In his column this morning, Chronicle Editor-at-Large Phil Bronstein brings us a look inside the federal courtroom where seven members of notorious MS-13 gang have been on trial for murder, extortion, drug charges and robbery. While much of the media tends to discuss the neighborhood in the context of its gourmet restaurants, throbbing bar scene or artisan children's toys, even the near-constant reminders of gang violence in the area have done little to fill the courtroom. As he points out, few seem worried about the trial, or about the violence in general. Naturally. Even a defense attorney for a gang member accused of two murders said he thinks the trial provides a "fascinating glimpse" to a side of the Mission of which he was blissfully unaware.
Locals in the Mission have offered their reactions, pointing out that everyone in the neighborhood has some responsibility to keep each other safe. So far, what everyone can agree on is that gang violence is not, in fact, "a charming and colorful piece of the neighborhood tapestry, like the murals on Balmy Alley."
