Still fighting racism in valley


Published on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 10:14 PM PDT

My husband and I are in an interracial relationship and blended family. We moved to Wofford Heights a little over two years ago and we knew from day one that we would be forced to deal with ignorance and racism. We just didn’t realize how far some people would go.

Local business owners all the way to hospital staff and as far as law enforcement has taken it upon themselves to let us know that we are not welcomed here. Well... We’re not going anywhere. This is where we live. This is where we work, and this is where we are going to be until we decide to leave.

We are not asking you to befriend us. All we ask is for the name calling, dirty looks, and flat out disrespect come to an end. All the bullying in the world will not force us out of the town we love and live in. People should be ashamed of how they’ve treated us, and I am sure the way they treat others. To those of you who have accepted us as part of the community and shown us the respect we deserve, Thank you.

Unfortunately we do not feel comfortable in the place we live. We are forming a group of Kern Valley residents tired of the racism we encounter on an all too frequent basis, and inviting anyone who has dealt with and is sick of the hatred to join our cause. We are a blended family who have a lot to offer our community, if given the chance. If you are interested in trying to make a long needed change in the valley, please call  (661)246-6034 for meeting details. 

Taylor Tagger

Wofford Heights

 

Comments

76 comment(s)

    Jennifer Mortl wrote on Jan 6, 2011 7:56 PM:

    " I miss talking to you. "

    Billybudd wrote on Aug 28, 2010 4:54 PM:

    " Personally, except for the odd meth monster here and there I don't see any racism here, this is a nice quite place to live........ "

    amyk wrote on Aug 25, 2010 12:50 PM:

    " i read this entire story an blogs.PEOPLE please find new hobbys.i realize the small town dosent have much to do .that comes with living in peace an serinity.i see a classic case of race cards being played here.not to mention the violations of people space an property on both sides.so moving forward into 2010.takes responsiblity if you dont like it move, that goes for everyone.racism is everywhere.so is stupid ignorance in a rainbow of colors. "

    amyk wrote on Aug 25, 2010 12:13 PM:

    " I recently saw a post i was certianly disturbed with.the bazzar part is the poster was a coward an dident leave his real name.[things that make you go hummm]..people have no color in my opinion im sure all of us were born with names.i welcome an serve everyone who comes to my booth thats how i live an can keep comeing to lake area on weekends only.the ignorance level is rediculas what do trashy, board people do best>?miserable hateful people will never go away its up to us to move forward in the 2010 world.anyone who can not love,your sad "

    bill wrote on Aug 20, 2010 1:15 PM:

    " Racism exists in every corner of the world! Is there more here than in other areas? I doubt it very much.

    So far Ms. Tagger has not explained EXACTLY what disrepectful, racist incidents which were directed towards her family.

    Regarding the offensive graffiti she refers to...exactly what evidence exists that shows KV residents were responsible for that? There aren't any locked gates at the entrances to the KRV.

    How was your husband "belittled" by the Sheriff's Deputies? Did your husband ask why he was being stopped? "

    Ann wrote on Aug 17, 2010 10:08 PM:

    " Billy Budd, I just this past month ordered/received "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" after having read it many years ago and then wanting to revisit the pleasure of what was contained in the writing.

    I believe in the KRV and the integrity of those folks who would preserve the credence, ambience. The economy is scary. I hope Taylor can find peace and resolution, but life needs to go on and we are growing older each day. Let's try to enjoy what we have, and each other. "

    Billy Budd wrote on Aug 16, 2010 8:24 AM:

    " Ann, yes Zen and "The Art of Motorcycle
    Maintenance".......I'm a big fan of all the Masters, Buddha, Jesus, The Tao, The Dao, Lao-tse, Chuang-tse, Jalal-uddin Rumi, and many more.. "

    Ann wrote on Aug 15, 2010 6:20 PM:

    " Taylor, I wish you happiness, acceptance here in KRV and peace.

    Bill Budd, are you into Zen? You sound familiar (smile).

    Outa here! "

    Bill Budd wrote on Aug 15, 2010 6:45 AM:

    " Ann, good reply, it matters to you and thats all the really matters.
    I don't go to town much at all theres nothing there for me, but that being said I think the idea that this a racsit hot bed is not credible.

