Dear Officer Michelle, I have seen allot of kids and young adults wearing white t-shirts and standing around on the street. A few times I have seen Police making arrests of some of these people in my neighborhood. Could you tell me what the white t-shirt represents? Doe’s it signal gang affiliation? Dear MCE, The long and short of it is that these young adults that are hanging around in the extra long, white T-shirts are usually gang affiliated. They do this for several reasons. The younger... mlazark Edwin760 comment-22461 2010-02-20T04:46:40Z 2010-02-20T04:46:40Z The real reason we teens were those colors are becuase thats the style right now and becuase we see other teens were those colored shirts and we think its cool.Im a straight A student in high school and i dress that way too does it mean im a victim too? Edwin760 2010-02-20T04:46:40Z GilbertWainwright comment-17794 2009-11-15T03:11:12Z 2009-11-15T03:11:12Z (702) 504-3791 When ever parent is concerned and evey friend commited and every person speaking out loud. then acts of violence will disappear and love will be planted in our hearts. Gil Wainwright One love 2009 United Coast to Coast .. May you have the day that you think about and I hope you think about love. dwestcoast@yahoo.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- UNITED COAST TO COAST ENTREPRENEURSHIP COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ONE LOVE 2009 This is the plan which has been formulated to solve most of the gang and crime attractions that are within the urban communities across the country. The United Coast to Coast entrepreneurship clothing’s and products line. Our network-marketing plan is designed to create enormous amounts of wealth growth opportunities for honest ambitious persons through sales and commerce entrepreneurship. This idea was formulated by my understanding the power of sales through many other business opportunities. Some illegal but which did in fact attract many young persons into its chaos and dangerous pathway because of the individual’s needs and the same individuals lacking of opportunities. I created this business opportunity concept to give legitimate job opportunities to hundreds and thousands of everyday people who only need the opportunity of a new and better vision for themselves and their lives as well as the lives of their loved ones. My entrepreneurship business plans will also provide opportunities for the people who get side tract into a life of gangs and crime. We at United Coast to Coast clothing’s and products will not discriminate against a person who may have made some bad choices in their lives and gotten locked up in prison or created a felony conviction record , because I do not believe that should be a reason to lock a worthy person out of this entrepreneurship opportunity. I have been discriminated for that very thing myself many times because of my criminal back ground and lost even an opportunity to have a job. I was made to feel as though, I was deemed as unworthy to be treated with equality and it hurt me in my own mind yes but it also was in effect assigning my life to an under class of life style. 　 Filled with repeat of crime and incarceration violence and worst, an attitude that I was a gangster , a criminal, and many other undesirable self imagery and self descriptions, in the ranks of people who have gotten themselves locked up in prisons or jails in some cases, but now find themselves out of prison and unable find a job. GilbertWainwright 2009-11-15T03:11:12Z Casey Kirk comment-17076 2009-11-03T01:54:50Z 2009-11-03T01:54:50Z Good question, Ali. I am also curious as to which areas neighborhoods/parts of the city that the people "MCE" is referring to have been spotted? Casey Kirk 2009-11-03T01:54:50Z Ali Tabatabai comment-17070 2009-11-02T21:59:58Z 2009-11-02T21:59:58Z Can someone please be more specific about which parts of town these "gang members in long white tees" hang out on corners? Which neighborhoods are we talking about here? Ali Tabatabai 2009-11-02T21:59:58Z Ali Tabatabai comment-17069 2009-11-02T21:58:10Z 2009-11-02T21:58:10Z "Racial burger on the grill....." now that's funny... haven't heard that one before. Ali Tabatabai 2009-11-02T21:58:10Z Michael Zwahlen comment-17067 2009-11-02T22:12:20Z 2009-11-02T22:12:20Z What's offensive? I see, this is your way to evade a discussion on the many points I made that poke giant holes in your weak argument. If my neighborhood working with Police to suppress gang violence offends you, you have your priorities mess up. Michael Zwahlen 2009-11-02T22:12:20Z Rhonda Erwin comment-17066 2009-11-02T20:57:25Z 2009-11-02T20:57:25Z Mr Webb thank you for your comment. I apologize if you received eye strain. My comment was not intended for you. It was intended for Officer Michelle. I am finished responding to anyone on this article- on this site- and I will take my concerns away from here and not bother anyone on this site with it. This conversation is over since it appears Officer Michelle is here to address your concerns and not mine. Thank you everyone and goodbye. I truly wish you all a good day. Rhonda Erwin 2009-11-02T20:57:25Z Rhonda Erwin comment-17058 2009-11-02T21:06:56Z 2009-11-02T21:06:56Z 1) You did a good job- excellent in fact- on further supporting not your article but yourself- by further explaining what "gang members" do to destroy communities. And so we are clear, I do not condone gang violence/ activity. In fact it is cultural genocide/ cultural suicide, it is youth attacking and hurting someone just like themselves, often the same economic, ethnic, social background... 