Inspirational Story of Mona Ruiz

* I read the article (“Gangbanger to Gangbuster,” Jan. 30) about Mona Ruiz, the Santa Ana policewoman who is an ex-gang member, to my classes at Westminster High School and then had the students write their reactions. All of them were captivated by her story and her heroism in breaking away from gang life to pursue a profession her father had encouraged her to get into--all the while raising three children alone. She is a real hero in the eyes of our students.

I would like to enclose a short (piece) from Stephanie Porter, one of the girls in my sophomore English class who summed up the way many of them feel. Maybe you could print Stephanie’s letter to show that not all students are losers or druggies. The majority of them care and are working hard to be responsible members of our society.

JIM BOEKE

Westminster

When the story was read to me about Mona Ruiz, both sadness and joy came to my mind. It’s a joyful story, knowing that someone in that kind of harsh lifestyle can change for the better and make something of their lives, instead of just wasting it away.

It’s also a sad story to know that so many more teens are still in this kind of dangerous situation. It’s also sad that so many people have to be killed before people realize what gang violence can do.

What’s especially upsetting to me is that not just the gangbangers are getting hurt and killed, it’s also the innocent bystanders that unfortunately are in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Hopefully, one day, if we all work together, the violence can stop.

STEPHANIE PORTER

Period 4 English

Westminster High School

* A very important story by Geoff Boucher about a major Latina hero, Santa Ana Police Officer Mona Ruiz, made a beautiful sight on your front page Jan. 30. The story had substance, depth, was well written and gave a fascinating biographical look at a local member of our community who turned her life around to make a substantial contribution to all of us.

There are more heroes than villains in our Latino communities. Don’t stop with one.

It’s a proud moment when our young people can see the eyes of their own role models looking straight at them from the prestigious front page of The Times instead of just another gangbanger! It’s confusing when the punks are the only ones who rate the limelight.

MEL KERNAHAN

Laguna Hills