Gangs and SFMM - CoasterBuzz

I had a poster on one of my boards ask an interesting question today. He'd heard that they're we're some problems with gangs being in the park, and I hadn't heard anything about it. Anyone else seen or heard anything about this, sounds like it could just be a nasty rumour? I'm heading out there in a few weeks either way, just curious if this is of concern?

Mark

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Mark Hansen
http://www.themeparkcritic.com

SFMM can draw some bad characters some times, I have personally not encountered any gangs, but I have heard others mention it in their trip reports. I wouldn't worry though, I visit the park at least 12-14 times every year and I haven't had a problem with that, just some annoying teenagers when mid-summer hits.

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"You are the weakest link...goodbye".

That's odd, although theme parks and boardwalk places have been associated with ruthless type behavior stemming from simple loitering and people hanging out in places because there's no where else to "hang out". I would think, or hope, that the area has other things for these so-called gagsters to frequent, although if it's a case of people freaking out from say, seeing gang colors at the park. Members of street gangs are people, too, and should get to use parks resposibly, but wouldn't such a large attraction in that area have a "no colors" policy to prevent gang "problems"?.

I've seen them at SFMM, Knott's, and this Saturday at PGA. However, aside from looking tough, they always seem to be on good behavior; lest they get kicked out.

Also, that element, along with lot's of other folks who might get in line in front of you, don't seem to make many appearences on the weekdays---the best days to go to a park.

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Decisions determine destiny; Destiny determines decisions.

Most are not "gangs" as much as they are groups of "tough guys with attitudes." As long as you don't start anything up with them, they will leave you alone. You have to figure that a theme park is the LAST place for gang warfare. Why? Because they are almost 100% sure to get caught.

The biggest offense I see these "tough guys" doing is line jumping. Even the employees don't confront them on this matter because it is not worth the trouble that might result. I figure it won't effect my overall wait, so who cares?

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"X" marks the spot in 2001!

Soggy, that's a really refreshing attitude. I was @ SFA a couple of Saturdays ago and a 'tough' self-proclaimed "ghetto girl" cut line for the Typhoon SeaCoaster. A woman said something to check the little girl on this. Then the girl was braggin to her friends (some who were further back in line, some she called on her cell phone) that she was gonna "spit in this woman's face". I'm like "why?". Personally, I didnt think it worth the effort, but that type of ignorance pisses me off to the highest of pisstivity.
lata,
jeremy
--"I like ***** folks, but I HATE #######!"; Chris Rock: Bring the Pain

Hence the metal detectors at the main gate. SCARY! Last summer at SFMM they arrested 4 people in line for Goliath. Dragged them away kicking and screaming. One guy got pounded by the other 3. Not sure you would call them gangs anymore as it's not as much the thing to do as it was 10-15 years ago.

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It's still not tall enough!!!!! *** This post was edited by GW Bush on 4/23/2001. ***

I think the tamest crowd I ever saw was at DCA...

People say the same things about grtadv. It's not always that bad it's usually just punk 15 and 16 year olds thinking they're invincible. They don't have guns and knives plus there is usually good security around. They usually don't have the balls to screw with anybody they just have big mouths. The funniest thing was a middle aged woman who thought she was gonna stop a full queue full of people from coming on pendelum. She was mad cuz they wouldn't let one of her kids on because he was too short. She lost that battle. It's sad to say the biggest problems in parks is people who have no patience with their kids.

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"Nippy!! Where the hell are ya?"

sfmm got a metal dector. This really scares away the gangs, and more go to knotts now, but it doesnt do anything. I mean they just asked if i had a belt, i showed them and they let me in. I could've had a gun in my shoe (i didnt), but they need to get better security guards

actually about 5-10 yrs ago their used to be a lot of gang fights out in the parking lots down their. ive heard and seen on the newspaper many people dying after being stabbed. it is much safer now w/ much better security. i remember when i was young i was always afraid someone would stab me. now i dont even think about it. sfmm is one of the best amusement parks out their and i dont see why people dislike it soo much.
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dont coaster hate

homepark=knotts berry farm (monte rules)

I went to Cedr Point in 99, and this one kid ws tying to get in front of me, for the Mantis. The moment he got past me. I grabbed his arm, and stared him right in the eyes. He stayed behind me after that, with his friend laughing at him.

I remember when Knott's didn't have a perimeter fence....

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It's still not tall enough!!!!!

Haha. And people just jumped the bushes into the park without paying...lol

Wasn't there some shooting at Kennywood awhile back before the metal detectors? I know that they were having some gang troubles. This was before I moved up here and I think I might have heard something about a shooting once or twice.

Usually the Metal Detectoers at the front of our prestigous park(hehehehe) takes care of all the real thugs, the others are just idiots show off in front of girls.

I have not really had any experiences with gangs at any park. I have yet to really see any at Knotts but I do believe people when they say that they have seen them. Not that Knotts or any park for that matter is unsafe because of the people who go there. Lots of security, etc. Not a big deal. Jan, where the people at DCA tame because they were so bored and sleeping?
Actually DCA is ok, but just ok. at least the lines are short :) CA screamin 12 minute line Thursday night on spring break. GOtta love that.

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Home Park: Knotts Berry Farm!
but also Disneyland and DCA

kRaXLeRidAh said:
"Haha. And people just jumped the bushes into the park without paying...lol"

It was pay per ride at the time. There was no fee and parking was where Montezuma's is. AND THEY DIDN'T CHARGE FOR THAT EITHER AND STILL CONTINUED TO GROW!

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It's still not tall enough!!!!!

Thanks for the feedback guys.. I would imagine i've seen some of these kids east coast family here in IOA and Busch Gardens from time to time. It'll be my first trip to Cali so i'm pretty fired up about it. Of course the return stop in Vegas shouldn't be do disappointing either.

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Mark Hansen
http://www.themeparkcritic.com *** This post was edited by ThemeParkCritic on 4/25/2001. ***

This was also said about Six Flags America (and maybe still is). In fact that's one of the reasons they changed the name from Wild World to Adventure World back in the 90's. I did see one fight break out between two rival ethnic groups over a linejumper on Wild One opening day of SFA. I haven't seen anything like that since. While the behavior of some of the patrons is far from perfect, the name change and new rides helped to bring in better behaved people who would've passed this park by before. And hopefully the better behaved people will make the not so well behaved people feel uncomfortable and maybe not come back.

*** This post was edited by Intamin Fan on 4/25/2001. *** *** This post was edited by Intamin Fan on 4/25/2001. ***