2) your response or argument in defense of your article Officer Michelle will gain you support from community members who read this site and have problems with gangs in their neighborhood. I thank you for taking the time to respond to what you feel others need to hear, know... on how gang members sell drugs and commit criminal activity and I do think we are all aware of that fact. I thank you for commenting to assure others of your ability to tackle gangs. However your comment is unacceptable. Bascially your comment was not directed to me but to others nor addressed each of my concerns but appearing to be an attempt for some type of damage control and to gain further support which I hope you receive. 3) I do not feel the "police" have hidden agenda's. My uncle retired as a Sgt from SPD. My father retired last month after 30yrs service as a Special agent DOJ . My sister Sheriff dept security officer, cousin a deputy - sheriff dept... I worked with a law enforcement officer to address gangs.... I have great respect for many law enforcement officers and I do not feel the "police" have hidden agenda's. And I do know for a fact some --not all- who patrol need further training.....Again, it appears you can send out the wrong message and someone could get the impression I'd feel "the police" have hidden agenda's thereby discrediting my concerns. Surely you have training in interrogation and could do a better job of not sending out the wrong message. 4) I am not trying to get into a racial battle with you either. In fact Officer Michelle I did not put this racial burger on the grill but I'm here to try and flip it since your article opened this can of worms. Officer Michelle I am extremely disappointed with your reply. And I started to voice my concerns here and line it up.....where you will have cheerleaders but your comment is not intended for me, it is intended to sway public opinion therefore I will simply send the lnk to the article and my concerns to my councilmember and ask that it be forwarded to Police Chief Braziel. I do have much respect for Chief Braziel and I do believe he will hear and genuinely address my concerns. Thank you Officer Michelle. At first I really thought it's possible I could have made to much of it but now I realize --after reading your comment- I am not making enough of a deal of your article or the response you have given. Thank you for explaining to others your background..... thank you for replying. I read your comment several times and I am finished with this discussion on this site. As for me, I too do this not for personal gain. I have been addressing youth violence far longer than 3 years and I honestly and with all my heart want to help inform people. Since their is GREAT concern with your article and even greater concern with your response and I don't like wasting my time I will take it away from this site and out of your hands since it appears your ability to "protect and serve" is conditional on whether or not a person agrees with your article. Thank you Rhonda Erwin 2009-11-02T21:06:56Z Rhonda Erwin comment-17057 2009-11-02T19:51:29Z 2009-11-02T19:51:29Z Mr Zwahlen I find your comment offensive and not in the spirit of understanding therefore I will not further reply except to say Officer Michelle did not offer evidence that the kids the person questioned where actually gang members and not just hanging out.. Thank you and have a good day. Rhonda Erwin 2009-11-02T19:51:29Z Mark Urquhart comment-17054 2009-11-02T19:19:35Z 2009-11-02T19:19:35Z As someone who sat for a month on a trial involving an organized murder by 16-19 year-olds who wanted to show they 'meant business' while setting up a Crips gang affiliate, I am very wary of youths in the LWTs and sporting blue or red accessories (and a bandana in the back left pocket!). The police are right to pursue these people, and if your kids start to emulate the look, it should be a warning sign to parents that trouble is brewing and you shouldn't be surprised if the cops start getting interested in your darling children too! Rhonda, please be more succinct - I got eyestrain reading all your posts and you're obviously not taking note of all the 'thumbs down's you're getting. When your comments take up 3-4 times the space of the original article, that should act as some sort of signal. Mark Urquhart 2009-11-02T19:19:35Z Rhonda Erwin comment-17052 2009-11-02T18:43:25Z 2009-11-02T18:43:25Z thank you and I will wait and if she'd prefer to meet in person rather than on the site I will do that also. Please ask her to email me if she doesn't want to respond in the open. I am not looking to attack Officer Michelle I am looking to build a constructive bridge of dialog so misconceptions towards youth/ gangs will not further drift out to the community. We have enough division, hate, prejudice, ignorance