ya think wrote on Nov 22, 2008 7:47 PM:If these "latinos" dress the part than that is just as bad as being in a gang. They are imitating as if they were. we called them "wannabes" in my day. We also had a saying..."If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck, must be a duck!!

Laura wrote on Nov 22, 2008 7:52 PM:Isn't keeping our streets safe more important than upsetting disgruntled youth who dress like gang members? I guess if I dressed like a gang member I would expect to be "unfairly" targeted as well.

Your Kid wrote on Nov 22, 2008 8:17 PM:If your child is a gang member, YOU HAVE FAILED AS A PARENT.

Ridiculous wrote on Nov 22, 2008 8:21 PM:These injunctions will not work. The gang members will only change dress codes to suit there needs. One day it's Chargers jerseys, next day its Raiders. Next season it's San Diego Padres jersys. One day it's blue shorts, next month red shorts. Bald head in summer, full head of hair in winter.Skinny jeans, then baggy pants. Tattoos on arms, or tatoos on legs?Who's going to be keeping track of that?It really is funny isn't it?

Skip wrote on Nov 22, 2008 8:26 PM:There's that word again "Latinos". I'll have to read this story at least twice to figure out what it means this time.

As far as kids dressing the part, if you were in Los Angeles, this would be enough to get you killed. I guess the Ozzie and Harriot look went out long time ago, but its colors don't get you killed.

If only the parents were better role models for their kids, then the gang problems might not be so severe.

I think I get it wrote on Nov 22, 2008 8:37 PM:Favela was hanging out with gang members, got his picture taken....uh-oh. Sounds like a self serving campaign he's waging. Racial profiling? Nope, trying to clean the community up so that all races may enjoy enjoy it!

Dave wrote on Nov 22, 2008 8:59 PM:Oh now don‘t give me the , picking on the Latinos again refrain so consider this.
If you are in a gang you will be targeted. If you are not you have nothing to worry about.
You might get asked some questions, but be a good citizen and respond truthfully.
Do to overwhelming evidence of Latino gangs in southern California it is you civic duty to help the police with any investigations into gangs unless you want the gang violence to continue and you friends and relatives to get sucked into the living nightmare of gangs.

just a thought wrote on Nov 22, 2008 10:03 PM:when Mr. Favela educates people about gang injuctions, I hope he also encourages them to get some new friends who aren't possible "gang associates" (please!Is that what we're calling them now?), and not dress like them. That would go a long way toward keeping the police off their backs, if indeed that is what they want.

To ridiculous wrote on Nov 23, 2008 12:14 AM:Its more than what is worn. You are so uneducated on the subject.

Injunctions WORK!

Here's a tip, you only have to worry about the injunction if you are IN A GANG! The other 99.99% of the population is ok.

Graciella wrote on Nov 23, 2008 12:51 AM:Mr. Favela- When your mother or sister are a victim of crime by a gang member, I think you will change your tune!!

I sure did! Bring on the gang injunction and stop the cries of profiling and racism! I want protection!!d1qm

Here we go again wrote on Nov 23, 2008 7:19 AM:Why do we always feel the need to "protect" these individuals that feel like they are being "picked on" if they are wearing gang clothing and gang colors and hanging out with gangs?? Maybe that is because if they dress, act and hang out with gangs, chances are they ARE part of a gang, or they are being initiated into one. I like the "walks like a duck" comment. I could not agree more. Let us clean up the streets!

colors wrote on Nov 23, 2008 7:45 AM:Skip, yes colors will get you killed in LA. I experienced being challenged near East LA when wearing a black and white checkered shirt up there. I threw that shirt away. Will people start complaining when the drive by shootings start? (BTW, I am Caucasian).

Stop violating peoples rights wrote on Nov 23, 2008 7:50 AM:This article states "Braendel pointed to an April crime report that showed the community had a jump in violent crime from 2006 to 2007." I wonder if she bothered to do further research as to which crimes increased who was responsible for the spike? I doubt it. I think this woman is chicken little running around town screaming the sky is falling!!! The article goes on to say "However, there is no indication in the report that the violent crimes were gang-related."See I knew it she just assumed the spike has to be because of those dern Latino gangs. Once again Chicken little. Mrs. Braendel goes on to say in this article "We are concerned about anybody's civil rights taken away,but she also says "For now, she is fighting to establish crime-free apartments and the like, with evictions for those who commit crimes." Stop the press!!! Does she own these apartments which she evicts people for committing a crime? What crime is punishable by eviction? Does she decide that? Does she have a scale by which she decides this action? This statement proves to me this woman is not interested in the violation of the rights of others she is nothing more than a scared fear mongering woman trying to establish policy. I hope she gets reported to Fair Housing about her eviction policy. Once again I hear
Mrs. Braendel speaking but all I hear is CLUCK, CLUCK, CLLLUUUCCCKKK. Ricardo Favela sounds like a resonable fellow who wants his community safe and does not want peoples rights taken away. Once you make a law that tells someone what they can wear, say or go in a town their civil liberties are being violated. Ricardo keep up the good work in your town.

