Comments On This Story:
Message From: young jess (jesus_pulido2002@yahoo.com), Monday, November 6, 2006 12:51 PM
i knew officer richard may also.he helped me with alot of issues i had @ my house hold.he was a coo cop. not like the other police officer's that are always try'n to find something on you so that you
can be !caged up! like an animal.i also knew alberto alvarez the dude that they say shot officer may.he was pretty much like all of us struggling to find a way to make it in this hell hole.i dont know
exactly what happened that january 7 that made him snap! but hey we will never know.all i know is that alot of us in east palo alto try to do good.but theres always something that brings us back down.very few of us make it out.and alot of us don't.thats a sad thing.4 reals
Message From: MC CLOWNING, March 1, 2006 8:33 PM
What we all have in the heart in the mind is that we are all products of someone elses thinking, therefore our only real and tangible way out of the predicaments we find is to stick on to everyone, the philosophy; by default we are in need to offer new manners of thinking inside our soul man,(being) soul woman, All Of You, You Must Latch On For Dears Sake. Every time you hear an original frame of thought leach on to it...now that might sound Parsitical yet its working in many expos around the world for money managemwent and many investment conferences and plenty of motivational lectures--why won't it work for the Mrs. and the Mr. Average out there...I really don't see why not, We can only deal with what's on our plate and nothing else, we can't really deal with other divergant projectiles that always tend to arrive at oblique angles...There's calm to soot you by taking things much faster, getting to the core, meeting communication and stuff at much more a higher plane, because there is nothing more shirveled=up than a an incognizant piece of wreck that can't tell his nose from his elbow. You know what I'm saying, someone that always been tending to neglect your AUTHORITY over your own BODY, now if this is not out of place I don't know what is. You have to be
focused, why because the clock is ticking, you have to solve these problems because it is real lives that are at stake and it is our responsibility to to see that our hearts are not abused that we can
make a living without having to many peopel butting in in our buisness this is truth. You Tell me truth and i'll show you how much i can actually acomplish how much and can do for others that are
living...and making sure that we are alot more freee'er is likewise mandatory to do as we please, becoming more human learning. (WHATEVER THIS IS) To talk and to be as we all goddamn please. You can't bat on someone because of how they speak no but you can bat on someone on they're actions, if they can't comply...This is for heaven and hopefully maybe i will my self actually incorporate that which i'm speaking.
Message From: Unknown, March 1, 2006 7:49 PM First of all I think we can all agree that the violence that is done by reckless hunger and that which is done by a reckless cops are two distinct subjects... We're talking miles of deserts within the plotting, the rethinking, the meditiating. There is no comparison because cops have more lee-way in what direction they can go before they make the mortal sin or the felonous action of senseless disrespect and deafliness literal blindness of the mind. This topic is of roots; of past inconsistancies that have in the least been forgotten and in those worst of worst occasions been forgiven. Uncle Toms of all shapes and makes, or those that have sold themselves out that don't care and have totally renounced the human dimension in the expectation, others do their work for them; [WHO IN THE ETHNIC (NONE WHITE) COMMUNITIES WOULDN'T WANT TO BOOST THE ACCEPTANCE AMONGST THOSE THAT PURPORT TO BE OF POWER.... Thus falling into such levels of economic stablity, and proof of growth, of acheivement and true distinction.] are trying to get away without realizing why they are hated so much... See they are hated legitimately because they see the police as the oppressive force that
embodies that invisible feild they can't penitrate. They can't understand why we have a force of supposed good that sends evil vibes, vibes of combat not of protection much less waves of comfort.
See the average man on the streets is strruggleing to hold on to the last thread that ties him into everything that he knows he is and that is being abused so he rebels. Its not that we feel hate towards
complacent americans yet we feel that they have failed civilization. The ultimate pinacle of humanity has been mal-adjusted, spiritual degradation you see the soul you see the this the true is that people should be talking, recruitment not interment camps forced slavery and idleness.
Message From: Alex, March 1, 2006 7:13 PM
I agree!
Message From: Unknown, February 21, 2006 9:48 PM
I have been living here in East Palo Alto all my life!!! Thats 25 years and counting... For all you guys and girls slamming the East Palo Alto Police Department, ask yourself this question: Why don't you try to be a police officer for YOUR city and try to make a difference?? You people talk like its easy being an East Palo Alto cop. I had the opportunity to go to Iraq and New Orleans to patrol the cities and soon I will be patroling MY city, East Palo Alto. Why, because before I care about my city and prefer to work here instead of somewhere else. I have rejected THREE other Police depts. just to come work here. And I can't wait!!
