I don't even look at ugliest dog categories anymore because they always go to a Chinese Crested,. Ugliest dogs ever, no doubt, but it takes the fun out of the "competition" when it is always the same dogs. But, many still enjoy it and the proceeds go to help various animal groups so there's no complaint in that!

After the previous article about 311, I'm glad to see that someone did an interview with Knepp. As an ex-911 Dispatcher (12 years), I can completely understand and relate to the differences as well as the "Dumb should hurt" sign on her door, lol. She seems like a down-to-earth person and maybe, just maybe, the 311 center, even with all their budget cuts and manpower shortages, is stil able to function better than most City departments because she actually makes it a fun place to work (if my Dispatch center ever had a tin foil hat day, my job might hve been a little more fun rather than oppressive) and has a good grasp of reality rather than a complete bow to political nonsense that leaves employees feeling like no matter what they do or how hard they try, they'll never get ahead of all the office and City politics (I know, giant run on sentence). It's a huge, and genuine, moral booster and when employees get it on a regular basis, everyone they come in contact with benefits. I always had a good opinion of Knepp simply because I've had such great experiences with 311 and knew that to have that consistent kind of quality service (and no, I wasn't the rabid tongue caller, lol), a good leadership is required but I like her even more now that I've seen an interview with her. Kudos to her and all 311 operators; they're doing an amazing job!

I don't know how many people are employed to answer the calls but I do know they are 24/7/365 (minus these furlough days of course). Too bad about these cuts because 311 is about the only City service I've dealt with that didn't have some kind of grief involved in getting anything accomplished. I've used them several times via phone and e-mail and each time I was met with a pleasant and knowledgeable person who helped solve my issue or gave me the information I needed and they did it very quickly. Perhaps Division Manager Knepp should be in charge of more City functions.

Amen to that. Whether people agree upon their agenda/opinions/stance or not, the one thing that can be agreed upon is that they're at least out being heard and fighting for what they believe is best for this country. That's a heck of a lot more than most people do. Shoot, we can't even get half the nation to get up off their butts to take a few minutes to fill out an election ballot yet everyone wants to sit around and whine about the government and spout their opinions. As the saying goes, "you have to stand for something or you'll fall for anything" and no matter what side of the political fence you stand on, it's exactly why we have so many problems; people blindly follow the media or even worse, e-mail chain letters and fall for anything that that comes in a pretty package without a second thought rather than getting up, getting involved, and finding out for themselves.

I know I'm probably going to get bashed for saying this (and I won't be responding to baited arguments) but I just cannot understand why it's become so acceptable for "Mexican Americans" or any other (insert nationality)-Americans to celebrate other countries in America. The one quote, "MEX 200” party to celebrate those 200 years of independence Saturday in Midtown" is just asinine. If they're so happy for Mexico and it's 200 years of independence, why aren't they celebrating it in the country they're so proud of? I'm quite sure that residents in Mexico don't celebrate an American 4th of July. Barcena said, “That’s what makes this country different from the rest of the world" but I say that's what is making this country lose it's own culture and why our Constitution is becoming nothing more than toilet paper. I know America is a "melting pot" and people have come here from all over the globe to gain freedom from oppresive countries, circumstances, or situations but why then turn around and celebrate the very country you chose to leave? I'm all for learning geographies, languages, and cultures on an educational level and studying your roots to know your family history but for "Americans" to hold a celebration in honor of a country they no longer belong to is, to me, a slap in the face to the men and women who have fought for the very freedom for them to come here and have a better life. It's no different than if an adopted child from a torn home would be raised by someone who took them in, fed them, clothed them, and gave them a better life but then that child turns around and celebrates mother's day with the biological mother that treated them harshly and did it in the adoptive mother's house and expects her to join in and be happy about the party like it's no big deal. Because America (and California especially) has so many immigrants, I'm all for understanding diversity and being sympathetic to the circumstances that led them to seek a better life but to come to US soil to celebrate a foreign country is like pissing on the American Oath of allegiance that you so readily stood up and raised your right hand for and repeated. If you want to be an American, fine, but be an American, not a Mexican-American, African-American, or any other type rather than just plain old American because after all, that's what you came here for. "I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen..." From the Oath of Allegiance. Having a party to celebrate Mexico doesn't quite seem like it's entirely renouncing or abjuring all allegiance to Mexico. In fact, in my opinion, if anything, it's just the opposite because they are remaining loyal to and celebrating the very country they renounced. End soapbox. (edited for spelling errors)