    I'm willing to look at both sides but so far this discussion is pretty one-sided. I require a little more proof
    than someone elses opinion.
    The jury is still out on this one. "

    Truth of course wrote on Aug 14, 2010 11:27 PM:

    " to Anne: Did someone call you a name different than Anne? "

    Ann wrote on Aug 14, 2010 12:52 PM:

    " The first name use duplication only matters to me simply because I have never heard racist comments and the other one had. And it is correct, the world and no one else cares -- but I do. The mention of not getting into town much was meant, I do not hang out in public places, like restaurants, that much. And, what's with the name-calling? I thought that was supposed to stop. "

    A Human wrote on Aug 13, 2010 3:57 PM:

    " Human Kind, for me, no longer will I define it as a human race, becuase to say race to define a person as separate from the rest of the humans. To say human kind is the best medicine for the epidemic of racism still present in 2010. "

    Truth of course wrote on Aug 13, 2010 11:27 AM:

    " Gosh, now we see the problem here; some people don't like the fact other people might just have the same first name as they do! However, those people who by their own admission, do not get into town very often are very small minded, selfish, and unforgiving! I say, for peat sakes, live and let live...stop acting like the world revolves are you and your opinion! There are a lot of people here who should be respected for their opinion and comments, give it a break and try to get along! OK? "

    Mac wrote on Aug 13, 2010 9:46 AM:

    " It was at a diner in Lake Isabella, just a conversation I overheard, talking about n***ers in a car. And Billy Budd, I'm 44 years old. I don't listen to rap intentionally.

    The context of a black person using the n word and a white person using it are completely different. Whites have historically used it to subjugate blacks, so it is problematic for us, no matter how "down" we think we might be, or how many black friends we have. If black people want to reclaim it for their own use, that is their business. "

    Original Ann to Editor wrote on Aug 12, 2010 10:53 PM:

    " I have been posting as Ann for over a year now and the comment this morning at 10:39 a.m. was not by me. Can two people post with identical first name?
    Apparently. Just want to clarify that I have never overhead a racial slur-but I do not get out into town that much.

    Ann "

    Billy Budd wrote on Aug 12, 2010 2:12 PM:

    " Mac you're talking about "white guilt",
    right? Ever listen to Rap? "

    Billy Budd wrote on Aug 12, 2010 2:09 PM:

    " Ann, I've lived here for over five years and I never heard any racist talk what so ever.
    I think that this valley is really pretty mellow, conservative yes, racist no.
    Where did you encounter racist remarks? "

    Mac wrote on Aug 12, 2010 12:56 PM:

    " Unfortunately, many people in this valley are still living in the previous century. I was eating breakfast in a local diner and heard a racial slur during someone's conversation and thought, 'are you kidding me right now?' Who still talks like that? It is sort of mind-boggling that backwards people like that still exist. "

    Ann 2 wrote on Aug 12, 2010 10:39 AM:

    " Yes, racism is alive and well and flourishing here in the valley. Anyone who denies it is either lying or never leaves their home. A visit to just about any place in town, one can overhear racist comments. The fact that they are stated so openly and loudly for all to hear shows that the racists feel very safe and secure mmaking such remarks - thereby leading me to think that a large portion of the community must be supportive of racism. If the overall community was opposed to racism, racists would not be comfortable here. "

    lgd wrote on Aug 12, 2010 7:20 AM:

    " I've been working international rotations for over 42 years. You won't change the people that are already either ignornant or racist. You yourselves need to stop your complaining and realize this world in general is not ignorant and is not racist. Live your life to the fullest and forgive the ignorant and the racist. You'll be a lot happier. "

    Billy Budd wrote on Aug 11, 2010 1:57 PM:

    " Wow, I didn't know that the good folks of the Kern River Valley hated everyone. "

    Truth of course wrote on Aug 11, 2010 11:14 AM:

    " I guess I must be ignorant also; what is a "hard look?" "

    Theyre Ignorant to Everyone wrote on Aug 10, 2010 6:05 PM:

    " Our valley is not just racist to black's they hate mexicans and arabs too or just about anyone who wasn't born and raised or living here for the last 30 yrs. Being white, I personally had 3 business owners comment about how a Sand "N" was going to be the new owner of the Shell at Von's Plaza. If you met Zack he is the nicest man you would meet and even had a positive "opinion" story written about him here. Our valley is full of people who love to give "hard looks" to others and criticism. "

    Matt Freeman wrote on Aug 10, 2010 1:17 PM:

