The Antelope Valley Times

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This just in: City declares war on Bloods

by •

R. Rex Parris

LANCASTER – City of Lancaster officials and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department have turned their sights on a group of local hoodlums associated with the Bloods gang who have been targeting the Antelope Valley, according to a city news release issued Thursday. Read the release below:

[The Bloods gang] has preyed upon Valley citizens in recent months, showing a blatant disregard for the rights and property of others.  Their recent focus on Lancaster neighborhoods has resulted in a rise in burglary, robbery, grand theft auto, and larceny/theft crimes.

“The City of Lancaster, the Lancaster Sheriff’s Department, and the citizens of this valley have worked too hard fighting crime over the past several years to have this group of thugs try to destroy our community’s sense of safety and peace of mind,” said City of Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris.  “The Bloods picked on the wrong city and the wrong Mayor, and now have a real battle on their hands… one they did not anticipate.”

The City and the Lancaster Sheriff’s station have a number of tactical operations in place to combat the criminal activities being perpetuated by this gang.  Organized units such as the Targeted Oriented Policing (TOPs), Lancaster Community Appreciation Project (LANCAP), Robbery Suppression, and Burglary Suppression teams, along with the ever-watchful eyes of the City’s Neighborhood Watch and Business Watch groups, serve as ongoing crime fighters throughout the community.

There are more crime-fighting tools on the horizon, however, as law enforcement efforts ramp up with more strategic missions and more advanced technology-driven resources. Going forward, criminals will be met with more targeted and undercover operations by law enforcement.  They will also be challenged by the soon-to-be-launched Law Enforcement Aerial Platform System (LEAPS), which will minimize gang member’s ability to hide from the law.  With these ramped up tactics and high-tech resources, Sheriff’s Deputies will be able to better address gang crime in the Antelope Valley.

Those caught committing crimes will also be subject to gang enhancements in sentencing and prison time, as allowed by California state law.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Erik Ruble of the Operation Safe Streets Bureau (OSS) said, “The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s gang unit, also known as the Operation Safe Streets Bureau, is committed to investigating and prosecuting all gang related cases committed in the Antelope Valley.  We will work with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office in securing gang enhancements against any case involving our target gang in Lancaster.  The enhancement will subject the gang member to additional imprisonment in the state prison for a period of up to ten years pursuant to the Street Terrorism Enforcement and Prevention Act of 1988.”

Additionally, Mayor Parris is providing up to $10,000 of his personal finances as a reward fund for citizens who provide information which leads to the arrest and conviction of a member of a Bloods gang.  The use of these funds will be at the discretion of Lancaster Sheriff’s Captain Bob Jonsen, who will determine the effectiveness of an award incentive on a case-by-case basis.

“Everyone deserves to live in a peaceful and crime-free community,” said Lancaster Sheriff’s Station Captain Bob Jonsen.  “When a group of individuals choose to band together, form a gang, and willfully prey on others, they will undoubtedly draw the attention of law enforcement, and that is exactly what our target gang has done. Unfortunately for them, they now have our undivided attention.  We know who they are; where they live; what cars they drive; and who they associate with. They will feel our presence in their lives from this day forward. We will arrest them if they commit a crime.  We will charge them with gang enhancements, and we will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. They can decide today what their future brings, but I can assure the Lancaster community that this gang’s days of terrorizing this community are coming to an end.”

By increasing their arsenal of crime-stopping assets, the City and local law enforcement expect to see a measurable decrease in the recent upsurge of crime, as well as a notable increase in arrests and convictions.

“Make no mistake about it, these gang members will be caught,” said Mayor Parris.  “Their only options are to be arrested or to leave.  In either case, they better start packing for a one-way trip out of our city.”

Filed Under: Crime/ Safety

129 comments for "This just in: City declares war on Bloods"

  1. You have to wonder what kind of action the city is taking–also what kind of actions will have unexpected effects. Actions like, general home inspections, or cleaning a park, or even a random traffic violation. It’s funny the way normal things have lasting effects on the criminal element.

    • I wonder what skeletons we would find in your closet. Give it a rest. If you don”t have something to say on this topic, stop posting. I’m sooo tired of you posting about Michelle. She doesn’t need your acceptance or your forgiveness. Do you have anything to say about this war on gangs, or did you say it all in the article?

  5. “Additionally, Mayor Parris is providing up to $10,000 of his personal finances as a reward fund for citizens who provide information which leads to the arrest and conviction of a member of a Bloods gang. The use of these funds will be at the discretion of Lancaster Sheriff’s Captain Bob Jonsen, who will determine the effectiveness of an award incentive on a case-by-case basis…”

    Why doesn’t Parris just admit he lost a bet with the LSD, much like Romney offered a bet to tea-toddler Rick Perry and is just paying up what’s due? Is this grant tax-deductible?

  6. @ Michelle Egberts critics,

    My goodness, that latest post regarding Ms. Egberts (calling her Mikki Nelson, etc.) was especially brutal. I think things have gotten way out of hand. You guys need to let this young lady live. After all, hasn’t she served her time and been found not guilty on the other charges?

    I have never met Ms. Egberts and only know her from this site and reading about her trial in the paper, but I give people the benefit of the doubt. If she’s trying to turn over a new leaf, why rub her nose in her past misdeeds?

    If Ms. Egberts reoffends, I will be the first to condemn her, but right now she is talking about doing good things. Let’s take the grey cloud from over her head and allow her to be great!

    • Just for clarification’s sake, I would also point out that the links to articles are articles that were written in 2005, not very recently.

      Whether Ms. Egbert has turned over a new leaf or not may be in question, but more recent evidence should be used for this… If any recent evidence of confirmed criminal intent actually exists, that is.

      • So if a child molester, murderer or rapist posted on here and was challenged, your response would be the same? She commited crimes and everyone here has the right to know that, and no I dont have to give her a second chance, she commited fraud and devastated many peoples lives, therefore She is worthless in my opinion, Hopefully she does straighten out and serve a purpose. But that is usually something done quietly behind the scenes without the need for adoration or praise.

        • Using your logic, we should simply employ the death penalty on all crimes, since anyone convicted it instantly ‘worthless in [your] opinion.’ How far down the level in crimes should this go? Should we simply execute everybody who commits ANY crime? So, speeding tickets should equal no second chance and kill ’em all? Where do you draw the line and say that, maybe, a person can try to learn from their mistakes and move forward in life?

