Police discuss outlaw biker gang issues

Among the 35 or so in attendance at a noon meeting at the Auburn library to discuss outlaw motorcycle gangs were about 10 motorcycle group members and three cops.The discussion, led by Lt. Scott Burns of the Auburn Police Department, was an educational talk about the occasional presence of outlaw gangs in the Auburn area.Burns began his discussion by naming three high-profile outlaw groups - the Hells Angels, the Vagos and the Mongols."All motorcycle gangs are not criminals," Burns said.As he began his short lecture, two Auburn Police officers in plain clothes and one in uniform entered the room. No explanation was given for their presence.Several members of the Boozefighters Motorcycle Club were in attendance.Burns said there is not a problem locally with biker gangs, but during some motorcycle events an increased police presence is necessary.He specifically discussed the Motorcycle Expo biker rally, held in Auburn in early June. Famed Hells Angle founder Sonny Barger was in attendance this year, which caused some controversy in the community.There had been friction between event planners and the Auburn Police over, among other elements of the weekend expo, the logistics of Barger's presence.Barger founded the Oakland Hells Angels chapter in 1957.Barger has been arrested more than 20 times and spent 13 years in prison. As of 2007, he is still an active member of Hells Angels."(Barger's) presence created some concern for us as law enforcement," Burns said. "We didn't want a turf war encroaching in our area."Additional officers were on duty during the event. Burns said it was the strong police presence that acted as a deterrent to any potential violence.Tom "Curly" Minkler of the Northern California chapter of the Boozefighters said when he wears his colors, his vest signifying the motorcycle club to which he belongs, he's often approached and thanked for his organization's charity."People want to shake your hand because they know the history of the organization," Minkler said. "We have a very large, worldwide, organization and participate in many charitable rides."He said when Auburn-area residents see a large group of motorcycle riders heading down the highway they are usually on their way to do good works."Ninety percent of the time they are headed to a charity event of some kind," Minkler said. "They aren't out to rape and pillage."Vice chairman of the Sacramento Outriders motorcycle group, Rich Owens, said he was impressed with the outcome of the noon meeting "I appreciate the tone of this meeting," Owens said. "It's nice to see that everyone is open-minded."The Journal's Penne Usher can be reached at penneu@goldcountrymedia.com.