Message From: Ramz (LivinLompoc@aol.com), February 11, 2006 1:43 AM
I Knew Richard May personally. He changed my life for the best when he was a police officer here in Lompoc. First off let me tell you what a great friend this person was... Officer May was the most
professional police officer I have ever dealt with. I am Mexican-American, Chicano whatever you want to lable me, and this man was the most laid back man to all. He pulled me over and my friends
in high school a coupple of times and he would always joke around with us and let us go. He knoew what it was to be a kid. Later in High School he accepted me into his R.O.P. criminal justice class.
This guy was a cool guy. When I went on patrols with him he always spoke to everyone with respect and courtesy. It hurts too see people on here that don't know him to say that he's "a regular guy" That's B.S. May didn't come from a rich family he came from normal decent people this man dedicated himself to public service, whether his country or community. To all the nay sayers of police officers they should stop and think "What have I done for society?" It takes great commitment to engage in public service when your life is on the line. I know that American history has shown that cops/white people of authority have done wrong to minorities etc., but this man isn't one of those. To the person that made the comment that Officer May isn't part of the EPA police solution than by default he's the problem, they should stop and analyze themselves. That's like saying if you're not
part of your communities solution then you are the problem. That doesn't sound right either does it! My heart pours out to May's family and the citizens of EPA. I only pray for May's wife (Diana) and her kids to lead a good life and for justice to be doled out to May's killer. As far as justice to the other murdered victims of EPA I'm sincereley lament the loss that they leave, but I have faith that justice will be handed down by way of Karma and by God. EPA take care, you have lost a great man. It's not how officer Rich May died that made him a hero, it's how he lived.
Message From: Concern Latina Student (19)
(democratforpeace@nonviolence.com) Sent: February 3, 2006 10:49 AM
Hello All,
I think the best way to address this issue is to rise above the rude inconsiderate comments of John Doe and Unknown. I feel EVERYONE should follow our principles, which have been layed out by Cesar
Chavez and Dr.Martin Luther King. Remember my friends "It is not a choice between violence and nonviolence. It is either nonviolence or nonexistance." We must all united and work together to prevent things like this from reoccuring. We must ALL united. All people of any decent, religion, sex, age, monetary status, or political party to create a sense of dialoge, inorder to discuss the matter further and get something into effect. As a worker for the goverment, I can tell you their several meetings that you may attend to bring your concerns to the attention of those who may assist you in having something in honor of both May and Chavez. In conclusion, I'd like to say that arguing is pointless and it will not work to your advantage. Stay strong everyone. Keep in mind that "A threat to injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." -MLK
Sincerly Jackie O.,
Political Science Major of the city of South San Francisco
Message From: unknown, January 31, 2006 9:17 PM
THIS WORLD IS COMING TO AN END. AND NOBODY REALIZE IT. WHAT EVERYBODY
NEED TO DO IS PRAY TO GOD AND THANK HIM FOR YET ANOTHER DAY HE HAS
GIVEN YOU. BE ON HIS TEAM AND HE WILL KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AWAY
FROM EVIL.
Message From: unknown, January 29, 2006 8:36 PM
Good article, Charisse. My thoughts exactly -- although not a very popular opinion. I did see on the news the mother that identified the same man who shot Officer May to police as the man that shot her
son. If they took care of business for her family, then Officer May's family wouldn't be without him now.
Message From: los (los_nav650@hotmail.com), January 27, 2006 11:42 AM I am sorry the cop had to die. But like others before me said, there have been 15 murders this year and most of the them if not all are unsolved.If the put half the effort they put into catching officers
May's killer in catching the killers of latinos and blacks the may we would respect them more. They know where the problems are. They know what going on. They know there are some blacks shooting at mexicans and vice versa. But they choose to let them take each other out. Officer May may have been a good cop but for everyone good cop there are a couple bad cops. Me and my uncle watched a cop in the G shake up a dealer take his money and let him go.
Message From: Unknown, January 25, 2006 5:12 PM
It's funny how all of the poeple responding to this site who hate the police are uneducated, uninformed, illiterate, ignorant people. They are the reason why East Palo Alto has been and continues to be a dump. It takes more than the police alone to change the social and econimc status of the city.
