I'm not talking about the mob taking over or anything like that. I'm talking about gangs like the Vicelords and the Gangster Disciples, the Bloods, MS-13, Shotgun Crips, Latin Kings, Vatos Locos, etc. I wasn't referring to super organized crime, well except for MS-13 they're organized. I was referring to street gangs and the crimes they bring with them. Street crimes like muggings, drive- by shootings, home invasions, carjacking, stabbings, dope dealing, etc. And believe it or not it takes a while and they are not super obvious about it. The first time I heard about gangs moving into our area was in 1991, and form 1991 unitl about 2002 nobody took it seriously. Now it's 2008 and we've had 5 gang related shootings in less than 6 months, assaults and stabbings are near daily and there are areas of town that I won't go after dark unarmed. I wouldn't even go to the county fair without my weapon and an extra mag. Cocaine and crack are prevalent among kids and young adults between 15 and 24 and at risk youth is now described as kids ages 10 to 13. The worst part about it is that the general citizenship in our community still think it's a very safe place to live. They think all this is a fad that will blow through and not harm our beautiful peaceful city. Well this fad is approaching 20 years and just becasue no has been killed in a verified gang homicide does not mean that we don't have a problem. And, yes, by the time the general population wakes up to smell the coffee it will be far too late to easily rid ourselves of this trash, it may already be too late.