    " Hello. Read the article, just wanted to point out something coming. Unfortunately racism is everywhere, up here in the valley is no different unfortunately. Keep up the good fight, I agree you should be offended I sure would be but I just want to say that I think the vast majority of folks up here in the valley definetly including our law enforcement and government folks and the average citizen are good people. Is the valley perfect, of course not. There are morons everywhere because hate is everywhere, but so is love. "Pray for your Enemies" "

    marsha wrote on Aug 10, 2010 2:02 AM:

    " Whan are we going to see a new topic? "

    Taylor Tagger wrote on Aug 9, 2010 3:54 PM:

    " Truth, have you not read the letter I originally wrote in the first place? We started a group or KRV residents who have dealt with same exact thing ( I bet you'd be suprised at the number). Not only the group, but my husband and myself are speaking to an attorney about the incident with the sheriffs department. If that is'nt doing something about it, then I don't know what is. Victim, not quite. Trying to really do something positive is getting hard with people around that have the same mind frame as you. Move on Truth, Move on. "

    Nuetral wrote on Aug 9, 2010 8:01 AM:

    " Taylor,
    I see that if you dont like what you read or there is any kind of constructrive thought into your situation,(sorry you and your husbands situation), you are unwilling to listen just respond negatively. I bet if you changed your approch to the community it would be better received. Quit being the VICTIM, and do something about it. "

    Taylor Tagger no not like one the walls wrote on Aug 8, 2010 12:40 PM:

    " Bob, I think you've voiced your opinion more then enough times. Yes, I keep commenting back because I am the originator of the letter. However, I think once you said my name must be fake and you didn't find me in the yellow pages that you lost a little credibility. Why were you trying to look up my personal information anyway? Sorry you weren't able to represent your ideas in a classsier way. It was very childish of you to say my name must be fake because a Tagger is some one who grafitties. Grow up already. "

    Me wrote on Aug 8, 2010 7:53 AM:

    " Wow, this is a sad commentary on our valley: I submitted three additional truthful, factual, thoughtful comments that the Sun opted not to post, apparently in favor of...well, you see the kind of nonsense that is being posted. Way to weed out the good stuff, KVSun. Pathetic. "

    Bob wrote on Aug 8, 2010 7:07 AM:

    " Mrs. Tagger in my opinion you have not made your case of racism in the KRV.
    If infact if you or yours were called names
    by a few rude people, those are few and far between.
    That doesn't make the KRV racist.

    Law enforcement has very strict guidelines when it comes to race realtions, I suggest you should file a complaint with them.

    This isn't really the proper venue for
    your problems, and I don't think you'll get very far with your accusations without any proof. "

    Taylor Tagger wrote on Aug 7, 2010 8:08 PM:

    " OMG Truth. Conjuntion juntion what's your function. Someone should have watched the COMPREHENSION video a few extra times. No one said I am suing bloggers. I said we are talking to an attorney about the incident involving the Sheriffs department. Dang, someone asks for respect and the people that are bold enough to comment can't comprehend simple dialect. Editor, please review these comments better and don't allow people who clearly do not understand what they are reading to comment. THANKS!!! "

    Me wrote on Aug 7, 2010 6:00 PM:

    " All great strides in human rights were made by people who decided not to take things sitting down. It sickens me that people say they should have expected discrimination when they moved to this valley. Why should they have to expect it? This is 2010. People are people, and good honest people should be able to live anywhere they want without having to worry about being called "N****r" in the grocery store (and yes, that has actually happened more than once.) "

    Me wrote on Aug 7, 2010 5:58 PM:

    " Taylor and Jarrett are my neighbors. I will not be using my name because of the amount of hostility they have been subjected to, both before and after this letter was published. They may not be listed, but I am and it is not my desire to bring this hostility to their home. Taylor and Jarrett are great people, great neighbors, and great friends. Tagger is their real last name. Their ages are none of your business, except to say that Jarrett was born with that name long before it was used to refer to someone doing graffiti. "

    Gail Korner wrote on Aug 7, 2010 8:57 AM:

    " A lot of people walk around carrying a lot of baggage. I try to travel light. Baggage can be very cumbersome and weighs down the body and soul. "

    Truth wrote on Aug 7, 2010 12:22 AM:

    " Taylor Taggert and her husband Jarrett: I guess by now you have warned everyone if they do not agree with what you say (without evidence) that you will sue them....interesting...does that mean you no longer care to converse with the bloggers? Sad, very sad! "

