HARBOR CITY : Council Asks Court Order Against Gang
The Los Angeles City Council directed city prosecutors Tuesday to seek a court order barring the activities of a Harbor City street gang, an action similar to that taken against the Blythe Street gang in Panorama City.
Gang violence and illegal drug sales in the eight-square-block area in Harbor City have forced teachers at Normont Elementary School to instruct students on how to hit the ground at the sound of gunshots, said Principal Maureen Kaneko.
“Can you imagine having your children take drills in what to do in case there are gunshots in the area?” Councilwoman Joan Milke Flores asked. Nightly gunfire is forcing some residents to sleep on the floor, and mail carriers and pizza delivery workers are afraid to go into the area, Flores said.
The council voted 10 to 0 to approve Flores’ request to ask the city attorney’s office to go to court for the gang abatement action.
Two weeks ago, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge ruled that the Blythe Street gang was a nuisance and issued a court order barring members from conducting various activities. The judge also put a curfew on gang members.
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