Wesley Saeteurn, 17, is a senior at Gerber Jr./Sr. High School in the Sacramento County Office of Education and an editor of his school newspaper. He contributed this essay to The SacCounty Breeze, a collaboration of philanthropist Rowland Rebele, The Sacramento Bee, The Sacramento County Office of Education, and the California Scholastic Journalism Initiative.

For six years and counting I have lost someone very close to me to the system.

I was 11 years old when he was locked up in Lancaster in Los Angeles County. He will not be able to get out for another 12 years, minimum.

The feelings I have are hard to explain. I don't know why but when I think about it, it hurts. I get a burning sensation on my face, and I get filled with anger and regret.

Sacramento -- Slip on your flip flops and hippity hop for Flap Jacks (also known as "pancakes") at Earl Warren Elementary School bright and early Saturday morning, October 17, from 8 until 10:30 a.m. Pancake Breakfast Tickets are $3 each. A Family Pack of 4 tickets is a deal at $10. Breakfast proceeds help raise funds for Student Activities, including an educational -- and memorable -- field trip to Sly Park for 6th Graders! Ditch Breakfast at Home and join us Saturday morning at Earl Warren School at 5420 Lowell Street. 95820, for your fill of scrumptious Flap Jack Pancakes! (Thank me later.) P.S. Bring Extra Cash for the School's "Used Stuff Sale" from 8 a.m. until 12 noon.