For $65, Tourists Get Peek at L.A. Gang Turf

[thelakelander]

By THOMAS WATKINS
The Associated Press


In this Jan. 10, 2010 photo, former gang member Alfred Lomas talks with reporters during a "LA Gang Tours" tour of 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 sign waivers acknowledging they could be crime victims as they 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. (AP Photo/Hector Mata)


Published: Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 7:29 p.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 7:29 p.m.
( page 1 of 4 )

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.

full article: http://www.theledger.com/article/20100116/NEWS/1165034/1410?p=1&tc=pg

[CS Foltz]

Hope the bus does not get held up or highjacked, could be a real adventure! I think there are more entertaining things I would rather do.......but thats just me!

[buckethead]

Perhaps this is in line with much of the philosphy espoused here. Exposing cultures to eachother, enguaging in inter-culture commerce, and allowing for legal earnings for those who might otherwise choose another "vocation", could prove mutually beneficial.

Is it so different from a wild west show?

[Jason]

^ What did you just say?


Should be a boiring ride through a "rough" area of town.  Just people walking around carrying out their everyday buisness.  Now if the cease fire was lifted... now that could make for an interesting ride.

[Ocklawaha]

FINALLY! A tourist attraction we CAN compete with!

OCKLAWAHA

[Overstreet]

"Passengers paying $65 a head sign waivers acknowledging they could be crime victims as they 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."........Alfred Lomas

Either advertising build up or the gangs get a percentage of the $65.

I guess this is similar to the bus tour of the stars homes. I might watch "Gangland" on the History Channel, but I'm not going not going on that tour.  (especially if you have to go to LOS ANGELES)

[heights unknown]

Wow!  I don't think I would want to be a part of that Grand Tour.  Just think, touring "gangland" and then being hijacked, harassed, taken off the bus and possibly beaten, raped, or whatever.  I think I'll pass on that tour.

"HU"

[Bostech]

S othey got people paying $65 to visit Gangland in LA and they cant bring people in dt Jax for free?
We need this guy for mayor of Jacksonville.

[buckethead]

Perhaps this is in line with much of the philosphy espoused here. Exposing cultures to eachother, enguaging in inter-culture commerce, and allowing for legal earnings for those who might otherwise choose another "vocation", could prove mutually beneficial.

Is it so different from a wild west show?

Buckethead, what on earth are you talking about being espoused around here?

Is this one of the liberal conflation jokes?  Where not shooting the minorities leads to gumshoe discussions while granny is tied up for ransom in the crack den?

I must have worded poorly. I was trying to refer to the notions of strengthening communities through exposing them to eachother. It could all go swimmingly or quite horribly. It could also be....meh.

[Sportmotor]

That...actually is a brillant idea.
I love it!!

I doubt safety will be an issue as I am sure there would be a cop as a passanger, plus would be to public for any major stunts to be pulled on the gang's side.

Granted if the cease fire did end then yea could be a lil hairy. For the most part this could play to the roll of getting sympathy to help pull in tax dollars to clean up the streets and gain tax money for none profit places dedicated to helping keep kids away and off the streets.

A crafty politician could turn this so fast to favor.