Hundreds of Sacramento teens filled the streets mourning the death of 17yr-old Marque Johnson. Often in the silent night a loud cry could be heard by someone crying out "Not Marque, Please not Marque."   Most of the teens cried silently with tears flowing heavily and strongly down their young faces.  Marque is loved and will be missed by many. It was apparent the teen touched many lives. At one point I counted 287 people but then I lost count as many would come and some could no longer stand and were escorted off by friends or family members.   Teens held on to one another carrying teddy bears, candles, pictures and posters each wanting Marque to know they love him.   Someone rode to t

This morning my 17yr-old son walked in my bedroom.  With a low voice he said, 'Mom, I need you to look up something." I knew something was wrong by the sad tone in his voice. My son stood by me and I heard his words,  "They are saying Marque is dead!" He walked in circles and with one breath he said,  "Mom, I don't even know what I am doing right now. I'm lost. How is this possible? Wow, Mom look  for me and tell me they are wrong" I wanted to tell him it's not Marque. But even if not, someone else will bury their 17yr-old son. I sat today hearing the same words I would hear over and over from my older son, when he was 17, and neighborhood youth he went to school with and played with wer

I was sitting in my garage with the garage door open. My friend was at my home using my dryer. It was such a nice evening.  I felt so relaxed. My son asked, 'Mom can I go around the corner to Tony's house." It was approximately 7:30pm. I know Tony and his family and knew he would be okay going to Tony's house. Unfortunately I didn't know what would occur next.  As I talked to my friend I watched my son walk to the corner. I smiled as she said, "He sure is getting big and handsome." I looked at him walking with the cute skip he had as a child and said, "Yes, and he's still my baby." My son turned the corner. As soon as he turned the corner I heard a "POW" It sounded familiar. It sounded

It seems to often we are solving a puzzle without a picture.  When I was a kid, my grandmother Retha used to always give me Sleeping Beauty, Alice in Wonderland, and all sorts of other books and puzzles for Christmas. I appreciated the gifts, but I never knew the value of them. I'd rather have the newest toy or the latest fashion.  But I was a kid. Now I'm an adult continuously reading books and trying to solve a puzzle – oftentimes without a picture.  In addressing issues with our mayor, with youth violence or any of our concerns, I think people from all different walks of life are the puzzle pieces. Some of us are rough around the edges, and some of us are smooth. Opinions, insight an

Editor's note: This article is a response to a recent Sacramento Press story about City Manager Ray Kerridge being an "Invisible Man." It has been said our city manager is not held accountable to the residents of Sacramento. But I disagree. Not only is Sacramento's city manager accountable to the City Council and the mayor of Sacramento, he is also accountable to the public and oftentimes reaches out to them with genuine concern. Prior to meeting Sacramento City Manager Ray Kerridge, I used to think power was in the hands of others. I used to think my opponents were others, and they were often my enemies. President Franklin Roosevelt once said, "The only thing we have to fear is fear its

You're welcome. That is a beautiful story thank you for sharing it. A young girl just came to my house and said she was on her way to a BarBque to help the family raise money for burial. I didn't get much info her ride pulled up as we were talking. She was upset and said she heard he was shot 16 times. Please don't believe everything you hear and please don't let the rumors that will spread cause you more pain. I am sure his family appreciates your prayers. Many people find comfort from love extended from someone they don't know, especially when the person knows their loved one. I have much respect for you for reaching out in the spirit of love and my prayers are that your heart always remain so beautiful. My son pulled out his middle school book and sat with me showing me the photos of Marque. He's seen him recently but he wanted to revisit all the memories they shared. No one can take your memories and through your memories you can hold on to Marque. Thanks again for sharing and I'll keep you informed, as best as I can, when I learn more.

heck bbbbmer, my guess is if he doesn't work for him he's working hard to get a position- lol But who knows... I'm learning what's good for the goose is not always good for the gander. I'm seeing lots of double standards. It's funny to see some want disclosure and they don't always disclose their association, affiliation, relationships....themselves. But I'll be honest it should be disclosed in an article. If someone wrote something pertaining to youth violence I'd want to know who they were and their affiliations. I can see people expecting the same courtesy. This to me just looked like an oversight not a deliberate attempt at manipulating folks. Also, I've often wondered of Runge possible relationship with KJ.

To be honest, I want to add, earlier in the week or last week I received an email from someone in Gutierrez campaign regarding Treatheway not appearing to the GNNA homeowners meeting and I did not approve of what I read. I don't approve of what Ashby has said also regarding Treatheway not attending. While I am not all that trilled with Treatheway I admire the fact he is not slinging dirt or accusations against Ashby or Gutierrez. (at least I haven't seen anything to suggest otherwise) To be honest, It;s just I tend to become fond of truthful sheep and not that fond of sly foxes. I mean no disrespect, it is what it is, my opinion and nothing more.

I wish I could provide you more info. Unfortunately at this time I can't. I'm told he left to walk to school. I'm told he was shot in the back. But again, I'm not exactly sure of the exact details at this time. I am sorry for your loss. Your shock is understandable. Often times young people don't think it can happen to them and unfortunately it has happened to so many. By the crowd gathered last night it is apparent Marque touched many lives. Whether or not you've talked to him in years or the day before he passed I'm most certain you still care. When I learn of funeral arrangements I'll post the information so you can attend. Perhaps you can get answers to your heartfelt questions at that time. Take care and please talk to a doctor, pastor, adult anyone who can help you sort through your painful emotions. If you'd like to further talk through this I am here for you. God bless you and may God keep you safe. I'm not trying to scare you but I feel I should mention this tragedy does not just affect the boys in our neighborhoods nor one race in particular. I have attended funerals of girls shot and killed, often caught in the crossfire at the wrong place at the wrong time. And those girls were of all ethnic backgrounds. Always be aware of your surroundings and always leave an area which looks like trouble. My heart and prayers are extended to you during this tragic time in your life.

Thank you so much. I truly appreciate you sister. I saw your son at the vigil and my heart broke seeing him so sad. He hugged me and I really didn't want to let him go I know his heart aches. I know Marque was his best friend. My son would go to your house and Marque would be there and they would play the video games. My son said Marque was always at your house. I know this is so difficult for you and my heart, love and prayers are extended to you. If their is anything I can do PLEASE call. It hurts me and I didn't know Margue like you so I know your heart aches. DJ is taking it really hard so I know Adam is devastated. I am glad I could bring comfort to your heart- you are all deserving of it and deserving of so much more than what I can give. God bless you , your handsome son and Marque's family through this painful journey.