    John Perry wrote on Aug 6, 2010 11:54 PM:

    " I used to live in a rainbow neighborhood.
    I had a black neighbor who continually complained about racism as did his 2 daughters.
    My neighbor across the street had 2 teenage daughters that went to the same High School. Both were on the Honor Roll, Cheer leaders and very popular.
    I asked Alex what the difference was between him, his family and Mikes family.
    He said, I'm not a minority nor are my children. Being a minority is a state of mind.
    Sometimes you find what your looking for.
    I'm not being judgmental. Just adding food for thought. "

    Bob wrote on Aug 6, 2010 3:25 PM:

    " Taylor Tagger, interesting name.
    A Tagger is someone who spray paints ther name or hood on a wall.
    How old are you?
    I looked on a search engine for anyone of that name in Wofford Heights it came up empty.
    You're considering suing "Nuetral"?
    I thought his comments were well taken.
    Sorry that you feel that way.

    "The only one that you can change is yourself", good luck with that. "

    Bob wrote on Aug 6, 2010 3:18 PM:

    " Markiss, I was the only white kid in a Mexican, African American school in Los Angeles Ca.......been there done that.

    Being the only anything isn't good no matter where it is or what color you are.
    Bigotry has no boundries, nor does ignorance.
    All you can do is tough it out and hope that your parents eventually move mine did but it was to little too late. "

    Taylor Jarrett Tagger wrote on Aug 6, 2010 11:28 AM:

    " Also, for those of you texting but refusing to answer your phone after.... Grow up. If we can't talk adult to adult, I have nothing to say to you. "

    Taylor Tagger Her Husband Jarrett Tagger wrote on Aug 6, 2010 11:25 AM:

    " Neutral, I am done having speech debates. My husband is bothered by this. Have you not noticed the "we" and "our" in my letters. My husband is sitting right here next to me when our comments get posted. Don't assume anything about MY husband. His is hurt by this, and we are in the process of talking to an attorney. Get the facts please. Thank you Mac for the support. MsKrv, yes they do still call it that, and that's exactly how the highschool appears to a lot of students. "

    Markiss wrote on Aug 6, 2010 11:06 AM:

    " So im guessing no one hear has any REAL idea what goes on so let me shed some light in the dark room. being the only "black kid" in an all white area everyday i had to fight a group or 2 of racist guys and i couldnt go one day without someone or more calling me the "N" word, from kids and adults alike. i was always harassed by police for no reason at all, i kept to myself and still they would put on their robes and stand outside my house, or in broad daylight. "

    bill wrote on Aug 6, 2010 6:31 AM:

    " Please clear up EXACTLY how the business owners, hospital staff, and law enforcement let you know that you were not "welcome"???

    What did they do? "

    misses KRV wrote on Aug 5, 2010 4:47 PM:

    " Do non-residents still call Kern Valley High School "Klan Valley High"? "

    Mac wrote on Aug 5, 2010 12:52 PM:

    " It is natural to be upset with someone for tresspassing. There is no need to bring race into the issue though. It has nothing to do with it. Only ill-raised, trashy people use racial insults. End of story. "

    Neutral wrote on Aug 5, 2010 7:54 AM:

    " Taylor,
    if you really care about the situation here in the Valley then you need to contact organazatins that look into such matters in small towns, instead of stirring the pot with the community. unfortunately alot of people are afraid to stand up for what is right for fear of backlash from bullies. It strikes me odd that we havent heard from your husband. Im sure he is all to familier with this kind of hate but I bet he has learned to overcome and not let people like that rent space in his head. Learn from him. "

    Taylor Tagger wrote on Aug 4, 2010 8:49 PM:

    " You seem to be making a common mistake. The ones who snuck in the pool, fine. They asked for it, your right. However, my husband was doing nothing wrong. He has been harassed SOULY for the color of his skin. No one really speaks on that incident though. Only the pool issue. THIS IS SEPERATE. My husband and I have been treated like outcasts due to our interracial marriage status. I am in full agreement of people reaping what they sow. PLEASE someone adress my issue. There was no crime committed,no behavior provoking this. What can you say to that? "

    jerry wrote on Aug 4, 2010 5:42 AM:

    " i lived in the valley for 25 years and ran a bus.there also.when you trespass on some one elses property your asking for trouble.your hurting sombody and they WILL hit back.the simple fact is you broke the law.if you hadn't the incident never would have happened.my grand kids are white and mexican and i love my daughter-in-law as much as my son.but if they trespassed i'd give them heck as much as anyone else.you reap what you sow "

    Neutral wrote on Aug 3, 2010 10:54 AM:

    " To sit back and read this debacle unfold is rather odd. I believe that there IS in fact a lot more here than meets the eye here. Please note that my ethnicity nor my gender is known so be very careful what you publish. The use of any derogatory remark toward another human is a tragedy but, reality of life and commonly done to spark reaction.I am not saying that your situation was not real or hurt but, Slander is very real espeacially when you comment on Public Use facilities such as a Hospital or Law Inforcement. "

    Bob wrote on Aug 1, 2010 9:26 AM:

    " Identifying with a certain race.

    Establishing an identity with a certain race is a form of abject racism. To which we are all guilty.

    "Niether ethnicity nor race is genalogically or biologically determined: they are both social constucts."

    You might consider your arguement to be about ethnic prejudice.

    "There is nothing more painful at this stage in my life than you walk down the street and hear footsteps and start thinging about robbery---then look around and see a white face and feel relieved....Jesse Jackson "

    Mona wrote on Jul 31, 2010 10:41 AM:

    " Truth, If anybody is so driven by fear and anxiety, that it would make their ignorance so visible, and because somebody is swimming in their pool wothout permission...maybe they should leave it to the professionals, like local law enforcement. I feel it's more of an oppotunity for them to lash out racially...period. Nobody was thinking about their liability by taking it racial. What they were doing is prevoking an explostion that would give them more fuel for hate and almost guarantee some of those injuries you imply they're so concerned about. What now? L.A. bound again! Later! "

    Taylor Tagger wrote on Jul 31, 2010 9:16 AM:

    " No Truth, was that another racial incident at a seperate pool? The incident Mona was referring to, was at the Jesse James Trailer Parin in Wofford Heights. The manager there (the man) was totally nice and just said they needed one of the park residents out there with them. The managers wife, came out a few minutes later, using the N word every other second and calling the kids gaurdian a Sl*t and white trash and how dare we bring N-ers into her clean pool, ect. Totally different cases. "

    Truth of course wrote on Jul 30, 2010 11:51 PM:

    " Correct me if I am wrong; I am having thoughts of deja-vu....I remember this incident which happened at the Isabella Motel at the Junction of #178 and the highway to Kernville. The owner of the motel said the people were sneaking in the pool at night, they did not have insurance nor a standby lifeguard at the time as could not afford it. By violating the law, the people who swam in the pool took a chance that the owner would suffer a large fine from law enforcement! This incident happened a few years back. "

    Taylor Tagger wrote on Jul 30, 2010 7:29 PM:

    " Marsha, I am very very happy that you, nor anyone in your family has been exposed to a REAL issue in our valley. I am so sad that mine ever had to be. I hope that you're time here continues to be enjoyable. This is a beautiful place to live and I am glad it never was defiled in your eyes. I am also so sorry that as a community, we can not pull together and instead of dismissing a clear and unpleasant truth, work together to make this a great place for ALL of it's residents to live in. "

    Taylor Tagger wrote on Jul 30, 2010 7:24 PM:

    " KVer, I am sorry to see you don't believe that a small group of people or a single individual could make a major change in the way a community treats its residents. Unfortunately, a lot of people sit around and accept horrible things, because the frame of mind they have. I beleive that after a struggle of course, that I and the group of people rallying for the same cause can start to make a change. The way different races, homosexuals & people not of the majority are treated is discusting and I won't just sit and watch. "

    Taylor Tagger wrote on Jul 30, 2010 7:17 PM:

    " To John & BT... Aren't you being a little stereotypical? You say that we (I assume you mean African Americans because of the word being discusses), are okay with it if it ends in an A, and you have the nerve to say we call it to eachother. Not every black person uses that word, or is okay with it. I for one find it disrespectful. And BT, please do not put words in my mouth. You chose to take this letter the wrong way, as I knew many would. I'll continue to pray for you and your ways. "

    Taylor Tagger wrote on Jul 30, 2010 7:10 PM:

    " Thank you again Visitor. So many people are quick to say that it isn't a big deal. I can only assume that BT doesn't surround his or herself(we don't know wich because they hide behind initials)with mixed races here in the Valley. I would ask any one of you who say racism is not an issue, to come spend the day with my family and I. I GUARANTEE your mind will be changed. Either way, I and the others attending the meeting have been directly put in a hateful situation due to the ignorance of racist people. "

    Visitor wrote on Jul 30, 2010 3:52 PM:

    " BT - I've seen you condemn Mrs. Tagger and her letter, question her truthfulness and integrity, and imply that because there is hate festering in many towns that it is acceptable to continue allowing it. Yet you refuse to condemn the racism itself, which you freely admit exists.

