Not guilty pleas in gang murder trial

11:15 a.m.The four teens charged in a December 2007 gang-related killing pleaded not guilty Wednesday morning to all of charges against them.

The men — Stephen Barrios, 19, Raymond Almodobar, 18, Christian Gallegos, 18, and Daniel Ortega, 19, — appeared before Napa County Superior Court Judge Rodney Stone.

They are charged with the Dec. 8, 2007, shooting death of Ricardo Gonzalez in a gang-related street fight in the 2500 block of Laurel Street.

Although all four have separate attorneys, their preliminary hearings will be consolidated into one Dec. 1 hearing, with deputy district attorney Fred Gutierrez serving as prosecutor.

All four of the defendants are being held in Napa County jail on bail ranging from $3 million to $5 million.

In addition to the murder charge, each of the teens has been charged with street terrorism and special allegations of intentional discharge of a firearm, causing great bodily harm. All four are known gang members.

All of them are looking at the possibility of life terms in state prison.

Almodobar has been charged with three other felonies in a separate case, which is set for preliminary hearing on Friday.

On Sept. 27, a Napa police officer spotted Almodobar driving a car in the area of Kansas and Wilkins avenues.

Knowing that Almodobar did not have a valid driver’s license, the officer stopped the car and searched it. During the search, police found a billy club, shovel and a large brick, according to the police report.

Almodobar told police he carried them for his own protection, the report said. The officer also found a CD player in the trunk, which was found to be stolen, police said.

Almodobar was arrested and charged with felony possession of a deadly weapon, street terrorism and receiving stolen property. He is a known Norteno gang member.

Earlier this month, Barrios was transported from California Department of Corrections at Tehachapi for his arraignment in the Gonzalez murder. He is serving a two-year prison sentence for felony vandalism and disturbing the peace which happened in Napa on Nov. 23, 2007. That incident is also gang-related.

90 comment(s)

49ergrl707 wrote on Oct 29, 2008 11:40 AM:

" This is only the beginning of a long progress... stay strong Danny...now it's time to see the crappy job N.P.D has done! FREE DANNY!!!!!! "

jonb3333 wrote on Oct 29, 2008 12:33 PM:

" I say GREAT JOB N.P.D. !!!!!!!!!
Keep it up, maybe soon, if you keep arresting these cowards, we will all be free of gang terrorist soon.
GREAT JOB, keep up the good work!!! "

janet707 wrote on Oct 29, 2008 12:53 PM:

" Great Job Napa County P.D. I Hope They All Sufer and Feel Pain For that One Homie Down..who has left his baby girl alone in this world grumpy will never be able to see his girl walk-run play and graduate from high skol and each and everyone person knows what they are dewing when they enter a gang so justice will take care of those who thik its okay to take a life away Rest In Paradise Ricardo Gonzalez=*( "

kittyamma wrote on Oct 29, 2008 1:07 PM:

" +1 great job napa PD, now get the rest of the gang banger little kids and rid our town of the crime "

napachica wrote on Oct 29, 2008 1:34 PM:

" I must agree...GREAT JOB NPD! "

funnyyou wrote on Oct 29, 2008 2:07 PM:

" Janet 707, "They All Sufer and Feel Pain For that One Homie Down." Huh? What are you talking about? "

amerimex08 wrote on Oct 29, 2008 2:12 PM:

" so does this mean that they are guilty or not guilty because it says that they are all not guilty but then it says that "each of the teens has been charged with street terrorism and special allegations of intentional discharge of a firearm, causing great bodily harm. All four are known gang members".
Plus, i know that christian is a good person. I know that for a fact because i went with him looking for colleges and universities here in saint louis and he had good grades and everything. "

collegestudent wrote on Oct 29, 2008 3:21 PM:

" It is sad to see how in a blink of an eye, a second, so many lives have been changed. Ricardo dead and these boys facing life sentences. I knew Ricard.He made mistakes yes and one of those was getting invoved in gangs. But even when in that lifestyle everyone has the right to mature and change. That is exactly what Ricardo was doing he had plans with his wife and his baby. He was leaving that lifestyle. For those of you who don't know it. Getting out of a gang isn't as easy as getting in it. The pressure the so called homies, they all pull you down. I just hope that the person that pulled the trigger that night acts like a man and steps up to face the consequences of his actions. If he's a true "ene" then he should turn himself in. Aren't these his "homies" uh pathetic.
As to these guys I know most of them as well. They are friendly. Went to school with 2 of them and even though I didn't like and don't like them I wish them the best but if they did do it then i hope they rot in hell. No one deserves to die the way ricardo did. No matter what wrong they did. Killing is not the answer.
God be with Ricardo's family and god help the lost soul that took this young man's life. "

caprichosa707 wrote on Oct 29, 2008 4:54 PM:

" I was a good friend of Ricardo, reading this article brought back alot of good memories... I hope that these guys pay for what they did, eventhough that won't bring my friend back, they need to accept the consequences. "

NAPAMOM21 wrote on Oct 29, 2008 8:56 PM:

" Where are all the comments about Almodobar being innocent and unable to harm a fly??? He has separate felony charges..... a good kid doesn't have multiple felony charges.

