Torian’s Death, Trauma’s Effects, and What We Could Have Done

The Town is a violent place. The reaper prowls the “murder mile” and regularly camps in Deep East and West Oakland. And he touches too many Oakland families.  Not even city councilmembers are immune, as we were reminded when Torian Hughes, grandson to councilmember McElhaney, was laid to rest, after yet another seemingly senseless shooting.…


The Schools We Need- Understanding Trauma and Focusing on Recovery

“Johnny” was having a bad day.  He has had a lot of bad days.  Mom wasn’t there to take him to school.  Less than 10, he walked to the bus stop.  He tripped, and he thought that some older students laughed.  He wanted to fight them.  By the time he is at school, he’s angry…