As the son of a mom who grew up in old town orange, Scahefer and ALmond) and where I grew up in modena, i wanna ask one question; What The Fuck!!

There is a difference between Chicano culture and GANG culture. "Chicanos," as you call them, should welcome an injunction that seeks to protect honest hard working families that reside and work in the area. It's time to take back the streets for the community, not a group of selfish terrorists. Stop protecting these criminals, because if you saw them in the street, they would NOT protect you.

As for the mural, intended or not, it has become a symbol of OVC and they revel in it.

Can you tell me where am I defending cholos, tulip?

Gustavo,
Get off the Vasquez johnson. It doesn't matter how it was intended. The criminals have adopted it and it HAS become a symbol of OVC. The respectable, hard working Latino families want the gangs to go and however that happens does not matter to me or most of the people I know. We are tired of having drugs sold in our neighborhoods. We are tired of having our homes and cars broken into. We are tired of fearing that because they have some minor bitch with some other gang that we or our kids will be caught in the crossfire. Maybe if you took the time to talk to some of us you would find out that we have had it with the gang culture and we want them and their parents to go so we can live in peace and raise our kids in a decent environment.

Jdd: Again, you're missing the point of this post. You don't have to lecture me on cholos—I know the devastation they wreck. Gangs have also adopted the Dallas Cowboys as their symbol—so do we heap hate on Jerry Jones or the idiots who appropriate it? Your ahistorical approach to the Vasquez mural is chilling.

Gustavo,
Are you comparing apples and oranges here? We're talking about a local mural, not an internationally recognized NFL team. There's a big difference and if you can't see it then you are not as intelligent as I thought you were.

There's not a difference, but let's use another example: cholos in SanTana claimed El Salvador Park for ages. Did the police tear down the park? Nope—they went after the cholos, and now it's relatively safe despite cholos still claiming it as their turf. Nuke the cholos, but don't try to smear Vasquez and his art as somehow creating violence.

LET ME JUST CLARIFY THINGS FOR PEOPLE WHO JUST DONT KNOW!!!!FOR ONE. LET ME JUST TELL YOU THAT ORANGE PD IS PART OF THE KKK,AND SO IS THE WHOLE COURT SYSTEM,BUT ANYHOW BACK TOO THE MAIN TOPIC,THIS WHOLE GANG INJUNCTION DOES NOT ONLY EFFECT THE PEOPLE WHO WERE SERVED,IT EFFECTS THE WHOLE COMMUNITY,AND IT GIVES THE OPD THE RIGHT TO ABUSE THIS INJUNCTION AS IN RACIAL PROFILING ANY CHICANO WALKING THE STREETS,THINK YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN ARE SAFE YOU'RE NOT!!!CHECK OUT THE 8YR OLD CHILD THAT GOT SERVED WITH THE INJUNCTION,COME ON!!!I THOUGHT THIS INJUNCTION WAS TO SAVE THE KIDS,WHAT A JOKE ORANGE P.D

You know, naming an 8 year old sounds bad, but put it in context. It's the 8 year old, the ten year old, the 12 year old, who is told to carry the gun and stand up for the gang. They don't have the maturity to stand up for what's right, they just want to be important to those that they idolize. The veteranos know that they are juvis and won't get real prison time, so they use them. Maybe when that 8 year old's parent got served he/she or they woke up the dangerous life their child has chosen.

By the way, chill out Gustavo, not everyone agrees with your assessment of this art. If it was an artist who painted murals to glorify other terrorists, like Al Quaida, would you want it painted on a public wall for them to take pictures in front of? Or as a flashpoint of violence if someone dared to disrespect it? And thanks for the link, I now see exactly what Det. Nigro was talking about. The artist totally glorifies OVC and their perception of their place in the varrio. Try to see beyond your bubble.