Sean wrote on Nov 23, 2008 7:50 AM:All good points taken here. I think Favela would better serve the community by being a role model rather than an activist. Let's not keep enabling these behaviors in Latino youth, rather tell them about the dangers of gang life and point them in the right direction.

what wrote on Nov 23, 2008 8:19 AM:So there you are, in a known gang area, wearing gang type clothes, with documented gang members (but you're not in a gang). Happens to me all the time. I have no idea how I haven't been documented yet......

The reality is this is how you get documented. And it is because you either are in a gang or WANT to be.....

That would be a good start wrote on Nov 23, 2008 8:30 AM:If we want our communities safe we need to get rid of the DA and all her white collar criminal allies.

Phil - Fallbrook wrote on Nov 23, 2008 8:54 AM:I want any and all enforcement actions against gangs. This is a criminal enterprise for which I society should have no tolerance.

Lt.Dominguez - What about my civil rights, like shopping and going to the bank without being robbed or killed?

I could care less about society encroaching on the civil rights of someone who is part of a criminal gang.

Wake up SDSO!

concerned wrote on Nov 23, 2008 9:00 AM:once again, a NCT article elicits mostly racust remarks vs. Latinos without addressing the pros and cons of the article in a rational way. for decades, Latinos and other minority groups have been profiled and stereotyped because of how they look. enough with this nonsense, already.

resident wrote on Nov 23, 2008 9:08 AM:Parents who let their young children shave their heads, get tattoos and wear clothing with gothic lettering are failing their children. They may not be gang members but by allowing their kids to dress the part, they are handing them a death sentence.

To That would be a good start wrote on Nov 23, 2008 9:21 AM:That is so true!!!

I agree with Phil wrote on Nov 23, 2008 9:40 AM:I could care less about society encroaching on the civil rights of someone who is part of a criminal gang.

Yes I agree a gang injuction should be imposed gangs would this include the ruthless gang know as the SDMM. I should not have to fear for my life whenever I go to the bank or shopping.

They fit the profile of a gang. They wear colors, they throw down gang signs, they violate the rights of others. Yes lets do that gang injuction.

Alex of Bonsall wrote on Nov 23, 2008 9:43 AM:Mrs Braendel seems to be placing her personal concerns, which are meritless, over a large percentage of citizens. At the same time instigating a devisive sentiment against people of color. There is no indication in the report if the violent crimes were gang-related. It's a fact that the vast majority of violent crimes in America are committed by someone known to the victim- boyfriend, husband..etc. Just look down the hill at Temecula & Murrieta. Obviously Mrs Braendel is demanding Fallbrook mirror a "Ozzie & Harriet" scenario, one free of dark-skinned people. Sorry, but we hispanics were here in the Southwest long before the pale-face invasion. She should consider moving to Idaho or follow Fallbrook's beloved son, Mr Metzger, to Indiana.

I think that... wrote on Nov 23, 2008 9:43 AM:If "they" are not affiliated with a gang or dressing and acting like a gang member, why are they scared to leave their homes? Crying that their "civil rights" are being violated is a bunch of hooey!! I thought the purpose of this is to protect EVERYONE!

Morro Hills Resident wrote on Nov 23, 2008 11:46 AM:I also agree with Phil. I live in eastern Oceanside (Morro Hills) and we're in Fallbrook quite frequently. In case Mr. Favela wants to know, I'm concerned too. I'm concerned that there are too many gang members skulking around, have increased crime and ultimately affected the quality of life in Fallbrook.

I've seen plenty of Latinos who appear to be gang members at the Avocado Festival. Just look around the next time they have the festival and you'll get an eyeful. So, I can only imagine who's lurking in the shadows when the sun goes down.

As for Favela, he should be explaining to those concerned Latino families the ways to identify whether their child is involved in a gang, or is on the fringe, or an associate, and not playing the "they're-picking-on-us" card.

The dropout rate in North County hovers in the abysmal 60% range. So, Favala should be working on keeping Latino youth in school and becoming educated, law-abiding, productive members of society instead of trying to raise concerns about gang injunctions.

Any gang injunctions should be of no concern to law-abiding Latinos who are not in or involved with gangs.