          I presume that this would also go for Buck McKeon’s new hire, as well?

          Your position lacks logic, really… Not to mention humanity.

          • No it doesnt follow my logic, she Has the same rights as anyone else. I simply choose not to believe that she is doing the things she is doing for noble reasons. It is my personal opinion that she is doing the same things she has always done. I may be wrong only time will tell. I also feel compelled to let others know about her past so that they dont fall victim to any future fraud she may commit.

        • It is apparent you believe nothing about the bible,the
          sins of adam and eve and the fall of man. Sin started
          in the garden of eden and since the beginning of time
          mankind has risen and fallen. If it were not for the
          concept of forgiveness and mercy mankind wouldn’t be able
          to walk on the ground we stand on !It is ubbelievable
          the self righteous attitude that so many acclaim. Who ever has not sinned cast the first stone !!!

          • The Adam & Eve story is not scientifically accurate or even remotely accurate on any anthropological level. Try again with that one!

            Now, I will grant you that forgiveness is an interesting concept and one that only our human species is capable of, so I will concede that there is probably “more than meets the eye” where the Intelligence and consciousness of our Universe is concerned, but it stops there.

            Stories of a single man and woman, golden fruit, talking snakes, etc. are part of the fabric of our Judeo-Christian Western religious background, but they just don’t fit the known paradigm.

          • The is something about human nature that once a ‘belief’ or superstition is in place, it sticks around forever despite contrary evidence.

            I bet millions of Americans think the Pledge of Allegiance is part of the Constitution or other founding documents since they are so obsesses with it. No. It was invented in the 1800s and the ‘under God’ part was added in the early 1950s. I remember having to learn the ‘under God’ part in the second grade but still don’t know who ‘Richard Sands’ is.

            So, for the ‘believers’ who were born into an already established belief system that they were indoctrinated into as children, they think it’s all real. And, it plays on human superstitious tendencies. Once, firmly established as a belief, it’s as hard to undo as unlearning one’s own native language.

            I suspect the European children in 1491 all believed the earth was flat as well. Religion plays on human tendency to be superstitious. They continue to believe even when their prayers fail them but use the positive outcomes of prayer to ‘prove’ it works.

            We’ve tolerated absurd religious beliefs for too long and should relegate them to histories waste-bin like current believers have done with Zeus and Thor.

          • Forgiveness and trust are two different things. First I dont have to forgive the lady as I was never a victim of her crimes, Second trust is built over time by evaluating someones actions and comparing them to their statements. In my opinion there is not enough evidence to show that she can be trusted. I wish the woman the best and hope she is on the right path. I also find it interesting that people would defend a woman who they know nothing about! The things I have mentioned are only the tip of the iceberg. Her past actions speak louder than her words on this website….

    • Letlow, if you chose to live with your head in the clouds so be it. Im more of a realist, this woman has been commiting frad since the 80’s, she has been a drunk about as long, she has a history of making allegations ( what are the odds that she was abused by dep Serrano, abused by her sober living home, abused by the man which led to her recent gun arrest and framed for threatening city officials ; even though she is on tape saying she will destroy the mayor) there is other stuff too that ill save til later, but as you can see she has a pattern of fraud and playing the victim. Mark my words all her talk about reentry programs is self serving, and as far as calling her mikki its because that is an alias she used to defraud people. I really dont care what she does, I just refuse to sit quietly while she trys to pull the wool over peoples eyes.

    • @ Letlow… I accept your apology and your willingness to see beyond the “scarlet letter” I carry being an ex-offender and believing in giving people second chances.

      The bashing that I’ve gotten from the “critics” is fairly typical for an ex-offender. The type of character assassination behavior displayed by these disrespectful individuals demonstrates how hard it is to re-enter society as a productive citizen. The road following imprisonment is not an easy one.

      I have done a lot to redeem myself, condemning me to a life of doing nothing helps no one, and could hurt many more behind me that wak out of those prison gates with nothing. I am remorseful to those I victimized, but I ask when the stigma of my past crimes should stop when my offense was 9 years ago? Should I forever live in the present because of my past? This is why the recidivism rate is so high (70%). People like the “critics” won’t let ex-offenders move on with their lives.

      As a community, we clearly have more work to do around the ex-offender issues. While many may be enlightened, others still need to understand atonement and redemtion are possible 365 days of the year.

      • Atonement requires truthfulness and deeds, not words. Since it’s evident that you’re putting yourself out here for the purpose of a personal agenda, one that could affect the citizens in this community, the facts – all of them – are important.

        That’s why your side of the issues are important; but so, too, are the posts by folks like “really” — who’s trying to set the record straight by shining the light on a few dark corners.

  7. So now that the War on Gangs and birdies on BLVD have failed, Rex declares war on pit bulls, Section 8 and the Bloods.More smoke and mirrors.More hot air and threats with nothing to back them.In the meantime crime continues to rise, lawsuits pile up at city hall, the roads are a mess, stores are closing and the useless turkey in the sky will be violating the Constitution under the banner of safety for a mere 90 grand a month.Deflect and blame.Deflect and blame.Deflect and blame.Deflect and blame.Wake up people.

    • “…turkey in the sky…”. Reminds me of a 1950s sci-fi film “The Giant Claw”, a movie so bad it’s good, about a giant bird from outer space that attacks earth and knocks over cars and buildings on the floor of Columbia Studios.

      Check it out on IMDb for the reviews which are hilarious. While you’re there, check out ‘Queen of Outer Space’ starring Zza Zza Gabor for some more outrageous reviews.

  9. You only have to look at the crime rate of these two cities to see the more effective approach. Palmdale has had the lower crime rate for many years and even before the war was declared by the injury attorney , this guy talks to Lancaster likes he is selling a plea deal in court. By the way Palmdale has also had the highest home and property values in the AV for the past 15 years. Talk is cheap and ever present in Lancaster so check your facts spinners.

    • Over time, Palmdale will continue to have higher property values and Lancaster will be low-rent.

      I asked the owner of a little cafe in Lancaster why she didn’t build it in Palmdale and she said it was more expensive. That’s why all the little shops on the BLVD. The rent must be cheap. Location. Location. Location.

      Palmdale is closer to ‘down below’ which is an advantage for commuters and for occasional trips to LA. It’s up against the foothills and has many homes with views unlike Lancaster on the flat floor of the Valley. Palmdale simply is in a more desirable location to begin with.

