No one should be surprised by the callous display by two gang factions in a recent "shootout" on a school campus. No one should be surprised that these gang members hold life, theirs and others, in such low regard. And no parent of these people should be surprised at any of it.
Gangs have existed in Ventura County for decades but have evolved into a viciousness not shown in their early years. In my 33-year law enforcement career, I dealt with hundreds of these individuals, face-to-face and hands-on. I showed them "respect," and they returned it.
One of the most revealing facts was that one-on-one, these young individuals could be very personable, sometimes with an attitude, but always willing to talk. One-on-one, many would admit that they wanted out of gang life but were afraid of "ranking out" (leaving) and the consequences that would befall them. They feared that their fellow gang members would do them physical harm or even kill them. It is no wonder to me that when their families and friends mourn their being killed that they are remembered as warm, caring, and loving. That is the face they present to family.
But when put with fellow gang members, there was a total change. There would be more bragging, posturing, and yet more honesty in how they felt about life as members of a gang. When they were in a group of two or more, they displayed a hyper behavior and a tendency to become more vocal and act with a defiant attitude about life and death. They vocalized that life was not important, especially that of other gang's members. And they would not admit any compassion for innocent persons caught in their crossfire.
The public must not have a naïve attitude about gang members, nor should the district attorney or judges.
-- Leo Alvarez, Oxnard