I met with the Rev. Harry Cooper Jr. last week to talk about his role as chairman of the city’s Commission on Gang Prevention and Intervention. We discussed San Diego’s gangs in general terms, and it made me want to know more about the specific problems in our neighborhoods.
Gangs, in some way or another, have a presence in every San Diego neighborhood, Cooper said. Their crimes are most visible in some places, but gang members buy homes, have families and shop for groceries like anyone else.
I’m interested in hearing your thoughts about gangs in San Diego. Which gangs are the biggest troublemakers in your area? How have they affected your life? Which people are trying to make a difference? How have police responded to your complaints?
Please send your thoughts by e-mail to keegan.kyle@voiceofsandiego.org. You can also call me directly at 619.206.5293. Your messages will be confidential and only used for my background on the topic.
Thank you in advance for sharing your experiences.
— KEEGAN KYLE