Newest articles on The Sacramento Press written by Steven BourasaA Warm Reception at McClatchy High School for Anti-Gay Protester Fred PhelpsSteven Bourasaheadline-217552010-02-06T04:38:14Z2010-02-06T04:38:14Z<p> A small group of people started gathering in front of McClatchy High School today, at 3 o’clock, to show their support for gay rights. Among the group, were protesters who had gathered earlier at the capitol, students from neighboring schools, and the press. <br />
It was nearing the scheduled time for the arrival of the notorious anti-gay protester, Fred Phelps and his clan, from the Westboro Baptist Church. They were scheduled to arrive at 3;15pm, according to their website godhatesfags.com. <br />
The high school was ready with a dozen staff members standing guard in the front drive way. A number of students chose to dine in restaurants across the street, having a nice vantage point to enthusiastically view the scene.<br />
At 3:20, the school bell rang and students began to flood through the front doors. As the front of the school filled with students, more supporters joined the group. Some were wearing pro-gay t-shirts and others were wearing rainbow colored ribbons. Several students identified themselves as members of the gay-straight student alliance at high school. Other students made the point that they were straight, but believe in mutual respect for all people.<br />
The mass of demonstrators became larger. As cars drove by, honking their horns, the crowd would roar with delight. What was planned as a counter-protest became a gathering of people with a love for freedom and equality. The diversity of the crowd was greeted with the smiles on people’s faces.<br />
People didn’t seem too disappointed that the guest of dishonor hadn’t arrived. The reverend had also missed his appointment at the Capitol, scheduled for 1:10pm. Rumors were circulating that their flight had been cancelled due to snow. These reports have not been confirmed.</p>
<p>Images:</p>
<p>1) Anthony is a student at McClatchy High School.<br />
2) Mother and son, Kathryn and McClatchy freshman, Liam.<br />
3) Two students from St. Francis High School show their support with a rainbow flag.<br />
4) A girl in pink tape strikes a pose.<br />
5) Students from Rio Americano High School,of Carmichael, show their support for gay rights at the State Capitol.<br />
</p>Steven Bourasa2010-02-06T04:38:14ZCitizens Rally to "Stop the Power Grab"Steven Bourasaheadline-26112009-01-23T07:07:34Z2009-01-23T07:07:34Z<p>Sacramento citizens gathered, at the South Natomas Community Center, to oppose the proposed costly mayoral power grab. Joan Bryant, co-chair of the grass roots coalition "Stop the Power Grab", was joined by former Sacramento Mayor Anne Rudin, to speak to the crowd. "We are here today as a group of ordinary citizens who want to keep the doors of city hall open and accessible", said Rudin. "I applaud this group of citizens for coming together to do the right thing to stand against this." Bryant announced that the formation of this coalition, "Stop the Power Grab", is intended to make sure that the voice of the people is not shut out of city hall.</p><p>
"This measure is an unnecessary power grab", said Bryant. "If passed, Sacramento will be a city with one mayor who will have two votes. Instead of appointing five political positions, the mayor will have over five hundred political appointments". The proposal would amend the city charter so that the mayor would vote on issues as a city council member and then have the ability to sign or veto them as mayor. In addition, the proposal would allow the mayor to appoint all department heads and city supervisors and single handedly fire the city attorney, city treasurer, city clerk and city manager. This proposal also gives the mayor the authority to spend taxpayer money without the approval from the people or their duly elected local representatives. "This measure is unnecessary and costly," Bryant continued. "In this time of economic hardship and budget deficits, when we are discussing laying off people, we will spend over one million dollars on a dangerous ballot initiative."</p><p>
Over the past several weeks, paid signature gatherers have been collecting signatures to put the "strong mayor" measure on the ballot. Grassroots opponents have begun circulating a petition to oppose this measure.</p>Steven Bourasa2009-01-23T07:07:34Z