dshore22 comment-34865 2010-08-15T01:31:50Z 2010-08-15T01:31:50Z Interesting, but paranoid, view, sir. I'm not in PR, but I have PR relatives. MECHA is hardly racist. It is an organization that celebrates culture of a people that go back more than a few millenia. I guess because YOUR origins aren't quite as celebrated, you and your buddies claim 'racism' where none exists. I think it might have more to do with people like you just not wanting to celebrate anything having to do with brown people, or to celebrate anything. Maybe you just need a good party to go to for it seems like your bunch only celebrates hate -- not culture. dshore22 2010-08-15T01:31:50Z Colin Wood comment-34857 2010-08-14T18:35:14Z 2010-08-14T18:35:14Z For what it's worth, I was involved with the news coverage of MEChA at CSU Chico while I was a student there and found their organization to be very welcoming of me, a white guy. I attended several rallies for various causes MEChA was associated with and while the people who spoke at the rallies were definitely passionate about Latino rights, I never felt unwelcome or uncomfortable. I'm sure some of the people involved had racist or separatist political viewpoints, but the same can be said of any group of people. Racism and separatism weren't the defining characteristics of their chapter, as far as I could tell. I'm not saying this closes the book on the issue, but MEChA has a lot of chapters (more than 400 according to Wikipedia) and I think it's possible that calling MEChA racist is an over-generalization and is an unfair condemnation considering the complexity of the issue. Colin Wood 2010-08-14T18:35:14Z Hunnicutt comment-34844 2010-08-14T05:05:09Z 2010-08-14T05:05:09Z Okay, now you sound like a real looser. Can you please ask Michael Collette to defend his support of MEChA like you seem to also be doing? The Hispanics community has vary little tolerances for racists, even within our own. Hunnicutt 2010-08-14T05:05:09Z dshore22 comment-34841 2010-08-13T21:03:25Z 2010-08-13T21:03:25Z I don't believe your claim of latin/hispanic origin. People just aren't that self loathing generally to express some of your hyperbole against those who express community pride. In other words, I think you're not being truthful -- to put it politely. dshore22 2010-08-13T21:03:25Z SouthsideSessions comment-34823 2010-08-13T14:36:38Z 2010-08-13T14:36:38Z This Southside Sessions event will truly be a remarkable one with a little something for everyone. Come check out live music by local bands, skateboarding contests and demos, artists showcasing their art, a live art contest depicting different points in Southside Parks history, a scavenger hunt, a water balloon fight (4:30pm sharp), a food court, waterplay for the kids, gifts, prizes, and much much more in the beautiful, history rich Southside Park Saturday August 14th at 3pm-8pm! SouthsideSessions 2010-08-13T14:36:38Z Lwilliams comment-34768 2010-08-12T18:24:58Z 2010-08-12T18:24:58Z It sound like it is going to be so much fun . Lwilliams 2010-08-12T18:24:58Z cogmeyer comment-34760 2010-08-12T15:55:53Z 2010-08-12T15:55:53Z dshore22 You must be in Public Relations. Instead of making a cogent argument on the topic at hand you instead immediately went to the standard 4 step "no...you are the racist!" response. Nicely done! a) Claim superior knowledge based on your ethnicity (authority) b) Ignore that the fundamental fact that the subject of the article admits that they sometimes works with a radical, racist Latino organization.. ie MEChA (deflection) c) Instead label those who point it out as being racist (the ol' switcheroo) d) Accuse the news organization of catering to a fringe (marginalization) and of being anti-minority (ol' switcheroo + deflection) cogmeyer 2010-08-12T15:55:53Z Michael Zwahlen comment-34739 2010-08-12T15:49:05Z 2010-08-12T15:49:05Z It sounds like there is a cover-up that should be looked into further... a better story than this one. Michael Zwahlen 2010-08-12T15:49:05Z Hunnicutt comment-34737 2010-08-12T15:04:42Z 2010-08-12T15:04:42Z As a Latina, I would have to disagree. If asking Michael Collette to clarify his remarks is asking to much for you, then maybe he should reframe from saying things that show support for a racist, separatist group MEChA. People fall on the race card when they don't have anything else to support their opinions, and that would be you dshore22. It shows weak character as a person if that's your last line of defense. Hunnicutt 2010-08-12T15:04:42Z dshore22 comment-34730 2010-08-12T04:54:09Z 2010-08-12T04:54:09Z Mr. Collette, As a Native American and Latino, and a Jew, I've gotten used to both the overt and covert racist intent of some posters here -- that's pretty much all that's left since many more respectable 'professional lefties' have gone onto greener and more progressive pastures. The SacPress has openly attacked others, and has even booted at least one, who express opinions that differ and stand against the tidal onslaught of those who seek to marginalize racial and other