from The LaLa Times
High Gas Prices Slow Number of Drive-By Shootings
OAKLAND — The return of high gas prices is affecting business throughout California, including gangs, a new study shows. With gas now at $3 per gallon and many gang bangers driving gas guzzling SUV’s, drive-by shootings have hit an all-time low. One Oakland gang member, Flaco, complained that his gang has been reduced to “bike-bys” and “walk-bys.” “Getaways are hell! And I look like some kinda ‘pinche’ paperboy! Who’s gonna be afraid of some dude on a Schwinn with a stupid basket?!” Harvey Shapiro, accountant for Flaco’s gang, told them that they’ll either need to switch to hybrids or give up on drive-bys until gas prices come down. Meanwhile, in the Echo Park neighborhood in Southern California, the gang ‘Big Top Locos’ had a bake sale to help raise gas money but were only able to make fifty dollars. Various gang members have been using the downtime to catch up with their families, workout, and go to church, but they all say they’re looking forward to the time when gas prices drop. Wacko, an East L.A. Crip, promises he’ll be back out once he can afford it, “Sh*t man, all I’s know is bangin’ and my mom is makin’ me whack!!”