      The High Speed Rail and Palmdale Airport will be a big plus in the future. Palmdale already has more and better shopping and dining.

      Most new housing developments in Lancaster will likely be on the lower end rather than upscale homes. There are some nice neighborhoods in Lancaster but, then, you’re still in Lancaster.

      • besides the golf course what neighborhood in palmdale is “nice”?? your new city manager even confessed to the Valley Press he was warned by leasing agents not to live in palmdale and it bothered him.

        palmdale is still a pig….. but with slightly nicer lipstick!

        • Josh, with all due respect, there are many nice places in Palmdale. Have you been to DryTown? The Palmdale Amphitheater? Yard House? The shopping at Ave R and 47th East? Sushi Zen? Marie Kerr Park? The AV Mall? Fresco II? Joe Davies Heritage Airpark at Palmdale Plant 42? Palmdale Oasis Rec Center? The Palmdale Playhouse? Poncitlan Square? There is a lot out there.

        • I’ve wondered what the deal is with Lancaster. For a long time since I moved to the AV in 1990, there was no ‘there there’ in Lancaster, just a bunch of scattered shopping centers and not really great ones at that.

          The Cinemark is in the middle of nowhere as is the old Factory Outlet. The BLVD really isn’t conveniently located. I’ve checked it out many times and left wondering “This is a world class city??” that Parris brags about. BeX had a ‘B’ grade from the health department in the first year. The BLVD seems to be a never-ending source of problems and issues, such as the recent skate-boarding problems. I suspect that unless they have a half dozen police officers patrolling it constantly, the crime will get worse as more businesses open there, attracting more people and crime.

          Parris said on the local channel that he’s was considering moving from his large house to a condo off the BLVD. Does anyone believe that? He is so full of himself.

          Even though the AV Mall was hurt by the recession, Macy’s and the Yard House opened there during the depth of it. And, 2 new restaurants have opened on Restaurant Row to fill the ones that closed during the recession. So, it seems like people are willing to invest in Palmdale, invest a lot without a lot of the big fanfare that Parris puts on if a tiny little shop opens on the BLVD.

          • The problem with the BLVD in relation to law enforcement is that the city of Lancaster and/or LASD hasn’t given it the proper consideration it deserves. Palmdale does an excellent job at policing the Mall, but there are a few key differences between the two locations that make it unrealistic to expect the same level of control by the city or sheriff. Patrolling and enforcing rules on private property is different than on a public street. The anti-gang and loitering rules that are effective at the Mall if implemented on the BLVD would be turned into additional litigation involving TCAL and NAACP faster than sheriff can dispatch from the BLVD station to an incident on the BLVD. Additionally all of the property in the Mall is owned by ForestCity making it very easy to get global acceptance of policies and practices between all of the businesses. The BLVD businesses have over 200 unique building and business owners that at best can get a handful of them together once a month to discuss community related issues. Truthfully I don’t think most people want another Mall atmosphere around the BLVD; it’s more focused toward unique Americana experiences and not another run of corporate retailers peddling the same crap from one store to the next.

            If the number of foot officers, cameras, managers, etc. that actively patrol the Mall we matched per capita for the BLVD the same level of safety and comfort would be provided. The problem is that it’s still growing.. and that all takes time to figure out without infringing on people’s rights to congregate in public, speak their mind in public and generally conduct themselves as they see fit in public. All of the security everyone takes for granite at the mall is nothing more than a false front of conceded rights in the name of safety. The same arguments made day in and day out about Lancaster, LEAPS, the BLVD, Rex are all present in the Mall, but people accept it. The simple answer is public vs private space, but really does that matter enough to give up your rights?

          • I’m sorry, Adam. But, you’re gonna have keep making excuses for the BLVD forever, it seems.

            Around the time the BLVD was remodeled, a columnist in the AV Press wrote how such revamped ‘downtowns’ in other California cities were becoming rundown and somewhat deserted after a few years of unsuccessful attempts to keep them going.

            We’ve already seen closures of some new places and the skateboarders aren’t the only problem.

            What have other cities done that works as far as dealing with crime and other nuisances? I think the BLVD has suffered from the ego and arrogance of Parris and his sycophants on the council and elsewhere. I bet anyone else could have done a better job of planning and executing the whole idea than the current crop as much as they like to pat themselves on the back.

            The BLVD would be fine in Mojave or Barstow but in a city of 150,000 and a valley of half a million, it’s little more than another shopping center with limited shopping at that.

            The LPAC, library and sheriff’s stations are concrete eyesores and pedestrian unfriendly in those locations. Even BeX and the places in front of it are all hard edges and surfaces in contrast to the more friendly outdoor seating at the wine bar and adjacent businesses. I know. I know. The LPAC won some design award but unless there’s something going on there, it just means extra steps to walk past it.

            A large plaza in front of LPAC would have been nice with trees and benches or whatever in front of the entrance but then I’m not running things. It’s bleak.

            The parking in the median has an oppressive feel to it. I feel like I’m negotiating my way through a tight parking lot in Los Angeles.

            I think I coulda done a better job, actually. Benches in the median??? Who wants to sit in the middle of street?

          • The Blvd. doesn’t work, and will never work as long as like you say, Parris’ ego, arrogance and his minions on the city council rubber-stamp every itch he can’t scratch by himself. Many cities the size of Lancaster have successfully pulled off restoration of public areas and streets, but it was all inclusive of the entire population, not just those who the dictators felt were worthy of being there. Without tolerance and a sense of community, it doesn’t matter how much money is dumped into a project – it’s still a dump, and they own it.

          • William,

            The BLVD is a work of evolution. It will evolve and change as time goes on. A lot of it will be improved too.

            The nice thing about the BLVD is that you can hold events there, which is something you cannot do at the mall. And the city does a great job of holding events there throughout the year.

            It is an ENTIRELY DIFFERENT animal than the mall and I applaud the city for having the vision to get it going. Malls are for people who want a typical suburban, enclosed environment full of corporate brands and products. Downtowns are different and they offer more in the way of eclectic and local choices.

            To compare a suburban mall to a historic City Center is pointless. Again, they are not the same caliber of venue!

            If the mall works for you, then great! Go there! If the BLVD doesn’t then fine, don’t bother with it. If you like both of them, like I do, then enjoy both of them!

