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First 5 holds diversity conference

By Wendy E. Arevalo
warevalo@hanfordsentinel.com

First 5 Kings County will offer a two-day conference to provide early childhood education providers, public agencies and businesses with tools for serving multicultural families.

The event will be held Oct. 19 and 20 at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino.

Although the 2007 Our Diverse World conference is targeted towards early childhood education providers such as childcare center staff, home daycare providers and preschool teachers, others may find it helpful, said First 5 Community Specialist Jon-Michael Hice.

"It is our hope that the effects of this conference will be far-reaching, beyond the childcare center or home daycare, but in the offices of public agences and local businesses," Hice said.

Hice said a workshop on effective practices for serving Spanish-speaking families offered the first day will be helpful to anyone who works with the Spanish-speaking population -- from social services to local businesses.

"We recognize that the Spanish-speaking population has a large presence here and we are going to give information that is useable by the masses," Hice said.

Hice said the conference will also offer early childhood educators "information to make their classroom inclusive for students of any culture."

Some of the scheduled workshops include: supporting dual language learners, oral tradition, being a culturally competent educator, using arts and crafts to celebrate cultural diveristy, and early childhood mathematics for students from language-minority backgrounds.

Cost for the conference is $35 a day or $60 for both days. Scholarships are available.

(Oct. 9, 2007)

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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the views of the Hanford Sentinel

An American wrote on Oct 9, 2007 12:41 PM:

" So we increased the taxes on smokes so that businesses can better serve spanish speaking families in our area. I'd rather spend the money on bus fares to send the illegal spanish speaking families back to Mexico "

Stop calling it diversity and stop using it to patronize and limit people. wrote on Oct 9, 2007 5:02 PM:

" There is NO entitled diversity "relationship" when you cater to one main segment of the illegal population.You want to integrate criminals, regardless of age, give "sanctuary" to illegals in schools and give them access to benefits.The school districts and other organizations who rely on harboring illegal immigrants increase their rolls and federal dollars received from the goverment by shamefully feeding the epidemic.You know you have students with questionable status'.Your consoritum serves No one when you ignore criminal acts their parents have blatantly bestowed as examples upon their children.Your conference just creates more ways for criminal activities to run rapid.You support illegals and help supplement their continued criminal lives to access benefits never entitled to them in the first place.English is overwhelmingly the first choice language for those who want to move outside their own community.So why do pro-illegal school districts and public service officials put together seminars and workshops putting emphasis on Spanish? Leave it alone...they are in "The" U.S. now, use the language that is official and come in legally. I think ICE should access your files from these different organizations and start the round-up of illegals from those records. "

Mag wrote on Oct 9, 2007 6:20 PM:

" I agree. How are we going to remain a united, English speaking nation if we keep catering to immigrants who refuse to assimilate? If they don't have spanish speaking events to attend, they will learn Engrish. "

Angry Man in Red White and Bule Tube Socks wrote on Oct 9, 2007 9:39 PM:

" I agree. I get so angry when I hear people speek Spainish that I sometimes find myself punching my face and screaming at their children. I hate the Spainish language so very much. Especially when spoken by small children. It is the small ones I have such contempt for. They think that just because they are under the age of 6 or 7 that they can just flaunt our customs and laws. I am so sick of these children getting food and medicine and learning. I stand united with "An American" and "Meg" in full support of Engrish onry edrucratrion for pratriouts. "

Politics...you want the illegals wrote on Oct 10, 2007 1:57 AM:

" We are not stupid. When your illegals finally leave the country, your organizations are out of a job. Woah! Is this the detrimental economic hardship our country will suffer...so be it. My taxes can be used to benefit our own REAL U.S. citizens and redirect the organizations education dollars back into the schools and not to adminstration pork barrel third party contractor organizations. Our own U.S. children should have the benefit to go to college too without having to be 4.00 students just like the 100,000 students with matricular consular papers. Oh yeah, across the nation its just because their parents are labeled migrant workers. U.S. citizens are tired of your organizations creatively thwarting the laws to accomodate illegals and giving blanket connections to systematically get benefits from other sources they are NOTentitled to. You aid and abet and organize to help them get documented. My taxes are being spent on your rewrites of laws for the benefit of illegals and their families. I have a feeling that alot of the people in your organization have come up into the U.S. by illegal means also. Diversity, I don't believe it's really your agenda! "

Just a thought wrote on Oct 10, 2007 7:28 AM:

" Xenophobic - is defined as "suffering from xenophobia; having abnormal fear or hatred of the strange or foreign". In the Orwellian world of some of these posters would those caught using the dreaded Spanish language be imprisoned? Does speaking a different language make you "illegal" or un-American? Quit using an immigration issue to hide your bigotry and racism. I grew up in a house where a foreign language was the primary one spoken. I have been to college and I am a proud veteran of the US armed services. Truly loving your country comes from the heart my friends regardless of the language coming from the lips! "

Angry Latino in Red, White, and Blue Boxers wrote on Oct 10, 2007 9:33 AM:

" There is a profound saying, which I find fitting here. "It is better to be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt." If one is to be a bigot in the true sense of the word, one should at the very least attempt to appear to be a learned one. When attempting to insult the Spanish speaking minority it helps to get your stereotypes correct...it is not the Spanish speakers who have the trouble with the 'r' and the 'l' (i.e. 'Engrish' instead of English.) That is the Asian community. What this shows is that it isn't so much the Spanish speaking community you have a problem with, so much as it is the non white sector of your community. I suppose it's fairly easy to lump all non white segments of the population together since they probably all look the same to you, non white. It's a shame you would choose to question a Spanish speakers' patriotism for this country on the grounds that he/she hasn't mastered the language. In that case, one might question most these commentators' patriotism. "