Wow; out of all of that last comment, the best you can do is now accuse me of having a political platform (which, to any sane and normal person reading my comments would have never read into a political agenda)? I never said I didn't value them...I said it's a cow, the people who did it weren't malicious in their intent and that the world has bigger issues to worry about. I have never made any political posturings or projections. For your info... Political: The art or science of government or governing, especially the governing of a political entity, such as a nation, and the administration and control of its internal and external affairs. The activities or affairs engaged in by a government, politician, or political party. As you can clearly see, that definition fits NOTHING I've said. I had an opinion, nothing more (which you chose to comment on and I answered); simple. I never called for any kind of political action or even supported one (remember my clear saying that protesting the fair was stupid?) Once again, you're grasping for straws...you have nothing noteworthy to add to the dialogue other than some lame one-liner that doesn't even correlate to the discussion but yet you just aren't going to let go until you get the last word - even if it's a ridiculous one. Do us all a favor - post your next lame comment so you can feel satisfied that you got the last word and then go troll elsewhere - I've fed you long enough.

My original comment responded to parts of the article as well as the original comment from Curmudgeon, you chose to get involved in this, don't forget! I was never speaking to you in the first place but since you chose to address me, I responded and I responded to the very point of your comments. You started out by saying to me "not a big deal to you" and I addressed why it was and wasn't and why I felt that way.Then you accused me of not caring by saying "...you've made it clear that those lost lives mean nothing to you" and again, I responded with the fact that they did mean something to me but that some things in life are just more important than one cow. And now you're accusing me of "yapping at everything and anything you think other (mulitple) people think, rather than directly respond to what is being said". I'm not yapping about anything and everything - and BTW...when did this become a "political discussion"? It's about a cow at the state fair and protestors -that doesn't necessarily mean "political". I've answered everything directly and I'm sorry that you can't take the fact that I've made points that you have no argument for and that many others agree with. You could always just shut your trap when you're in the hole but instead you want to just keep digging so that you can get that last word in and all you've done is make a comment that is "yapping at everything and anything...rather than directly responding" because you certainly have NOT addressed ANY point of any of my comments, yet you keep responding...ironic, huh? Glass houses, Naga, glass houses.

I never said they mean nothing to me; I've said more than once, it's tragic, sad, and unfortunate and it didn't have to happen. But you have to look at intent and meaning; this was nothing more than a bad case of undereducated people on the ways of animals and a non-intentional mistake. It's not something that needs to be berated over and over again. Again...pick your battles. And again, it's not the fair's fault. If the owners wanted to "show the miracle of life" then perhaps they should have made better accomodations for their animals at the fair grounds. If you want to protest, fine, protest, but direct it at the right place and boycott the right people. And yeah, because I care more about the whole human race than I do about ONE cow...WOW, I'm a terribly evil, sadistic, and just in down right "blood lust".

Oh my bad; perhaps I should gather a group for a bleeding heart session? Again, while unfortunate, it was ONE, ISOLATED incident. It's not like we have a group of crazy, militia-type animal hating activists with malicious intent running around shooting pregnant cows in front of little kids every day and all around town just for the fun of it. I do sincerely hope that the persons involved in the incident get some kind of further training and help with understanding the ways of animals and what alternatives they could have chosen but come on, we have many more important things to be concerned with in the world today. We have kids dying, being molested, gang shootings daily, an unemployment rate that rivals no other state, a budget shortfall that's causing families to be destroyed by the hundreds when they lose their jobs and benefits but instead of people standing up and fighting for those types of things that run amok thru our local areas and state, people want to gather to protest and demand action over a cow? If that's such a huge deal to you then fine...I'll wave as I pass Cal Expo but don't complain later that while you were sitting around mourning a cow's death your employer sent you a pink slip or your rights were trampled on or you were a victim of a crime. Those things are the big deal to me, not a cow shooting. If they had intentionally tortured the animal or killed it out of malicious intent or abused it for fun then yes, that would be a big deal because that's a sign of a sick human being that needs some serious help before they eventually turn their "fun" to people, but just ONE bad judgment call on the part of small group of people (and who feel bad about it at that) - no, not a battle worth standing on the streetcorners in protest or demanding action. We all make mistakes and this is something that will probably never happen again, people need to get over it and focus on and protest on more important issues that WILL happen over and over again.