These kids should be put away for killing another. NPD needs to crack down on gang members to dimisigh the gang violence in Napa! "

49er wrote on Oct 29, 2008 10:09 PM:

" janet707: Do you even know what ur talking about???? Well you say everyone knows wut they r doing when they enter a gang? You must be in one as well, cause who other then a gang member uses the words one Homie down, and calling someone by there street name (Grumpy). Wow! Well Danny Stay strong fam, we luv you n miss u! You will be out soon. They don't have anything on you, proving that you commited this murder. To "collegestudent: You must not have known Ricardo that good if you r saying that he was in the process of changing his life for his wife and daughter. Do u call jumping someone a week before he died making a change for his wife and daughter? I don't call that making a change. Yes I can say I do know wut it's like trying to get out of a gang..... And if they were his true friends then they would understand what he was trying to do for his family, and give him no problems about it. It's not like our gangs in Napa r like the ones in L.A where you die if you want to get out. Stay strong fam! C ya soon Danny! "

yamamama wrote on Oct 30, 2008 4:42 AM:

" I would like to know more about the background of these guys. Who are they? How long have they lived in Napa? Were they raised here? What schools did they attend? "

SouthNapa wrote on Oct 30, 2008 7:05 AM:

" Now I know everybody is innocent until proven guilty, but the mugshot of the suspect with 707 tattooed on his neck isn't exactly leading me to believe he is innocent. Throw the book at these punks! "

!LiVe!LaUgH!LuV! wrote on Oct 30, 2008 8:02 AM:

" NAPAMOM21
"..... a good kid doesn't have multiple felony charges"
i dont agree... good kids sumtimes get turned down the wrong path! and it happens and theres nuthing wrong with that! as for this article and every1s comments about innocent or not...whtever happened to "innocent until proven guilty?" until they sentence them with a guilty term i think every1 should keep there mouths shut! you never noe maybe they really arent the ones who did it! "

GrapetownBankerBoi707 wrote on Oct 30, 2008 8:17 AM:

" if grumpy was so intent on leaving the gang, then why did he go that night? yeh, itz hard to get out of gangz. i know that for a fact better than just bout any of u. but that doesnt mean he couldn't say no that night. but he chose to go. he chose to go, knowing that he may die. he knew there had been more than 8 stabbings in two months before that which makes it real likely that he could get stabbed or shot or that his homiez could do stabbings or shootings. he chose his own fate and i feel no sorrow whatsoever for him. surenos fight dirty and everyone in town knows that. they always have. napamom21-i guarentee you that your kid if they are at teenage level has already committed multiple crimes; most likely felonies as well. most kids do. u don't understand the life these kids are living in. they have to get rides to go to their friends' houses that are 2 blocks away if it's after dark and even if it's not. it has become NECESSARY to carry a weapon for one's own protection! whether you are a gang member or not! so don't judge because you don't know these people!

as someone else said in an earlier blog: why haven't ricardo's homiez been arrested! they brought him there, they initiated the fight and they were responsible for him being stabbed! at the very least lock them up on felony street violence with a gang enhancement!

NPD, you are a joke! you had the wrong people in december and you have the wrong people now! stop sitting at starbucks for three hours every morning wasting tax-payer's money and actually get some real work done! "

JimClark wrote on Oct 30, 2008 8:33 AM:

" We will have to see what happens with Danny.

Uniforms have been prevalent since at least the 1960s. Ragged military uniforms that indicate an anti-war position, business suits that give image to employers and, more recently an attire that represents all that represents the current “culture”; as demented as it is becoming.

We are advised not to judge a picture by its presentation in a newspaper yet some artists may use identical images to promote or disdain the questionable behavior of a pathological element of our civilization; an element that has absolutely NO right to exist in any manner. Napa, as well as the entire United States must eliminate this poorly romanticized image of “gangs”.

Some gangs wear business suits also. My point here is that Americans have been assaulted by image makers. The sleazy political advertisements on the media are a radiant example. The Gangs in America are represented by what seems a politically protected entity in our country. Why? Bad guys are bad guys and that concept indicts the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). If Americans as a whole are subject to a threat, that threat must be quelled or eliminated altogether. "

Dwayne wrote on Oct 30, 2008 9:01 AM:

" !LiVe!LaUgH!LuV!.....

Well, he sure looks like a real nice feller... Just the kinda guy I'd like to have take my daughter to the prom... "

cellsitegod wrote on Oct 30, 2008 9:04 AM:

" Since I'm censored on my opinion. I guess all I can say is:
GOOD JOB NAPA PD.
Your professionals at what your doing and there is a good reason your charging these guys.
"Going down the wrong path" ???
Their crimes were not stealing candy bars!
From looking at the "Gansta Grammer" here some of these people didn't spend much time in school learning basic grammer. Guess "gang activity" was more important than learning something? "

GANEECE wrote on Oct 30, 2008 9:23 AM:

" 49ER: "It's not like our gangs in Napa r like the ones in L.A where you die if you want to get out."

really? because that's exactly what is sounds like to me. Someone did die..... Ricardo. "

grape wrote on Oct 30, 2008 9:26 AM:

" Being in a Gang should be a crime in itself.

I agree with SouthNapa on the mugshot. "

napa_girl wrote on Oct 30, 2008 9:35 AM:

" ok where's "FreeBarrios"..? Where are the people saying he's a "good" kid and that he wasn't involved in gangs? Obviously you need a reality check! You are blind to not know that Stephen Barrios is a gang member...the "707" around his neck lets other gang members know where he's from and what is his "turf" The "star" was most likely a tear drop that got covered up with a cute star. My questions is; where are his parents when he's getting tatted up? most likely they are in one way or another "afilitated" with gangs and allow these types of tattoos. You want to believe that your loved ones are not capable of such a crime but reality is different.

to NAPAMOM21:

good kids sumtimes get turned down the wrong path! and it happens and theres nuthing wrong with that! as for this article and every1s comments about innocent or not...whtever happened to "innocent until proven guilty?"

what do you mean there's nothing wrong with going down the wrong path? it's called wrong for a reason. Regarding the innocent until proven guilty...This is Napa here it's guilty until proven innocent... "

melimop wrote on Oct 30, 2008 10:04 AM:

" Lock 'em up! "

amigo wrote on Oct 30, 2008 10:32 AM:

" If there wasnt a male leadership problem in these fellers lifes and the community as a whole these gang bangers would have something better to do than beat eachother up.
Lets deal with the core problem and stop teating just the symptoms "

Brea wrote on Oct 30, 2008 10:47 AM:

" UGHHH seriously most of you need to learn how to spell. Lets remember that a few kids were already arrested and released. So as much as I would like to say great job NPD I can't. Let's hope that these kids are the guilty ones and we are not innocently charging them. The truth will eventually come out and I hope that Ricardo's family will finally have the peace they so much deserve. "

napamom21 wrote on Oct 30, 2008 11:10 AM:

" napa_girl: I didn't write that note... it was !LiVe!LaUgH!LuV! in response to my comment.

