LOS ANGELES (AP) A judge has barred 18 members of a violent street gang
from gathering in public in groups of more than two, an antigang approach
that is becoming increasingly popular in California.

Superior Court Judge Alan Buckner said there was sufficient evidence that the
defendants were involved in gang activity and crime, including robbery, drug
sales, blocking sidewalks and urinating in public.

``You guys are making a mess of things in the target area,'' Buckner told
members of the 18th Street gang, one of California's most violent.

Los Angeles has now obtained four injunctions against gangs in different
neighborhoods. Other cities in Southern California have obtained similar
court orders, despite criticism that they violate the constitutional right to
free association.

Buckner's order takes effect July 21.

``It's not going to solve the problems overnight,'' City Attorney James Hahn
said. ``But it's going to give the residents a breather ... allow them to
come and go as they please.''

The injunction prohibits defendants from, among other things, being seen
together in groups of three or more in an 17block area of the Jefferson Park
neighborhood. They also cannot harass, intimidate or threaten neighborhood
residents. Those who violate the order risk a jail term of up to 60 days.

The 13 gang members who appeared in court left without comment, some of them
cursing on the way out. Sean Ward, an attorney for four gang members, said he
may appeal.

``I just think the methods they're using are misguided,'' he said.

The 18th Street gang has thousands of members in Los Angeles. The American
Civil Liberties Union said the injunctions don't work because gang members
simply move outside the restriction area.

``What you've done is actually transfer the problem on somebody else's
turf,'' ACLU spokesman Allan Parachini said. ``It is ludicrous to think that
it's successful.''

APNY071297 0530EDT