            But I must tell you that constantly picking on the BLVD and tearing it down because you don’t like Rex makes you look very petty and insolent.

            I can tell you one thing and that is that using this comment space to tear the BLVD down isn’t doing Palmdale any favor and isn’t going to make Palmdale look better.

            I am a longtime Antelope Valley resident who was born in Palmdale in 1958 and grew up in Lancaster. I live in Palmdale now, not because I think it is a better city but because it is more convenient to get to my job in Granada Hills.

            If I could choose a place to live it would be Acton, but that’s another story for another time…

          • Seriously, Thom. I think I notice things that others are oblivious to as I never hear them mentioned.

            I have some problems with the Mall, mainly the perimeter road and the surrounding streets. The crosswalks and stop signs on the perimeter road are a joke. Over by Olive Garden, there are stop signs about a car length past a pedestrian crosswalk and other strange configurations.

            And, who’s bright idea was it to not have turnouts for the buses so they don’t block a whole lane while loading/unloading. Same on 10th West in front of Applebee’s, a bus stop in the northbound right lane headed for the 14 on-ramp. Goofy.

            I don’t get the roundabout in Palmdale at all. It’s a 4-way intersection and I have passed a bunch of them already by the time I get to it so it wouldn’t be a big deal if it had a signal instead.

            Then, there are the freeway’s on and off ramps on Rancho Vista Blvd. by Tommy’s burgers. What a ‘cluster drive’ in those several blocks.

            Why aren’t there on and off ramps on the 14 at Lancaster Blvd and why does the 14 narrow by 1 lane and then pick it up again at Palmdale Blvd. which is SR 138 and not one of the empty interchanges north of Lancaster. Who does this stuff? It’s insane.

            Hence, as expensive as the remodel was on the BLVD, the design could have been better thought out.

          • I’m sorry, Thom, but did you just refer to the Blvd as a, “historic City Center,” when Parris, et al, are actually kicking out businesses that have been there for over 50 years? Not very “historic” when its historic businesses are being strongarmed out of the area, is it?

    • @stereotyping… This hand signal spells “Blood” and the source was Wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gang_signal Its an interesting site for citizens to read and further educate themselves on “identifiers” of gangs and what to look for (i.e. graffiti, tattoos and handsigns) since a “war” has been declared against the “Bloods”.

      • No, I understand what the sign means, and how it spells the word… It was the fact that the person throwing the sign up was white…

  11. Ace your a f@cking dumb a$$. Those are two different organizations. So starting off with from one and ending it from another makes you look stupid ass f@ck! Not to mention i work every day controlling both organizations and just mentioning them can get you killed. You better watch you mouth before something gets put in it!

  12. ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAAHAHHAH GREAT YOU GO AFTER ONE GANG HOW DOES THAT HELP COMPTON / LANCASTER ITS STILL GOING TO BE RUNNED DOWN SECTION 8 DUMP WITH ALL THESE BLACK THUGS WHO DONT HAVE NO RAISING BECAUSE THERE PARENTS WERE EITHER STUNG OUT ON DRUGS OR JUST DIDNT GIVE A CRAP. GOOD WORK PARRIS LETS SEE THIS NOT WORK AND THE AV WILL STILL BE A PIECE OF CRAP TOWN THAT NO ONE WANTS TO LIVE IN.. BESIDES THE LOWLIFES WHO ARE ON WELFARE HAAHAHAHAHHAH

    • It’s obvious that ryenisha jackson is not educated due to her typos and using all caps. However, there is a tremendous presence of gangs here in Lancaster, Ca. I applaud the mayor and the L.A. Sheriff for their endeavors in getting rid of criminals. Too many of us have worked for years to get what we want (no freebies), and the thugs want to take it for free. Gangs of any kind are not a good thing for any community. They are not cool or in fashion; in fact they are a disgrace to their race (whatever one they belong to).

  13. “Nom Sine Periculo” (latin for “Not Without Danger”) First and foremost, it is not against the law to belong to a gang. It IS the criminal activity in conjunction with gang membership that is. That is why our Legislature enacted laws Penal Code 186.22 that deals with “engaging in gang activity” and sentencing enhancements in order for the courts to deal more effectively with the crimes committed by gang members.

    Secondly, there are criminal street gangs in our community, our schools and our work place, like every other urban and rural community, including major cities. Our jails and prisons have plenty of them and they remain “active” even behind the prison bars. Also, gangs are becoming a problem within our armed forces and they are receiving military training. And finally, perhaps, parents have gang members living in their own home and do not recognize the problem.

    CONSIDER THIS QUESTION??? WHO IS GOING TO CONTROL OUR NEIGHBORHOODS, CITIES AND TOWNS? OUR JAILS AND CORRECTIONS FACILITIES? OUR WORKPLACE? AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, OUR CLASSROOMS AND SCHOOLS?

    Obviously, the answer to these questions has to be the citizens of the City of Lancaster. We must concentrate our efforts to develop programs, not only to identify gangs, but also programs to PREVENT and deter our youths from joining gangs (PREVENTION, INTERVENTION, AND SUPPRESSION). Regardless of the reason(s), gangs can now be found everywhere and at all socioeconomic levels.

    Yes, I agree with the Mayor, that we as a community need to UNITE and go after these individuals and punish them for their criminal activity. However, a specific anonymous “tip line” needs to be in place specifically for this purpose if the citizens are going to be relied upon to provide information in order to protect them which I do not see any of such in the City Press Release. Also, there are many “sets” of the Bloods (i.e. Piru, Swan, Denver Lane, Brim, Bishops) which the city is being “vague” and has not identified as which one is highly concentrated here. Or has a new, copycat or hybrid gang been formed up here in the AV?

    Lastly, if the Mayor is going to declare a war on the Bloods, then the best investment he could make with his “personal finances” is to “Host” a Citizens Gang Identification Training and Awareness Classes to help the citizens. These training classes are designed to give the means to understand the history of street gangs, who joins gangs, why youths join, gang identifiers (signs, symbols, clothing, tatoos, graffiti) gang initiation practices, backgrounds on well known street and prison gangs. Public Awareness & Safety is the key. http://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/2011-national-gang-threat-assessment/2011-national-gang-threat-assessment-emerging-trends

    • You make some excellent points Michelle. I especially like your suggestion about Gang ID Awareness Classes for citizens.

