Schoolyard spat in Danville takes on racial overtones


Lari
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 10

It seems there's more to this (on Alexus' side), but either way - a parent should never intervene on their child's behalf like this. Kids need to learn to work these things out themselves, even if it means a pushing match. Someone's mommy coming to school to confront another kid is not cool! I'm sure Danville parent's will also be incensed to learn that this Sacramento girl is living in the area just to attend the school, too. But I'd warn Alexus and her family not to pull the race card on this one...it may backfire.

Average: 3 (2 votes)

kac
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 68

Why is this about race? There is nothing in the article to back up the "racial overtone" headline. Kids get into arguments all the time- it doesn't mean it's always about race. Why does the writer of the story even bring up the fact that one girl is black, the other white?

tara1
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 301

This is NEWS? God help the Contra Costa Times AND its readership if this is what passes for news judgment and presentation in the future. Bigger issues, folks, bigger fish...

TIFFANYH
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5

What do you consider news? The price of tea in China. You are also just as ignorant as that woman

whirledpeas
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 323

Ok so I'm naive. What does this have to do with race? Whatever the kids did, and who knows what the whole story is, the Parent apears to have stepped way over the line. And as much as those involved on both sides would like to ratchet up the indignation by making it out as a racial incident, it is typical of school kid stuff. And it should have been dealt with by the school. Anyone want to make a guess as to how many attorneys will get involved and how many press conferences will be generated by this? Another case where the adults show the kids how to divide communities.

Peas-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Carl Spackler: This crowd has gone deadly silent, a Cinderella story outta nowhere. Former greenskeeper and now about to become the masters champion.

TIFFANYH
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5

Exactly the School Officials should have handled this immediately; the MEDIA probably wouldn't be involved if the School had taken responsibility in the first place. The incident between the two students did not seem to be racial, the consequences each child suffered or shall I say one child suffered left a sheet of unanswered questions. Typical school "Drama" has been escalated by an adult, what in the WORLD was she thinking. Definitely not "Being the Bigger Person". I understand the natural instinct is to protect your child, but to degrade and demean another person’s child by physically putting your hands on them and the worst of worst "spitting" on them. WOW

It is not a case of showing our kids how to divide communities, if anything it is going to show the children that everyone should be treated equally and a true lesson of "Consequences". This should open the eyes of any parent and child. The bottom line is "EVERYONE" is capable of doing the wrong thing. My saying to my own children “ Whatever you do be it right or wrong. Be ready to except the Praise or Consequences”.

“Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced.” Author James Baldwin

Danvilleparent
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1

I Think it is news when an adult woman is allowed to touch and spit on another person's child and not get arrested. What if she has HIV or Hep? When did that become OK? I hope this woman and other people like her know that this is will not be tolerated in our community. Racial or not!

TIFFANYH
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5

You are absolutely right . Race or not! This behavior should not be tolerated in this community or any community.

TIFFANYH
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5

What do you mean there is more to this (on Alexus' side). There is not anything in the world a child can do that would cause an adult to actually put their hands on them and to top it all of spit in a child’s face. As a matter of fact there is never a reason a person should spit on anyone. Your right this parent turned a child’s matter into something that was so uncalled for. What happened to conflict management in schools? This is where children work these things out. What does that mean "I'm sure Danville parent's will also be incensed to learn that this Sacramento girl is living in the area just to attend the school, too. " Danville parents should feel proud that a parent chose to send their child to a school with such stellar academic ratings. What is a "Race Card" anyway? You sound just as ignorant as the adult who assaulted a child. What if it was your child and the tables were turned? What would you do?

Hip Mom
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1

I absolutely agree! I was appalled and disgusted to learn that an adult, and mother, would conduct themselves in such an inexcuseable manner. This was an issue between the two girls that should've been addressed and resolved in a conflict resolution session at school with the appropriate school personnel. This parent had no right to accost this girl; I don't care what her daughter told her. There are always two sides to the story. As parents, and adults, it is our responsibility to set good examples for our children. This parent is obviously lacking in that department. She had no right to lay a hand on that girl, let alone spit in her face. Who does this woman think she is? It's no wonder some kids choose to do the things they do when adults/parents are setting examples like this. If my daughter had been on the receiving end of this parent, I would not hesitate to file charges against her. This woman should not be exempt from suffering the consequences of her actions. We all make choices.

Caladan
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 54

Racial hate crime or not, the mother should be charged if the girl's story is corroborated. First, is there such a thing as misdemeanor battery? The mother touched her: that's battery. Second, the mother spit in her face: sounds like aggravated battery.

cowboy1539
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 529

Yes there is misdemeanor battery. It becomes a felony if the force used is likley to cause great bodily injury (not counting domestic battery which this was not). Spitting in someones face although disgusting is still only a simple battery. (Of course this is the Readers Digest version). Going by the news story of the mother grabbing the girls arm and spitting on her this would be a misdemeanor if nothing else occurred.

