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Reformed gang members share stories of street life
Association leaders organized the event in response to the harmful effect vandals and drug users have had on their community in recent months. The frank talk not only helped erase stereotypical notions about gangs but also gave residents ways to steer youngsters toward positive activities. The park, located south of the 118 Freeway on the east end of town, is the site of about 240 homes, occupied mostly by young families and senior citizens. "We're here to express and show hope that change is possible," said Louis Perez, a former gang member whose life has taken a positive direction with the support of Homeboy Industries. The nonprofit organization, founded by Father Gregory Boyle, was created to redirect the lives of Latino gang members in Los Angeles, helping them to leave behind the street life and rejoin society in a productive way. "Homeboy Industries gave me opportunities regardless of the mistakes I made in my life," Perez said. Both Perez and fellow speaker Hector Verdugo met Father Boyle when they were incarcerated. It took several years before they were convinced to change their ways. Both men grew up in dysfunctional families, leading them to seek acceptance from all the wrong places. Beginning with childish mischief, their activities evolved into selling and using drugs, fighting with rival gangs and stealing cars as they matured into the gang lifestyle. "A child needs love, guidance and nurture to thrive. If they don't find acceptance from their parents and positive role models, they go somewhere else to find it," Verdugo said. Misfit kids hang out with each other and they eventually form their own gang or join an existing gang. Gang members get involved in fights to seek respect and protect their territories, he said. Most gang members end up in prison, where, although the dynamics are different, they continue to deal with drugs and gangs, said Verdugo, who was charged with murder at age 16. Both Perez and Verdugo credit Boyle with saving their lives, and they are dedicated to doing the same for others. "Kids deserve a second chance," said Verdugo, noting that the prime period for gang involvement is between ages of 13 and 18. Parents can often discover whether their children are affiliated with tagging crews by looking at their notebooks and observing them with friends. Taggers and gangsters usually draw out recognizable designs on their possessions and use nicknames for each other. Adults should encourage the involvement of youngsters in positive activities, and they should provide the means to do so. Being available to one's children is extremely important, the speakers said. Time spent with parents and caring adults, compassion and an open line of communication all play a part in preventing kids from seeking love elsewhere, said Perez. The 30 or so attendees appeared moved by the presentation and many asked questions afterward. The two young men are examples of former gang members who made a change for the better and became productive members of society, said Suzanne Themeli, who invited the speakers. But, she added, that was possible only with the help of others and only when they were ready to make such a transition. According to Themeli, who recently attended a workshop about gangs in Ventura County, there are three active gangs in Moorpark as well as tagging crews that are usually made up of younger teenagers. Themeli moved from the San Fernando Valley to Moorpark two years ago to escape criminal activity in the area where she lived. When she became aware of similar problems in Villa Del Arroyo, she spearheaded a Neighborhood Watch program to curb vandalism, drug use and the problem of the homeless loitering in her new community. A past member of the volunteer crisis response team for the Los Angeles Police Department, Themeli now volunteers for the Moorpark Police Department. |
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