Tulip: I don't know who you really are or where you live, but I'll just assume you're claiming you live in Orange. If so, I suggest you research the history of the Vasquez mural you just ridiculously compared to Al Qaeda propaganda. You'll find out how shockingly mainstream and accepted the mural is—and I suggest you reread this post slooooowly and try to figure out what exactly Vasquez celebrates.

No I think I got what Vasques is about as far as OVC is concerned. He's a fan. I mean his work shows a respect for the gang and the quantity of OVC paintings that I saw, thanks to your link, shows a fascination with them. Obviously he has talent as an artist and his other workshows he's not a one trick pony but a serious and talented artist. Again, the issue is not what the artist intended but what the mural has come to represent for the gang.

And again, you need to take your blinders off and see that larger context. If you look in the penal code the gang sections are termed 'Street Terrorism," so my analogy is not as out of left field as you think. Sometimes you have to do a cost benefit analysis when you look at something that is a public safety issue. Seriously, if you want to be a journalist, you need to not jump down the throat of everyone who disagrees with you. Sometimes if you listen, you might learn something, or at least gain an understanding of the other side to better your argument.

Did you read my post? WHere does Vasquez glorify OVC? I'm sure that'll come as news to him.

to;tulip, you say that the gang has the 8 and 10 yr olds to carry the guns,how do you know?are you in a gang ?or you just believing what people write and tell you?cause i can get into this whole thing seriuosly,for one the goverment makes everyone believe what they want you to believe and we believe it!!we can argue the point,but that wouldnt change there minds:)right?anthow thats whats going on here about the murals,if you really took a look at his murals,it doesnt show gang members holding gun,and throwing up gang signs,does it?no!it doesnt,what!!cause theres mexicans in it?now tell me if there were white would they make in issue?no!!they wouldnt,i can tell you the real truth for this injunction,you see the college in the area is trying to buy off all the hispanic old historical houses,they refuse to sell,so they paid the cops to find a way to get the hispanics out,fact!theres alot to this story if you really looked into it!now tell me why dont the city have programs to help the kids,why dont they have recreations things to keep kids busy???i can tell you why!cause they dont want to give hispanics nothing1they think there all wabs and should go back to mexico!now thats wrong dont you think?well if youd like to learn more talk to me:)

Okay, here's my last word on this.

APG, seriously get an education and get away from all of this crap. You are all caught up in conspiracy theories and racism and you've missed out on the lifeline that education can throw you. You can live your life as a victim of all the breaks you didn't get or you can choose to make your life about something else. And no, I'm not judging you based on race, I'm making an observation about your writing skills. By the way, it is not the role of government to raise children, that is what their parents are supposed to do, and I don't care what nationality they identify with.

Gustavo, I'm sure you've heard the old saying about assumptions. If it makes you feel better to make assumptions about me, go for it. As for Vasquez, you asked how it glorifies OVC. Let's see, he has images of Che Guevara and Caesar Chavez next to a car with OVC on it (at least I think that is where it is, I know I saw "OVC" in the mural and admit it, you did too). I'd say he's equating OVC with these powerful revolutionary leaders. Sounds pretty pumped up for a criminal street gang. Now can you see why they love it? That's right the guy spray painting his moniker on a wall is JUST like Ceasar Chavez and those brave farmworkers. Also, if he isn't glorifying the gang, why does he put "OVC" in several of the paintings (seriously, it's not just one or two)? Including one depicting a street robbery with a victim being held by the throat! "Sunday Morning in OVC," in case you missed that one. By the way, his childhood may have been in the '40s, but the paintings seem to have been done sometime around the 70's or 80's.

I know none of this will convince you since you've made up your mind, but maybe it is a bit of food for thought.