Favela needs education wrote on Nov 23, 2008 11:53 AM:Favela is educating members of the community on gang injunctions? He needs to learn that gang members can't be documented by clothing alone. The documentation is scrutinized by the courts in a court case. We are concerned about violating the rights of latino? Who do you think the gang members are victimizing? These guys are killing each other and terrorizing their Latino Neighbors. Favela, the cops arent the bad guys here.

esteban wrote on Nov 23, 2008 12:03 PM:If you are not hanging out with gang members or you are not committing crimes with gang members, you will not be the target of an injunction. There are NO misidentified people on any injunction. The amount of documentation it takes to label someone as a gangster is overwhelming. If you believe otherwise, then you are a conspiracy theorist and cannot be helped.

Scooter wrote on Nov 23, 2008 12:04 PM:Don't freak out, Alex of Bonsall, nobody said anything about being "free of dark-skinned people" except for you. Gang members or possible/potential gang members is what this is about. Perhaps you take offense since the majority (by a land slide) here are "Latino", as you appear to be by your post ("Sorry, but we hispanics were here in the Southwest long before the pale-face invasion").

Let's quit pandering and worrying about what a few have to say about an illegal element (gangs) and worry more about safe neighborhoods for all.

Bring on the injunction!

MVet wrote on Nov 23, 2008 12:36 PM:Look up the Los Angeles Times homicide Blog. They break down the weeks’ murders and give the details. Every week there are testimonials from friends and relatives of slain teenagers and young men, who say he was not part of any gang he just liked to, dress the part.

Parents are you comprehending this?

Gang injunctions may inconvenience a few, but they save lives. Which is it?

Syl wrote on Nov 23, 2008 12:40 PM:Do you want to see the gang look. Watch the video and look at the pictures on this story.

REVOLVING DOORS: The crisis in California's parole system

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/11/22/news/sandiego/zcdcf801d161939698825748e0060c21f.txt

Janet wrote on Nov 23, 2008 12:43 PM:Gang injunctions are serious and should not be used unless absolutely needed. A fear of potential gang problems is not a reason to request a gang injunction.

I wonder what Braendel’s real agenda is? Perhaps her efforts would be better focused on addressing some real and more valid community issues.

Syl wrote on Nov 23, 2008 12:45 PM:Do you want to see more of the Gang Look?

Try The Escondido Police Most Wanted Webpage..

http://www.ci.escondido.ca.us/POLICE/news/wanted/index.html

ducknomore wrote on Nov 23, 2008 12:49 PM:If you don't look like a duck, walk like a duck and quack like a duck, guess what. You won't be mistaken for a duck! Is that so difficult to understand?

Syl wrote on Nov 23, 2008 12:50 PM:If my last two posts get posted and you need more Gang Pictures, then try the San Diego County Sherriff's Webpage for most wanted.

http://www.sdsheriff.net/tmw/

Karl wrote on Nov 23, 2008 12:52 PM:I agree with Phil @ 9:40 AM:

When was the last time that the SDMM took drugs, sold drugs, beat someone up, killed someone etc?

Peace

g93vj

MVet wrote on Nov 23, 2008 12:56 PM:Now I am wondering if this story is really about Illegal Aliens. That is the only thing that makes sense here. Why would anyone dress like a gang member when it could cost you your life.

Jay wrote on Nov 23, 2008 12:58 PM:All of this sniveling about 'profiling' is laughable. Profiling is an essential part of police work and always has been. This particular ethnic group known as "Hispanics" (a word contrived by the incompetent and corrupt U. S. government in 1970 for census purposes (See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latino )has a long history of carping as if they were something special when they think criminals of their tribe are being cracked down upon. It's pathetic. I sa get that injunction and get rid of the gang-bangers in spite of the whiners.

Come on again wrote on Nov 23, 2008 1:45 PM:I feel that Gangs are a point of view. I consider the police force a GANG UNIT. Explain to me how they are not? If it walks like a duck right? Not all gang members look the same...most of them that are active...are never considered GANG MEMBERS. There are famous people that are GANG MEMBERS. That doesnt mean they are DIRTY PEOPLE. I feel if you want to truly clean the streets up. Lets start in school, where kids are neglected by teachers that steriotype them as GANG MEMBERS. Dont get me wrong..Gangs are BAD but if you feel so strongly about cleaning the streets up..from Gang Members. Lets define the word GANG 1st. Do we still have the right to congregate?

Gary of Murrieta wrote on Nov 23, 2008 1:51 PM:You don't see the gang attire too much here. If you want that just go up the road a bit to Menifee or Lake Elsinore. The City of Murrieta will remove graffiti within one working day. The other cities simply cannot keep up.

Every year when the Non-English speaking kids show up for Halloween for trick or treat I figure that their parents bring them down from the cities neighboring to the north. They know, and I cannot blame them for that. I would do the same if my neighborhood was gang infested.

restrict civil rights for 3 wrote on Nov 23, 2008 2:05 PM:"From the start of this year through Nov. 20, gang crimes accounted for just under 3 percent of the 2,365 crimes reported in the village, according to statistics provided by the San Diego County Sheriff's Department."

