Newest articles and comments on The Sacramento Press written by Felicia Pitre

Felicia Pitre on "Racial profiling commission outlines new goals"

2009-07-29T23:34:51Z

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.

Felicia Pitre on "Customer Service Conundrum."

2009-06-03T00:25:38Z

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.

Felicia Pitre on "Demonstrators rally at Capitol in response to Prop 8 decision"

2009-05-29T16:06:16Z

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.

The Joys of Suburbia and Motherhood

2009-05-29T03:40:57Z

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 park. It wasn't until they circled the park a 2nd time that I realized that they were involved in a group activity. Then, it wasn't until we started to leave, a good hour later, that I realized that they were involved in a super-organized fitness activity for women with children in strollers. Duh!

I found myself excited for the women involved and grateful to the community for having a space available for these mothers of young children to convene and work on their health and fitness. I don't know how long this particular group has been meeting, but the group appeared to be on task and on target. During one point of their fitness routine, they started to run around the park. My mother cheered them on and told one woman, "Looking good!" The stroller brandishing mother smiled and put a bit more pep in her step. It was an adorable sight.

Later in the afternoon, while waiting to pick up my teenager from school, I stopped by Starbucks for a quick frappucino and short read. On my way out the door, I glanced at the billboard postings and saw one for Mommy and me stroller fit classes. Since I believe that there are no coincidences in life, I felt it necessary to share my morning's experience and pass on information regarding this type of class/group.

For more information, please visit: http://www.mommyfitnessclub.com/ or http://www.strollerfit.com/

Felicia Pitre on "Demonstrators rally at Capitol in response to Prop 8 decision"

2009-05-28T20:21:22Z

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.

Felicia Pitre on "Demonstrators rally at Capitol in response to Prop 8 decision"

2009-05-28T20:16:36Z

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.

Felicia Pitre on "Is Anyone Paying Attention?"

2009-05-15T14:16:50Z

Thank you!

Felicia Pitre on "Is Anyone Paying Attention?"

2009-05-15T14:16:22Z

I do believe that it was more than "a small handful of people [displaying] poor judgment." The entire pond area was trashed! Please, take a look for yourself!

Felicia Pitre on "Is Anyone Paying Attention?"

2009-05-14T20:04:54Z

I agree with you 100%, and will contact you through the email address provided.

Felicia Pitre on "Is Anyone Paying Attention?"

2009-05-14T20:04:17Z

Thank you for reading and responding.

Felicia Pitre on "Is Anyone Paying Attention?"

2009-05-14T20:03:56Z

Thank you for your positive and encouraging comments!

Felicia Pitre on "Is Anyone Paying Attention?"

2009-05-14T20:03:33Z

...and thank you for reading!

Felicia Pitre on "True Love coffeehouse shuts door, Jasmine Cafe opens them"

2009-05-14T17:52:43Z

Thanks for the info. I was wondering what happened to the old coffeehouse.

Is Anyone Paying Attention?

2009-05-14T16:34:51Z

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 held loaves of bread were inside the pond. We also fished out aluminum can tops and straws. It almost felt as if an entire elementary school visited the park and every classroom left pieces of bread for the wildlife. I have no idea how or why so many people displayed the same irresponsible and non eco-friendly behavior.

As I said, this was my third visit to the park, but it was only my second to the pond. My first visit to the pond was in early spring, just as the ducklings appeared and the rest of the wildlife appeared "twitterpatted." During that first visit, there was some debris in and around the pond, but the scene did not compare to the atrocity that we witnessed yesterday. I found myself walking around the pond in disbelief, and immediately ran back to my car to retrieve my camera. I knew that I had to speak out to the community regarding the present state of this beautiful Sacramento landmark. Something must be done to clean the pond area and deter people from feeding the ducks, leaving opened and unopened loaves of bread in the pond area, and throwing trash in or near the pond.

I urge each person who desires to keep McKinley Park safe and beautiful to contact the city's Park and Recreation maintenance department at (916) 808-6305. You can also contact Mary Lynn Perry, City-wide Volunteer Coordinator, at (916) 808-8317, Fax: (916) 808-1907
Email: mperry@cityofsacramento.org, for volunteer opportunities.

Felicia Pitre on "Local green developer heads to Ethiopia"

2009-04-14T03:53:54Z

Beyond inspiring!

Felicia Pitre on "A Dog's Love"

2009-04-14T03:50:45Z

Thank you for sharing Bella's humbling beginnings and beautiful growth!

Felicia Pitre on "IS IT JUST ME? Teenagers: What have we done to deserve this?"