minorities, and do so with aplomb and expository acumen. This is not a friendly place for minorities, for far too much permission is granted those who willingly attack us for being brown or black or any color but lily white. There are far friendlier media outlets in Sacramento and the Valley. This is not one of them. dshore22 2010-08-12T04:54:09Z cogmeyer comment-34696 2010-08-11T22:46:09Z 2010-08-11T22:46:09Z SacPress I think you may actually have an interesting story lead here. A representative from a local art gallery that is funded by many big local companies and foundations admits in your comments section that they sometimes work with a radical racist, separatist, irredentist organization called MEChA. I would love to hear if, for instance, if the SMUD community affairs/outreach person is aware of this and is still proud to be a sponsor of La Raza Galeria Posada. Of course digging into MEChA might not be for the faint hearted news organization. They have a track record of destroying press runs if a newspaper dares to print an unfavorable article. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MEChA cogmeyer 2010-08-11T22:46:09Z cogmeyer comment-34693 2010-08-11T22:31:13Z 2010-08-11T22:31:13Z Michael Collette Your comment (now removed) that the La Raza gallery sometimes interacts with MEChA is pretty interesting, but certainly well within your 1st ammendment rights. But I guess I am bit surprised that the sponsors listed on the LaRaza website (Home Depot, SMUD, Sutter Health) know about your admitted interaction with a racist, irredentist organization like MEChA and some of the factions of La Raza. http://www.larazagaleriaposada.org/about-lrgp/ Here is what is even wierder. On the MEChA wikipedia site is a claim that the La Raza National Council actually has already condemned MEChA (which Michael Collette couldn't do). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MEChA But the wikipedia link to the source article is broken, and searching La Raza's own NCLR site uncovers a much softer disassocation from MEChA, essentially saying that MEChA's founding racist separatist policies are "dated relics" and MEChA members don't "bothers to read them" http://www.nclr.org/index.php/about_us/faqs/the_truth_about_nclr/support_of_s eparatist_organizations/ So overall I think we have a pretty good understanding of La Raza Galeria Posada. The gallery is free to "occassionally work" with organizations like MEChA (or the KKK, or any other organization of their choosing. And the Galeria is even free to suddenly delete comments where they openly admit that they interact with racist separatist groups like MEChA. And similarly, I am free to point out that organizations like SMUD, Home Deport, Sutter Health and all the major local Arts councils and foundations are supporting a gallery that admits it works with racist organizations. cogmeyer 2010-08-11T22:31:13Z Hunnicutt comment-34689 2010-08-11T21:55:30Z 2010-08-11T21:55:30Z Hey Michael Collett: Why did you remove you're comment about La Raza Galería working with the racist, separatist group MEChA? Would you care to tell us more about this relationship? Care to open your books as a 501c3 organization? Something stinks and I think it's what La Raza Galería really stands for. FYI, I captured a screenshot of your comment about working with MEChA. Hunnicutt 2010-08-11T21:55:30Z Hunnicutt comment-34683 2010-08-11T20:43:59Z 2010-08-11T20:43:59Z A discussion here on the Sac Press reaches allot more people than it would if it were one on one, I'm sure this is the same reason you had Kelsey post this. Interesting, after reading the back and forth here, you Michael sure sound afraid to discuss key points made by cogmeyer and trapper, and to sum it up you have fessed up to working with MEChA who is a racist, separatist group. The fact that you work with MEChA says that you condone their views. I will NEVER go to La Raza Galería, I think if more people knew about you connection with MEChA, the Galería would go out of business. Hunnicutt 2010-08-11T20:43:59Z cogmeyer comment-34667 2010-08-11T18:41:23Z 2010-08-11T18:41:23Z Michael I assume you recognize that some organizations under the La Raza banner have some pretty racist, separatist and revolutionary goals. For example the Chicano Student Movement of Aztlan (MEChA) and their wonderful motto "For La Raza todo. Fuera de La Raza nada.". Groups like the operate hand in hand with La Raza all the time, yet La Raza has never made in effort to condemn or distance themselves from these groups. Michael, are you willing to condemn the racist, separatist and "Aztlan reconquest" goals of La Raza fellow travelers such as MEChA? cogmeyer 2010-08-11T18:41:23Z trapper comment-34666 2010-08-11T18:36:50Z 2010-08-11T18:36:50Z WOW, I must have hit close to home for you to get this upset. Call it whatever you want, but we both know what's behind the name. If a KKK Galeria opened up right next door to yours but identifed it's self as something else, who do you think they would be fooling? Again, La Raza bases it’s