The undersigned do hereby petition that all \"gang members\" charges and current or proposed penalties, regardless of judicial status, be reconsidered and rescinded as they relate to those unassociated individuals previously mislabeled as the \"Murrieta Fight Club Gang\". It is understood that these eleven young men may have committed individual acts that require legal consequence, but to label them collectively as \"gang members\" is in opposition to truth, fact, and justice. We applaud Law Enforcements efforts within our communities to minimize the impact that real gangs can have on our safety and security. We cannot, however, in good community conscience, support the persecution and \"sacrifice\" of young people solely to set examples, justify programs, and further political agendas. Labeling is a negative, although sometimes necessary, aspect of our society that should only be applied in situations where truly merited. These young men of the greater Murrieta community, as well as a growing list of others within Riverside County, have not truly earned and therefore do not deserve the adverse, life-long label of \"Gang Member\". Please expunge any and all gang charges, especially including prior plea convictions achieved under duress, from their records, and adjust related sentences, bail, etc. accordingly. Thank you for your due consideration of this matter.

Sponsor