and it needs to be disarmed not unintentionally nurtured. Rhonda Erwin 2009-11-02T18:43:25Z Michelle Lazark comment-17050 2009-11-02T18:20:12Z 2009-11-02T18:20:12Z Whoa! This is the deal...I am surely not saying that every young teen or adult who wears a long white T-shirt,or has a long hair style is associated in a gang! I am looking at the totally of the circumstances here. These youths are usually between the ages of 13-19 that I a referring to. These are the youths that are causing problems in the neighborhoods; vandalism, thefts, selling drugs, bulling others, etc. These are the youths people call us about, asking us to do something about the problems they cause. These are the youths that are bringing a criminal element into the schools. As I said before, the police have been working hard at targeting the gangs as evident by the drop in crime. The gangs are trying to find ways to continue sell the drugs, and comit other crimes. Gangs still sport their colors; however, this new trend is growing. It is what it is. The police don't have any hidden motive. If you are going to dress yourself in a long white T-shirt (the shirts go down to their calf area...and yes you can buy them cheap at Walmart, but that's not their motive when they buy them), wear red or blue ties in your hair, hang out in gang areas of town with other like members, don't be suprised if you get stopped by the police...rightfully so! Which takes me to another point. This isn't necessarily a color thing. Gangs cross all ethnic lines. I'm not going to get into a racial battle with anyone here. I just wanted to clarify that we will continue to stop gang members and their associates regardless of their race if it means keeping the people of our city safe. Everyone has the right to be safe in their neighborhoods! Rhonda, you should watch the public service announcement the department made a few years ago about gangs and what to look for. Go to www.sacpd.org and click on the PSA about gangs. The gang detective in the segment is Chris Mouzis. He is our most seasoned gang detective. Listen to what he says about youths and gangs...then form your opinion of what the police are doing, and why. As for me, I do this not for personal gain. I have been writing the "Ask Officer Michelle" column for over 3 years on our department blog and in several other Sacramento periodicals. I do this because I truely believe in my department and I honestly want to help inform people with this feature. I have been with the Sacramento Police Department for almost 19 years. If there is a question or topic I don't have the expertise in, I consult the specialists who have more insight than I. Michelle Lazark 2009-11-02T18:20:12Z Rhonda Erwin comment-17047 2009-11-02T18:51:59Z 2009-11-02T18:51:59Z I apologize. And the fact that this article frustrates me or the fact that I felt attacked or the fact the article can and does attack people in general- that is no excuse for me to fall into bad behavior. But actually I did "watch personal attacks" made towards me and made towards others on previous articles and seeing what and/ how some of what they wrote was written and how they flocked in together to personally attack a people in general is the reason I made reference to some being gang members. I can see where I made an attack against "other commenters" but you'll have to explain further, so I won't make the mistake again, on how I made an attack on "people in general". I truly do not generalize and if I have or if it is perceived that I have I need to see to it I don't make the mistake again where it's perceived that I do. I previously learned (which is why I did not address the last comments towards me) to ignore personal attacks/comments and I learned -last night -to stick to the article and stop the comic remarks - since it appears there will be times I will need to address issues of great concern for me. I am seriously addressing youth violence and all the many misconceptions, neglect and attacks within the low income community and people in general. And I don't need to continue to play with some I believe I learned enough from them so it won't happen again. Thank you Rhonda Erwin 2009-11-02T18:51:59Z Michael Zwahlen comment-17043 2009-11-02T18:06:11Z 2009-11-02T18:06:11Z Why Rhonda do you defend a group of people who have a history of gang association? I have also seen these groups of young people raise hell in my neighborhood and with months of Police surveillance and neighborhood help, gang activities have been suppressed. Rhonda, you seem vary eager to defend people who you don’t know and have turned good Sacramento neighborhoods bad. Like Trapper said, you don’t offer any evidence to support you assertion that these kids are just hanging out and not gang related? My neighborhood in City Farms has gone down hill since these white shirt thugs arrived about two years ago. My neighbors have ban together to help the Police get these white shirt thugs out of here. IMO, you sound ignorant in defending this behavior, what’s your education and background that makes yourself so knowledgeable? Michael Zwahlen 2009-11-02T18:06:11Z Steven Bourasa comment-17042 2009-11-02T17:55:28Z 2009-11-02T17:55:28Z