organizational existence on sequestering one “race” and that is the true meaning behind your Galeria store front. trapper 2010-08-11T18:36:50Z MichaelCollett comment-34663 2010-08-11T18:25:57Z 2010-08-11T18:25:57Z Oh lord, here we go again... For the record, I work for La Raza Galería Posada, so my apologies to the Sac Press if this violates any of your community rules, but I really cannot sit by idly and let this kind of slander continue. So, in short, here's the deal: "La Raza" is a contraction of the title of a 1925 essay by Mexican philosopher Jose Vasconcelos, entitled "La Raza Cosmica" (The Cosmic Race). It was, in essence, a repudiation of the silly societal divisions based on appearance that had been proffered by European colonizers in the Americas. From Wikipedia: "The phrase, "La raza cósmica", in English "the cosmic race", embodies the notion that traditional, exclusive concepts of race and nationality can be transcended in the name of humanity's common destiny." From our organization's mission statement and by-laws: "La Raza Galeria Posada is a multi-disciplinary cultural center and public space serving the Sacramento community by offering Latino/Chicano and Native arts programming, art education workshops, and a community gathering place. LRGP is a center of cultural pride, self-governance, self-expression and community empowerment through the arts. We remain a public space where young and old come to pass on their stories, share their challenges, create art and build community." For the record, people of all - and multiple - races, ethnicities, sexual orientations and other societal identities work, volunteer and participate in our events and programming. As an IRS-recognized 501c3 organization, we are expressly barred from endorsing or participating in the affairs of politics and politicians. If, rather than sit behind an anonymous screen name and default photo, you'd rather come in and actually have a conversation with us, I invite you to come to any and all of our events, or even just to drop by during our regular operating hours: 11am - 6pm, Tuesday through Saturday, year round. All, even the snide and cowardly, are welcome. MichaelCollett 2010-08-11T18:25:57Z trapper comment-34655 2010-08-11T15:26:03Z 2010-08-11T15:26:03Z Yeaaaaa, "La Raza" -- Spanish for "The Race". La Raza bases it’s organizational existence on sequestering one “race” (or ethnicity but La Raza means “The Race” however inexact that actually is) against others, in seeking privilege that is based upon ethnicity/race to exclude or supercede all others. La Raza — an ethnic supremacy organization... going to this Galeria means you support thhis racialistic organizaing and racialist method. trapper 2010-08-11T15:26:03Z MichaelCollett comment-34644 2010-08-11T07:26:03Z 2010-08-11T07:26:03Z Hi Kelsey! Thanks so much for the article. There's just a couple things - and I know I was talking really fast on the phone today, so no worries: - it's Marcos, not Michael Sanchez - Alta California: Celebrations of Home is the first of many community celebrations for Mexico's Bicentennial Celebrations, all of which are sponsored by the Mexican Consulate of Sacramento and the Foreign Relations Secretary of Mexico - the community participation part of the exhibit is where we ask people to bring in their own memories, photos and memorabilia to be a part of the second iteration of the exhibit, when it moves to the new Mexican Consulate building in 2011 my thanks again, -m MichaelCollett 2010-08-11T07:26:03Z Kelsey Simpson comment-34636 2010-08-11T03:55:32Z 2010-08-11T03:55:32Z EDIT: Photos courtesy of La Raza Galeria Posada. Kelsey Simpson 2010-08-11T03:55:32Z Lwilliams comment-32865 2010-07-14T20:31:02Z 2010-07-14T20:31:02Z I think that is wonderful even what happen the pass she dose not it get her down and i am proud of her go Rihanna . Lwilliams 2010-07-14T20:31:02Z MBB comment-32712 2010-07-13T17:44:05Z 2010-07-13T17:44:05Z I was in the house...the other acts were entertaining, Rihanna was excellent! Great vocals,lyrics & the sound system was pretty good for Arco:) Worth the price of the ticket, I had a blast! MBB 2010-07-13T17:44:05Z Angela Ruggiero comment-31981 2010-07-01T20:51:40Z 2010-07-01T20:51:40Z Seems like an interesting way to demonstrate changing women roles throughout history. Will proceeds of ticket sales go to the museum or to St.Johns Shelter? Angela Ruggiero 2010-07-01T20:51:40Z Jennifer Snyder comment-30691 2010-06-18T15:48:05Z 2010-06-18T15:48:05Z Great article! Thank you for covering the Friday Night Concerts in the Park. I do want to point out, however, that the concerts run through August 13 (not August 3). You can check out the full schedule at http://www.downtownsac.org/concerts. Jennifer Snyder 2010-06-18T15:48:05Z Tony Sheppard comment-30650 2010-06-18T07:03:45Z 2010-06-18T07:03:45Z Always a great event and with the best opening night reception of any of the film festivals in town (and I say that as a director of one of the other film festivals in town!). Tony Sheppard 2010-06-18T07:03:45Z