      That will stop citizens from calling to report any minority who just happened to be wearing red that day.

      As a general observation I’ve noticed that your comments are always sound and well presented. Even if I don’t always agree with your points, I can appreciate that you put thought into them and you’re not just ranting based on emotion and prejudice.

      It seems I’ve misjudged you. My apologies.

    • Michelle, I agree with some things you stated. However I have two problems with it, first arent you trying to get in on some of the AB109 money for your non profit. I could be wrong but I think it was you who is trying to get grant money for the AB109 people. Secondly, most people can identify a thug when they see them, furthermore that class would go over like a fart in church as soon as deputies started describing a how to id a gang member( since an overwhelming majority here in la county or either black and hispanic)

      • @realy… I am not a non-profit, nor have I ever proclaimed to be a non-profit organization. However, I am weighing the idea of becoming a non-profit, which I am eligible for despite my 2004 criminal convictions.

        Furthermore, as an individual who advocated a Reentry Task Force Initiative before the City of Lancaster, I only identified federal money the City would be eligible to apply for to help our parolee/probation population. As for the AB109 Post Release Community Supervision population and funding, you are very mistaken as to my involvement with that.

        really, do you have a better recommendation of educating our citizens on the Bloods that our Mayor has declared war on? If so, please enlighten me.

        Your comment of “since the overwhelming majority here in LA County or either black and hispanic” is not entirely true. White Supremacy gangs and groups run deep such as the; Aryan Brotherhood, Ayran Circle, Hammerskins, New Ayran Empire, Northern Hammerskins, Outlaw Hammerskins, Peckerwoods, Public EnemyNumber 1, PENI, Saxton Knights prison gang, Supreme White Resistance, White Pride, White Aryan Resistance and more.

        • My statement is true. The overwhelming majority are black and hispanic. Sure there are white gangs but their membership is miniscule compared to the others and in this valley there arent that many….By the way were you ever arrested in Arizona? In the late 80’s or early 90’s?

    • Also Michelle it shouldnt even be legal for you to run a non profit….for anybody doesnt know who Michelle is see below. Now she may be reformed but there is also a real chance she is trying to benefit herself….

      LANCASTER – A judge issued a no-bail arrest warrant for a Lancaster woman who scammed people out of $34,000 with stories of being a surgeon and the tour manager for country singer Reba McEntire.

      Michelle Egberts-Greene, 39, failed to show up Tuesday for her sentencing nine months after she was released to try and get a job and begin making restitution payments to victims.

      No payments have been made and Egberts-Greene has been arrested twice, once when she was accused of throwing a laptop computer at a security guard at a hotel where she worked and once on a charge she kicked a firefighter in the face.

      “She was given several months to make a good-faith effort to prove remorse and start making payments,” Deputy District Attorney David Fleck said. “I don’t know why she should be given any more chances.”

      • Really this is some damaging info regarding Ms. Michelle…if it is valid she should pack her bags and get the hell out of the AV.

        • Its valid, she was also on trial for threatening city officials, dont know how the case ended up… By the way her whole ruckus with the city started when she tried to get them to fund her sober living home…. She is a con artist! Even if it is a legal con, dont be fooled she is motivated by getting other peoples money….

          • But wait. Didn’t rex just write a letter to the editor defending buck mckeons felon district director? he said he paid his debt to society and because of his work with non-profits, we should forgive the dude? so why not the same for this lady?

          • Who says I agree with rex? If you read the testimony it was a weak case, her statements were vague enough that it didnt rise to criminal threats apparently. None the less this lady is a scam artist. She just got a little smarter and is trying to get some government money…

          • the city’s case against her was thrown out of court. guess the judge didn’t really believe rex and his personal pit bull lee d’errico were really “in fear” of their lives! lololol

          • old news fellas. Maybe the 2 or 3 of you need to get together with yourselves(lol) and talk this out instead of constantly talking about Michelle like she out there committing crimes! It gets old hearing the same old crap from you everytime she posts something. And but the way, her posts are informative.

        • @really, quigley & palmdale… yes, it is damaging, but true. However, I paid my debt to society and have made restitution. As for the “threats” against Mayor Parris and Lee D’Errico, they were fabricated, and I was found Not Guilty at both trials (including the Felon in Possession of Weapons).

          I am not looking for money from the City or any agency. I utilized my incarceration to make amends with the community in which I offended in by introducing the Reentry Task Force Initiative.

          As for the sober living, I was a resident in that home who tried to report the abuses occurring in it to the City and LASD Lancaster. I see you didn’t mention the assault that occurred on me by LASD deputy in 2009 who was fired.

          • So back to my other question, were you ever arrested in Arizona? And forgive me for thinking that a con artist might be thinking of herself first when proposing an idea to get grant funding. That is the unfortunate thing, you defrauded people in the past and though you paid your debt people have the right to judge you based on your past. Are you also saying you paid back every dime you swindled away from people?

          • Of course it was! Why don’t you be honest with the folks here about your REAL relationship with Serrano?

          • Still waiting, Michelle, for you to tell everyone the nature of your relationship with Serrano.

          • @ realitycheck… LASD Deputy Serrano and I were roommates which was confirmed by my then Van Nuys parole agent conducting his “home check/inspection” and later confirmed by LASD Internal Affairs.

            Deputy Serrano was fired because he knowingly resided with a parolee and assaulted me (Battery).
            Furthermore, the Lancaster Station tried to “protect their own” by refusing to take a report, even reaching command level. My then parole agent had to call the station and DEMAND a report be taken.

            It was Serrano’s actions that caused his demise. Interesting enough, that investigation is being looked into again, now for retaliation steming from the gun(s)/threats charges (false arrest, fabrication of evidence, fabrication of charges, perjury, misleading internal documents, and malicious prosecution).

            Realitycheck, I hear that our local head District Attorney, Steve Frankland (who represented the Lancaster District Attorneys Office at the City of Lancaster Criminal Justice Commission meetings) has been replaced.