I agree, fairs all over the country bring livestock for the shows, education, and many more worthwhile activities; if anything should be boycotted, it's not the fair, it's the cops that chose to shoot the animal. I guess you could even say that boycotting the cow owners would be in order to some degree. But, either way, it's not like the fair forced the owners to bring their animals there for display nor did they force the cops to shoot the animal or force the vet to give the order to "put the animal down". Animal owners make a conscious choice to bring them to the fair and put them in those pins (which many times are provided by the owners themselves as well) and when they do that, it's their responsibility to assume any risks involved; it's not the fair that's forcing any harm to the animals. As far as the fair having a formal written policy to deal with the animals, I don't see it a big deal. All the animals at the fair are typically docile animals; it's not like sheep, cows, pigs, llamas, and the like are known for stampeding, goring, or chewing off limbs of humans. Anyone who has spent anytime around those animals know that in more cases than not, they can actually be like a family pet; allowing petting, loving some ear scratches, and can even come when called by name. So to need a formal policy that likens to one of dangerous animals is just silly. This is a very unfortunate incident indeed and I am truely sorry that the cow had to be shot simply because of cops inexperienced in dealing with animals and a vet who made a poor choice but the chances that it will ever happen again in the life of the state fair are slim to none and I think things are being blown way out of proportion. But then again, this is California, how could anyone function without a daily dose of drama?

<I was happily surprised to see a bunch of people in Freemont park watching live musicians yesterday afternoon. In the middle of the day on a weekday? Could this be the upside of the recession?> Um, no. No one has jobs which is why they have have the weekdays off to be there and since it's free, that's all the more attraction for a down economy. As far as they bands, they're struggling too and are most likely willing to take any amount of small pay, or even work for free just to get their names out there in the hopes of being "discovered" or getting asked to do bigger gigs. The recession is still very much alive.

Yep, you're correct; one of the biggest Christmas light displays too. Good article that brings recognition to the neighborhood. Even outside of their light and flag displays, it's just a fun neighborhood. I go through on occasion for yard sales, garden walking tours, and other events. It seems like they always have something going on and the residents will always stop and chat with anyone and everyone. Great group of people around there that are really showing what it's all about to be a functional and fun community. My only complaint is in some of the pics...tell them when hanging a flag vertically, the Union goes on the LEFT! It amazes me how many flags are improperly hung. LOL...Ok, I know, picky, but it IS Independence Day!

Sorry you had to experience that. You gave some good common sense items to think about; not wearing earbuds, walking in well-lit areas with traffic, etc. But, the thing that stuck out the most was your gut feeling that something wasn't right. There's a book called The Gift of Fear by Gavin DeBecker. It talks about just what you experienced; that unsettling, "something's not right" feeling and how incredibly important it is to listen to that gut feeling; it's there for a reason but too many times we ignore it because of a variety of reasons. I would encourage, especially women, to pick up this book and give it a read. That, combined with your story, could help a lot of people.