I say throw the book at them! "

notpc wrote on Oct 30, 2008 11:41 AM:

" If they are all involved in gangs good riddance. If they are all found guilty good riddance. I tired of a bunch of excuses for their criminal behavior. I hope Napa County judges give them the maximum time in prison. I am sick and tired of hearing from their gang banger friends and girlfriends what sweet people they are. I say bull! "

cordell wrote on Oct 30, 2008 11:51 AM:

" I have to agree with Brea. Are the young people in Napa as stupid as they write? Ever hear of a dictionary or a sentence? "

dre83 wrote on Oct 30, 2008 11:57 AM:

" Ok, first of all...thanks BREA! You all do need to learn how to spell. And second, WHAT IS THE POINT of going at it back and forth over the "Napa Register Online". No matter what, those guys will get what they deserve. Whether they are found guilty or innocent, you reap what you sew. All this junk is ridiculous and find it even more crappy that there is a baby involved. Why mess with people and their families. I don't know Ricardo, I know he's not perfect and innocent either, BUT the point is he had a family!!! I just hope that the "killers" get what they have comin to them!!! "

Redredwine wrote on Oct 30, 2008 12:53 PM:

" notpc- you could have not said it better!

I also agree with Brea (in regards to spelling), you need to learn how use correct grammar and punctuation to even be considered taken seriously!!! I understand that this might be your way of self-expression, but it does not add to a constructive dialogue. Enough with the slang, and "Ganster Grammer", as "cellsitegod" puts it. "

FreeBarrios wrote on Oct 30, 2008 12:55 PM:

" Let me tell u something napa girl. I am Stephens mom and I do know he was involved with gangs and spent years on his butt to try to turn him around. Our family is not gang members and Stephen is not even from Napa, nor has he ever lived there. My point is that he did not kill that poor boy and should not be judged by how he looks...and no thats not a tear drop cover up. They arrested my son because he had been involved in the November violence and had been shot in the same area. NPD are reaching...far...trying to solve a case that they have no evidence on. In the end, I bet all 4 boys are let free and NPD will still be looking for the shooter. "

mymy wrote on Oct 30, 2008 1:14 PM:

" Quilty or not it doesn't matter if Danny is in jail, it doesn't matter if Christian is in jail or Barrios or anyone. It doesn't matter if Gonzalez is dead.

HELLLOO!!! Open your eyes the gangs are and will always continue to be. They always have and they always will.
Yes now they are completely out of control and who's fault is that? The parents? No. The police! For assuming that things would always be ok. They pretty much opened the doors for all of this to happen in the passed and now.

Putting anyone in jail will not bring back Gonzalez or change the fact that gangs exist. If Gonzalez were still alive he would probably be the next suspect for another gang related activity as well because thats who he was.

Gonzalez left behind a child a child who would grow up learning gang from his/her father because THATS WHO HE WAS.

Get the point! No one, nothing will stop the gangs they're everywhere and always have been.

Oh and no I'm not a gang banger myself nore do I associate with them...I'm just using common sense.

It is what it is!

Peace! "

collegestudent wrote on Oct 30, 2008 1:49 PM:

" To "49er"
Look I'm not on here to argue with anyone about anything. You have your opinion of Ricardo and I have mine. But what was done to him was still not right. The killing of a person no matter how it is justified is not right. It's time for everyone to step out of their shells and really take a look at the situation without any bias. The . truth will come out sooner or later. I just hope that it is sooner than later so that everyone involved and affected by this can cope and move on. "

mymy wrote on Oct 30, 2008 1:59 PM:

" *Guilty "

y2kcbr wrote on Oct 30, 2008 2:04 PM:

" Let the judicial system make the call. Im certain the four boys are good boys/homies whatever. Gang member or not, a life was lost here and that's what this is all about.

FreeBarrios - There is a long hard road ahead, stay strong and focused. Be ready to accept the challenges that you will most certainly be faced with from any judicial decision. Guilty or not guilty, you need to continue to be supportive.

On a side note, to the folks that posted on these forums using Gang talk (sorry, I have no clue on the apporpriate word(s) for that! Please take a moment to make a post if you want to be taken seriously on message boards, forums, blogs. I see the first sentence from your posts and completely skip over them until I read coherent posts that referred to your posts (thus making me backtrack). Just a word of advice, take a moment, think about what you are going to type. Create it in Word or whatever word editor you have, then for petes sake, hit F7 (spellcheck).

People will read your post and take it with a little more objective eye, rather than a subjective eye... "

Heaven wrote on Oct 30, 2008 2:16 PM:

" My prayers go out to the victims family as well to the young these young men are not going to get a fair trial because their faces are in the newspaper. They are already guilty before they go to trial. "

14obama wrote on Oct 30, 2008 2:51 PM:

" Pride comes before the fall !
Joinin a gang........
A perfect example of a person trying to re-create himself out of disrespect towards his true self. ego=easing God out
No Gang !
Be Free !
Like Me !

Respect Yourself !
Life's a short Journey.
Find what you enjoy and Do it. "

GregN. wrote on Oct 30, 2008 2:55 PM:

" WOW, way to much slang in here. I hope they go a little farther than life sentences. I'm sure some of you know what I'm talking about...

What a life it would be that they could go to jail where all their freind are (will end up), and hang out every day with free food!

I hope NPD watches this blog and questions those who know the defendants well. Perhpas that will bring some more gang members to the light. "

tiredofcomplainingnapkins wrote on Oct 30, 2008 3:08 PM:

" To freebarrios,
The police have been investigating this murder for almost a year before the arrests were made. If i had to bet money on it I would take a bet that the police have the right people. These are professionals investigators who have years of schooling and experience, I'm pretty sure the police and DA wouldn't put there reputations and careers on the line and arrest people without evidence to convict them. "

14obama wrote on Oct 30, 2008 3:09 PM:

" 'dre83' you must learn something here.

The real word is sow,as in "you reap what you sow".
not
"you reap what you sew".