Message From: Unknown, January 25, 2006 5:05 PM The reason that the people who got murdered last year did not recieve the support and recognition that you all think that they deserve is because nobody came forward. There were no witnesses. So all of you crying about the other people who got murdered need to work on getting support from your community. With no witnesses even though there are multiple people around a murder scene, you have no case. You want your people to be recognized, you need to ask the bystanders to cooperate with the police, then maybe you'll get what you want.
Message From: Unknown, January 24, 2006 6:36 PM Good Article - generating some good discussion. The death of officer May is a tragedy. The death of Roberto Chavez is also a tragedy. That said let's address the issue that led to both their deaths:
gangs and drugs. Does anyone living in EPA know just how saturated the city is or is not by drugs and gangs? I've lived here 2001-2002 and 2004-present. What I think I've seen and experienced is a town
living in fear. It's almost like a state of denial - teenagers keeping watch and mimicking their older "friends" helping them stay one step ahead of the police. Anyone would be hard pressed to argue
that this isn't what is going on. Hanging out on the same street day after day, rain or shine, freezing or sweating, "disappearing" just before a police car drives by - this isn't too hard to figure out.
The question is do the citizens of EPA have the heart and where-with-all to change their community? Or have drugs and gangs become so entrenched its hopeless?I don't say this lightly - if my kids (and your kids) are going to grow up and here, ride their bikes around the whole town and not worry about getting into someone else's territory this city has to come together and say no to all the garbage going on. Otherwise people will continue to say bad things about the city, people will continue to sell their homes and move (I rent), and one day the drugs and gangs will be gone - but so will all the people who used to live here - gentrification is the word.
Message From: unknown, January 24, 2006 10:14 AM richard may was't a hero he was just a regular person with a uniform on.he didn't die for us. i'am tire of people always thinking epa police are just great but they are not. they whistle at teenagers
walking, they harrass people, they are not all that nice. yeah is sad that richard may family won't see him anymor.but also what about the 15 people that got murder on 2005 all of them left there family
behind. they didn't have a big memorial with 100's of police in a parade. you guy's should treat everybody the same.
Message From: Unknown, January 24, 2006 9:40 AM
yeah i agreee with lex, when they killed one of my family members back on june 21,2003 they didn't have no manhunt, they didnt ask police from other cities to come help, they didnt have a helicopter,they only had the crime scene van and technician to get evidence.she was only 19years old and 5 months pregnant at the time, that was 2 murders and they also shot her boyfriend and she left a
pretty little 4 years old girl that ask why her mom can't come down from the sky to be with her and take her to school and play with her.and on 2005 they also killed 3 peapole i grew up with which was
roberto, eduardo(ED), and Juan.have they solved any murders no.officer richard was a police officer but without his uniform his was just a regular person. i just can't stand epa police. they only do something when something happens to there officers.
Post by: LEX, January 23, 2006 2:14 PM THAT IS BULLSHIT. WE ARE ALL HUMAN AND WE ALL DESERVE THE RIGHT TO BE HONORED NOT DIGRACED. I BET NONE OF YALL EVER MET ROBERTO SO YOU GUYS REALLY ARE JUST MAKING ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT HIM. IM SORRY THAT THEY KILLED THE COP, BUT WHO CARES ABOUT THW OTHER 15 PEOPLE THAT WERE MURDERED. THERE WAS NO MANHUNT OR CHECKPOINTS FOR THEM. I GUESS THATS WHY SOCIETY IS THE WAY IT IS
Post by: (Email: amyamimi5@aol.com), January 22, 2006 4:28 PM
You have no idea or respect for what police officers do for their communities. You don't undrstand the sacrifices they are willing to make every time the put on their uniform. You are also unaware of
the tight knit relationship that the law enforcement has all across the country. We have our military who protect our rights abroad, and who protects us at home? Our local police, firemen, EMT's, etc. Sure there are corrupt individuals in those areas, but there are corrupt individuals everywhere. Officer May was killed by a loser of a gang banger. When an officer is killed in the line of duty the way he was, it rocks the law enforcement to the core. Of course they are going to send every resource possible to find the murderer. Of course it is going to be a huge deal. He made the ultimate sacrifice trying to make a difference in YOUR community. He was a husband, father, son, and brother. He checked up on the people of East Palo Alto that he helped. He wasn't a cop because he wanted to harass people. He was a cop because he love his job, and his job was to make a difference. He treated everyone with respect, no matter your age, race, social status, gender. He didn't care. He carried out his duties the way they were supposed to be. He left his family and friends behind, and he died for YOU. He died for East Palo Alto. He was a hero making a difference long before he was killed. He will alsways be a hero.