I completely agree with the questioners thoughts and I think Officer Michelle avoided the topic. She wrote a nice piece, but it didn't really say a lot. So, basically, without saying it, she ratted out the Sheriff for employing an obese Sgt.all the while claiming Sac PD had rigourous standards, but in reality, they don't. They have a rigorous standard for recruits in the academy; big deal. Every department across the country does. But soon as they get out of the academy they can balloon up as large as they wish. Notice she said that after the academy, they get 2 hours a week to work out and they have a physical fitness coordinator that they CAN use if they have weight issues but there's nothing that says they HAVE to, and then they can't be fired because of possible "discrimination". She also said that MOST law enforcement agencies in the nation use height/weight proportional equations, but never mentioned what Sac PD's are. Then ends with "thanks for the opportunity to talk about the efforts of Sac PD toward Officer fitness". Quite the avoidance and it's ridiculous and it's far from Sac PD holding a "philosophy of physical fitness that pervades the organization". Physical fitness is a mandatory part of the job and should by all means be exempt from any kind discrimination. They also have to take psych. evals, are we going to start saying that they can't be let go if they fail a psych. eval because it would be discrimination? Sure, let's let a crazy person run around with a gun and authority (sadly enough, it will probably happen sooner rather than later). Oh, and we can't discriminate on arrests, so how about we have a bunch of cops who have been arrested themselves? This world's never ceasing quest to stop offending everyone and equal rights and blah, blah, blah has just gone way too far. There are certain times and instances when it's perfectly acceptable to "discriminate" at a job, and this is one of them. But, we'll continue to see (Sac PD, Sheriff, CHP, all of them) with, not just chubby or overweight, but flat out obese, cops because the departments are too afraid to enforce something that might get them sued. It does nothing but put not only the citizens in danger but the cops themselves too. If you can't handle yourself in a physical altercation, you risk injury to yourself and the public. Just because they're a higher rank doesn't mean they don't still have to hit the streets or that it exempts them from a physical confrontation either. Any GOOD commander (be it Sgt, Lt, or even Chief) will be right out there with his "troops" when the time is called for. In reality, there's no such thing as sitting behind a desk full time in law enforcement and everyone should be held to mandatory, high standards in all areas of the job, including physical fitness. My commander in Dispatch had been behind a desk for years, never went out on the streets for anything other than to pick up uniforms, run errands, etc; she was an administrative commander. She had served 20+ years on the streets and eventually worked her way up to the "desk job". Fortunately for her, she stayed in peak physical condition. She went out to pick up some uniforms for the new recruits and when she got to the shop, a guy, completely unknown to the her or the department, no arrest history, nothing; he just went berserk and attacked her on the parking lot as soon as she got out of her car. It was like he was just waiting at a a cop uniform store for a cop to show up, he had nothing but attacking a cop on his mind and she was the first one he came across. Had she not been in her physical condition, the outcome could have been SO much worse. It only takes once, but since ya never know when that once is coming, you must be prepared for it at all times.

It really breaks my heart to see so many people suffering because our government officials, at Federal, State, and Local levels can't seem to take care of the money in this State. I know times are tough everywhere but for a State that leads every other in so many ways, we're certainly not a leader in how financial management should be handled; times of cut-backs are common everywhere and is a necessary evil at times, but the exhorbatant amount of cuts that are having to be made in CA is just nothing but poor financial decisions year after year that have now lead to bankruptcy. Prayers for the workers that will lose their jobs and their families, prayers for the community members that will be affected by the loss of services that may be been vital to their health & well-being. Fortunately, we as humans are adaptable and can survive, but this government inefficiency and poor financial planning will make it much more difficult for many people.

