Newest articles on The Sacramento Press written by Felicia Pitre

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/

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.

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.