A difference there ! "

steph wrote on Oct 30, 2008 4:51 PM:

" Oh, awesome! Now the li'l gangsters are starting to threaten each other on-line.

How cute!

Listen--can you kids please find something constructive to do? Like get a job, go to school, read a book, do some volunteer work--something?

Really--the idea of you all threatening each other here on line is ridiculous--you're only making yourselves look immature and silly. Not gaining any sympathy from those of us who work hard and raise our kids and pay our taxes.

Frankly, I'm tired of you clogging up our courts and jails and wasting valuable resources. Please grow up! "

Paddy wrote on Oct 30, 2008 4:51 PM:

" This post is getting a little gangy-scarey. Just sign me Paddy707.... NVR, letting gang sign in now? "

GrapetownBankerBoi707 wrote on Oct 30, 2008 5:20 PM:

" i have a job. i have two. i used to have three. I hope that no one intends to make me out as a gangmember sitting online and threatening people. i simply called things how i see them. that's how i see them. that's how a lot of people see them.

i have volunteered a lot of my time working to keep kids out of gangs; to teach them that it is not about what they think it is about and that they need to think before they get into it because it is a very serious. if caprichosa707 wants to try and attack me online, let her. she is only showing her own stupidity and it does not affect me.

just because i understand the people in these things, does not mean that i am one and the fact that i call things how i see them does not mean i am attacking anyone. so i just hope that none of those posts were directed at me. "

MarkMiwords wrote on Oct 30, 2008 5:34 PM:

" GrapetownBankerBoi707: I may be wrong, but I think the "caprichosa707" comment was reviewed and censored. Good move NVR! "

wipemedown wrote on Oct 30, 2008 6:19 PM:

" I am just trying to figure out if Gangster Grammer is different than Grammar. Is it similar to Ganster Grammar?

OOhhh yes. . . . . . . . the many triumphs of our Nation.

I hope i'm on the jury..... "

Jane Eyrehead wrote on Oct 30, 2008 6:38 PM:

" Anyone who thinks Napa is being taken over by wine snobs and foodies needs to take a good look at some of these posts. In fact, a lot of people should--it might open some eyes.

The grammar and the spelling and the textmessagese are terrible, but the freedom with which some writers advertise their gang affiliations is quite arresting (no pun intended). It does provide evidence for my belief that only idiots join gangs.

I would love it if the area code here were changed--a whole lot of fools would have to get new tattoos. "

Napagemini wrote on Oct 30, 2008 6:48 PM:

" To Marsha Dorgan: Apparently you cannot follow Judge Stones orders.
You asked him if the register can post photos/video of the defendants and he replied "NO YOU CANNOT" because it would violate their constitutional rights, you replied that it's A free of speech and he still denied your request. I'm not defending the suspects in this case, but when you go ahead clearly ignore the judges decision you clearly have no respect. I don't care if you don't post this comment, but someone at the register needs to know what was said and their will be repricussions. "

HaveAtIt3 wrote on Oct 30, 2008 7:10 PM:

" I think everyone is missing the whole point here. The point is whoever these boys are made the decision to take someones life. Ricardo or "grumpy" as some of you call him left behind his wife and unborn child. I lived down the street from Raymond growing up and i went to school with Ricardo and it dosn't matter what matters is that someones life was taken due to violence and I think its sad that everyone would rather argue with eachother then come together as a town and realise that we ALL need to do something to stop all of this crap. Yes my self included. People who are reading this and know information that maybe the police don't need to come foward and help Ricardo's family find peace. I recently lost my step dad and it was in the papers and people were making fun of it and posting rude comments and in time like these there not appreaciated or wanted. Ricardo's family is hurting and has to live with the fact that there son, husband, brother, cousin, grandson is never coming back. As for the four boys who are arrested have familys as well who are also hurting because they see a life being tossed down the drain. Im not taking side I just feel like this whole thing is a wast weather all of these boys involved in the situation are good or not its all a waste. Ricardo's death was a waste and for nothing and these boys might spend the rest of their lives in jail (also a waste) I wish the best for all the families involved in this mess and I wish peace for Ricardo's family. "

49er wrote on Oct 30, 2008 8:32 PM:

" LoL.......Wow r u serious? All you people are actually going to get on here and argue about spelling and grammer???????? You gotta be jokeing me. Who cares if people write in text messaging form, that does not mean that they didn't go to school or that they don't have a education, or that they should be considerd GANG MEMBERS! And to everyone who thinks that having a tattoo of a area code is gang involvment, then you really know nothing about gangs. That is just a simble of where you were born and where you are from. Not that you are claming your turf.......LOL! That's funny, but anyways, my point is if your only going to get on here and complain of the spelling and grammer, don't bother. Just stop being nosey on something you don't know nothing about, and find something else to complain about besides spelling! "

kracker wrote on Oct 30, 2008 8:54 PM:

" MYMY wrote, "Yes now they are completely out of control and who's fault is that? The parents? No. The police!"Are you serious? Discipline starts at home. A police officers job is to serve and protect, not raise your kids. It is the responsibility of the family and a civic duty to raise kids to know right from wrong. If your kids are in gangs, you have failed as a parent! Try teaching your kids to have respect for there community and the people in it. The time has come to hold parents responsible for there kids actions. My tax dollars and the police are not going to raise your kids! "

Joe wrote on Oct 30, 2008 9:01 PM:

" Why is it necessary to have whoever this guy is pictured on the front page for two days? "

NVR Moderator wrote on Oct 30, 2008 9:16 PM:

" The Register did comply with the judge's decision to not allow cameras in the courtroom for that particular session.
We were, however, allowed in the courtroom with cameras on previous occasions with the defendants, and those photos can be used in our print and online publications.
The jail booking photos of the defendants, such as the one of Mr. Barrios here, can also be used in our publications.
Thank you for your concern "

mypoint wrote on Oct 30, 2008 10:13 PM:

" The reason the four of these young men are in the position they are today is defintely no accident. No doubt they have suffered a lifetime of let downs due to their parents lack of parenting. I'm sure most or all of gang members suffer poverty, abuse, addiction, lack of education and so on. This of course is due to the lack of positive role models in their lives growing up. I do think it's very sad and unfortunate that this is the end result of not having a healthy entrance into the world, however they chose the behavior, so now they must suffer the consequences. Unfortunately, Mr. Gonzalez lost his life. However, it was his choice to live that life style. As sad as that is, he knew the risk beforehand and it didn't stop him from that lifestyle. He knew there was a chance that he could die and leave behind his daughter, however, not even his daughter was enough to keep him from that life style. That's so incredibly sad. "

Napagemini wrote on Oct 30, 2008 10:50 PM:

" To NVR Moderator, Thank you for the explaination. "

jersey guy wrote on Oct 31, 2008 1:39 AM:

" Our judicial system, says innocent until proven guilty, but it doesn't matter to me whether they did it or not. They either did it or wanted to do to it as the guy who was killed was a member of the "other" gang.
Juries in Napa County usually convict in criminal cases, so if you don't want to get convicted, go commit your crimes in Solano or Alameda Counties where the juries are more sympathetic to the perpetrators. "

Jane Eyrehead wrote on Oct 31, 2008 6:18 AM:

" If a writer wants to be taken seriously by anyone outside his or her circle, that writer should observe the conventions of written language. Writers who use "u" for "you" and "r" for "are" and "lil" for "little", can't spell or punctuate and don't much care are consigning themselves to the fringe. The power structure will ignore them.

And to those writers who know the habits of gangsters, use gangster-style ID, blame the predictable outcome of the gangster life on ouside forces and then say they aren't gangsters themselves--good luck. Maybe someone will believe you. I don't. "

!LiVe!LaUgH!LuV! wrote on Oct 31, 2008 8:41 AM:

" Dwayne:
first of all i wasnt talking about barrios! i was saying in general and tatoos have nuhting to do with it!

im not going against the investigation i just wish the NPD would do there job for once and quit trying to act like they do a goood job if they did then why wasnt somebody put behind bars a long ime ago for this! the only reason they arrested just anybody is because the media pressed down on them being on ch. 2 news for one and then the register does a 3 day series on the things npd doesnt even do right!

napa_girl
i wrote that and if u have kids your gunna try and tell me that there perfect angels that never make mistakes? cuz you would need a reality chk for that one everyone makes mistakes your live and learn from them! "

GrapetownBankerBoi707 wrote on Oct 31, 2008 9:12 AM:

" To Jane Eyrehead: Please get off your high horse. You talk about how they are talking outside of his/her circle.....you are writing ONLINE in and ONLINE blog! That sort of typing is not "gangster". it's not even "youth". that is a style of writing that was created by computer nerds decades ago! so most likely, by YOUR generation! it is actually listed as its own language and NVR wrote an article on it within the last 6 months! or were you too busy with your high-end, "rich fringe of society" friends to read that article?.....Get off your high horse, madame, and try accepting others for what they are saying, not how they say it.

i am really tired of yuppies like U. if u want to step outside ur lil circle and speak in a circle of ppl that speak diff then learn to speak their way and dont criticize them 4 it. "

Jane Eyrehead wrote on Oct 31, 2008 10:54 AM:

" In reply to the personal attack:

I am not a yuppie. I am simply saying that if people want to speak or write effectively about this topic, they should drop the off-putting rhetoric. They should try to write so others might want to see their point of view--otherwise it's just in-crowd ventilation.

In many of the comments in all the stories about this case, I am seeing writers who are glorifying gangs and making fun of "snitches." They are also using gang-style names. It's depressing.

If the writer is not in a gang and chooses to use that type of language, it is even more depressing. "

49er wrote on Oct 31, 2008 1:21 PM:

" Lol.....thank you grapetownbankerboi707, I couldn't have said it better! Jane Eyrehead......yes please really get off ur high horse, nobody needs to impresss anyone on here wit there spelling or grammer. I'm sorry if it's so depressing for you to c this kind of spelling and grammer! If u don't like it, then don't read it, and better yet stay off the page. I think ur depressing....Please find something else to complain about! And people r not gang members because they write like that.......lol! So wut do u think that grapetownbankerboi707 might be a gang member to since he has 707 in his name????? Lol!!!! If people don't want to read it because of the way it looks then don't, plain and simple. I f u don't want to take us seriously either then don't. And if you can't c our point of view because of that then sorry, maybe ur lookin at the wrong paper!!!!
FREE DANNY!!!! WE WILL BE WAITIN 4 U TO GET OUT SOON FAM!
"That means Free Danny we will be waiting for you to get out soon family"
Did that work 4 ya? Lol! "

GrapetownBankerBoi707 wrote on Oct 31, 2008 2:49 PM:

" 49er- mayne, i'm at work and i nearly got in trouble cuz i just read ur post and i nearly died laughin hahahaha....thank u 4 that.

jayne eyrehead- that was not a personal attack. it was just as much a personal attack as what you had to say about how others were writing. it was simply a wake-up call to you that apparently didn't work. look, i have been to college and was accepted into the highest english class that freshman were allowed into.....at 16 years old. I know how to write correctly. i have published work. however when i speak and type, i choose to stick to the vernacular of those that arena in which i am speaking.....i was simply saying to do the same instead of criticizing those for using the language of the arena in which they are speaking in.... "

Redredwine wrote on Oct 31, 2008 3:09 PM:

" Wow... "

caprichosa707 wrote on Oct 31, 2008 3:36 PM:

" The comment i posted was not intended to attack anybody. Maybe i didn't word it right. I am an educated person and don't need to go low and talk smack to anyone i was just putting my opinion in. I have a good job, i am a teacher. Stupid? I don't think so. "

cellsitegod wrote on Oct 31, 2008 5:32 PM:

" I'm only critizing the writers because I have an interest in what they say. And I'd like to understand what they are writing. I do find it interesting that most of the defenders of these boys cannot seem to spell words correctly.
Tell me Grapetownbankerboi707, Where is that language recognized and listed officially?
And the defenders of these boys can also tell me why somebody would have an extra large 707 on their neck if it wasn't for a "gang reason" "