Note to Rucaca & KKK-based OPD!:
*Latinos/Chicanos/Mexicans (whatever it is your calling us these days!) hold a major role in Orange County history! (They managed to keep the BLACKS away-but, never us little brown people!). Anywho........chingado......."PRESERVE THE MURALS!" "LEAVE THE MURALS ALONE!" They are indeed part of Orange County history! (Whether you like it or not!) I get the whole "gang injunction" bit (was it really necessary?) OPD has done a fine & dandy job of locking up most of the crucial figures involved in the gang! Bueno, good luck to you all w/that. Back to defending the works of such an inspirational figure in the latin community!!!!!! My final words to Rucaca & friends.....BELIEVE ME WHEN I SAY THAT MR. VASQUEZ'S "CULTURALLY ROOTED" MASTERPIECES OF MURALS ARE THE LAST THING THE BAD BOYS ON CYPRESS ST. ARE THINKING OF WHEN THEY ARE....LET'S SEE....UP TO NO GOOD, GETTING HIGH, OR MAYBE JUST KICKIN' IT.
*Let me educate or refresh your bias minds for a moment! Barrios is a term still used in Mexico-translation=simply a neighborhood (Hold On-I did not say a "gang neighborhoood" nor did I say "gang territory"). What....Whites don't label their "barrios" to distinguish it from others hence "Floral Park" in Santa Ana. Mr. Vasquez has reflected on & portrayed his years in the "barrio" or "his community" through his murals. That's it! It's that simple! His breath-taking work ranges from topics to eras....whatever was going down in that period of time! We must stand behind the "PRESERVATION OF THESE MURALS!" The City of Orange along with OPD & Rucaca owe Mr. Vasquez a public apology!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

First off if you are going to teach us about a barrio you should first teach OVC that it is spelled barrio and not Varrio. To Gustavo, I would like to know where you obtained your lies for this article. There is no 8-year-old in this wonderful injunction. Mentiroso. Now I wish Chapman University would buy up all of the land to extend their fine university. Finally I would like to say that I live in the City of Orange and I am thankful for OPD, especially Det. Nigro, for the gang injunction. If it wasn't for their hard work our city might look like SanTana (Mexico)

US Citizen: How about the the people who are helping out those non-cholos named in the injunction? Glad to know you don't care about Orange County history!

tulip:

-You truly are a classic idiot or maybe just your typical Orange County fascist pig! You pick!

-You go on lecturing Gustavo about "assumptions!"
Tulip quotes: "Including one depicting a street robbery with a victim being held by the throat! "Sunday Morning in OVC," in case you missed that one."

-We are not dealing with "abstract" art here, tulip! Take another look at the painting! Better yet let the previous owner of the original painting describe it for you (who might I add purchased the piece about 20 years ago in a well established art gallery in Tustin-he has since sold it back to the Vasquez personal collection):
"It consisted of three young men, friends, in a parking lot exchanging pleasantries. Or just chit-chatting…who knows? But Vasquez painted life into the scene by making it so believable through the way he played light against the many textures surrounding them and how the characters simply belong."

-This man saw the true beauty behind the canvas! It's too bad folks like ol' "tulip" are too wrapped up in their conservative crusades to appreciate the unique diversity in cultures.

-I'm just a young "barrio" girl who is willingly open to admit that I will never try to interpret Euro-Anglo art! Appreciate it-maybe! "You don't know my friend until you have walked along the same path." With that said.....do not negatively critique the work of a "well respected man" without knowing the "real" story behind his influences!

US Citizen:

-Now, where should I begin w/you! Boy, you just light up when the mere sound of of OPD & Nigro are mentioned. Mira, I got a big wake up call-slap in the face for you, pocho! Once OPD is done ridding of all the vatos locos in Orange-guess who their next target/operation will be? Tu menso! You will be heading south towards "Santana" when they hit you with some bogus-fictitious injunction based on the pigmentation of your skin. So, I would refrain from bad mouthing your neighboring city if I were you!! :) You have high hopes that Chapman will indeed buy out all the area in mention! Forget all the other law-abiding citizens that own & live in the same area, right! I much doubt you carry the natural talent & ability to be accepted into an institution as Chapman-so what the heck you so concerned about it for! Otra cosita before I bounce.....Professor of English-if the spelling of OVC bothers you so much why don't you give the fellas a lesson in spelling yourself!!! What do you say? I can arrange the tutorial for you! STOP FOCUSING ON PETTY BS & REMEMBER THE REAL ISSUE AT HAND HERE!