To Stop Violating Peoples Rights and Alex of Bonsall wrote on Nov 23, 2008 2:10 PM:Obviously you are not a Fallbrookian ("Ricardo keep up the good work in YOUR town"). Thus, you don't know squat about Pat Braendel or Fallbrook. Pat does not deserve your ignorant ridiculing. We DO have a gang problem here and the law abiding citizens know it. That is why Pat draws 300-400 people at her crime prevention meetings and Favela draws "2 dozen". Gang members are moving here because injunctions ARE working in Oceanside, Escondido, San Marcos, etc. And to Alex: Comparing Pat Braendel to Metzger is shameful and once again, shows ignorance. FYI, one arm of Pat's Crime Prevention committee not mentioned in this article is a successful youth mentoring program where at-risk youth of ALL colors are guided, nurtured and supported by wonderful mentors like Pat Braendel.

Mr Favela wrote on Nov 23, 2008 2:19 PM:Do not shake your finger away from those responsible for crime. Address the criminals. If an overwhelming majority of gang members are latino males, then latino males have a problem, not the mature woman. If you are a latino male, stop whining la raza and address the CRIMINALS.

Grow up wrote on Nov 23, 2008 2:22 PM:It take several different things to get you documented as a gang member. Being a Latino, Black, White, Asian or any other race that have gangs will not get you documented as a gang member. Don't commit crimes or get yourself into a situation to get contacted and you will have noting to worry about. Ocenaside has a gang injunction and Latinos are not unjustly targeted.

Nothing to worry about wrote on Nov 23, 2008 2:32 PM:Mr. Favela you are an educated man and you should have learned that those who hang out with other gang members or persons(no matter the race) of a criminal nature will be looked at. Do you know that for the most part those people out after 2 am are either criminal or cops. Just know who your friends are and you will be fine.
WHY does it allows have to do with RACE?

Get real people wrote on Nov 23, 2008 2:45 PM:What gang did Duke Cunningham belong too? What about Ramos and Compean? What about Betty Broderick what was her gang affiliation. Not all people in prison are there because they belong to a gang.

Human Rights wrote on Nov 23, 2008 2:45 PM:It is sick to know they want to document 8 year old kids as gang members a stigma that will remain with them for the rest of their existing lives. Urban clothing is a fashion, a phase folks... (Stop violating peoples rights) I completely agree with you.

Bogus Statistics wrote on Nov 23, 2008 2:57 PM:Statistics are bogus for several reasons. Tops on the list is the fact that a LOT of the gang-banging activity is not reported for fear of reprisal. Also, some misdemeanors are not recorded because the Sheriffs don't take the time to do a report- I have seen this myself. Either they are too lazy, too busy, or just don't want higer crime stats that make them look like they're not doing their job. I don't need their stats to tell me our town has changed! I have always been color blind (unlike Alex of Bonsall who likes to call names like "pale-face") but I am not blind to what I see happening in my own town. WE NEED A GANG INJUNCTION!!

Alex of Bonsall wrote on Nov 23, 2008 3:15 PM:To Scooter:

You either are oblivious to or don't know the definition of the word implication. Again, I repeat, Mrs Braendel's deep-set sentiment implies her lack of affinity for people of color. She doesn't mention her nor a family member being victimized by a hispanic gang-member. She specifically points only to the potentiality. I've never heard of a person in Fallbrook being killed by a gang-member for innocently walking to the store or the local donut shop. Her activism is without merit since only 3% of TOTAL crimes are committed by gang members in North County. That's extremely LOW! So we can deduce that she just doesn't want to see dark-skinned people walking the streets of HER city. Injunctions are harmful and extremely limit civil liberties even to the innocent. She cannot impose her personal fears & insecurities on the community at large at the expense of dark-skinned people. Mrs Braendel needs to get a life or join a book club to keep herself busy.

Alex is correct wrote on Nov 23, 2008 4:21 PM:Ditto!! I agree. I almost agreed with the woman until I read what she said; "We are concerned about anybody's civil rights taken away," Braendel said. "Nobody has anything to worry about as long as they are not here illegally or drug trafficking or do violent crimes. We are not going to allow that kind of element to put fear into our community." Making that statement confirms my belief that she is just another run of the mill racist. I have now changed my mind because she is imposing her personal fears, insecurities, and prejudices on my community which I disagree with.

Concerned One wrote on Nov 23, 2008 5:17 PM:Alex of Bonsall just wondering if you would let us all in on the organization that you belong too. You almost sound like a spokesman for the gangs themselves.

