The problem with gangs in Santa Cruz is getting more severe by the day. According to a recent report, tourists in Santa Cruz were beaten up by gang members on April 5. Their crime? One of the tourists was wearing a red 49ers jersey. Though the group denied any affiliation to a gang, their attackers saw it as affront and proceeded to beat them up anyway. By the time the police arrived, the four tourists, from Sonoma County, needed stitches because of their injuries.
Police say that they have arrested four of the five assailants and are currently looking for a fifth. That’s hardly any consolation, considering the important role that tourism plays in the local economy. After all, who would want to visit Santa Cruz if it means that they could be attacked by gangs—especially for something as innocuous as wearing the wrong-colored shirt. Read more at NBC Bay Area.