TO ALL YOU DUMB RACITS WHITE FUCKS. YOU GUYS DONT KNOW ANYTHING. THE MURAL IS A WELL DONE MASTER PEICE.

If you think the DA and OPD are so great...check out this article: http://blogs.ocweekly.com/navelgazing/main/maybe-well-have-to-sue/
The DA and OPD thought that they were going to walk all over these people. Who is looking pretty stupid right now? Not the so called gang members...Thanks OPD and DA for wasting the tax payers money...now your talking about sueing the parents...getting desperate..next time let the city of Orange pay the court and attorney's fee's...not the rest of the state.

Pickens, seriously Daffodil is like the worst reporter at the weekly. And that is saying something. Are you sure you want to take her word for what played out? I wouldn't.

HERES SOMETHINGS I DO HAVE TO SAY AS ONCE ALSO BEING A PART OF THE OVC GANG....THERES DIFFRENT VIEWS OF EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE...OF COURSE DONT GET ME WRONG THE INJUNCTION IS A GREAT IDEA. ITS GOING TO BE BRING DOWN CRIME HERE IN ORANGE COUNTY! THANKS A MAJOR GOOD THING THAT WE CAN BE HAPPY FOR. BUT LISTEN ITS NOT THE STREETS WHERE EVERYTHING TAKES PLACE. ITS IN THE SCHOOLS. THATS WHERE IT IS ALL AT. SURE THEY REPRESENT A STREET AND YES THEY COMMIT MAJOR FELONS AN CRIMES BUT ACTIVE WISE IT ALL IN SCHOOL. ORANGE HIGH SCHOOL IS A MAJOR RESPONSIBILTY FOR WHATS GOING ON. NOT ONLY SCHOOL BUT PARENTS. ITS NOT ALWAYS THAT YOUR BORN LUCKY OR WITH A GOLDEN SPOON UP YOUR BUTT. SOME PEOPLE ARE BORN INTO A SOCITEY THAT DEMANDS FOR YOU TO GROW UP AS A GANG BANGER. BUT AS A KID AND A CHILD ITS HARD TO MAKE THOSE DECISIONS FOR YOUR SELF WITHOUT PARENTS BEING AROUND BECAUSE THERE WORKING A MIDNITE SHIFT AN SLEEP DURING THE DAY. SURE WILL POWER IS THAT GIVES US THE STRENGTH TO SAY NO TO THINGS BUT SOMETIMES YOUR JUST A PART OF LIFE AND THERES NOTTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT. AND FOR AS THE MURAL....ITS NEAT TO LOOK AT BUT HONESTLY PEOPLE THE PROBLEM WITH THE LITTLE KID CHOLOS NOW ADAYS IS THAT THEY DONT EVEN KNOW WHAT THERE BANGING FOR! THEY DONT EVEN KNOW THERE HISTORY ABOUT THERE BARRIO. THEY JUST TO IT TO FIT IN OR JUST TO DO STUPID THINGS. THERES MANY REASONS. BUT THAT MURAL SURE IT WAS PAINTED BY A FORMER OVC GANG MEMBER BUT IF YOUR KID GAVE YOU A PAINTING WHEN HE/SHE IS IN 2ND GRADE AND YOU WERE TO ASK THEM TO DO IT AGAIN 30 YEARS LATER DONT YOU THINK THAT IT PICTURE WOULD BE DIFFRENT??? PEOPLE CHANGE AN THOSE WILLING TO DO SO DESERVE TO HAVE THAT SHOT! AND TO YOU GUSTAVO ITS GOOD TO HAVE SOMETHING ELSE TO LOOK AT BESIDES BROKEN HOMES AN BULLET HOLES!