Gangs in Napa County

Presented by Gary E James, investigator for the Napa County District Attorney's Office.  Mr. James has 30 years experience in his field. He joined the District Attorney's office in 1999 and has since formulated a plan for the intervention of gang violence. Mr. James is also the President of the Napa County Police Organization. Mr. James provided an overview of the gang practices in Napa County. He described gangs as complex. Law enforcement started tracking gangs in the 1930's, however gangs came to light in Napa in 1998 with a series of drive-by shootings.

There are two main gangs: the Nortenos and the Surenos. The ages of gang members range from 13 to 25 years old. The Nortenos consist of all ethic groups, middle income, and mostly from good families. The Surenos are mostly made up of Southern California Mexicans, of low income and dysfunctional families. For the Surenos, it is about where you are from and how long that you have been here.

For the most part, the Nortenos are born in California, wear the color red, claim the number 14, are enemies of all Surenos, and have the black bird as their insignia. The Nortenos are also known as the North side Locksters, BPN, Vine hill Posse, and the Riverside 128.  

The Surenos are born in Mexico, wear the color blue, claim the number 13, use the graffiti symbol SUR X 13 X 111., and are enemies of all Nortenos.

Both groups write and record Rap music. There are about 700 gang members in Napa County. St. Helena has had a few gang violence incidences. On December 7, 2007, there was a gang fight at Crane Park that resulted in a broken leg. Aldo Solano, and Jesus Perez were prosecuted for the incident. Then last year there was a gang fight at the Union gas station on Pope street; Jesus Avina and Bryan Bomano were prosecuted for the incident. Mr. James stated that probation is very effective, and intervention clubs provide good result. 

Most gang assaults are on rival gang members. The immigration service doesn't get involved, but gangs are a national problem. 

President Wendell Laidley called the Meeting to order at 12:15. Bob Trinchero lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and Mark Terrell gave the Thought of the Day. 

Visiting Rotarians:

• Richard Hyde, E-Club One Club
• Dr. White 

Announcements:

• Phil Toohey has set up for next week.
• Linda Beard's birthday is this week.
• Joel Toller and wife celebrate their wedding anniversary this week. 
• Joyce Beatty announced the Texas Hold'em fund raiser for Rianda House on 11-14-09.
• Wendell Laidley has been a Rotarian for 38 years. Linda Beard for 5 years, and Nancy Levenberg for 3 years. 

Raffle: There were no Black Marble winners. Mike Thomas, Norm Mitroff, and Andy Bartlett were winners.
 
Bell Ringers:

• Rob Andreae $30 for his travels.
• Otty Hayne $75 for Father Mac.
• Rex Stults $10 for his 10^th anniversary to Bordeaux   

Fine Master: Susan Sculatti, Alan Fowler, Steve Yost, Alyssa Samrick, Bob Graham, Don Buresh, Chuck Meibeyer were asked baseball questions.