Coronado Gang

I am writing in response to an article titled “Coronado Question: Does It Have a Gang Problem?” (Oct. 19) I find the so-called Coronado White Boys a revolting and ill-humored joke. Any form of respect (or humor, for that matter) cannot be dug up for these kids who make a feeble attempt at imitating those serious gangs on the mainland. Just calling themselves a “gang” already has invited a lot of dispute. Inevitably, so will it invite the serious gangs of San Diego.

Such easy prey as a group of Coronado White Boys would be a pleasure for those gangs that dispute violently over colors and territory. Besides, any gang could just hop in a car with two or more members, and drive over the bay for free. The Coronado Bay Bridge begins in the Barrio Logan area of San Diego, a prime hangout for local gangs. It would only be a five- to 10-minute commute over to the island.

I suggest that these white boys be exposed to what gangs really are all about. I suggest that they be taken away from their secure and untouched homes in Coronado and placed in the middle of a gang-infested neighborhood. I’d like to see their shocked faces as an innocent 10-year-old boy gets hit by gang cross-fire at a public park. I’d like them to attend a high school where they couldn’t wear a certain color for fear of being terrorized by a gang. Would these teens still mock and imitate a gang with humorous intent after seeing the corruption and evil of a typical San Diego gang? Would they still have the nerve to form a gang in their community after seeing the fear gangs create in communities?

And the answer to the Coronado question? Yes, Coronado has a gang problem. If these teens succeeded in forming a gang, with innocent intentions or not, then Coronado should be shuddering with fear of the possibility that it too can be infected with the widespread disease of gangs.

ERNESTO ANDRADE

San Diego