Sorry, but our justice system relies on far more than photos. There was obviously plenty of other very convincing evidence, otherwise the jury would not have convicted him. Your story is completely one-sided and obviously bias since it's your family member. Perhaps if we had more information on what other evidence was presented, what time the crime occurred, what ballistics results were (if any - and assuming it was even a gun - again with very little detail you're giving), or what DNA said (if there was any), etc then you might gain a little more sympathy and help for your cause but right now, appearances are that you're presenting a photo which, like others have already mentioned, could be easily doctored, trying to "prove" innocence and get your family member out of serving his due time. Have you had these photos inspected by a professional that can testify that they haven't been altered in any way? And again, without some facts like what time the crime occured, the date/time stamp on those photos mean nothing to us; he could have very well been at a particular place just as the photo stamp shows but if the crime occured several hours before or after and nearby, then it's obvious that he could have easily been at the scene of the crime before or after that picture was taken. Until you present us with a real and factual account of the case and all the evidence, rather than your perceived injustice, so we can make an informed decision, you're not going to get much sympathy. If those photos are in fact legit, and are proof of his innocence, then I truly hope you're planning an appeal and that your attorney will argue to get the photos presented as evidence; however, that all needs to be done thru a proper process and court of law - not posted on Sac Press. And in case you're not thinking, anything you place out on the open internet can be easily found and used against you so if you are planning an appeal, you might want to rethink placing these types of notices in public. It may seem innocent now, but it's quite possible to be made into something more and used against you and/or Lester in future hearings, you just never know, so it's much better to keep it to yourself until it goes to court, no matter how angry and/or justified you feel in speaking out. Plus, the bottom line is; your story title claims an constitutional violation ..there is nothing unconstitutional about it; he was given a trial by a jury of his peers and found guilty, so his rights under the constitution have been fullfilled; maybe a new title is in order as well? While I can't personally bring any sympathy to you with the information you've presented here, I do very truly hope that if Lester is innocent, that justice will be carried out soon and that he will receive some kind of compensation for his time served.

<I will admit that I have scavenged used things, from dumpsters, from time to time. If you don't want me to dig through your trash, then please put slightly used clothing and other things in a box, placed next to the trash, labeled "FREE". > It is ashame that people throw away good items rather than give them to charity, but the fact remains that if they chose to throw it out, it's now trash and there is a law against scavenging. But, even with people throwing "good" items away, there's still enough charity that people in need can go to and get help without having to dig thru the trash, leave a mess, risk spreading disease, etc. Why should I not only have to sort my recycleables for the City trash pick-up but sort them a 2nd time and then in addition make a special box just to make scavenging easier for you? That's ridiculous, I'm doing my part by recycling and properly disposing of waste, you should do your part by STAYING OUT OF IT as the law mandates. If I do anything extra it's going to be putting mouse traps in the bins. Pinch enough hands/fingers - that's what will remove the incentive.

He did read the story , as he said "the idea that you didn't realize parking had to be paid....ignorance is not an excuse". Using the "FIRST TIME" excuse is claiming ignorance and like he said, ignorance is not an excuse, nor is blaming the kiosk man. I'll again liken it to shopping...it's the EXACT same concept. You CANNOT go into a grocery store and see a group of items marked with a price, not pay for it, and then claim that because it was your first time in the store and because an employee didn't verbally tell you the price that it qualified you to get a free item and then not be slapped with a shoplifting citation. And to say "why else would I go on campus other than to see an art exhibit!!" is just completely asinine. Many, non -students go to the campus, there's much more going on there than art exhibits. And even if there was ONLY an art exhibit, it's still a pointless remark because the fact remains that you still have to pay to park. Whether it's 1 art exhibit or 12 other events, use of the parking lot requires a fee and its made perfectly clear. I can't believe I've spent as much time of my life arguing this as I have. Obviously you're just a man who wants to concot complete and utter foolish excuses, place the blame on someone else, and cry constitutional right violations and scams rather than just buck up and take responsibility for your action, or rather inaction as it were. The complete ridiculousness of your response and logic truely amazes me. The lack of personal responsibility and character with lame excuse after lame excuse, all the while slandering a campus who has done nothing wrong to try and validate yourself is just infuritating. I have to be done with this discussion now.

Fine = Bail. I'll admit I did say "fine" where I should have said "bail" but even at that, the concept and point is clear (to any half educated person anyway), explained, and related to Mr. Wilson's complaint. He was upset that he was made to pay a sum of money before he had a hearing. My quote, no matter what words were used, clearly shows that they can be charged a certain amount of money while you await a hearing. There's nothing unconstitutional about it, whether it's paying sum of money to get out of jail while you await a hearing or paying a sum of money while you await a contest on a parking citation.

If we were talking about the City it might be valid. You are correct in that the City allows 21 days to file an administrative review or contest the ticket. If you file that within the 21 days, you are given an extension on the fine until the final outcome of the review. But, CSUS is not part of Sacramento City. It's governed by the State.