WATTS-AREA GANG TARGETED IN L.A.'S 18TH INJUNCTION.Byline: Rick Orlov Staff Writer A Watts-area gang that has terrorized residents of a housing project was targeted by Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. officials Thursday for an injunction to try to bring peace to the neighborhood. City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo Rockard John "Rocky" Delgadillo (born July 15 1960) is the current City Attorney of Los Angeles, California. Career
``The Bounty Hunters have been terrorizing the Watts community for decades, intimidating and instilling in·still also in·stil tr.v. in·stilled, in·still·ing, in·stills also in·stils 1. To introduce by gradual, persistent efforts; implant: "Morality . . . fear in the hearts of community members,'' Delgadillo said at a news conference at the Nickerson Gardens housing project where many of the gang members are based. Delgadillo said the gang, first formed more than 30 years ago, has harassed residents, tagged property with graffiti and also is suspected in a series of robberies and burglaries in the area. The injunction sought by the city would create a safety zone where it would be illegal for gang members to congregate con·gre·gate tr. & intr.v. con·gre·gat·ed, con·gre·gat·ing, con·gre·gates To bring or come together in a group, crowd, or assembly. See Synonyms at gather. adj. 1. Gathered; assembled. 2. or become involved in certain activities, including gambling. ``We find a lot of them hang out in the parking lot where they play dominoes and we find they're acting as lookouts,'' said Luis Li, assistant city attorney in charge of the criminal branch. Cooley said his office was involved to show the importance it places on the anti-gang effort. ``Injunctions are a tool that has proven effective in reducing and preventing crime,'' Cooley said. ``This cycle of fear and violence cannot and should not continue.'' Hahn said the injunction is designed to bring some relief to residents, who joined in calling for the action. ``This will bring the community one step closer to taking back their neighborhood,'' Hahn said. Li said the effectiveness of the injunctions - which have been issued citywide and include three areas of the San Fernando Valley San Fernando Valley Valley, southern California, U.S. Northwest of central Los Angeles, the valley is bounded by the San Gabriel, Santa Susana, and Santa Monica mountains and the Simi Hills. - is not necessarily seen in arrests. ``We know that once these go into effect there is a drop in crime,'' Li said. ``Sometimes, if we don't get a lot of arrests, that's a good thing. It means the gang members aren't hanging out on the streets.'' The three Valley area injunctions are for Langdon Street, Blythe Street and in Canoga Park. Rick Orlov, (213) 978-0390 rick.orlov(at)dailynews.com |
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