            In closing, why don’t we remind the citizens the power of the Blood Gang and the corrupt law enforcements participation with them (Rampart Scandal) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rampart_scandal

          • I’ve avoided correcting you so far Ms. Egberts (or should we call you Mikki Nelson?), but I must reply to your latest gem.
            1. Nice try, attempting to take credit for (or implying there is something scandalous about) Mr. Frankland being replaced at the local court. The fact is, he has another obligation out of the area. His absence is only temporary.
            2. So, unlike your previous inference that some LASD cop just magically attacked you and was fired for it, now (after a poster here called you out)you claim he was actually your “roommate.” Hmmm, just a roommate? You sure? Sure it wasn’t a lover’s quarrel? If what you say is true, Serrano deserved to get canned for shacking up with any parolee, especially one of your low caliber (is there a high caliber parolee?). I’m guessing he was thinking with his small head, but I’ve seen you, so that can’t be the reason either.
            3.If in fact LASD “refused” to take a report about your being battered by Serrano, is it possible they knew you have a history of calling the cops and alleging outlandish things? That was mentioned during your trial. You don’t get drunk and call the cops, do you Ms. Egberts?
            4. Do you have some strange attraction to cops, firemen, retired cops, retired old men, or retired employees of police and fire? There was the elderly man from the Sheriff station. Then as I recall from one of your recent trials, you were shacked up with a retired and/or volunteer from a police agency. Why are you attracted to the same profession of people you routinely demonize and make complaints against?
            4. In your posts you seem to act like you’ve been just trying to live an honest life, when oh no,poor you, the mean old cops seek you out and take you to jail. Remind us again why the cops showed up at the residence on the latest gun charge? Oh that’s right, YOU CALLED THEM! And remind us what you claimed when you called the cops? Were you drunk?
            5. It’s funny you mention the Serrano thing is being looked into again. And WHY is that Ms. Egberts? Is there some NEW fairy tale you’ve come up with? Did you drunk dial a police station again and make another BS allegation? I’m hoping all your stunts will be someday be made public. The embarrassment will hopefully be enough to make you go away.
            6. As far as your Rampart reference:I’m not sure what relevance a 12 year old scandal has to the AV, but the cops involved in that got what they deserved. Some were gangbangers themselves. They should be in prison. Some of them never should have been hired in the first place. I hope you’re not trying to point to that scandal and somehow link it to the BS you’re alleging. The bloods, as well as all other gangs in this area, need to be dealt with harshly. We don’t need YOU, a several time convicted felon “educating us” about gangs. You need to concentrate on stopping your waste of police and court time, getting a real job (not a handout for your so-called re-entry-give-me-some-free-grant-money) garbage program, and flying under the radar while abiding by all laws. You need to do that for several years without incident if you ever plan to be taken seriously in this area. For those who are uneducated about Ms. Egberts, I urge you to Google her name, and read about her exploits on innocent and gullible victims. This link is especially telling: http://www.thefreelibrary.com/WARRANT+ISSUED+FOR+CON+WOMAN+SENTENCING+MISSED,+NO+RESTITUTION+MADE.-a0128394846

          • @ AV Times Editor… I appreciate you removing the “imposter” who posted using my name with their blog in this thread. Let it be known that it is against the law d (Identity Theft) using someones name in an exploitive manner. So whoever you are, you committed a crime and should be punished by law, but you hide behind a keyboard.

          • Are you seriious Egberts? All the accusations that poster made, and all you have to say is “hey you committed a crime” !?!?
            Fyi…that person was not claiming to be you. Before it was removed I believe it said “michelle egberts aka mikki nelson =fraud”. That’s not posting as you. We know you are familiar with the penal code (for all the wrong reasons)so you should know that’s not a crime. Its a statement that you are a fraud. Which is true. What a hilarious lambasting!

          • You are missing the point. The poster who sucessfully skewered you was not pretending to be you,posing as you, trying to impersonate you,etc. I’m well aware of the code you are referring to. The poster said you are a fraud. YOU chose to put your past out there for all to see, and alert us all to your many trials, which are public info. And again I ask, all those questions asked by that poster, and you have no answers? Also, just because this site removed the posters name doesn’t mean it was illegal, they frequently remove names, word etc that aren’t illegal!

        • @Quigley… I’m not going anywhere! I don’t cower to threats, intimidation and /or false arrests of Mayor Parris, Lee D’Errico or law enforcement just because I’m an ex-offender and former parolee.

          I believe I have a cause of action (lawsuit)against the city, local law enforcement and others under 42 U.S.C 1983 if I choose.

          • You should contact The Law Offices of R Rex Parris. I’m sure he could help you squeeze money out of the City of Lancaster.

          • @John Howard… Thanks for the referral, but I’m quite pleased with the attorney I have, Stephen A. King. Mr King is an outstanding civil/criminal attorney.

            As a matter of fact, it was the R. Rex Parris Law Firm that referred me to my initial attorney Jesse Duran who wanted me to lie and plea-bargain me out on my gun and threat charges. Fortunately, he conflicted himself out when he couldn’t persuade me into taking the “deal” offered by the prosecution because he rents office space from R. Rex Parris.

            Both of my trials were a success with both “Not Guilty” verdicts back to back, an unpresidented occurance at the Antelope Valley Courthouse.

          • FYI, “not guilty” is a legal term and doesn’t mean innocent. You’re not guilty when there isn’t enough evidence to convict.

          • So, ‘D.Fife,’ then everybody who has been found “Not Guilty” in a court of law is still guilty to you, they were just not prosecuted well enough?

          • No Stinger, I was just making the point that there is a difference between Not Guilty and Innocent. I am a realist, and know that some truly innocent people are convicted and that some people who did the dastardly deed are found Not Guilty.

          • Oh Ms. Michelle, do you honestly think I give a rats ass what you do, or have done? I am just amused at how much of your personal life you keep posting for the cyber world to enjoy….you are an idiot!

          • @Quigley…It’s nothing that hasn’t been printed in the press, or is in my book.

            It’s ironic that you use that word “idiot” as Rex Parris used the word “idiot” on the witness stand to describe parolees, yet stated that he really liked me.

            You’re definetly the kind of man that is a blueprint for building an idiot.

          • FYI my dearest Michelle, I never heard of you before finding this site so my opinion of you is strictly from your posts and all of your “friends.” I’m sorry I can’t give you more than that but as they say…”it is what it is.”

          • So Michelle were you arrested in Arizona years ago? And to the other poster… yes sometimes a not guilty verdict is because they werent prosecuted well enough. In michelles case I think she is on tape making statements… she was just smart enough to make them vague like ” I will destroy you” the courts have a hard time with vague statements. Also as far as your gun charge, you put yourself in a situation where a gun was present. To me thats a level of culpability on your part, call me crazy but if you knew you cant be around guns you should not have allowed yourself to be near one.

