Since my lay off earlier this year, I tend to spend most of my mornings enjoying a cup of java, reading, and walking my dog Prince.  Today, I took a little detour from the regular routine and visited the newest park near my home in Elk Grove.  We arrived at the park a little after 9:00 AM, and spent at least 20 minutes in the car.  I was texting and Prince was barking at people passing by and other dogs at the park.  Because of the gorgeous (read: tolerable) weather, I called my mother and asked if she wanted to come up to the park with my nephew.  She said yes, and we made it a family affair.  Shortly after their arrival, I noticed a group of women with strollers strolling around the par

As a new resident to the Sacramento area, I recently discovered and fell in love with Mckinley Park. Yesterday, was my third visit; unfortunately, it may also be my last.  What I witnessed yesterday was nothing short of appalling and disappointing—appalling because it appears that Sacramento residents do not care about wildlife or the environment, and disappointing because it appears that the City of Sacramento does not care about wildlife, the environment, or the residents of Sacramento. The above photos clearly illustrate what I witnessed yesterday at the duck pond.  Loaves and pieces of bread were left on benches, inside the pond, and all around the pond.  Empty plastic bags that once

I read an article yesterday on the lessons we humans can learn from our beloved pets regarding love and forgiveness. The most striking lesson, in my opinion, is a dog's ability to live in the moment. For instance, if my beloved Prince is caught in the garbage and told to get in his crate, he will run over to the crate, take a seat, and wait for me to close the latch. Then, not less than a minute later if I say, "me beso," he will stick out his little tongue and give me a kiss. In an instant, I am forgiven for issuing a punishment for his unwanted behavior. A more extreme example is the dog owner who yells and hits his furry friend after she or he has, say...torn up an expensive Italian sho

Today, shortly after 5 PM, my son called me from his cellular phone. It was obvious to me, immediately, that he was upset. Apparently, while walking home, an older Caucasian man approached my son and accused him of harassing his younger brother. Per my son, the man was "in [his] face," and he felt threatened. My son stated that he offered this man respect by referring to him as "sir" and looking him straight in his eyes; and although it was not necessary, he also told this stranger where he was after school, which was not where the incident took place. The man then asked my son if he was lying and told him that "this kind of behavior is not tolerated around here." There was also a Caucasia

I live outside Sacramento in the Elk Grove area, and racial profiling is also prevalent here, unfortunately, among the police and private citizens. I moved my son here so he can receive a quality education, but now I fear for his safety when he is not in my presence. It is truly sad that people in this area appear to have little regard for cultural diversity and treat all young African American males as criminals. These attitudes are frustrating and intolerable. I hope this new committee can and does make a difference.

I hope you and your husband did let the drive-thru worker's supervisor/manager know that he is doing a good job. No matter if his "friendly" and "professional" behavior was expected or not, it was noticed and should be acknowledged. Just my $.02.

The term "queer" is becoming more widely used in the LGBT community, especially among academics. I suppose I should better articulate my point by saying it is the way the terms "gays," "blacks," and "jews" are stated and used. I would never refer to a group of people as "whites." It simply sounds derogatory. If referring to a group of people, I prefer, at the very least, to say "white people" or "black people." See the difference? It's not the term, but the way in which it is used.

I am a bit offended by the term "gays" in reference to the LGBT community. It's quite similar to the use of the terms "blacks" or "jews." Language does matter.

Key phrase, Trapper, "substantive rights." And I also believe you are incorrect in stating that same-sex couples have the right to "marry," but not deem those unions as marriage. It's all semantics. The bottom line: same-sex couples who desire to "marry" want to be treated just as married heterosexual couples.