Wow, let's not use our freedom-of-speech to criticize the police!!! OMG Steven Bourasa 2009-11-02T17:55:28Z Geoff Samek comment-17017 2009-11-02T15:32:06Z 2009-11-02T15:32:06Z Please watch personal attacks against other commenters and people in general. Geoff Samek 2009-11-02T15:32:06Z Geoff Samek comment-17014 2009-11-02T15:28:12Z 2009-11-02T15:28:12Z Given time I believe she will respond as she is very responsive. Geoff Samek 2009-11-02T15:28:12Z Rhonda Erwin comment-17011 2009-11-02T10:58:53Z 2009-11-02T10:58:53Z Officer Michelle: I was interested and it should of interest you also, that the person who asked you the question didn't state some of the youth..... but stated some of "these people" And extremely interested when rhys02- the first who posted- made the comment above. I recall a comment I read when I first began posting on this site that Steve Maviglio nurtured regarding councilmember Pannell and rhys02 called her a racist........ and the unflatering law enforcement comment made by rhys02 on the Sac ranks high in collisions... article cause me to wonder why rhys02 would have so much trust / faith in your opinion. Then I read the October 21, 09 -- Locals Join National "Stop Lou Dobb's campaign" post by rhys02 and oh, I'm getting a better understanding as to some who post.- and their cliques/ gang. I'm asking you to read previous comments --possible hidden or not so hidden bias, prejudice... Before you attempt to answer questions pertaining to youth and gangs since some appear to be playing you like a Ffiddle. I'll admit some who post have played me and now I know not to even respond to all of the gang members in their clique- . But you are an investigator for goodness sake -- DO YOU REALLY THINK RHYS02 sincerely felt -- " This explains why the students at Sac High dress the way they do..." It's possible that you were played like a fiddle and possible this was not an attempt to learn about gangs but an ATTEMPT to spread the hidden or not so hidden bias/ agenda's of some who post on this site.... I'd appreciate a response from you. (I will not respond to none of the gang members who don't like what I have to say- I will not waste my time with the games some are playing on this site.....) I'm asking Officer Michelle for a response because I don't honestly believe she condones this behavior nor wants to be a part of the games some will attempt to play. Rhonda Erwin 2009-11-02T10:58:53Z Rhonda Erwin comment-17002 2009-11-02T10:31:49Z 2009-11-02T10:31:49Z I learned Officer Michelle could possibly be just sitting back and let people fight it out...without admitting her artilce was to vague. Wow, it's not okay to throw people under a bus when you know in your heart the article response was too vague.. It was Officer Michelle who wrote the article and actually Officer Michelle I'm waiting to respond to my previous posts. I will not play games with people with hidden or not so hidden agenda's. (oh, I'm learning) Officer Michelle: Why haven't you responded to what I previously wrote (with the exception of the off the wall comments I made to others some who are not really protecting what you wrote but attempting to protect you and someone simply protecting you out of dislike for me. But why haven't you responded to my 3:32, 3:57 and 6:20 postings? I could care less about anyone else posting right now.......... I'm asking for a response from you - "Ask Officer Michelle " on my 1-8 responses to your article and to have an ongoing discussion with you- Officer Michelle, the writer of the article since some feel you are the expert. Rhonda Erwin 2009-11-02T10:31:49Z Paul Roberts comment-16993 2009-11-02T04:49:14Z 2009-11-02T04:49:14Z Ha..ha...your words ring true Trapper, so true. Let Rhonda have her run and we can all see she easily places the proverbial foot in the mouth... Paul Roberts 2009-11-02T04:49:14Z trapper comment-16989 2009-11-02T03:22:57Z 2009-11-02T03:22:57Z Watch out everyone, someone as knowledgeable as Rhonda with her vast education is superior above us. Just listen to how Rhonda preaches about subjects without backing them up with facts. In Rhonda’s case, don't let a good story (like hers) get in the way of facts presented by an officer in the field like Officer Michelle. No one like to hear herself talk as much as Rhonda which posted 7 of the 9 comments above. trapper 2009-11-02T03:22:57Z Rhonda Erwin comment-16981 2009-11-02T00:45:52Z 2009-11-02T00:45:52Z now, I have to run. But just as with discussions I use to have on SacBee on this subject (which is why I stated- I know I'm going to regret this) now is usually when someone calls in for back-up. And reinforcement seems to come in from everywhere in the department. I hope that won't be the case. There is no need to fear officer safety. I do respect law enforcement I just don't like the information shared. No need for tazors. I'm not resisting. At first I was going to take my Miranda rights and have the right to remain silent but Officer Michelle's info can put some folks on a gang witch-hunt and I felt the need to respond.... Gotta run, but this is not a hit and run no need for a high speed chase. I'll come back and turn myself in for additional questioning if necessary. Rhonda Erwin 