Mike Staleeny wrote on Oct 31, 2008 5:36 PM:

" Look, I've said it before, I'll say it again;
why waste are time and money, let the garbage take care of the garbage. You cannot stop movement that already happened. Focus on the better things in life. "

littlered56 wrote on Oct 31, 2008 7:53 PM:

" I can not help but think were these young men Muslum(sic) from the Middle East..they would be looked upon as terrorist. Perhaps this is what it will finally have to take to get these Gang bangers under control. I do not understand why people are being subjected to these violent people with repeated criminal records.
In reading the comments it is as tho this is just the standard normal thing people have to put up with.
It is way way time for laws to be written to protect people from the gang violence and the law inforced to the fullest. There is no excuse for this violence. "

49er wrote on Oct 31, 2008 9:42 PM:

" To: Grapetownbankerboi707
Lol.......ur welcome, I jus could not believe that people can actually judge people for how they write. Well anyways get over it people, alot of people use this type of text form and it's not cause we r gangsters! To:cellsitegod
The extra large 707 on his neck does not have any way shape or form, ties to a gang. If he wanted to put a tattoo on his body claiming his turf then truss me it would not be a area code. It would be a 13 or 14 in extra big letters. You should not critisize on the writing at all, it's not really that hard to understand.... FREE DANNY, WE WILL C YA IN COURT ON DEC 1ST! "

jersey guy wrote on Nov 1, 2008 5:12 AM:

" Text language should be used when you are texting and these are not text messages. You are right that we should not judge people by the way they speak, write, dress, or the content of their tatoos. The TV gangster, Tony Soprano, wore clothes that were no different from the average person's clothes. Al Capone, the most famous American gangster, wore business suits so he would look like a banker, knowing that banks were the biggest gang of all. "

kracker wrote on Nov 1, 2008 10:22 AM:

" To 49er, the 707 on his neck has everything to do with gang banging! Somewhere on his body he has a 14 or other Norteno ink. The 707 let's other gang bangers know what area he is from. We all were not born yesterday!! "

FREEBARRIOS wrote on Nov 1, 2008 10:27 AM:

" THANK YOU TO ALL WHO REALIZE THAT DUE TO ALL OF THESE BOYS LIFESTYLES, INCLUDING RICARDO'S, ALL OF THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS ARE THE ONES THAT ARE SUFFERING. RICARDOS MOTHER LOST HER SON AND ALL HIS FAMILY LOST THEIR BROTHER, SISTER, DAD, HUSBAND, ECT. AND THE SAME GOES FOR ALL THOSE IN JAIL. WHAT IF THEY ARENT GUILTY? JUVENILLES WERE ARRESTED AFTER THE MURDER AND FOUND NOT GUILTY ALSO. THE POLICE ARE NOT GOD AND MAKE MISTAKES. NO ONE DESERVES TO DIE BUT ON THE FLIP SIDE, NO ONE DESERVES TO BE LOCKED UP FOR A CRIME THEY DID NOT COMMENT. LETS KEEP THIS IN MIND AS THE CASE PROGRESSES...INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY. "

Malcolm G wrote on Nov 2, 2008 9:57 AM:

" Is this site in "English as a second language"?

Improper english speaks volumes to the mainstream...just like a big tatoo on the neck.

Do and say what you want, but know that the mainstream passes judgement on you, just as the opposing gang will do...

Remember, the pen is mightier than the sword---but in this blog, I am starting to wonder. "

Joe wrote on Nov 2, 2008 7:24 PM:

" I can't stand reading the comments where people can't spell right. I usually stop reading them. For years I have seen little thugs talking about " 707 representin the bay area". The area code 707 goes all the way north to the Oregon border. It covers a huge area not just the bay area. "

dre83 wrote on Nov 3, 2008 7:46 AM:

" I think that most of you are all losing focus here. This is NOT about the spelling or writing or grammer or texting OR the tattoos...THIS IS ABOUT THE YOUNG MEN THAT TOOK THE WRONG PATHS IN LIFE AND NOW ARE SUFFERING THE CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR BEHAVIOR ON "BOTH" SIDES! And if you guys are all so educated on gang affiliation and tattoos, you should be out there on the streets of "707", NAPA, assisting gang task force in resolving the problem! In all cases no matter what someone is losing someone for the lifestyle they have chosen. I don't know anyone in this case, BUT I do know people from my past that are now in prison from "gang related" incidents. Just keep focus on the main reason of this case! "

Joe wrote on Nov 3, 2008 1:11 PM:

" 707 is my uncles area code way up in Humbolt County. It's funny how so many people think it's just the north bays area code. "

Malcolm G wrote on Nov 3, 2008 1:38 PM:

" Dre83 ( I am gussing your name is probably Andre and you were born in 1983)
I think you, along with these other folks do not understand that IT HAS EVERYTHING to do with the spelling, the tatoos, etc.

Sociey will not take you seriously if you continue to fester in the life that got them in this bad situation.

If you look past the obvious, there is some help here...the guys in this case do not have a clue that they are perpetuating a losing battle. You can tell me that you are not in a gang, however the multitude of tatoos and the "hand signals" say something COMPLETELY different. They can think they are smarter than everyone else, but you can literally read it on their faces (neck, arms, back, and so on).

I am trying to shed light on the fact that you need to listen (and speak) like the authorty figures they speak so negatively about. For the sake of the Napa community, I hope these guys go in and speak the slang they defend in front of the judge...they will see just how cool they are as they are being sentence to prison. When in Rome speak like the Romans...or better yet don't, and spend the next 25 years of your life wishing you would have...

A wise man once said that it is the person that raises his fist first is usually the one who has run out of constructive ideas. "

GrapetownBankerBoi707 wrote on Nov 3, 2008 3:05 PM:

" listen and speak like the authority figures they speak so negatively about? i know many judges and many cops in napa. i live next to a former judge. let me tell you: they do not speak so formally and correctly all the time. you would not believe some of the things that come out of cops and judges mouths in napa!

you sit here and talk about how important typing correctly is, yet you apparently don't even look at your OWN posts before you post them!:

"...authorty..."?!