2009-04-09T02:09:37Z

I appreciate your opinion and honesty when it come to raising your own son. I have a teenager myself, so I understand you 100%. However, I don't think the "sociological phenomenon" comes at the teenage level; I believe it starts in elementary school. I also believe that there are a myriad of reason why the children today are so different than we were as children. I wouldn't place the responsibility merely on the parents and educational system. I blame society as a whole. The change in respect and responsibility that you mention is a universal phenomenon. Our society is simply lost. (Love your writing, btw!)

Felicia Pitre on "He Sleeps in Alleys"

2009-04-09T02:01:37Z

Thank you for giving Raymond a voice.

Felicia Pitre on "One Step Forward: Running with homeless people recovering from addiction"

2009-04-08T22:38:13Z

Inspiring!

Felicia Pitre on "Gossip"

2009-04-08T15:44:29Z

I agree wholeheartedly. Thanks for sharing.

Felicia Pitre on "Budget to close in on mental health"

2009-04-08T15:38:23Z

Quite sad!

Felicia Pitre on "A Dog's Love"

2009-04-08T15:30:21Z

Indeed!

Felicia Pitre on "A Dog's Love"

2009-04-08T15:30:08Z

My appreciate of cats is quite new. I do see, however, that their temperaments are completely different than dogs.

Felicia Pitre on "Hear Me Roar"

2009-04-08T15:27:30Z

John, This incident occurred in Elk Grove. No, my son did not do anything to precipitate this incident. If he had, I would not have insisted on calling and writing the local police department. My son is a good kid, and I trust his word. Regarding running, I agree with my son--that would make him appear guilty; he is 14, not 7. Nevertheless, thanks for reading and replying.

Felicia Pitre on "Hear Me Roar"

2009-04-07T18:48:29Z

The police basically stated that my son should have ran away; however, my son thinks that would have made him appear guilty. The following day, I emailed the chief of police and local councilperson. The investigation was assigned to a "beat officer," but there is not much that can be done regarding the past incident. I am grateful, however, that the incident was reported and folks are now aware of the occurrences. (My son continues to walk the neighborhood with and without friends, but he is also more aware.)

A Dog's Love

2009-04-07T18:44:21Z

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 shoe. Before the "master" is done issuing that consequence, I am more than positive that Blue or Bella is apologetic, complete with tail curled under, and ready to be "massas" best friend again.

Are we humans the same? When we are disappointed by a loved one or friend do we forgive and forget in a moment's time? Or do we punish that person because our pride and other people say that we shouldn't let him or her get away with that type of behavior? Yes, I know that some offenses may be unforgiveable, and it is up to each individual to decide which those may be. However, for the most part, we are all human and fall short of perfection. So, maybe we should try and remember that we all make mistakes; we all act out of our own desires (much like Blue and Bella) and don't always think of the consequences of our behavior. And when that occurs, may we meet our friend or beloved with open arms and a forgiving heart.

Hear Me Roar

2009-04-07T18:34:22Z

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 Caucasian woman in the parked minivan, who, according to my son, was smiling (or smirking).

My son was close to tears as he relayed the above tale to me. He was breathing heavily and talking loudly. He also spoke of all the things he would have done had the man attacked him. At some point during the altercation, he felt that this was a possibility. On the other end of the phone, I remained calmed and gathered all of the necessary information. Unfortunately, my son did not retrieve a license plate number. However, I calmed him down and told him that we would contact the police department when he arrived home.

While talking to the police, I made it clear that this incident was not only inappropriate, in that an adult approached my child in a threatening manner, but it also appeared that the incident was racially motivated. There is absolutely no other way to explain why this man would, out of nowhere, approach my son on an empty suburban street unless he was told that the "kid" who actually did attack his brother was African American. I also let them know that this was not the first incident of this kind for my child while living in this neighborhood; and I now feel unsafe for my son, a young, outspoken, intelligent, African American male. In fact, I feel unsafe, afraid, and saddened.

Of course, because we have little information, not much can be done. Yet, my main focus was to alert the police to the racial profiling that is occurring in this 'diverse' suburban town. Racial discrimination and prejudice are high on my no tolerance list; in fact, they sit at number one. I don't tolerate racism or discrimination from or by anyone. So, to have this happen to my cub, so blatantly, and potentially, violently, I am enraged. I know that we both handled the situation well, and I am quite proud of him. So proud even that I allowed him to have his Friday night pizza treat and XBOX for the evening, even though he skipped 2nd period today. (He will lose the controllers first thing tomorrow morning, and is stuck in the house all weekend.) However, this isn't the end for this lioness. The local police department and city council will definitely hear me roar.

Felicia Pitre on "Writers: Want to see your work in print?"

2009-01-21T17:46:29Z

I am so grateful to have found this site today!