The families of black teenagers in Union City who say they've been the target of racially motivated crimes by a Hispanic gang are suing the police and school district.

The lawsuits say the authorities aren't doing enough to protect black youths and stop the attacks.

The suits cite the December 2007 fatal shooting of 14-year-old Vernon Eddins in front of his middle school. And last Saturday, someone opened fire in a Hayward mall on a group of black teens, some wearing sweat shirts with Eddins' photo. No one was injured.

Plaintiff attorneys say a Hispanic gang is responsible for the attacks.

Two lawsuits were filed Wednesday — one in state court and one in federal court, both seeking class-action status.

Police say they have not reviewed the suit and could not comment.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2010/01/27/state/n124017S02.DTL

Think I will sue myself for leaving the lights on and causing a high electric bill.