"...it is the person that raises his fist first is usually the one who...."?!

"Sociey will not take you seriously if you continue to fester in the life that got them in this bad situation"?!

your post is riddled with incorrect spelling and incorrect english. so according to your line of thinking, we should all disregard your post as nonsense and not worth our time to read.

you say "A wise man once said that it is the person that raises his fist first is usually the one who has run out of constructive ideas." well, it could be said that you an everyone else that is complaining about the typing style raised your fists first.....so is it you that has run out of constructive ideas first?

as i have said before: GET OFF YOUR HIGH HORSES AND CONSIDER THE MESSAGE PEOPLE ARE SAYING RATHER THAN THE WAY WITH WHICH THEY CHOOSE TO PORTRAY IT! "

GrapetownBankerBoi707 wrote on Nov 3, 2008 3:13 PM:

" as for those coming down on people for not speaking up: do you not realize that you can be hurt or killed for speaking out about a crime, even in napa? there have been multiple stabbings of people in napa just in the last year or two simply for "snitching". so there is great risk involved in stepping forward and helping out the authorities in solving the crimes.

not to mention, half the time, the authorities don't do anything with the information provided or claim that the information is useless because of the source that it is coming from. so don't be so hard on them. and no, i am not with-holding information from the police. i do not know any information. "

dre83 wrote on Nov 4, 2008 8:12 AM:

" MALCOLM G...you need to get a clue. First of all I'm not "Andre" and second of all I was not born in "1983". That is not of any matter to you anyways. BUT what I don't get is you talk about spelling and then you write a blog that has at least 5 mispelled words, if not more. I wasn't speaking to you, so butt out!! Imagine how you look...very uneducated right now. I was only trying to make everyone here understand something. It's not about how someone writes or spells, they have simply lost track of what's really going on here. This is a matter of people's lives here. Still nobody is getting the point. Gangs are gonna be here now til the end of time. None of these comments are going to change anything. BUT we can try and make a difference. I don't know "junk" about gangs and the way they work. But this is affecting a heck of a lot of people and to sit there and scold everyone because of things most of us don't know nothing about, you just keep your mouths shut until you know what you're talking about! "

Malcolm G wrote on Nov 5, 2008 12:29 AM:

" Dre/GTBB

Keep up the brilliant work...you are truly, truly helping these young gang members. Be proud of your profound comments and continue to be a lackey of the ignorant. It suits you well!

I regards to the english language...if you can not write in complete sentences, then stop trying to pretend that you can...you are only embarrassing yourself.

The beauty of a blog is that it is open to everyone as long as you have access to the internet...

By the way...having a job as a bank teller does not make you a banker...nor does it give you prospective on society.
Saying "large bills or small" is one step above "paper or plastic".

I will continue to sit on my high horse because I can. And, I will sit and look at the masses and how you weep for the poor little boys who took a wrong turn. Keep making excuses for them. "

49ergrl707 wrote on Nov 6, 2008 12:16 PM:

" GrapetownBankerBoi707: I have to say I agree with everything you have said. And to !LiVe!LaUgH!LuV!:I also believe the NPD (Napa Police Department for those of you with difficulties understanding) only picked these boys up for the simple fact that it has been almost a year and they don't have anything and the media, of course they look bad. It's the "Napa Valley"where they must live up to the name they have worked so hard for. Where the richest snobiest tourists come duh!! they must pin it on some one!even if there innocent. That's there motto. Now they will drag it out as long as they can to make it seem like they did there job.But in the end these boy will be set free.And then the NPD will be back to square one.I was born and raised here and just because I have "707" in my name does not mean I'm in a gang.To 49er:we must be in the same gang right? Puro 49ers!LOL(Laughing Out Loud)is what that stands for..ok keep up now!So to all those people who have this tattoo watch out cause the NPD will be coming for you next you gang bangers! lol that's so pathetic. To Malcolm G:I regards to the english language...sweetie I think you've been on your high horse too long YOU forgot how to spell! so stop pretending that you can! Your only embarrassing yourself remember? LOL You should not dis him for having a job as a banker or teller cause he atleast has one and it takes time for a 16 year old to climb the latter.Did a 16 year old take your job position already? you sound so angry? mabey it's that high horse you have been sitting on for so long? "

GrapetownBankerBoi707 wrote on Nov 7, 2008 11:32 AM:

" malcom G- yet again, you come down on these people for miss-spellings and incomplete sentences WHEN YOUR OWN POST IS RIDDLED WITH INACCURACIES! the lunacy of your hypocritical statements and the pure ignorance that YOU YOURSELF exhibit are beyond comical. they are a true example of one of the greatest reasons that we have these problems in the valley!

malcolm, what makes you think that i am simply a teller? I am NOT simply a teller. I do all aspects of banking. i graduated high school at 16, went to college and have been working since i was 12. i work two jobs and use to work three. in my spare time, i work more than 40 hours a year in the community including working with youth (part of which includes working to keep them out of gangs, so you can kiss your arguement that i am helping gang-members goodbye!). all of this must mean that i am a low-life, worthless scum of society then huh malcolm? and what is it that YOU do for a living? do YOU work more than one job? also, how is a bank teller not that important of a job? apparently, controlling hundreds of thousands of customer's money is not that important? i suppose that it won't matter to you if tomorrow you go to the bank and try to cash a check for $250 and find that your account has been overdrawn by $4,000.00 because of one of us "stupid tellers". you must have no idea the work that is involved with a bank if you think that it is simply "large bills or small?". if all the tellers in America quit at once, the country would crash and burn.