    Until you've sat with a friend and experienced unprovoked, hostile, racist comments directed at them, you can't know the physical threat to their safety they feel when an ugly situation like that occurs.

    Your tangential arguments avoid discussing the real implications of these people's experiences. "

    KRVer wrote on Jul 30, 2010 1:25 PM:

    " Racism exists everywhere. This is a very conservative valley...why would you chose to live here and not expect some amount of dissention? Sorry this is happening to you but you are not going to change it. Surround yourself with people who aren't so narrow, feel sorry for those who are and live your life. No meeting or committee will make you happier here....it's all up to you and your attitude and how you deal with it. "

    BT Justice wrote on Jul 30, 2010 9:37 AM:

    " To John- people hate the "N" word, but its okay for a certain group to say it to and about each other. If they say it with an "a" to each other- ok. "er" from anyone else- bad. Unbelieveable. Oh, and Ms. Tagger- I read you letter and there are some things that are implied. You don't have to say "All," your letter is inflamatory and predjudice. There is racism and predjudice everywhere. If you think it is better anywhere else, think again. "

    John wrote on Jul 29, 2010 11:47 PM:

    " As, a matter of fact that N word is used in Rap Music, isn't that something and is used by the Rappers that have written the songs and they are calling each other the N word, I don't get that.... "

    marsha wrote on Jul 29, 2010 11:35 PM:

    " Sorry, to hear of that but i have never hear or seen anyone act like that towards my family and myself. I have been going to the Valley since 1987 and have spent many summers and now i have a home there. I am treated with respect. Let's all be kind to one another. "

    Taylor Tagger wrote on Jul 29, 2010 6:48 PM:

    " Thank you Visitor. I am agreeing with you 100%. I would look a fool if I said EVERYONE is racist. There have been a lot of considerate people who treat us very nicely. It's a beautiful place to live and we just feel it's our right as residents of the Valley to be treated with respect. I am glad you shared your story with us, because as you can see, there are a lot of people who claim we are lying, or claim that we asked for it. You were enjoying a meal when you were exposed to this. "

    Visitor wrote on Jul 29, 2010 12:28 PM:

    " I've vacationed in Kernville many times and LOVE the area and the people.

    I was shocked at my most recent trip up there last month though. My black friend and I were enjoying a nice dinner at the pizza place in town when the table seated next to us felt it was appropriate to use the N word no less than 5 times, very loudly. I was mortified and disgusted. I know that people like that are the exception and not the rule in Kernville, but its shocking to witness in 2010 nonetheless. "

    Taylor Tagger wrote on Jul 29, 2010 10:36 AM:

    " How do you account for the swastikas spray painted on windows in Kernville that had Obama signs in support of our president? Or the "Go Home N*ggers" sign that was painted on the welcome to Kernville sign during the election? How can you possibly say that racism does not exsist up here? Maybe those of you preaching that there is no issue of racism up here should do a little research first. Maybe you should go out & speak to the community, as I have, & really get the facts on whats happening in the Valley you live in. "

    Taylor Tagger wrote on Jul 29, 2010 10:31 AM:

    " Also, in my letter, I made a special point to thank everyone and anyone that has come at us with respect. Again, Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of the people in support. And to those of you who will be attending our first meeting tomorrow, my husband and I look forward to meeting you. I still find it humorous that so many people are saying that there is no problem with racism in the Valley, yet so many people have already called that have gone through or have witnessed this issue with their own eyes. "

    Taylor Tagger wrote on Jul 29, 2010 10:24 AM:

    " Thank you Linda Block. Will do. To "truth". How can you say that isn't a racist act. Yes, the people were wrong to have snuck into the pool, however if it was a bunch of white kids in there, would the manager have lashed out at them calling them crackers or honkeys or white trash... Probably not. Why is it that when anyone voices a just cause, a bunch of people have to down talk them or call them liars. The negativity in this Valley is sickening and I will continue to pray for people like you, "truth". "