Motivation to promote diversity conferences. wrote on Oct 10, 2007 10:20 AM:

" You want the public to believe that your conference is diversity focused.You know it's to calm the fears of a segment of the population you serve. Isn't Spanish the distinction? It is the language that is blatantly used to promote exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, A particular race. You want the American U.S. public of all colors, descents, and nationalities of ethnic origins to accept a group in the millions who have illegally crossed the border and broken the immigration laws, and to be absorbed,given amnesty and rights, because you have defined their actions acceptable considering their circumstances. Well, I determine their are other immigrants who are in far more perils than Mexicans. But you continue your thoughts as defining the U.S. citizens as xenophobics. You see our feelings and rights of distinction, are being exclued, restricted because we were born, earned, and immigrated justicely in multitudes of races, colors, descents too, but proudly to benefit OUR U.S. nation. Our ethnic origins which have purpose are being nullifyed and impaired by being forced give lawbreaking illegals fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social arenas. WHY? They cross OUR U.S. borders becauseTHEYscream"WE CAN!" "

To: boxer short wearing Latino wrote on Oct 10, 2007 10:41 AM:

" Your RED in the face because your two fake post were failures? Obviously they were your post. (if not, sorry...not really) NO, I'm not WHITE but I saw right through your ploy to segue way into postings a lecture on language skills. Dont' be BLUE, diversity is the issue in here. Boys will be boys, and when girls are in the blog room, we know your game. I know I got game! Let all celebrate our diversity and have a world parteee! "

Melting Pot is not Spanish speaking wrote on Oct 10, 2007 1:57 PM:

" One thing for certain is unless you are a Native American, your people are not from around here. California a Spanish word, is the State you probably live in. It appears as if your head will spin off if you have to speak or write the name of the state. Latinos, Mexicans, and Hispanics make up the majority of Kings County, where this paper is published. I once knew someone that felt the same as you Angry (presumably) white Guy. He got so tired of living among Spanish speakers, he tied a fake taco to his car antenna and said he was going to stop his car and move to any town that didn't know what was tied to the antenna. Needless to say, he drove a very long way to Canada. What is your heritage? I just hope you are not raising children. Unbelievable, you claim to be a patriot and you deny schooling for Spanish speakers. Those you identify may not be citizens but may spell better than you. There’s nothing scarier than an under-educated, poorly informed, bigoted American. "

Angry Man in Red White and Blue Tube Socks(take 2) wrote on Oct 10, 2007 5:48 PM:

" I thought the image of an angry man in tube socks punching himself in the face, screaming at children, and holding 5 year olds in contempt for failing to understand immigration law would be a dead giveaway that I was employing satire. Too subtle I guess. Sad that it was close enough to the mark to be believable. "

A lushious woman wearing sexy red, white and green silkies boxera wrote on Oct 10, 2007 10:08 PM:

" Smoking ia for weak minded people, Their taxes should pay for all chidren of any age for the priviledge of smoking. All classes should be bi-lingual. No satire here son, just a real woman with a real opinion. The conference should be done more often, that;s what the money is there for. Take your baby 0-5 for their services. It is not income based, go take advantage of it. It's there for you to use. Quit complaining about what you or yours can use too. "

The stench of your program reeks of sheilding illegals. wrote on Oct 11, 2007 11:45 AM:

" Stop being intrinsically detestable providing conferences to network more services to law breaking illegal immigrants. The point is American's are FED-UP with your redundant programs. Point is services should not be administered to illegals...it's ridiculous and loathsome to support an unlawful underground economy that is supplmented by U.S. taxpayers. Have Mexico pay for your bleeding heart programs...POINT. Why don't you have Mexico hire your expert protection tactics in their country, oh yeah you are a Mexican patriot and you are doing your part (you Benedict Aronold)! Your job depends on having illegals here in the U.S....another BIG point. Stop playing compasionate psuedo public servant and do the public a real service by providing ICE with your files on your population of illegals you represent... what mysteries will be solved with your help. Be a REAL American and turn in the information you have...WOW across the board all these departments can save the taxpayers a great deal on money by your catering to a good cause, "stopping illegal lawbreaker from accessing public services." "

One red white and blue sock and white briefs looking for my beer hienz 57 person wrote on Oct 11, 2007 7:16 PM:

" Take your wacked ideas back to the 1960's and get a grip.Be happy you are in a country like this...also look at our history ..It is our immagrants that are the strength of the USA. It has always been this way. .....Go to a diversity class before you throw it out the window. You might learn something .And drop the Mexican against the Whiteman fight. That card is played out. I fought for this amazing county and trust me it was worth every second of sacrafice. What is being said in this blog is BS on both sides. Please think beyond yourselves for one moment. "

w.o.w. wrote on Oct 11, 2007 9:29 PM:

" All the while I thought First Five was for the kids. Seems like the kids would be best served if the money was spent directly on them rather than all the pseudo diversity, touchy, feely conferences at the Palace. It's seems a shame! "

gaucho mom wrote on Oct 11, 2007 9:34 PM:

" First 5 is a disgrace on so many levels and should be abolished. It is redundant and a waste of smokers' money. Quit wasting time anonymously blogging about it here and tell your congressman you're fed up with it! Go to some of their commission meetings if you really want to get sick. I have. "

Unfashionable to be against services for illegals, I beg to differ. wrote on Oct 12, 2007 7:31 AM:

" Here in this valley, here in California and in some parts of the country across the nation this kind of program promoting the promulgation coddling of illegal’s towards benefits for their families is getting out of control. You program coordinators, don’t want to hear the rehetoric, but so what, it must be aired. American's need and should protect American culture, this program is not Roosevelt’s WPA. We are not dictated to be globalized or be represented by an illegal group of border crossers in a language other than English. Diversity is not the goal of the conference...It is to service mono-Spanish speakers...is to service the non-compliant criminals who want to continue seeking refuge in systems of unchecked and unbalanced programs and to abuse the very nature of the system to the detriment of the American taxpayer on their own terms and language without assimilation expectations or requirements. Your program is clearly un-American based with emphasis on the illegals. Call it what you will, I don't see large numbers of U.S. American's lining up to seek 1st-5 services, your focus is only after one group anyway...right! "

Evil Spotter wrote on Oct 12, 2007 8:23 AM:

" I am so tired of watching and listening to POLITICAL ads paid for by First Five. How is it that a tax funded organization is allowed to spend millions of tax dollars to campaign to RAISE our taxes even more. WHAT A SCAM "

Devil's Advocate wrote on Oct 12, 2007 9:36 AM:

" Agreed, "Evil Spotter." "

Captain C wrote on Oct 12, 2007 10:25 AM:

" I am not really concerned with the article or the event, but what is really alarming is some of the comments on this page. There are a few people in here is some words that go beyond concern and verge on hatred and a little tone of racism. I realize Hanford is a very conservative town, but some of the language here is alarming. To: Angry Man in Red White and Bule Tube Socks I realiz you were trying to make a point with your whole play on inablity to pronounce the "L". But, I fail to recognize the hispanic language issue here, it is more of a Japanese. This shows some if the ignorance associated with hatred. I think for the rational people of this world there is a better way of voicing concerns than attacking children and making incorrect assumptions. I have come to realize that this blog venue is a perfect place to highlight some of the resons that make Hanford so unattractive ie. Mr. Angry Man in Red White and Bule Tube Socks! "

Mag wrote on Oct 12, 2007 1:39 PM:

" OK, it's my fault for starting the play on Engrish. I really should have stuck to the theme here and said Engless. -For you fundamentalist literals who won't think outside the box. "

Evil Spotter wrote on Oct 12, 2007 5:08 PM:

" This was the post that got "white briefs" started, Captain C. "A lushious woman wearing sexy red, white and green silkies boxera wrote on Oct 11, 2007 12:08 AM:" Red white and Green is not the flag colors for the country we are residing in, I wonder which country "lushious" is representing, hmmm.... "

PATRIOTIC BLOGGER wrote on Oct 12, 2007 5:32 PM:

" If I don't like hip-hop, does that make me a racist? I can't eat sushi, sashimi, kimchi, or lumpias, so am I anti-Asian? Hummus, lamb is out for me, then I must be prejudiced against middle easterners, right? Mariachis, mole, and pinatas just don't fit my lifestyle, so I am a xenophobe? Labatt beer tastes really bad as does vegemite and bangers and beans, so I must really have it in for Canada, Australia, and Britian. No, I am an American. I happen to like traditional American culture and food. What other countries give First Five-type diversity training classes to accommodate American tastes while in their own country? And I do resent people telling me I just have to love everyone else's culture and then attend a class that further fragments the American way of life. Why don't we just take the stars from the United States flag and replace them with the 50 different cultures that are so very valuable to the diversity crowd? Only in America, friends . . . "

Lilly Munster wrote on Oct 14, 2007 9:20 AM:

" The conference should be about having the parents and kids learn english and the culture of the land that they now live in. People want to come to America and fly the Mexican fly above this country's flag. That is a same. You come to a new country and you should adapt into the new country's ways while still keeping your own culture. "

Mad in Nevada wrote on Oct 14, 2007 10:42 PM:

" I am about fed up with all this English only crap! We have these same issues where I live in Nevada and probably all over the world. Yeah it would be nice if everyone could speak the same language but I really don't think it is going to happen. English is a very hard language to learn. Heck my own English only speaking kids struggle to speak it. I wish my Mexican family had taught me Spanish when I was a kid instead of having to learn it in school and not remembering hardly any of it now. And you can't blame the children that are here and can only speak Spanish. That is their parents doing and they didn't really ask for that. Besides you people are probably the same people that would go to Mexico to get cheap penicillian and cheap knock off purses and did they try to kick you out for not speaking the language? I highly doubt it! "

To Mad in Navada From I Nominate wrote on Oct 15, 2007 9:34 PM:

" Maybe you can take a spanish class again. Or maybe go to south America or Mexico to take a spanish emersion course. I am sorry you have been forced to speak English. You might want to find a support group for victims like yourself forced to speak English. I see you are in pain and for this I am sorry.... . We should pass a law for such English crap crimes.... I have personally not seen a spanish speaking person being kicked out of an American store for speaking Spanish while buying a Coach purse...But if you seen this yourself I am sorry for that horrible American mistreatment........ I alway hear how those mean Americans gives FREE penicillian and healthcare to people who speak other languages.. I guess we should be selling it. ....You might want to let all the people around the world (that want to become Americans) know how mean we are for speaking English. .... Or maybe you should cut the English crap and be happy you speak English...Maybe just building a bridge and getting over ones self is in order, "