Get educated or get off the blog! "

GrapetownBankerBoi707 wrote on Nov 7, 2008 11:54 AM:

" are spanish poets' words less meaningful because they are in spanish? are italians' words less meaningful in italian? are arabic words less meaningful because they are arabic? are brits' words less meaningful because they use a different english than we do (if you have ever talked to most londoners then you know that it is near impossible to understand what they are saying because of the language difference)? are shakespeare's words any less meaningful because he uses language that is archaic according to today's standards?

as i have stressed before, the so-called "text messaging" form of writing is actually a language that was invented for the computer by individuals that worked with computers specifically for things such as blogs.....it has become a common form of language for text-messaging in this day and age, however it is still used as the medium for language online. so it is still YOU malcolm(and others) that is not using the correct spellings and that needs to conform if universality is of utmost importance to you.....NVR, maybe you can help me out with where i can find the article you wrote about this type of language a few months back. i so far have been unable to find it by searching it on your site in the archives, but i remember reading it..... "

NVR-Dan Ross wrote on Nov 7, 2008 12:07 PM:

" Grapetown:
Great point, here is the link for everyone to go back and read the article, so maybe this ridiculous banter about the chosen method of conveying a message can stop.

http://www.napavalleyregister.com/articles/2008/01/11/news/local/doc47871f54ecfe6705836093.txt "

GrapetownBankerBoi707 wrote on Nov 7, 2008 12:08 PM:

" 49ergrl07- haha thank you!

your post cracked me up too....PURO 49ER! RALMAO (rolling around laughing my a$$ off)

i'm thinking we should create a new account on here with that title: PURO49ER707! hahaha..... "

soccer mom wrote on Nov 9, 2008 8:58 PM:

" Working in the community trying my best to get these kids off the streets. Always handidng out volunteer work flyers to those teens and young adults. Getting them in afterschool programs. Getting them jobs or simply spendidng an afternoon with them. A very well known young adlut who workes very hard and earned a good name in napa valley. This is what it comes down to. Its a very sad situation where these men will be charged with some ones elses crime. Im sure the napa police department knows these men are not guilty of murder. They were at the scene like 60 others. I dont think it is fair where they will use these men as an example to teach napa valley's youth a lesson. I don't know all these men personaly. But there is one who stood out to me. Christian Gallegos. About to transfer schools to become Doctor, a Brian Surgen. Strait A student, very loving and respectfull. Recently engaged to his 4 year girlfriend. Now facing life in prison? They all have families not just the victim. I agree, Bieng at the scene does not deserve life in prison! Suspects in the case have personaly stated that Christian Gallegos was never affiliated wih gang activity. Another suspects in this case quoted "He was just cool with every one, He shouln't be in this mess", I realy hope napa valley's pick of jury trail is diverse and prepared for what this has come down to. I pray that the jury will take a step back and put them selfs in the Mens & families positions and realize that not all these men are what the media have turned them into. I wish them all the best of luck. Stay strong. "

soccer mom wrote on Nov 9, 2008 9:43 PM:

" I also hope the Gonzales family & wife can finaly be at peace. I ask only that this case be treated fairly. Life is a learning expeience, some of us learn by nature, and for others it will take situations like these. We need to come together as a community and get involved. "

cellsitegod wrote on Nov 10, 2008 4:44 PM:

" When I was a kid, I spoke in "pig latin"
That doesn't make it appropriate language when I'm adult!
"Press 1 for Spanish, Press 2 for"text speak", Press 3 for "pig latin" Press 4 for "Gangsta Grammar" and last but not least, Press 5 for the rarely used: good old american english"
"Ia hinkta angsga reaa tupidsa!"
Ha, Ha, "

GrapetownBankerBoi707 wrote on Nov 11, 2008 10:36 AM:

" cellsitegod- you cant be serious......you're STILL going to fight on this?!

you are speaking in an online forum. leet speak was invented for online forums such as this. read the article. if u are still intolerant of this type of typing, then how about you get OFF this forum instead of telling others to. it is perfectly appropriate to use language that was designed for this form of communication by people that use this form of communication. in your line of work i am sure you use many types of slang. it would inappropriate for someone to come into ur workplace and tell u not to use that language. same thing here. either conform or leave. "

cellsitegod wrote on Nov 12, 2008 5:18 AM:

" Now where did I tell someone to get off this forum?
You seem to be very literate and use grammer well.
Your screen name implies that you work in the banking world.
Would you send an email or note to your banks regional manager whom you've never met in "Leet"?
Would you send a formal letter to a bank customer in "leet"?
Have you read the article "why shoot the messenger"
Most people agree that "Leet" has it's place.....On a cell phone, where your characters are limited.
However, it is obvious that there are other commenters here are somewhat illiterate and maybe they have spent too much time communicating in this so called language of "Leet" that they have forgotten the use of correct grammar. "

dre83 wrote on Nov 12, 2008 7:57 AM:

" I am all for what Bankerboi is on but would you 2 please stop and look what you're both trippin on!? You've lost the WHOLE point of this now. Ridiculous!!!! "

GrapetownBankerBoi707 wrote on Nov 12, 2008 7:23 PM:

" one last comment before i'm through:

cellsitegod- i would not typically use leet speak in the situation. however, i would use bank jargin. leet speak is essentially online forum user's jargin. it was specifically created NOT for texting (it was created in the early 90's which unless i'm mistaken, was a period of time when texting didnt even EXIST) but for the exact use in which these people are using it: for speaking online in forums/IM's or in video games.

i have not read the article why shoot the messenger. maybe you can explain the general idea of it.

i am sure many of these people do know how to type correctly, however they choose to use leet as they are in the domain that leet speak was designed for. if you are so incredibly concerned about these people's literacy level, then how about you go out and spend more time helping the youth and others in the community to become more literate instead of simply criticizing them! california has one of the lowest levels of education in the country! people like you who simply complain about the problems that YOUR generation created for our youth instead of becoming active in your community to FIX these problems that you created are a major part of the reason we have the problems being discussed in this forum in the first place! half of the hard-core gang-members in napa were expelled in high school for the simple fact that the schools THOUGHT they were in a gang (no proof) and they got in a fight.

as for the topic that this whole thing was about before certain people decided to get all uppity:

FREE THESE INNOCENTS! NPD DO YOUR JOB! "

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