As soon wrote on Nov 23, 2008 5:42 PM:as people get off the civil rights issues and get to reality of today's world, then our little corner of the world will be a little better

Oh Boy wrote on Nov 23, 2008 5:56 PM:To those who are screaming that gang injunctions will violate the civil rights of those other than gang members - do some research on injunctions. Gang injunctions are not easy to get and target specific individuals - not a group of unidentified people who wear gang clothes. Indeed, gang members under an injunction who have shown that they are no longer in a gang have successfully petitioned for removal from the injunction. The latino activists who are crying wolf are wearing out their cause.

Alex of Bonsall wrote on Nov 23, 2008 7:47 PM:To Concerned One:

I am a voice of one crying in this wilderness they call America. I also am concerned. Concerned about individuals or organizations who judge you based on your color or ethnicity and make it their life ambition. To censor, limit or altogether segregate those they consider threatening when in fact, there is no threat. And they manipulate the powers of government to coerce or carry out their biased agenda. Discrimination exists in the hearts of all men irregardless of color. The first step in curtailing this monster begins with respect. Respect for each other. How do I know so much about discrimination? I've been victimized by this monster. Irregardless of my being a native born American, of hispanic descent and college educated. You see, our world only sees skin deep and judges not on character, intelligence or content of mind. Mrs Braendel, reconsider your intent and contemplate what is real in your heart. It's only then that you'll be able to face the mirror and feel at peace with yourself.

Steve wrote on Nov 23, 2008 7:57 PM:"We call things racism just to get attention. We reduce complicated problems to racism, not because it is racism, but because it works." - Alfredo Gutierrez, political consultant, as quoted by Richard de Uriarte, The Phoenix Gazette, March 14, 1992. (quoted in The ProEnglish Advocate, 1st quarter, 2002"



Sounds like Mr. Favela's agenda, roll out the race card. Guess what? The use of the race card doesn't have the effect it used to have. Why, because we're tired of hearing used for everything by the Latinos.

Morro Hills Resident wrote on Nov 23, 2008 8:00 PM:Alex is full of baloney (as are the others who think injunctions are going to impinge on civil rights). Alex says; "Mrs Braendel seems to be placing her personal concerns, which are meritless, over a large percentage of citizens?" Let me ask you Alex, what "large percentage" are you referring to?

The only percentage of the population she's referring to regarding the injunctions are gang members, the vast majority of whom just happen to be Latino.

This isn't rocket-science ALEX, and it's very easy. If a person is not in a gang there is absolutely NOTHING to worry about.

There's really a hidden agenda by the open-border, illegal alien advocates, right? I'm beginning to think the Latinos in Fallbrook who are "worried" are the illegal aliens, (some of whom have children in gangs), and they're concerned injunctions will bring 'heat' (attention) on them.

Maybe it's time for the Latino community to realize we're fed up with the gangs and crime and for them to take responsibility and stop ignoring the problem or denying one exists.

Maryann wrote on Nov 23, 2008 8:06 PM:Gangs are all kinds of race, black, white, asian, and spanish. When you hang in a group and run the streets with no respect to others you are a gang member. I salute any neighborhood that stands up and say no more, and get involved with local law enforcement, report the activity in your area. Make it safe to go out at night for the non gang memebers. Once you stand together and clean up your area you will feel good.

Replying to a few some wrote on Nov 23, 2008 8:08 PM:Gary of Murrieta had some accurate facts, however, Lake Elisinore & especially Mennifee have overall nicer looking neighborhoods. Fallbrook contains old "worn" areas that have contained crime for some time, it is just now starting to become a topic of serious discussion via a Gang Injunction. This is another example of how Fallbrook should have been incorporated years ago..More control over several governmental issues..I think people are forgetting that Injunctions target specific areas of the city/town, in Fallbrook the cases would be streets. I am from the West part of downtown which was mentioned in the article. Alturas, W. Clemmens, Old Stage, and Vine St. should be in the injuction, so take note! Oceanside was either the first or one of the first cities to get an injuction against the "Varrio Posole Locos" by I-5...look that up and see how it helped that area which looks like a combination of "brooktown's" Wisconsin/Aviation Streets & Vine/Old Stage areas..gang bangers from neighboring cities HAVE moved into the area to keep a low key from their injunctions!

ugh wrote on Nov 23, 2008 8:36 PM:im so sick of these "latinos" whining about everything we do to try to clean up our towns so we can have pride in them...if you dont like it GO BACK TO WHERE YOU BELONG!! and if you dress like a gang banger dont act like youre being treated unfairly for being treated like one you wannabe

pale face invasion wrote on Nov 23, 2008 8:41 PM:to the ignorant latino who posted that comment, this has been america for over a hundred years, so you cant use the whole "america took over mexico" anymore, and how do u explain all the mexicans invading the rest of america now? i for one am sick and tired of it and how they destroy our peaceful towns

very well said wrote on Nov 23, 2008 9:24 PM:that was very well said alex. all my respect to you and mr. favela for your college educated opinions.there is too many people in fallbrook who are on a biased agenda.stop the ignorance in our community. fallbrook is a special community but ignorance is the real crime here not the gang.

