People v. Meraz CA4/1

STATEMENT OF FACTS

The facts of the offense are set forth in our prior opinion. We will

incorporate them here for convenience.2 (People v. Aguon et al., supra,

D064367.)

Prosecution On October 21, 2007, V.B. and J.P. were hanging out in front of Freese Elementary School in Lomita Village, talking to some girls. Meraz rode up on a bicycle, throwing gang hand signs as he approached. He asked the group if it was from “Pussy Hills,” a derogatory term for Lomita Village gang rivals Paradise Hills. He said he was “Grims” from “Lomita.” He talked to them as if they were gang members, but when they told him they did not “bang,” and were not disrespecting him, he said, “Cool,” and left. He appeared to be either drunk or high. R.C. joined the group, and V.B. told him what had just happened. At that time, Meraz rode his bike back to the group and said something about blasting them. He repeated his comments about “Pussy Hills.” He gave R.C. an overly firm handshake or overly aggressive fist bump. He asked if they wanted to get “blasted.” He pulled away his jacket to reveal a gun in his waistband. Then he rode away. V.B. and R.C. decided to go hang out instead at the Balderas house, which…