Posted on 01/17/2010 7:46:45 AM PST by Cheap_Hessian
LOS ANGELES – Only miles from the scenic vistas and celebrity mansions that draw sightseers from around the globe — but a world away from the glitz and glamour — a bus tour is rolling through the dark side of the city's gang turf.
Passengers paying $65 a head Saturday signed waivers acknowledging they could be crime victims and put their fate in the hands of tattooed ex-gang members who say they have negotiated a cease-fire among rivals in the most violent gangland in America.
If that sounds daunting, consider the challenge facing organizers of LA Gang Tours: trying to build a thriving venture that provides a glimpse into gang life while also trying to convince people that gang-plagued communities are not as hopeless as movies depict.
"There's a fascination with gangs," said founder Alfred Lomas, a former member of the Florencia 13 gang. "We can either address the issue head-on, create awareness and discuss the positive things that go on in these communities, or we can try to sweep it under the carpet."
Several observers have questioned the premise behind the tours, and some city politicians have been more blunt.
"It's a terrible idea," City Councilman Dennis Zine said. "Is it worth that thrill for 65 bucks? You can go to a (gang) movie for a lot less and not put yourself at risk."
More than 50 people brushed aside safety concerns for Saturday's maiden tour to hear how notorious gangs got started and bear witness to the struggling neighborhoods where tens of thousands of residents have been lured into gang life.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
Wait until a busload of tourists gets robbed and raped.
A Cease Fire between gangs in LA? Suuuuure.....
More like a coalition.
ping
“It’s a terrible idea,” City Councilman Dennis Zine said. “Is it worth that thrill for 65 bucks? You can go to a (gang) movie for a lot less and not put yourself at risk.”
...I’m sure if this midget brain has his way, he’ll outlaw it. I’m not pro gang but this is capitalism at work IMO. People bungee cord jump, white water raft and mountain climb with instructors. They sign waivers with those activities too.
I lived in So Cal from 1964 to 1993.
Many of these “gang areas” were turned into crap from the gangs...
Not the other way around.
Illegals who could not or would not get a job.
Drugs sold on every corner and in the schools.
These were communities of hard working people of all colors before the 60’s.
Gangs are the result of millions of illegals over-running the communities. They didn’t create a cleaner productive life when they got here. The illegals turned the areas into a micro-system just as bad as what they left behind.
You can put lipstick on a pig.........
That’s funny the founder originally was in
F13. I know the neighborhood quite well! If any of you go on it, see if he’ll stop at Boys Burgers for lunch on 1774 E. Florence Ave.
true..most of these areas were inhabited by Blacks but the hispanics moved in. The area is mixed now but more hispanic than black. On time, you get to see dead pit bulls lying in the street. It would make Chet99 proud!
“Kids are you noticing all this plight?”
*gunshot* *scream*
“Roll ‘em up!”
But hey...if it brings in TAX revenue, let the buses roll!
doesn’t surprise me at all
there people on these tours would the same people who would greet aliens if they first ;landed and would shout let us love each other .
Having grown up on the street there isn’t much to look at but look over your shoulder.
Sadly theres another part of our population which live in their ivory towers, in their elitist gated communities and all rich upper class neighborhood who have no clue about anything and get a rush if they do something like this.
They might give to the poor but not because they think they are helping that person but because they want to brag how much they gave away and make THEMSELVES FEEL BETTER
How to save $65:
Just take the wrong freeway exit
Are you allowed to carry a mac 10, drink colt 45 and smoke crack on the bus?
You are right on the spot.
Southern Cal ganglands
Mexico
Not necessarily in that order.
there’s also too many angry crazy snobs living in their rich elitist areas or gated communities too.
“Illegals who could not or would not get a job.”
Why should they get a job? They’re here illegally. If they’re not working, that means the system’s working.
I had to work in that cesspool. I went through it every fracking day—for FREE. Something about fools and their money?
You must be thinking of the deluxe package. That's an additional $20. : O
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