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Gang Members: Graffiti Out, Internet In

Gang members are using cell phones and the Internet to send messages to harass rival gang members.

Richard, a gang member who doesn't want his identity revealed, said it's becoming a burden.

"I've gotten texts, a lot, during the night. I'll gets texts saying they're going to hit up my house," said Richard.

He says it's constant.

"Yesterday, during the day, I got five different messages within 10 minutes telling me let's meet somewhere, just threats," he said.

Gang counselor Rob Gallardo said cell phones and the Internet have taken the place of graffiti. These venues give gang members the opportunity to send messages to rival members.

"They will also have a page with their enemies, they will cross out the names of their enemies, sometimes they will put the names in pink as a disrespect," said Gallardo.

Gang members even produce songs to insult other gang members and upload them to the web.

"Particular groups regularly exchange songs to each other and it's caused a war between them," said Gallardo.

For Richard, it's a war that feels it has no end.

"You can change your number, but some way some how they'll get your number," said Richard.

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