly affects all of us indirectly." The only reason I ask that we all, community and elected officials address youth violence is because all our efforts --efforts of the community- will be in vain without their support since the propaganda sent by politicans and LE will continue to have us not just fight the violence in our communities but we have to FIGHT the deceit and greed of others. I have to go but thank you for the comment. Rhonda Erwin 2010-12-22T17:38:17Z Rhonda Erwin comment-42623 2010-12-22T17:08:13Z 2010-12-22T17:08:13Z Isaac, it is good to read your words regarding the journey starts within and you are right too many idolize rich and flamboyant famous folks and drawn into a false sense hat money will fill the void in their hearts.... You have no argument from me. Thank you very much. I have to head off to work. I am soooo very angry after reading the article. I know their are always two sides to every story and I hope like heck something was lost in the ignorance/ translation otherwise I doubt very seriously if the "community" they are trying to reach will listen, acknowledge, support, or even give a darn and the NAACP so called outreach will fall upon deaf ears. Oh, I can go on but I will wait and give this the benefit of the doubt. But this ain't over. What I read is concerning and ignorant to say the least. Rhonda Erwin 2010-12-22T17:08:13Z Isaac Gonzalez comment-42621 2010-12-22T14:25:34Z 2010-12-22T14:25:34Z Good to read your words Rhonda. I want to add another task to your list: We must teach our young that the pursuit of wealth has little to do with money, but rather wealth can be defined by a healthy mind and body, respect for others and the community in which you live, and freedom from the hollow pursuits of status and money. Too many of our young idolize rich and flamboyant famous folk, and get drawn into a false sense that money with fill the void that is in their hearts. This void can be filled instead with self-respect, knowledge, and a determination to be more than the sum of our environment. I grew up in Medowview. As a child I rode my tricycle around the block without supervision. it was still safe then. Later, I watched as the homes began to crumble around me. I was jumped plenty of times at the park by older kids and gangbangers. I did not retaliate. I did not succumb to that lower level of being. Instead, I made it a point to rise above it and not let it define me. Children growing in our harsh urban neighborhoods need to know there is a way out, but that the journey starts from within. Isaac Gonzalez 2010-12-22T14:25:34Z Rhonda Erwin comment-42581 2010-12-22T08:57:10Z 2010-12-22T08:57:10Z My apologies: Antonne's death was on 12/20. (excuse the typo) I went to the site he died after work 12/21. Also, it appears the District Attorney links to GIFT and CHOICES have been removed / the information no longer available on the site. (I guess I wrote about how the programs never reached our community - the community affected and exposed to violence- so often it is now removed or heck maybe budget cuts removed it. Nevertheless the programs never moved into our community . I have the information of the programs saved on hard copy if the mayor, leaders, activists wish to have a copy of it. Again, I apologize the three District Attorney links provided in the article have been removed. And finally, United we Stand, Divided we Fall -- and Divided our children will continue to fall to their deaths. And it appears after reading the article in the Bee, we are divided on many levels. Rhonda Erwin 2010-12-22T08:57:10Z