City's Program Erases Gang Tattoos For Free

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Jimmy Delgado got his gang tattoos to tell the world who he was. He wants to get rid of them because of who he wants to be.

The distinctive marks turn off prospective employers, threatening the new life he plans away from the street.

"I stopped trying to look for a job," Delgado said. "Even if I'm dressed nice . . . they don't want to hear what I have to say."

The 17-year-old former gang member doesn't plan on having the palm-tree tattoo on his neck much longer.

He is among about 100 youths expected to take advantage of a new city program under which a plastic surgeon will remove gang tattoos for free.

"A gang tattoo not only says something about your past, it can rob you of your dreams for tomorrow and can damage a young person's self-image," Mayor Susan Hammer said last week in announcing the Clean Slate program.

Removing tattoos by surgery or by laser can cost several thousand dollars. But Dr. Josh Korman, who has traveled to poor countries to do reconstructive surgery, is donating his services.

"I think this will give people an opportunity to get back into the work force," he said.

The treatment will take place at Forest Surgery Center, which is waiving most of its fee. The city is contributing $15,000 to cover some of the clinic's expenses and rental of a laser.

John Lawrence, 18, plans to take advantage of the offer. Lawrence has quit his gang and returned to school, working toward a

high-school-equivalency diploma.

He plans to cover up the ornate tattoos on his arms. But he wants to remove a large "Good Times, Bad Times" tattoo on his neck, a group of dots on his cheek and "Turtle" - his old gang name - from above his left eyebrow.

"When you put on a tattoo you're advertising who you are and where you're from," he said.

"When you first gangbang, it's fun. . . . You don't see all the bad parts. I just got tired, man. You can't be looking behind your back forever."