Mr Favela Please Respond in this Public Forum wrote on Nov 23, 2008 9:41 PM:If you were a TRUE Community Activist you'd rise above, be a true leader, and respond in kind. ...

JOEY-FIGHT FOR YOUR CIVIL RIGHTS wrote on Nov 23, 2008 9:57 PM:No. if I walk like a millionaire am I one? NO, Im the same person regardless. IF i choose to dress a certain way then so be it. the whole injunction is a waste of time and possibly incarcerating people who are not even gang members to begin with. The guy in the article is right, the police will target Latinos violating their civil rights and if so, I hope they contact a lawyer so they can sue the city for more tax payer money. Old tough on crime mentally such as gang injunction is not the answer, look at California’s prisons they are over flooding. It’s a social and economical issue not a gang issue look at where it starts first too prevent gangs from starting in the first place problem solved but will it happen probably not because they are minorities so people turn the cold shoulder. Ricardo Favela FIGHT ON BROTHER!!!
EDUCATION IS THE KEY TOO YOUNGSTERS READING THIS!!!!

300 roosters found at San Diego County cockfight wrote on Nov 23, 2008 10:18 PM:FALLBROOK: Authorities have uncovered a cockfighting arena in Fallbrook.

Deputies also called U.S. Border Patrol agents and the County Department of Animal Services to assist.

SOURCE: AP PRESS 11/23/2008

Concerned One wrote on Nov 24, 2008 6:33 AM:Why is that everyone who makes an effort to stop crime in this region is labeled a racist? Just look at the checkpoint issue in Escondido. Many of the critics on here have probably not even been affected by the gangs in Fallbrook, I have. Until the community steps up and puts and end to this non-sense you will continue to see a rise in gang activity. They are simply moving from areas that have tough enforcement, to Fallbrook because of the lack of resources, and enforcement here. These gang members don't care about you or your rights, they will stop you dead in your tracks, will this open your eyes to the problem then? Also, Alex I am at peace with myself. I have friends of all nationalities. I don't care what color skin you have its your actions who show people who you really are.

MR Favelas community wrote on Nov 24, 2008 6:58 AM:Do the mothers and fathers of gang members want their sons and daughters to be gang members?

Mr Favela do you spend any time trying to get your community to stop gang members?

I don't think so because the gang is who you are really afraid of. You will stand up to tell the 'good' community memebers of how this is injustice but you are afraid to stand up to the community that supports gangs.

If the mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and others within your community (because you want latinos to have a seperate community) stood up and defied the gangs, this would be a non issue.

So, make a choice, what community do you want to belong to?

Skip wrote on Nov 24, 2008 7:03 AM:This story is not about people assimilating into the United States and its culture. It is about keeping their Mexican identity, and maintaining Mexico in the United States.

Not only does Fallbrook have a large immigrant population due to agriculture, they just had a large cock-fighting operation raided.

Even though the word "Latino" was never mentioned in the story, the story did mention that the Border patrol was kept very busy during the raid, after they rounded up the suspects.

Illegal Norwegians maybe?

JSten wrote on Nov 24, 2008 7:37 AM:Hey I live in Fallbrook. I consider it one of the safer communities around here. It is much better here than in Mira Mesa.

If you think I am wrong, lets see some legitimate statistics on the subject. All I am seeing is a bunch of (apparent) anglos pushing a hate agenda in the name of law and order..

If there are criminals among us and you can prove it, grow a spine and call the cops and have them brought to justice, no matter what their race.

Favela may not be too far off the mark in his arguments.

Allen wrote on Nov 24, 2008 7:45 AM:If it acts and walks like a duck...Then it's a duck :-)

Ali wrote on Nov 24, 2008 8:07 AM:In August, Braendel's group held a forum to learn more about gang injunctions. She said she has specifically warned people against profiling, noting that crime knows no color.

Favela pointed to what he called a lack of input from the Latino community.

"This discussion needs to be larger than it has been, and more well-rounded," Favela said.

He worries that racial profiling will bleed into the situation.

"To us, they are talking about our sons and daughters, our sisters and neighbors," he said. "People need to back up a little bit and grasp what they are calling for.""

Aren't these comments hypocritical. IF "crime knows no color" then why are Latinos ostensibly so worried? Aren't there gang members of ALL ethnic backgrounds? For that matter, from what I've read, it's pretty dangerous to wear gang colors when one is NOT a gang member. Gang members don't ask if you're a gang member or not.

Californian wrote on Nov 24, 2008 8:07 AM:"very well said
[-] wrote on Nov 23, 2008 9:24 PM:
that was very well said alex. all my respect to you and mr. favela for your college educated opinions.there is too many people in fallbrook who are on a biased agenda.stop the ignorance in our community. fallbrook is a special community but ignorance is the real crime here not the gang."