That's just my opinion, but I could be Wrong.

tara1
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 301

Ah, I see what this is... this is Mama trying to make something of nothing, shouting KKK and crying: Oh, why, why is this allowed to happen to my Baaabbyyy...

TIFFANYH
TIFFANYH's picture

Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5

Do you have children? Would this be nothing if this was your Child. I didn't see anything in the article regarding KKK. So that tells me you must be Mrs. Grand Wizard. Your an idiot. Makes me wonder why I moved here. I bet your best friend is Black. LOL!!!!!!

I THINK WE HAVE...
I THINK WE HAVE LOST SIGHT OF THE REAL ISSUE's picture

Joined: Dec 1969
Posts: 0

Come on folks what is the real issue here. From reading the comments I have no idea what the real issue is. These kids should have been able to work this out with the school staff that same day. This is really going a little too far. Everyone commenting please take a step back because too much fuel is being poured on this campfire.

Caladan
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 54

Cowboy wrote, "No matter how bad her oral health is I don't think spit can be considered corrosive, flammable, or caustic to the point that it will injure flesh or disfigure the body."

What if Phoebe Koenen has AIDS?

cowboy1539
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 529

Thats starting to presume things not given as fact and is reaching for reasons to make this more than what it is. And even if someone with AIDs spit on another person 244PC would not be the section charged. This section applies to chemical attacks.

That's just my opinion, but I could be Wrong.

I THINK WE HAVE...
I THINK WE HAVE LOST SIGHT OF THE REAL ISSUE's picture

Joined: Dec 1969
Posts: 0

Now that the police report is available, those who feel Alexus' family pulled the race card are going to be in for a rude awakening. Go take a look at it and then let me know what you think.Wow!!!! Phoebe you've really outdone yourself. I have a completely different outlook on this whole situation. All I can say is WOW!!!!!!! What is the world coming too?

TinRoof
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 103

Where does one get a copy of the police report?

I THINK WE HAVE...
I THINK WE HAVE LOST SIGHT OF THE REAL ISSUE's picture

Joined: Dec 1969
Posts: 0

Danville Police Department

510 La Gonda Way

Danville, CA 94526

TinRoof
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 103

Thanks. I was hoping that you had a link directly to the report.

I THINK WE HAVE...
I THINK WE HAVE LOST SIGHT OF THE REAL ISSUE's picture

Joined: Dec 1969
Posts: 0

Unfortunately it is not available online. Once this is heard in court it will be available for public viewing.

KITTENCHOPS
KITTENCHOPS's picture

Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 138

Well, I guess it's no wonder our youth can't handle spats with eachother, just look at how adults are acting!!! What's with all the name calling and disrespectful comments? I find that to be a pretty common occurance on these forums and I think it's really sad. People log on to talk about the news and read other people's comments and opinions. I find it very ironic that this thread is about the childish manner in which a schoolyard spat was handled, and yet people on here are calling eachother [bleep]s, kkk, idiots, ignorants, etc. Lol!!! Talk about childish! I realize these threads can get pretty heated, but honestly, can't we all talk to eachother with a little respect? If you can't handle hearing someone else's opinion without going berserk, then maybe you're a little too immature to be posting on an adult thread. :)

I THINK WE HAVE...
I THINK WE HAVE LOST SIGHT OF THE REAL ISSUE's picture

Joined: Dec 1969
Posts: 0

You couldn't have said it any better.

KITTENCHOPS
KITTENCHOPS's picture

Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 138

Would you be comfortable giving the details of the police report? If you don't want to, I understand but the curiosity is killing me!! It's also doubtful that I'll ever make it down to the police dept. to read it myself. If you feel comfortable, please tell us what it said.

MusicITZLife
MusicITZLife's picture

Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1

First of all... this girl is making accusations, whose to say that this actually happened.  And from what I know about this girl and this incident, I wouldn't put it past her to exaggerate the situation. 

And secondly if this lady has HIV/AIDS since when has saliva ever transmitted it from person to person.  People are so ignorant and stupid... you shouldn't even be commenting on here... go back to school and learn something so your statements can have some logic and value.

Spell.Chic
Spell.Chic's picture

Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 143

And secondly if this lady has HIV/AIDS since when has saliva ever transmitted it from person to person.

 

Saliva can carry blood if the spitter has gingivitis or other gum disease. If that is the case, AIDS/HIV can be transmitted via saliva . . . it's happened.  Mebbe unlikely if she actually is a dentist's wife, but it's not impossible.

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