  14. Crime is down in Lancaster… is all because of Rex and his hard nose stance on crime. Now all of a sudden crime is up 19% in Lancaster and its because we have a problem with the Bloods gang. Since we have not seen anything in the paper about the bloods being a problem in years I an only think this is another ploy by Rex to take away from his inability to lead as mayor and put the blame elsewhere.

    • Logically, if the decline in the crime rate over the last several years is all due to Parris, then doesn’t it follow that the recent increase in crime is also all due to Parris?

      Honestly, I am not claiming such. This is simply an exercise in logic using Parris’ own claims. I do not believe that the decline was due to Parris, therefore I can not claim that the increase is all due to Parris, either (although he would have SOME impact upon it).

      • I think that Parris attracts jerks like the Mongols or the Bloods or whatever. Jerks like to be around jerks.

        I suspect that if you were to visit low crime cities, their mayors would be rigorous about controlling crime but not necessarily jerks like ol’ Rex.

  15. The things is their are way too many so called Gang member’s in the city of Lancaster over the age of 18 that can vote and get his ass out of office, this might be the push they need. hell it’s not like he’s really done anything for the city. it hasn’t grown at all

    • Do you honestly think these dumb sh#t gangsters vote??? That would mean they are registered…hilarious! The only thing they’re registered for is their parole officer’s!

      • well smart guy i am an ex parole who has not been in+ trouble for 8 years since being discharged i have the right to vote thats the problem with every day america we are so stereotypical of the way we see [removed] do you not know that everyone on parole first is not a gang member many on parole made honest mistakes in there lives there are people on parole who went to prison for driving on a suspended license there are 100’s of gang members who have not and will not see the inside of a jail cell who can vote it is your narrowed minded ass and your narrowed minded thinking that keeps a blind eye to the [removed] that is really going gangsters use to prey on each other murder and crime is not down because of parris that fool dont scare nobody he has done nothing other than pat his own back people are becoming smarter and more organized killing and robbing are the jackets that many people see gangsters wearing what they dont know are that many are educating themselves and moving into a world that people would not second guess who they are keep your blinders on and go on through life believing all gangsters are stupid and zombies things change and are for ever evolving including the dumb no good for nothing low life gutter ass gangsters

        • me,I agree with you…all gangsters are smart until they’re caught or dead. So, I will assume you are registered, and will be voting in November?

        • Although you had nothing but time on your hands in prison, I see you definitely missed the English/writing/punctuation class. Oh wait, those were back in 2nd grade.

          • That is all you can come up with is his grammar? Grow the [removed] up. He makes valid points. What is and are your solutions Knee? You have none only to criticize others.

    • So you support gang members now? You must be some ghetto hood rat on welfare who likes to get fu–ed by them

      • Let’s break down some of that first sentence to figure out an IQ level: “The things is their are way too many so called Gang member’s”. How many errors can you find?

      • Who is supporting gang members? If you are directing to me that I am a ghetto hood rat on welfare I am completely offended. I do not support gang activity whatsoever and have never been around it since I grew up in La Canada Flintridge. However, I do believe there are many in prison for false prosecution and have seen it with my own eyes since I moved up here in 2010. I call it like I see it and for this person regardless of being an ex felon to try to be in involved by following what is going on in his city or surrounding cities deserves props despite his grammar. That is just ridiculous. Isn’t this a site where you can voice your concerns and opinions? Not everyone is going to agree but they also should not be discouraged from doing so based on their English skills.

        • LOL…yeah Erika. there are LOTS of people in prison for “false prosecution.” What are you smoking? Of course your buddy “me” above, has every right to post his opinion here. But no, he doesn’t deserve “props” for “following what is going on in his city.” That is his responsibility as a member of the community. I know you hoodrats want a pat on the back for doing the bare minimum and all. The thing some on this site don’t understand is, when you use nothing but ghetto speak, it does speak to your education level. An occasional misspelling or grammatical error is one thing, but when a fool like your parolee friend above rants like he did, he nor his views can be taken seriously. He won’t ever get a real job speaking/writing like that, and is destined to be on parole most of his life.

          • Look sorry that my grammar caused an uproar and that the obvious points were missed again that is the blind stereotypical eye of society once again ignorance has always been mans downfall and once again man shows his ignorance i might be an ex felon and might not spell as well as others but im not ignorant and when it comes right down to it i do believe my spelling or lack of is not causing people to look at ex cons the way they do I believe that people such as “you always law abiding citizens”…….see people who go to prion you view us a gangsters, thieves, robbers thugs who have nothing going in there lives so we screw everyone else……well stupid you could not be more wrong yes I have made several mistakes in my life and i have paid my debt to society and when it comes to anyone thinking that i owe more and i should always be held accountable for the things that i have done in past screw you I know that as a man i am strong stand on my own two feet, the challenges and the perception that people pin on us are not fair we become carer criminal for many reasons some because thats what they do others because thats all they know and then there are others who try over and over to get employment, go to school, to become legit to only have there past get them shot down we continue everyday of our lives to pay for the things that we have paid for and because our past prevents our ability to move forward and interact with society we become and desperate….we begin reverting to what it is we know you do not know me why would you begin to place a judgement on me i am a man who might not spell well or put a coma or period in its right a place but i am a man who will stand up for his beliefs and would never assume that another man is dumb or stupid for his faults because i do believe that in every person if you listen closely there words carry wisdom that every person has something good too offer this world but as long as people like you decide to make fun of and only notice what it is you noticed about my earlier post america being a young nation will continue to destroy its self as long as we continue to put individuals on pedistals we will continue to be ignorant in areas such as gangs, drugs, ect… educate your self before you call the kettel black and parris you still suck you want all glory and no blame your trying to turn lancaster into something it is not you want pleaseantville in a desert you want people who have lil to no income to have no section 8 so lets make them homeless iots voting time again or i have to make a public appearance to lets start a war on bloods next it will be a hispanic gang or maybe a different religeous group i mean you know how hard core they getand to the man who wants to see only my mishaps in gramer and spelling i am sorry i dont spell well but i am interested in a rebutal on the points and issues that i brought up i will go head to head with you on any topic and any discution that arises and i promise you that my spelling and gramer will not hold me back from anything that i want to do….Erika thank you for standing up for me everyday of my life i have to put up with that very type of ignorance and very few people would stand up for me or anyone else who wear the same shoes