The best thing about these arguements over trying to hold on to our cities, and neighborhoods, to have safe places, and clean spaces, to raise, and teach our children are the responses from those who's agenda is quite clearly that of the proud machismo, hispanic,latino,chicano culture.

As witnessed by Alex and the above statement were it's stated that ignorance is the problem not gangs. I'm still laughing.

Wayne wrote on Nov 24, 2008 8:27 AM:I've told my child time and time again, "you could be a straight A student, you take AP courses in school, go to church every Sunday, and do community service to help the homless, you dress like a banger and you hang out with gang bangers, that's exactly what you are and what you will be labeled as". If these people dress like the part, the police will contact you and your associates, and you WILL be known as a member or an associate. Citizens have the right to work, live and play in a community without the threat of violence and/or intimidation by anyone regardless of color and background. When those citizens have to live in fear because of these bangers, their rights are taken away just by fear alone. When that happens, those bangers have no rights themselves and they deserve every injunction, police contact, and/or arrest. I have no sympathy and no respect for a gang member.

Jimi wrote on Nov 24, 2008 8:29 AM:Gangs are a cancer on society. Zero tolerence for them or any associates. If parents let their kids dress in gang clothing, they should be stopped and questioned, their immigration status must be checked if arrested for any crime. What type of parent would let their kids wear this stuff? Answer: the kind of parents we don't need nor want in San Diego county. Send them either up to LA or deport them. Take out the trash.

To Skip wrote on Nov 24, 2008 8:33 AM:To Skip,
So you think this article is about Mexicans not wanting to assimilate? Do you think Valentines, Easter, Halloween are American festivities? Oh wait our ancestors did not assimilate too well. America is in the western hemisphere and it is broken into two continents North and South America; therefore anybody born there is an American, we are just in the United States of (who?) America.

Fallbrook Battlefield wrote on Nov 24, 2008 10:40 AM:Folks,

This is where the battle must be fought.

There is a latino agenda at play where there is no accountability and this needs to be stopped.

Gang injunctions do nothing but prevent crime. To the kids "who dress the part", maybe you shouldn't? That is what my parents would tell me.

Graduate student or not, Favela is playing the race card again.

I am wrote on Nov 24, 2008 10:50 AM:constantly amazed by Favela and others who try and promote their anti American agenda while denigrating those same Americans. Who funds Favela's MUDP? Who funds the ACLU, La Raza, MEChA, MALDEF and all these anti American groups? Why, the racist, anti Hispanic, American taxpayer of course. The hypocrisy is glaring for everyone to see. Defund the true racist, ethno centrist groups and see how long they survive. Fund gang injunctions, law enforcement and other pro America groups, instead. Finally to To Skip, the United States of America is a sovereign nation, unto itself. Just because you live on the continent of North America, doesn't mean you are entitled to anything you feel you "deserve", but refuse to earn. BTW do you know that America was named by an Italian...NOT an Hispanic?

American creature wrote on Nov 24, 2008 12:08 PM:Thank you Representatives for allowing decades of illegal immigration in the United States!
These anti-American cultures are now
a big problem in the United States and growing!
We now have gangs from all over the world
here and if you try to contain them the
Ricardo Favela's of the world say:
"Hey you might harm my gente AYE!"
What a crock of crap!
GET RID OF THE GANGS AYE!

Why wrote on Nov 24, 2008 1:04 PM:is it when the NCT publishes an article it's always about the Latinos are worried? I would think it's about the community that is worried. Why is it slanted in favor of the Latinos. This is nothing but race bating by the NCT.

Brittanicus wrote on Nov 24, 2008 1:12 PM:Start the push to stop SANCTUARY CITIES and STATES, beginning with LOS ANGELES, California. Sign the petition for JAMIEL'S LAW, to stop local government, corrupt politicians in collusion with special interest groups. Go here and become a patriot and stop once and for all the slaughter by illegal alien gang members, criminals and drunk drivers on our streets and highways. Go to www.jamielslaw.com.) Sgt. Anita Shaw believes that this struggle has to do with more than her son’s memory; that she has in fact come home from one war on terror in Iraq to fight another one on the streets of America where the stakes are equally high. Her son was murdered by an illegal alien gang member in LA, as was the 3 Bolgna family members with a AK 47 weapon in San Francisco where rufuge for illegal foreign nationals thrive? Thousands of others throughout this country have died at the hands of foreigners, without the publicity given by the Liberal press. Their are many other cities and states that carry this obscene blemish against the legal US population.
We desperately need you as a petitioner before DECEMBER 5.