2009-11-02T00:45:52Z Rhonda Erwin comment-16980 2009-11-02T00:29:14Z 2009-11-02T00:29:14Z Mr Roberts- you can believe what you like that is your privilege. A cat can have kittens in a oven but that don't make them biscuits. Officer Michelle can be a law enforcement officer but that doesn't make her knowlegable on this subject. I applaud Officer Michelle on other posts she has made but I do not on this one. And sir, you are entitled to your opinion but my mouth will not be zipped up because closed mouths DON'T get fed. Isn't that why law enforcement doesn't just do their job BUT keeps their mouths and hands open?? to get fed--money.... Officer Michelle is an officer by profession not a professional crime prevention specialist. And by the way she is on the outside looking in --patroling it as a deterrant is no way near the same as living this hell. You wrote, "Perhaps you will learn something"- I did learn something. I learned Officer Michelle should not have answered the question. You wrote; "god, you spend so much time criticizing." And I balance it out because I also spend time giving thanks and appreciation to many it's just in this case I have nothing to be appreciative of.... I can't say I have much time for hobbies since their is so much deception, greed and hidden agenda's in this darn city. So I guess commenting on Sacramento Press will be my hobby. Sorry if my comment offends you. Yours offends me as well. And I don't need to put up a picture- I like it the way it is- I am from the unprotected members of sacramento the faceless, the voiceless, the ones blanketed, covered up. But if you really want to see my face ATTEND YOUTH VIOLENCE meetings, attend city hall sessions, county supervisor sessions, townhall meetings, courts, funerals... and take a picture. Heck I will be the one who will say in person face-to-face anything and everything I write. Rhonda Erwin 2009-11-02T00:29:14Z Paul Roberts comment-16978 2009-11-02T00:13:14Z 2009-11-02T00:13:14Z Rhonda: I believe Officer Michelle is FULLY trained in the identity of potential gang members. I applaud Officer Michelle for placing this information out to the public. Rhonda, you don't even have a picture up, so we can see your face. I think it is time for you to zip your mouth up and listen to a professional like Officer Michelle. Perhaps you will learn something. My god, you spend so much time criticizing. Do you have any hobbies? Paul Roberts 2009-11-02T00:13:14Z Rhonda Erwin comment-16977 2009-11-02T02:20:09Z 2009-11-02T02:20:09Z Officer Michelle, PLEASE stick to writing about stranger danger and other concerns of citizens it is apparent you should not be a spokesperson for the SPD in matters relating to youth/ gangs.... I apologize if I offended you and I did not want to do it and just so you'll know for future references ---your comment post certainly is offensive to others. I want to add if Officer Michelle would have spent more time giving this a complete discussion, given it more thought, more insight, showing more value for the lives she could affect I would not have responded. But the way the question was addressed is concerning so I responded. LIFE and FREEDOM is extremely important and I will not keep quiet on discussions to round people up as cattle hauling off to prison mills or simply address youth violence, gangs... as written in this article I'm sorry I can not sit quiet. I figure it she knew better perhaps she'd do better if asked this type of question again. I wanted it to have an impact whether or not I am agreed with I don't care. I care that Officer Michelle looks in her heart and responds next time with more thought and concern for all people in the community. I do not hold grudges......I just look for and expect more from people -- in and outside of public safety- addressing youth violence - since it pertains to life and freedom and the pursuit of happiness............ Rhonda Erwin 2009-11-02T02:20:09Z Rhonda Erwin comment-16976 2009-11-01T23:44:52Z 2009-11-01T23:44:52Z yeah, from reading officer michelle's post it would explain why so many will be identified gang members by community members (even with the other so called 10pt Identification measures) and yeah, after reading officer michelle's post I can understand how someone looking to make youth a gang member would see them as one after all officer michelle's post certainly didn't disarm the myth associated with identifying gang members and left it so wide open anyone buying AFFORDABLE white t shirts can be looked upon as suspects of a crime. Could it be why so many youth are being pulled over with "You match the description of a suspect" afterall officer michelle seems to think every "young adult" or school kid in a white t-shirt could very well be a suspect- be a gang member or gang affiliated??? For goodness sake-- I guess they are earning their grant money Rhonda Erwin 2009-11-01T23:44:52Z Rhonda Erwin comment-16975 2009-11-01T23:37:33Z 2009-11-01T23:37:33Z 4) what the heck?? you wrote: "The long and short of it is that these young adults that are hanging around in the extra long, white T-shirts are usually gang affiliated. They do this for several reasons...." The white T-shirts are usually worn because you can get them at Walgreens 5 for $10.00 it is AFFORDABLE and a trend based from economics and music song about white T's....but it is affordable for those who cannot buy 15.00 20.00 shirts.... Or who could buy more expensive pants if they only buy a white t-shirt.... 