PATRIOTIC BLOGGER wrote on Oct 15, 2007 11:22 PM:

" See, this proves the saying: 'what goes on in Nevada SHOULD stay in Nevada!' Yes, we should all learn Spanish so we can get our lawns done properly...and how many rocket scientists and research associates speak Spanish anyway? "

Billybob wrote on Oct 16, 2007 12:53 AM:

" RE: Angry in Nevada I hope you weren't the idiot that flew the Mexican Flag above the American Flag, were you? http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=57960 "

Captain C wrote on Oct 16, 2007 9:42 AM:

" To Pariotic Blogger, your comments are not only ignorant, but they are crude and unwarranted. I have no idea where people such as yourself get the idea that making snide comments like this in a public forum to discuss community topics is appropriate. If I remember my history correctly this nation is somewhat founded on diversity. It seems Americans forget that diversity from around the world established this nation. Colonia people brought slaves to do their work, the booming nation relied on immigrants to build this nation and now the nation utilizes many (not all) hispanic workers to work in the fields. And not all hispanics are gardeners and speak spanish only. My gardener was hispanic and spoke english just fine. I also know several hispanic people that were in the aeronotical engineering program at my college. So....Partiotic Blogger your comments and opinions, in my opinion are narrow minded and ignorant. "

PATRIOTIC BLOGGER wrote on Oct 16, 2007 2:19 PM:

" OHMYGOD, Captain C, I was attempting a bit of humor here...I guess its not funny to you and I am sorry. I just wanted to point out that we are maintaining an underclass of workers here that are not becoming Americans the way our forefathers did. If we let this occur then we will never elevate all of these visitors to do great things with their minds and lives. That is our job, isn't it? "

Captain C wrote on Oct 16, 2007 3:10 PM:

" To Patriotic Blogger...I understand if you make those statements in the midst of friends who think alike, or on stage at a comedy club, then the comments would be framed property and I think you would get a laughing response. In this forum however you are way off target. There is also something to be said for a person who would attmept to cast these statements as a joke, after the fact. Maybe you harbor some of these beliefs personally. I also do agree with you though that we as citizens should allow these individuals to elevate themselves given they participate in society (pay taxes and retain citizenship). I do believe that children should learn english, and if they chose to retain spanish as a second language then that is ok. I guess the difference between us is that I can make a statement without making a very racially charged joke in a public forum. "

PATRIOTIC BLOGGER wrote on Oct 16, 2007 5:52 PM:

" To Captain C... You said: "There is also something to be said for a person who would attmept [sic] to cast these statements as a joke, after the fact." Condemn me only for having a poor sense of humor, sir, which I freely admitted and said I was sorry for. Had I have known that you don't have the good taste to accept my apology shows where your predjudice really is, after the fact, of course. And there have been Latino astronauts and scientists, for crying out loud. "

I Nominate wrote on Oct 16, 2007 8:17 PM:

" Relax Capt. C :PATRIOTIC BLOGGER was just expressing his own unique way of diversity. I think his point is valid.If you ever lived in another county and don't know the language or culture you are limited in what you can do. Try it someday it is an eye opening experience....I found that knowlege is power but comunication is KEY. "

Racially charged...exactly on whose dime? wrote on Oct 16, 2007 8:31 PM:

" That's what needs to be done...start charging the illegal heads of households and their family members who assisted them to cross the border with jail and financial fines (what a joke on me and every American taxpayer, like that will happen). NOW IS as good a time as any for the illegal’s crimes they have committed to be prosecuted. What is it with these impudent conferences in pursuit of wanting to help "the nice people" who happen to be illegal’s. The point is a particular race has come via unauthorized means and as criminals into U.S. borders contentiously, in uncontrollable numbers. Victims of their own devices? I don't think that's an understatement. Illegal’s are exclusively known for the game's they play well. They deeply entrench themselves like professional parasites consuming benefits. They are sheltered by i.e., La Raza, Mecha, MALDEF etc. with socialist/communist beliefs. It is not our responsibility to help Mexico purge their nation of their unwanted population nor is it an optimal course for U.S. taxpayer’s to bear the weight of supporting them on public assistance. "

Mad in Nevada wrote on Oct 16, 2007 9:00 PM:

" First of all I am not sad that I speak English. But there is also nothing wrong with learning another language. Being half Mexican I wish I been taught Spanish. There is nothing wrong with that. That is part of my hertigage. Spanish is part of these people's heritage it's not right to try and take that from them. I was born and raised in American and am just as American as other people. I tear up with I hear the national anthem and feel joy when I see our flag. And there are just as many Americans getting free penicillian as others. And if you have ever had to pay full price for it, it is understandable why people would get it in Mexico. And you're not asking others to give up their language like Asians who a lot of times speak their native tongue. And to Patriotic Blogger: A truly educated person can speak more than one language and knows what is going on in the world around them. And it is horrible that you think that Spanish speaking people can only do tasks you think you are too good to do. "

to Mad in Navada from I NOMINATE wrote on Oct 17, 2007 9:56 AM:

" Nobody here is asking anyone to giveup ones native tongue and culture. I am also glad you are a proud American. I would not give up my own native tongue myself. I am though against keeping people who speak other languages as 2nd class citizens. I have live in another country in which I was limited on the language and culture of that country. As a result my potential was limited to few jobs unless I educated myself. Nobody wants to have these children of Spanish speaking only parents be limited by lack of comunication skills in the future. These kids should be our future Doctors, Lawers, Senators, Judges, and CEO's. These family's came here for a better life the USA. Our job is to help them as Americans. Our strength is our diversity. "

Captain C wrote on Oct 17, 2007 10:23 AM:

" To I Nominate....Read my previous posted blog, I agree with all of you. As americans, we should all learn and use English. Children who immigrate shoul learn English to assimilate while adults should enforce this. If the parents don't have the initiative to learn the language their children won't. There by offering dual language signs, documents and even services we give no incentives for immigrant parents to learn english and hence the children have no need to learn it also. I no longer need to address Patriotic Blogger due to thier apology made....that explains it all, I just did not recognize the humor...OHMYGOD.....I AM SOOOO SORRY! "

DO NOT PRETEND wrote on Oct 17, 2007 1:13 PM:

" Doesn't anyone want to be an American anymore? English too difficult to learn? Bullocks! If you want to become an American, do it right. Be proud of your new country. If you want to stay and create your own mini-home country here, that's NOT a unifying force and you are NOT an American. Just don't pretend to be what you are not: a patriotic American citizen. "

MULTI Cultural Advocate wrote on Oct 17, 2007 4:13 PM:

" Mr Hice states that the conference will also offer early childhood educators "information to make their classroom inclusive for students of any culture." Does this include Portuguese, Italian, Irish, Welch, Dutch, German, French, Japanese, Chinese, and any of the other languages used in the establishment of this country? They all seemed to have adapted to the English language (without government sponsored programs) so why not the Spanish speaking Americans? "

I Nominate wrote on Oct 17, 2007 6:05 PM:

" Bingo ...That is how the American dream is being stollen from these people. If you keep pockets of subcultures and cater to those folks in their native language and through media,bussiness, publications, and now education. You have just created the next cheap labor force. These people pay more for goods and services in a lot of cases. They get paid a lot less money. And generally pay higher interest on financing. Diversity classes might not be a bad thing if used to educate not coddle. These children could offer a lot more than just being the next labor force. A lot of the immagrants mentioned in the last blog are forced to speak the english language. They could just as easily go the other way. Water does take the easiest path of resistance. I don't think America planned for this. I just think it has become of byproduct of a good intention gone bad. "

To multi-culture Advocate wrote on Oct 18, 2007 12:45 AM:

" You’re commenting in a language of arbitrary signals as if ALL the people First-Five cater to are naturalized U.S. citizens. I suspect the percentage is very high on that most are in the category of illegal status. The majority of parents are not American patriot's and do not pledge their allegiance to our flag. The illegal public you represent drive up in cars blasting corridos and with front-shield windows pasted with fidelity to parts unknown showing devotion to states in Mexico like Sinaloa and Michoacán. No rocket science necessary to know where their national fidelities are placed and their allegiance is not to the United States. Many do fly their Mexican flags on high boastfully and in bad manner, when it is this country that feeds, and schools and supplies the medical care for their anchor children. They are not Americans until they renounce their allegiance to the countries they come from. This is done by legally and lawfully entering the proper way...applying for America citizenship, by standing in line like millions of national's from other countries are doing. Illegals are not American's because they know how to siphon dry a countries good-will. "

I Nominate wrote on Oct 18, 2007 9:19 AM:

" Your right !!These are more examples of the byproduct of coddling these folk.. Now what? The machine is in motion. How does it get turned around? "

Eye Witness wrote on Oct 18, 2007 10:37 AM:

" A couple of years ago The Sentinel ran an article regarding the county budget. Along with this article was a pie chart showing where are money is spent. The largest piece of the pie, by far, was for Social Services (Welfare, CPS, First 5). I encourage people to spend a couple hours some day and sit in the parking lots of these places. Watch as people pull up in cars that have $5000 stereo systems and $5000 wheels. They jump out with their music blaring, 6 illegatimet kids sitting inside (No seatbelts) and run inside to pick up their handout. Enough is enough. Cut off the funds. Make these people go get a job. If you can't affort 6 kids than have your baby's daddy get fixed. As far as the Mexican immigrants go...Has anybody been to Avenal, Stratford, or even Armona lately. These used to be nice little towns. Take a look what immigration has done. People, it is not OK to have 15 adults living in one house. If you have a backyard, BBQ there and not in the driveway. "

Evelin wrote on Oct 18, 2007 12:44 PM:

" Not everyone who speaks Spanish, entered the U.S. illegally. So, therefore do not generalize. "

Mad in Nevada wrote on Oct 18, 2007 1:38 PM:

" To Eye Witness: You can't generalize like that! I uderstand that a lot of money is spent on social services and welfare and what not. But I also know a lot of lazy "white" Americans that won't get off their butts and support their families too. And I totally agree that you should be able to support your children. People need to also learn to prioritize. Family and bills first then "play stuff" I haven't been to the towns you mentioned in a long time but I can guarantee that immigrants no matter where they are from aren't the only ones living in those kinds of conditions. I know plenty of people from this very country that are in those situations. And is it really that big of a deal if you bbq in the driveway? Or are you just upset because you didn't get an invite? "

nail on the head wrote on Oct 18, 2007 2:13 PM:

" Thanks Eye Witness for saying what we all are thinking but are afraid to say for fear of being labeled a racist. My family came to California to have a better life too. They picked crops when jobs were available. The Model A they came in looked like the opening credits of The Beverly Hillbillies. They faced prejudice, hatred and signs that said "Okie go home." But they did their best to fit in and make a better life. They took responsibility for their large families and educated them. They did not expect handouts or special programs. They taught their children the value of hard work and honesty. They did not waste and taught us the value of living within our means. If I was moving to a new place - I would try my best to assimilate as quickly as I could. I would learn the language and not expect my new gov't to come to my rescue or meet my needs. I think we all would. Is that too much to ask? "

Evil Spotter wrote on Oct 18, 2007 2:31 PM:

" Your right Evelin, not everyone who speaks Spanish entered the U.S. illegally, just 20,000,000 or so. "

PLEASE SOMEONE EXPLAIN IT TO ME wrote on Oct 18, 2007 6:52 PM:

" What exactly IS diversity training? What could it consist of? Hypothetically, take a, oh, lets pick one culture at random, ummmm, OK, say it's a MEXICAN family here. From Mexico. OK, lets see: don't they need the SAME things Americans need: food, kids go to school, housing, utilities, transportation, and so on? The SAME necessities as any person/family needs living here, right? So what in the name of the Jolly Green Giant requires special classes and extraordinary sensitivity? Perhaps they cannot speak or understand English. OK that means get an interpreter. What else could there be? Are they that ignorant that we have to do everything for them? I don't think so! I have worked for several California counties that mandate ‘diversity training' classes for those employees who had bad evaluations concerning their sensitivity towards other cultures. I personally treat all people with needs equally in my line of work. Period, thats the way I was brought up. That is in my job description. But to go overboard for a special class of people from wherever is divisive and is most definitely NOT the American way. And I do stress the WHEREVER! "

Jackie K. wrote on Oct 19, 2007 8:38 AM:

" A couple of years ago, I was trained to become a "diversity trainer" by a large newspaper company. It changed my life. Before I took the class, I thought "diversity" was about being nice to women and people of color. Boy, was I wrong. Diversity is about how we treat our fellow man, and woman. It's about accepting and understanding that everyone is different, whether through culture, color, gender or sexual identity. And it's about respect. If we were all the same, it would be like making a stew with just potatoes. But throw in some carrots, celery, meat and spices, and you've got a melting pot of flavor. Coming from another country myself, I believe it's important to assimilate -- I had to learn how to spell "neighbor" instead of "neighbour" -- but diversity is about celebrating what makes us different. Just my two cents. "

Eye Witness wrote on Oct 19, 2007 11:25 AM:

" To "Mad in Nevada" I didn't generalize. I used the word "People" when talking about watching the parking lots. People includes all races, doesn't it??? It appears that as you began reading the blog, my description of those "People" lead you to believe they were Mexicans...White people have loud stereos and 6 kids too....And they live in Armona! "

Mad in Nevada wrote on Oct 19, 2007 6:50 PM:

" To Eye Witness, I was lead to believe that you meant Mexicans when you said "as far as the Mexican Immigrants go... Has anybody been to Avenal, Stratford, or even Armona lately?" And honestly who has that kind of time to sit in the parking lots for a couple of hours? I for one am too busy actually taking care of my five kids. "

I Nominate wrote on Oct 19, 2007 9:26 PM:

" Why do people BBQ in the front yards? Could someone educate me on this exersice of diversity. And why do they look so mad while they do it? "

myzer wrote on Oct 20, 2007 5:40 PM:

" My Grandfather came to America from the Azores HE LEARNED ENGLISH! DIVERSITY..WHOEVER MADE UP THAT CONCEPT SHOULD BE SLAPPED!!!!!! "

Mad in Nevada wrote on Oct 22, 2007 12:06 PM:

" I don't think that bbqs in the front yard have anything to do with diversity. We kind of bbq in the front yard because we don't really have a back yard. And maybe they are cranky because they don't have a back yard or because people are cussing them for having bbqs in the front yard. But I promise that we usually have smiles when we have a bbq in the front yard. "

YES. SCHIP is vetoed wrote on Oct 23, 2007 12:51 AM:

" Did your First-Five conference blow the last of it's public funded slush money on that so-called-confernce via the tax payers expense? VETOed...cut was your next gush of grant money to fund your next bash and President Bushes veto couldn't even be over-rided...it fell short 13 votes. I guess your conferences attendees didn't fair so well at the Palce either. Ding...Ding "

IGNORANCE SUCKS wrote on Oct 23, 2007 9:10 PM:

" Just to get some facts out there.... First Five dollars are from a tax on tobacco products, not taxes each of us pay. If you smoke, you should comment. If you don't, quit complaining! First Five is not part of the county social service system. It's independent and money comes from the state not the county. I too thought First Five was for poor immigrant families. I found out by going to the Family Center that they help anyone. There are just more Latino families who are in need, so it is assumed that this is the targeted group. I think it's great what First Five is doing for families. It's not their fault, those most in need of their programs are Latino or low-income. But wait a minute.... more than half the population here is Latino. Y'all white folks should be nervous. Might want to tie that taco to your car and get to moovin' on ! By the way, I BBQ where I want to and I can have however many people I want live in my house. Worry about your yard, your car and get your husband fixed, ignorance is hereditary! "

1st-5 employees and their consumers! wrote on Oct 24, 2007 5:35 PM:

" Oh it's not their fault they choose to stay on public subsidies and rake it food stamps, Section 8 housing, live in rent subsidized housing units, send their children to 12 years of schooling in the U.S. and still the majority of them graduate with sixth grade or less reading levels.AhHuh.Go to Huron and Avenal and Coalinga and Kettleman City and in those pocket communities you will find the blueprint of illegal's in action.Migrant populations living as welfare receipants for five and six generation.Is it because they are knocked-up by 13, or because of their race? NO!They a the core samples, they are the REAL consumers of your program.How long do you deliver services to people who never choose to embrace education and wallow in blissful ignorance.Don't give me the story aboutTHE 1 in a hundred who just happens to go to a U.C. And THEN I've seen the cailber of nursing students coming into health programs who don't even rank with the grades and supercede inPLACEMENTS more well rounded and better G.P.A. students.They get intoNursingSchool only because of the race card(daughter or son of an illegal).THAT'S ignorant politics and I question their education certificates!Montazuma's revenge in healthcare.BEworried. "

To:Ignorance sucks wrote on Oct 31, 2007 12:54 PM:

" Yeah...you can have as many people you want living in your home...what does your home owner's insurance say about that...? I believe they only cover the residents on the deed and listed immediate family/that your children...oh you've covered that marker and then some? Yeah that's why stupid is as stupid does. Your culture is the reason people move out of once nice neighborhoods and property values are low and gehetto-like. Who want to live next to circus music/merry-go-round blasting fools, with chicken coops and front yard make-shift bon-fire pits to BBQ on and let's not forget the non-op vehicles sitting in and on the yard. And thenyou have the audacity to wonder why people get upset while your "gente" play noise for the whole world to hear...do it inside your home like normal people do...no one wants to know about the redundant three-note compositions you play due to the lack of musical education the banda you listen to has. Keep you musical diversity inside your home for YOUR LISTENING PLEASURE...the majority of the neighborhood does not find it appealing in anyway. "

Mad in Nevada wrote on Nov 1, 2007 10:58 AM:

" To: To Ignorance sucks: Now that is just rude! If you don't like the way your neighborhood has become maybe you should make more of an effort to include people and maybe they would want to make the effort for you. That is not the only reason property values are down. And you have obviously never been to a rural area where we have chicken coops and goats and horses and rabbits and all sorts of animals as a way of life and as 4-H projects. And where everyone has a least two cars that don't run. Oh but you would probably call them hicks, right? But I don't see you getting upset about their culture. And who cares if you don't like their music. Have you listened to other types of music where it is the same thing over and over again. And you're saying they have a lack of musical education? No one should play it too loud no matter who you are! "

Devil's Advocate wrote on Nov 1, 2007 4:09 PM:

" How does that saying go? "If you mow your lawn and find a car, you might be a ..." I'll give you a hint, it ain't "spanish-speaker." "

Were not talking rural... wrote on Nov 1, 2007 8:32 PM:

" I have lived in north county San Diego within the city limits of Escondido,Vista,Oceanside,San Marcos.I have lived in Alameda, Oakland, Fremont and San Jose even in Daly City and in theTenderloin of San Francisco...the type of BBQ's and loud circus music Illegal's and migrants who rudely share their noise without regard to city ordinanes runs the gamet of all California.Why do you think Hanford and Lemoore and all of California are creating pricey gated neighborhoods out of the reach of these people.To keep out their cultural rude behavior and rural-low budget events and families.This is happening everywhere in CA, the point is they don't obey laws and think they have the right to live like they do in Mexico.I have even had a neighbor who was soooo cheap to get rid of a vehicle he owned that was non-op and unlicensed,KINGS county was about to tow it at their expense.That night before he had a group of buddies come in and dug a hole in the backyard of the home he was renting,they rolled the car into the hole and buried it.Enviromental Health and the police filed charges against him,No they were not red-necks...just illegals from Mexico. "

Mad in Nevada wrote on Nov 2, 2007 12:02 PM:

" I understand that it isn't just rural areas that are like this but it's not just illegals from Mexico that are breaking rules and being rude. I think that society in general has become more rude- and that includes all backgrounds. And yes I keep being told I live a fantasy world because I think everyone should be kind and follow the rules. But we can't point fingers at just one group of people because they aren't the only problem. I am a crossing guard at my kids school and everyday somone is there blaring their loud rap music or heavy metal music when it is not appropriate. (not that I have a problem with that kind of music) And these are not illegals either these are people that have born and raised here. People in general just don't seem to take in pride in anything anymore and instead of trying to work on that we tend to sit around an point fingers and blame other people. And segreration ended in the 60's why do we have to keep treating people like they are worthless just because they are different than us. "

ALEJANDRO wrote on Nov 2, 2007 4:37 PM:

" All people have rights, they are equal under the law, yada, yada yada. We know this to be self-evident, to quote a famous American. It's a given as far as I am concerned. It's the BEHAVIOR of people that divides, that insults, that makes others uncomfortable, and that violates the rights of others. BEHAVIOR, folks. We do NOT have to love or tolerate everyone's behavior unconditionally - isn't that what Big Brother and the '1984' mentality wants to control in all of us . . . make us the same . . . make us sheep? Don't we have the RIGHT to be different, to have our own personal likes and dislikes? Can't this right exist without anyone being called a bigot or accused of being prejudiced? Why can't we ‘tolerate' this anyway? "

