SANTA ANA : Gang Violence to Be Targeted at Rallies

In an effort to quell gang violence and unite the community, city leaders and even gang members themselves will hold two community rallies this weekend.

The first rally will begin Saturday at Heninger Elementary School, 417 W. Walnut St., and include a march to Myrtle Street, in the heart of an area claimed by a local gang. City Councilman Robert L. Richardson will accompany community leaders through the area and back to the school, where there will be Police Department displays and exhibits, including fingerprinting for children. The event, which will run from 10 a.m. to noon, will also include free food, games and a raffle.

Santa Ana attorney Alfredo Amezcua, who recently urged the City Council to adopt a package of anti-gang proposals, has been working with the local gangs that are bringing about a truce. He said the “Walking Proud March,” organized by gang members, will start Sunday at noon in front of City Hall and proceed to El Salvador Park.

“All the gangs are going to be wearing their colors. It’s going to be a solidarity type of march so that the community will understand they are working together and they want to make a statement that this is for real,” Amezcua said.

“There’s some nervousness” among gang members, he added, about the Saturday march through the Myrtle Street neighborhood. But on Sunday, the gang members plan to show that they have been working for several weeks to bring about a truce among gangs from central Orange County, Amezcua said.