5) What??? The younger ones with a dress code at school and unable to "sport" their colors. Well let's see they are young and often dumb not being educated in schools will sell drugs in the open in front of a camera I don't think they are smart enough to PLAN TO not wear red or blue to wear a white T-shirt. 6) you wrote: "Opposing gangs know who they are by virtue of the neighborhoods that they grew up in." youth know who youth are usually because they grew up in the same neighborhood and played together, went to school together so a face unfamiliar who did not live on the block, play on the block attend the same school would be a youth from another neighborhood..... My goodness I will not say we do not have gangs but certainly their is too much ignorance associated with how we identify youth as gang members..... 7) you wrote "This new trend goes to show how well enforcement law has been doing to target gangs. " For goodness sake, the new trend goes to show how law enforcement moved people from wearing red and blue, people decided they weren't in gangs- weren't the people law enforcement said they were-- and it broke off --cancerous-- into another polop. Yes, law enforcement will always take the credit --and the money-- but MANY are working to prevent youth from being in gangs. 8) you wrote "They are trying to find new ways to evade the police; but we’re on to them.". Officer Michelle if they were trying to find new ways to evade police they'd stop commiting crime. They are trying to live having attended so many funerals, having lost so many friends, family, neighbors to death on the streets-- having seen the dead bodies.... and having to write, visit friends, family in prison. BUT what the heck they still have no resources (law enforcement gets that spending) and hopelessness translates into lawlessness and as father Boyle states "nothing stops a bullet like a job" and they still have no jobs, families still have no income and you seem to think these KIDS. TEENS, YOUTH are trying to find more ways to cleverly evade police. Oh my goodness Finally you wrote: " Now if they would only put this much effort and creativity into doing something positive, like education or honing in on a career, they’d go far. Good observation on your part and thank you for your post." Officer Michelle, if the city put more effort and creativity into doing something positive for them like education and employment, skills, vocation and less into suppression funding for what appears to be clueless law enforcement information regarding gangs-- we'd all go far. I can't believe what I read. I can't believe this misinformation was sent out so blantantly without thought of how many people wearing affordable white t-shirts and who could be looking for an idenity in their roots with their hairstyle and you gave the impression they could be gang members. How dare you! Rhonda Erwin 2009-11-01T23:37:33Z Rhonda Erwin comment-16974 2009-11-01T23:52:48Z 2009-11-01T23:52:48Z Oh, my goodness. I know I will regret this but for goodness sake it needs to be said, Officer Michelle- I do disagree with you. 1) these "young adults" as you put it are often kids and teens. Strange how they are considered young adults when looked upon as suspects but when a 16yr old victim such as the victim taken, chained locked away by adults then we'll call them teens or boys and not young adults.... 2) .You wrote: "Wearing gang colors is also a way for law enforcement to validate them as gang members." For goodness sake, Less are wearing gang colors (such as red or blue because less are in a gang it's more of cliques, dance groups... people hanging out in same area.... For goodness sake we are talking about KIDS usually with a lack of an education and not so bright ---not organized crime mafia middle aged adults. If ADULT sometimes middle aged law enforcement cannot ID KIDS cannot stay a step ahead of kids then my goodness it appears some in law enforcement are removed from the communities they serve. 3) you wrote: "They distinguish themselves by hair styles and different colored ties in their hair and the length of the T-shirts are also symbolic of this gang trend " No, law enforcement is distinguishing them by hair styles. My son, who is not a gang member decided to grow his hair out and low and behold he was stopped, questioned, searched (illegally since he is not on probation or parole) every since his hair grew longer. It is a hair fad, a hair style NOT A sign of being in a gang. SOME are trying to show they are not a gang member and trying to belong to something find a culture when culture was lost..... For goodness sake, Freedom of expression appears to be a privilege for some and a witch-hunt for others making them gang members or associates/ affiliates. Rhonda Erwin 2009-11-01T23:52:48Z Rhys02 comment-16961 2009-11-01T20:54:36Z 2009-11-01T20:54:36Z This explains why the students at Sac High dress the way they do... Rhys02 2009-11-01T20:54:36Z