I just don't see the cultural behavior being played out in other races... wrote on Nov 2, 2007 6:44 PM:

" I don't see French, East Indian, Middle East, Polish, Russian, Polonesian, Korean, Hmong, Japanese, Irish, German, Puerto Ricans, Spainards, Basque, Portuguese decendant's and on & on etc...B-B-Qing in their front yards and blasting their music for the world to acknowledge their family events. Most will rent a hall, entertain in the house, use the back-yard to do their celebrations and can keep the music to a minimum. Apparently migrant illegal's they really don't want the people they invited coming into their houses or something...who really knows the reason. It must be that when their men get drunk they are a little out of control...more than not...keep them out with the chickens and the goat roasting in the cauldero. I agree! As for the music it only make them cry like baby's anyway. "

Devil's Advocate wrote on Nov 2, 2007 7:53 PM:

" Buried in the backyard?!? That's great! I've got a van that's about to give out... "

Mad in Nevada wrote on Nov 4, 2007 7:48 PM:

" Hey Devil's Advocate- need a shovel? LOL! "

To: Angry Man in Red White and "BULE" tube socks... wrote on Nov 7, 2007 7:35 AM:

" If "Spainish" language and people who "speek" "Spainish" anger you so much, what angers me is so called Americans like you who are an embarressment to our society and can't even write in "Engrish" but will criticize diversity training, without even knowing the definition of diversity. "

Diversity training IS brainwashing... wrote on Nov 7, 2007 4:11 PM:

" You know the training is just about ideological re-education of all perspective and current employees to not blink an eye...TO NOT DEFEND THE U.S. against illegal-aliens and people with questionable citizenship.This program will promote the agenda to ENABLE the illegal-border crossers to benefit.The employees of diversity and tolerance do not have to feel like SMUCKS for past indiscretions of being anti-American or accessories to crimes benefiting illegal’s and to not FEELguiltyforNOTapplying the laws already on the books to illegal’s they supported/covered in THEpast or future. High school and colleges have already been using the SO-CALLED re-education system to foster and re-train personel&students of their personal views as unacceptable and that their common sense is to be disempowered and to disregard the position of U.S. laws for they DONOTbenefit illegal-immigrant law-breakers. Very disturbing! THINK we allow this acceptable function to use tax-payer money to BRAINWASH and force people to conform to a world order which manipulates this sovern country and destroys the United States and its essence and Constitution. This tolerance and diversity is about selling out to allow the mergering of law breakers who have invaded like a cancer,terminal to OUR nation.Compelling re-programming!¿COMPRENDE? "

Man in Red White and Bule Tube Socks wrote on Nov 7, 2007 9:11 PM:

" For the last time people, my post was a tongue- in- check criticism of the first three anti-Spanish posts. The misspellings were intentional and the comments were supposed to sound idiotic. My suggestion to everyone who is mad about it is to: 1) re-read it with the thought that I am not serious at all; 2) read the later explanation if necessary; and 3) lighten up. "

Scott Tucker wrote on Nov 10, 2007 4:33 PM:

" Is it safe to assume that "Diversity training IS brainwashing..." is brainwashed? "

Tucker.It's is safe to say you alienatedBY a majority of what.... wrote on Nov 11, 2007 7:29 AM:

" I really think and what I really feel.You may not like what is blatantly said...but enough of sweeping under the carpet.The climate is hard-ball and compromising to these plundering kid-glove compassion programs by bleeding-heart liberals to benefit a select segment of non-American border-crossers isWRONG.You think I'm brainwashed in my views...whatever...it's not going to stop my idea's to defend my country andTOexpect accountability BY THOSEagainst unconstitutional reforms of original public recognition of the superiority of America's heritage which is considered uncivil -- and possibly even illegal in today’s society of non-patriotic citizens.The balance of power has shifted off the people and big-business is the people...don't be fooled by tolerance and diversity as a benefit to society...it is a benefit to corporate America.As long as there are actions in place by special interest to create detrimental long-term damages to this nation by trying to rewrite/reinterpret/add amendments to conform to select groups of invaders/illegal’s which only benefits corporations, I will not change my point-of-views of protectionism...it is a form of social harmony created by the acceptance of sound principle ideals by our America's Founders and they are accessible to all who will understand them and commit themselves to preserve them. "

PATRIOTIC BLOGGER wrote on Nov 13, 2007 7:39 PM:

" Extremely well said, "I really think and what I really feel...!" Lets not 'give it all away' in the name of political correctness! "

A True American wrote on Nov 16, 2007 7:18 PM:

" It is sad and unfortunate that many of these posts display the ignorance that is apparently still so strongly prevalent in our nation. These same racist statments indicating that all immigrants are- "lazy, criminally minded, & degenrates that are taking advantage of the system" are things that were said about the Native Americans, Irish, African Americans, Italians, and any one else who comes to America and does not immediatley assimalate. The Californinas even said it about the Midwesterners that came out here during the depression and dustbowl eras trying to escape hardtimes. Not every immigrant that comes across is looking to ruin your country and the illegals are often too afraid to even attempt to gain access to social programs. As far as these programs "patronizing" the spanish speakers, to where their children won't be able to learn to speak english.Come on,are you that dumb?Of course the second generation will learn to speak english, grow up, get a job, and pay taxes. I am sad that there are this many people out there that have not learned from this nations past mistakes. Grow Up. Nobody is trying to take anything from you. People are just trying to feed theirfamilies. "




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