Those pictures and comments about the “Sal13″ and “Val13″ gangs. Those are member tags for MS-13 gang members. Sal is a name, and the 13 identifies their allegence.

My wife and I moved out of Lorton a year ago because these gang signs, and an increase in drug and prostitution, began in our apartment complex. It was so bad, that when I handed night photos ( I am a pretty good amatuer photographer) to Fairfax County PD, they just shrugged their shoulders, thanked us, and recommended that we look for somewhere else to live. Apparently, they had so many phone calls in the past 6 months, they had just given up!

We broke our lease. I handed copies of the photos to the landlord when he threatened legal action, then pointed to a “Zero Tolerance” drug policy in our lease. I had no issues after that.

Thanks for the lesson about Manassas and the PW area. We are now looking for a house, and I will make sure that PW is not on the list. I don’t understand how any government official could stand against the citizens that elect them. Sounds like it’s time for the entire county to withhold it’s property tax payments.

Well, gee…I don’t know, One Voice. I just had a wonderful experience with diversity at the old Wal-Mart over near 66 (btw, this is NOT a sarcasm alert). The short time I was there, I noted at least one Philippine, a couple of Hispanics, numerous Blacks and some Caucasians (employees). You want to know what made it so wonderful? They ALL spoke, and understood, English and were consequently very helpful! I haven’t had that pleasant an experience in a Wal-Mart in this area (although I have in other areas) in a LONG time. I wonder what’s up?

You are not dumb, just uninformed. It took me about a month to realize I didn’t live IN Manassas. I live in the County. It is important to know so you can call the right Fire Dept and Police Dept.

Don’t put your address here but what street do you live on? People here can help you out.

Stay away from day labor sites. Those can be unpleasant. While at Jazzercise, don’t make eye contact, carry your cell phone visably going in and out and if anyone bothers you, call 911. Know the address of Jazzercize so you can tell the 911 dispatcher.

Thank you for contacting the office of the Gainesville District Supervisor John Stirrup. The Supervisor has asked that I respond to your concern regarding the incident at the 7-11 on Coverstone Drive.

We received the reports of the incident at 7-11 shortly after it occurred. The Supervisor is currently discussing the issue with the Police Department, who are currently investigating internally. As I understand, the incident is well documented and we anticipate further action with regarding the issue.

Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.

Sincerely,

Scott Chambers

Senior Aide

Gainesville District

Can you ping Lou Dobbs’ folks about this?

Dan

Greg, I am sorry you had such an experience with PWCPD.
You should definitely file complaints about this.
Everyone, please do not place yourself in the situations like I have been reading about. Let’s get organized on this and hopefully no one will get hurt!

I’m responding to both posts about the day-labor sights with this:

When the Herndon people (read George Taplin and associates) did this in Herndon the rules were set and the project was orderly and civil. The volunteers showed up on the public sidewalk, most armed with cameras and hopefully in force (more than one) usually four or more. It was not done every day as there were truly just a few diehards that habitually showed up. Once a week was effective, not always the same weekday.
There were never harsh words exchanged with anyone, stern sometimes but not harsh or rude. When a worker walked past us, we greeted the individual with kind words (in English). I never witnessed any act even close to violent. I was however always vigilant.

The primary target for the cameras was the contractor who came to employ these people. Every effort was made to be as obvious as possible that the contractor’s trucks, license plates, signs, etc were recorded.
When asked whom the recorded images and info were for, the normal response was that the collected information would be turned over to ICE, IRS, any organization that sounded like it would impress the target.
Remember, if the contractors do not come, there will be no laborers.

What actually happened with the pictures was that they remained personal property and you can do whatever you feel you must, being careful to protect yourself and the participants working with you from any claims of wrongdoing.

This was simple, effective and legal. We did get harassed somewhat by the police from time to time, but if you follow the rules and stay legal no one can do anything to you!

This approach brought international press coverage.

Never heard of the broken window theory, have you?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fixing_Broken_Windows

That is okay in book! LOL, keep me on my toes but good it came out!