          • hey dumb ass i am not in trouble or on parole anymore, and who are you to decide who gets taking seriously and who does not your the joke you are pointing out my flaws to better your point some of the smartest men in the world could not spell, some could not read, and there were some who could not write but since you know everything i bet you knew that. well if you know everything than you would know when to shut up but i guess you dont know everything my lack of gramer skills and spelling have never held me down they are not holding me back so dont make excuses for me that might be your get down but it is not mine I know I can better my faults but can you stop assuming and judging? probably not since you grew up thinking it was acceptable to place and judge someone as you see fit I have the ability to keep learning and stay open minded but you dont…………………..now your thinking well your judging me no im not i just threw that out there to see if you even recognize something that you might do all day everyday i believe you use the phrase “ghetto speak” i do believe the correct phrase would be “ghetto language” or he or she were speaking in ghetto i am just saying dont judge a book by its cover it might look plain or dumb or not beaten up but that only means it was doing its job and that was to preserve the story that lies within

  16. I guess this is why Rex and his wife have Concealed Weapons Permits.
    My advice to you Rex, be careful when you go to the airport. I’m just saying.

    • [removed] parris and all he stands for this town is what it is and became a a recognized by many as a great city…….and guess what we did it without you i am a life time resident who remembers burger hut on 50th west and when everything to do was on sierra hwy your war on gangs miss me with that bull[removed] its your war on trying to make lancaster pleseant ville your so full of yourself you cant see daylight but dont be alarmed when you hear that big ass pop it will be your head coming out your ass you are so full of [removed] parris some of things you have said amazed me not to mention the goons that you completly back after an innocent kid was shot you can all go to hell my boy you are going about it all wrong your power will run out and you truly are no better than the thugs you declare war on

    • I find this “NOT” racists,!!! but from one “CRIMINAL ORGANIZATION to aother”!,, asking “RE PARRIS” to help them (MEXICAN MAFIA) so that they establish a “NEGATIVE” spot in today society!,,,

  18. ACE, You really crossed the line this time..
    I can’t believe it..

    That is almost funny. Poor taste, but almost funny.

  19. This is good and bad news…..I love the color of “red” and I pray I won’t be a target for the police because of that. I am 65 blk granny moved from LA blood’s hood to the AV to save my growing family from all the red and blue volice….I do my best to keep my grand sons out of red and pants pulled up….I will read this to them and let them know there is more reason that they can be a target of the gangs and the police….it is a shame to have to be the man in the middle…but it is what it is….Mothers…Plz Pray~God watch over our families and city~Amen

  20. LOL Is Rex coordinating feel good pieces now? So many new posters, singing his praises. What’s he trying to defect attention from today?

    • WOW! So this mean he WASN’T targeting “Bloods” after his gang meeting at LBC in ’08?
      Or his “war on gangs” in ’09?
      His “gang units” he was doing ride alongs with in ’10?
      Or his “win” against gangs with no gang killings in ’11?
      Well you go than Rexy. Bout time!

      • Would that be the ‘nonprofit’ group, “AV War on Gangs” that , according to the Secretary of State of California and the IRS never existed in the first place (in spite of accepting ‘tax free’ donations)?

  21. I am grateful for this article as it finally gives me one small reason for the justification for the eye in the sky to be put into operation. It would be a great resource (if used correctly, of course) for medium term, long range surveillance of gang infested locations with a minimum of risk for personnel and low likelihood of discovery by the perpetrators of the surveillance.

    • Wow, stop the presses! I actually agree with Stinker on something…..wait…what? Ahhh I got to the second sentence and saw “great resource (if used correctly, of course) for medium term, long range surveillance…” By “used correctly,” I assume you mean used in the ways described in those books about policing tactics, the ones you keep quoting that were written in the 1800’s from other countries? Damn, you almost had me Stinker! Just for giggles though, what would be an example of the police NOT using the eye in the sky “correctly” against this group in particular?

      • More ccompletely unprovoked ad hominems from Oblivious… And you were doing so well earlier, too. Did you know that some of my referencing materials go all the way back into the 1700’s, too? I’m guessing that you don’t believe that those are relevent today, either?

  22. Thank You Mayor Paris for all that you are doing! I am glad i was able to vote for you back in April. That was my first time ever voting in an election because I finally turned 18 in March. My famly and me are mostly Democrats but we support everything you are doing because someone has to put there foot down and make this town safe for all of us! thank you so much!

  23. Wooo Hooo ……… it’ll be nice to enjoy the peace and quiet of Lancaster again!!! That’s why he’s our mayor!!! NOT IN OUR TOWN!!! Do not negotiate with terrorists and that’s exactly what they are: domestice terrorists. Looking forward to a peaceful life again :)

  24. BAM!! It’s about damn time somebody in the AV took charge…Parris seems to be the one. Thanks!

  25. I am so glad this is being enforced. I moved to Lancaster for a better, more peaceful place where violence is being taken seriously. And I appreciate any efforts to do so. Thank you Mayor Perris for your contribution and hard work.

    • Me too! I recently retired from the Air Force and found Lancaster very affordable and close to S. California goodies and so I bought a house and settled here. I want a safe and clean community for my family with good schools (Westside Union – Del Sur is great). Thanks Rex!

    • I think Mayor Parris has served Lancaster well, as has our great council! Keep it up ladies and gents!

      • Lancaster has had the highest crime rate and the lowest property values for many years. Again talk is very cheap unless your a trail lawyer Mayor.

    • Oh come on….a little violence and blood letting will send a message; vermin take heed. Vermin should be exterminated (justifiably, of course), and if not exterminated imprisoned for a long, long time.

  27. Way to go Parris! Now, I wonder how many Hug-A-Thug Parris hating trolls are gonna spew their obtuse hating opinions on this?!

      • Mayor Ledford is probably writing up an invitation for them to come on over to Palmdale, he’ll roll over for anything.

        • Guess we’ll wait to see if rex get’s his $400,000 from the county. If not, Ledford saved the city at least a 1/2 mil. For doing nothing more or less than AGREEING to follow LASD’s new rules concerning section 8 compliance checks. Who’s the fool now?
          And how much will it cost Lancaster residents for the suit against the county if rex looses?