Post by: JohnDoe (email: johndoe@hotmail.com), January 21, 2006 7:38 PM I find it amusing that people scream for their rights when they feel their 'freedom' being attacked, yet they are shocked to see illegal activity go on in their neighbourhood, and further amazed to see
violence happen near their homes. If you have nothing to hide, then there's no reason you should mind being questioned by police. They are doing their job. I have been questioned by police, and I respect
them for doing what the taxes pay them to do. If I were a police officer in EPA I don't think I would have the nerve. Guns need to be taken off the streets, and this will only come about if police continue to be vigilant in searching for them. I am willing to trade some freedom for security any day of the week.
Post by: Melissa Allen (Email: emp_1300blk@yahoo.com), January 20, 2006 3:30 PM In response to the unknown person who posted the Comment on Robert Chavez January 19, 2006 at 1:22PM, I disagree with your Comment,You didn't know Robert C. you didn't know if he was actually involved with the drugs and violence on the streets. Just because he might have knew gang members doesn't mean he was a member. He was just a young boy trying to live his life and do whats right. He wasn't a thug or a gansta.You might work in EPA but you don't live here...i do. I know what goes on in my community. Richard May was one out of most cops who was fair and didn't harass any of us young kids out here.But that doesn't mean all cops are good.That doesn't mean that all cops are heroes.We have crooked cops that are affiliated with drug dealers out here,we have crooked cops that just harass people just to do so, we have cops that are apart of gangs. Not all cops are heroes and DEFINITELY NOT ALL people from East Palo Alto who die by the hands of a guns are gangsta's or drug dealers.
Post by: Oscar, January 20, 2006 11:53 AM
The way police officers treat people in East Palo Alto does in no way give them a hero status. They harrass people, sexually harrass young women (some of the women teenagers), they committ violence, etc; all based on stereotypes of how they view people of color in low income communities. Richard May may not have done this things, but he was a part of them. I did not ever hear or see him speak out against these things, so he is part of the problem. The "unknown" person who commented spoke on Roberto, but did not truly know what he was about. Roberto was caught up in that situation because he was a family member of who the shooters were trying to physically hurt. Since they could
not get to them, they hurt him. The "unknown" author is narrow minded and ignorant.
Additionally, what was so special of how Richard May did his job. What I hear celebrated is that he spoke to some kids at an elementary school because he conducted an investigation on a theft. He was
interacting with kids like he is supposed to as police officer of a community, nothing special; siimilar to fathers that celebrate because "I take care of my kids". It is sad when people celebrate the
minimum. We should not be complacent and celebrate the minimum of officers that from my experience in living in East Palo Alto not many do.
Also Richard May did not respect our community he compared working in East Palo Alto as working in Iraq and the people here are "evil". If he felt that way, he must have also treated people that way. That is not the sign of a good officer.
Last but not least, it would be great if you (unknown author) would not work in my city that you, by your comments, do not respect. We do not need or want people like you.
Post by: LaMeshu Augmon (Email: mesha_lay@yahoo.com), January 20, 2006 6:49 AM
I'm from East Palo Alto as well and I believe the Story 100%.
Post by: Unknown, January 19, 2006 1:22 PM
You're right that there will never be a Roberto Chavez Day because what he was involved with only increased the violence in East Palo Alto. Officer May is a hero, not simply because he was a police
officer, but because of the way that he did his job. He respected the community. I work in East Palo Alto, but I don't live here. People like Roberto are the reason I don't. I have known and
loved several people like Roberto. I have mourned similar losses. But none of the people that I mourned deserved a parade, because they were violent men who caused violence in my home community. Those are the people that give East Palo Alto the reputation it has. Roberto Chavez was no hero, but Richard May is.
Post by: Muhammad Isa, January 18, 2006 1:04 PM
Thank you, Charisse Domingo. I cheer you on. Your piece in not gangsta, just good.
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This weekend, my friends were driving down the 101, the thoroughfare that links San Francisco to the South Bay, when they were stopped by the Sunnyvale police. When the officer saw my friend's license, my friend told me the cop said, ÒOh , you're from East Palo Alto.Ó Without any reason (and I know everyone says that but this is clearly without reason), the cop then ordered to see everyone's id's and learned that everyone was from East Palo Alto. He then told my friend and the other passengers in the car to step out of the vehicle, and thoroughly searched the car and my friends. He found nothing. 