    Linda Block wrote on Jul 29, 2010 9:36 AM:

    " I would love to be a part of this group, but will be out
    of town for the 1st meeting. Please keep me posted.
    In unity for acceptance and peace in our community,
    Linda "

    Truth wrote on Jul 28, 2010 11:42 PM:

    " Mona, you should see that one crime does seem to set the scenario for another. The people who "snuck" into the trailer park pool (unlawful) caused the "owner/manager) to use language they might not have. Of course you possibly can't see that you are the one at fault, I can see you want to be "the victum" here. So Sorry the person used the "N" word, but you were committing the crime of trespassing, that is against the law. This is not a case of racist hate or anything like that. "

    Taylor Tagger wrote on Jul 28, 2010 9:43 PM:

    " Thank you Duane. I almost didn't realize your positive comment amongst all the ignorant posts that we're submitted afterwards. My 8 year old niece has no reason make up stories about another childs parent calling her the "N" Word. So many people throw that word around like it's nothing. Look it up people. It means ignorant. Also, for those of you unable to understand what I said in my letter: NOT EVERYONE UP HERE IS RACIST. But even one person spewing hate to another is to much and I for one, will not stand for the narrow mindedness anymore. "

    Taylor Tagger wrote on Jul 28, 2010 9:39 PM:

    " Also, how dare you assume that these things are brought on by oue own behavior. Let's see if you think we asked for any of this. 2 times this month my husband has been stopped by local sheriffs and frisked, searched, and belittled for NOTHING. If playing at the park with your kids is cause for harassment, you are obsurd. I am not ashamed of anything I said. I stand by my letter, and feel ashamed to know that people like you are so close minded and really beleive that all is well in the KRV. Think again friend. "

    Tayloy Tagger wrote on Jul 28, 2010 9:35 PM:

    " Funny that today alone I recieved over 7 phonecalls of mixed raced individuals and families, claiming that they too have dealt with the EXACT same issues. Also, maybe you should learn to comprehend what you're reading before you speak on a certain issue. I never ever ever said in my letter that ALL law enforcement, hospital staff and local busniess owners are racist. So go back and and re-read the letter. Also, some of the calls I got were from people who work at the hospital, and are sick and tired of having to be witness to this behavior. "

    B.T. Justice wrote on Jul 28, 2010 6:26 PM:

    " to continue:
    Furthermore, for you to group "local business owners" "hospital staff" and "law enforcement" as racist is just wrong. It is not racism but something often associated with racism- predjudice and to group all those together as if all in those groups are racist is irresponsible and untrue. There are no doubt racist members of all those groups, and even more predjudice members of all those groups. But not all of the memebers of those groups are racist or predjudice against whatever it is that you are. "

    B.T. Justice wrote on Jul 28, 2010 6:19 PM:

    " So....what reason would law enforcement have to advise you that you're not welcome up here? Did they make a special trip to tell you that?? Do you realize that many of the local law enforcement officers are of mixed race or have "interracial" marriages? I don't believe you. I think there is more to this. Which businesses? Lets boycott them. I don't believe that either. How 'bout the hospital..have you seen the doctors there? Racism exists everywhere, but your gripes are probably self initiated. JUST MY OPINION. "

    Dirty looks for dirty crooks wrote on Jul 28, 2010 3:06 PM:

    " If the local law enforcement has let you know you are not welcome based upon your race, or marital situation; that is in violation of California law, the US constitution, and several other documents. I dont know who you are, but has law enforcement advised you are not welcome for other reasons maybe? I don't know your situation, but some are quick to pull the race card at any opportunity. I wont say racsim is non-existent in this valley or anywhere, but it is not widespread up here. "

    Duane Robinson wrote on Jul 28, 2010 11:04 AM:

    " Sad News. You just can't fix STUPID! "

    Mona wrote on Jul 28, 2010 9:37 AM:

    " I submitted a letter in 2005 following a verbal, racial attack on my family (ages 4 - 12 & 2 adults) who had snuck into a pool in a trailer park. The manager came out in a fit screaming "get your "n" a--es out of here" and "n" word, "n" word, "n" word. My protective instincts made me feel like taking it to a physical level. Instead I prayed, and I keep praying. But it keeps happening. Myself I am done with the valley and spending as little time and money here as I can. LA bound now! Bye "

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