Bobby wrote on Nov 24, 2008 1:28 PM:It is mindboggling that Americans continue to allow this cr-p to go on. Gang violence, murder, rape, intimidation, robbery, home invasion robberies,$%^&*(*& ,get these foreign national illegal aliens OUT OF THIS NATION, and fire any elected official that does not do the will of the American citizenry. How much mayhem and violence to Americans think is enough?? We are outright crazy for not forming grass roots organizations to bypass our worthless representatives in order to stop this cr-p.

Im wrote on Nov 24, 2008 1:29 PM:getting tired of this poor me the Latinos always present. Poor me you are going to hurt my feelings. It works to often and I'm tired of it. Go after the gangs in anyway shape or form or you will have problems like Escondido.

MarineGunner wrote on Nov 24, 2008 3:22 PM:to: Brittanicus,
I would sign the petition if I were a registered voter in L.A. county.
However I am not and therefore I am unable to support you on this noble enterprise.

This begs the question: Why can I not, as a registered voter of S.D county, support a measure in which I feel would be a benefit to our not only our local society but society as a whole? I agree with what this petition is seeking to enforce yet, I am unable to show my support because I am out of the petitions jurisdiction. Is there a way to make this a national or a state wide initiative?

This problem is affecting not only the state of California, but the nation as a whole.

To Morro Hills Resident wrote on Nov 24, 2008 4:06 PM:I live in Morro Hills and have kids in Fallbrook schools and enjoy fallbrook very much.

Unlike you, I am not a racist or a right winger who claims to respect the constitution except when you want to take others rights away.

Gang members are an issue. Gang identification based upon appearance and not upon criminal activity is simply wrong.

I am sure you could go back in time and find 400 or 500 law abiding upright citizens at a lynching 60 years ago. Lynching based upon fear and racism are a small leap from rounding up latinos based upon appearance.

If you speak like a racist you are likely a racist. You, Moro Hills, are a racist. That is OK since right wing Fallbrook is filled with intolerance and racism.

Bobby wrote on Nov 24, 2008 5:03 PM:I read Morro Hills residents post. I did not find one racist thing in it. He simply stated facts. Some people do not like facts, just like they do not like certain laws(immigration) and therefore try to change or ignore those facts and laws.

Roberto1 wrote on Nov 24, 2008 5:05 PM:What a bunch of racist crap.

Legal Beagle wrote on Nov 24, 2008 6:48 PM:It is absolutely dumbfounding how a person such as Favela would think that "innocent" Hispanics would fear
prosecution from a gang injunction. The time and work that goes in to one of these injunctions is mind boggling and the information has to be correct. If the average person would know more of the facts of legal proceedings they wouldn't be laughed at, such, as people are laughing at Favela.

fallbrook wrote on Nov 24, 2008 7:16 PM:articles like these from the nct brings out all the racism and ignorance that fallbrook is known for.yet when a latino or anybody from any other race does something good for the community of fallbrook it doesn't generate nearly as many comments.even when its a crime commited in fallbrook without the word "latino" or "hispanic" in it nobody bothers to read it or post so many comments like this article.i love fallbrook,"the friendly village"...

Alex of Bonsall wrote on Nov 24, 2008 7:30 PM:To Californian:

You must be suffering from chronic blissful ignorance. I never alluded to ignorance as being THE problem. It begins with the biased agenda Mrs Braendel is attempting to push through government legislation. Historically, police enforce injunctions to the extreme and as a result, innocent victims are caught in this snare of over-enforcement. Again, it is well documented that gang-bangers commit only 3% of violent crimes in the entire North County! Is this a reason for an injunction? In Fallbrook, littering is a problem but should one be arrested simply because there is litter in his front yard? You also over-stepped and demeaned latino machismo. Can't we accuse you of stubborn, exclusionist anglo pride? Lastly, Mr Marine. You favor a police state in California. Excuse me, but are you not in Iraq fighting to free it's citizens from a police state? You don't make any sense. Surely ignorance is bliss.

esteban wrote on Nov 25, 2008 11:43 AM:You people who "reason" against an injunction are just plain stupid. Your arguments make no sense and you really don't know anything about the Constitution.

Tired of the BS wrote on Nov 25, 2008 11:45 AM:Okay, so it appears from reading the posts that anyone in favor of eliminating crime in Fallbrook is labeled a racist and anyone who is against Braendel is labeled a gang supporter.

I do not support gangs or Baendel’s misguided attempts to clean up crime in Fallbrook. Can we all agree that racist policies and gangs of any race, ethnicity or color are unwanted in all communities?

Now instead of pointing fingers, talking about pale faced invaders, criminal profiling, styles of dressing and other nonsense can we address the real issues?

How do we empower and support children and families so that the gang lifestyle isn’t attractive? How do we open individuals minds so that we are not always blaming everyone else for social issues?