Former Hells Angels Leader Reveals the Secret Law of the Land in Ventura

Ventura has long been known as a peaceful beach town but a legendary figure from its past is now revealing a deeper reason for that calm. George Christie, the former longtime president of the Ventura Hells Angels, has pulled back the curtain on how his club unofficially policed the city for decades. According to Christie the club maintained a strict internal policy against the kind of street chaos and drive by shootings that plagued other California cities during the late 20th century.

🛡️ The Moratorium on Street Violence

Christie claims that the Hells Angels issued a de facto moratorium on certain types of violence. He compares their influence to that of the Mexican Mafia, asserting that the club made it very clear that random acts of public violence were simply not allowed in their town. This unofficial law of the land was intended to keep the public safe and ensure that the streets remained orderly, at least as far as the club was concerned.

This stance was not just about altruism but about maintaining the club's business interests and local standing. Christie famously served as the club’s international spokesman and even carried the Olympic torch in 1984 which helped cement his image as a powerful and charismatic leader. He viewed the street as the Hells Angels' business and felt that their presence provided a level of stability that traditional law enforcement could not always achieve.

👮 A Divided Police Department

The influence of the Hells Angels created a fascinating and deep divide within the Ventura Police Department. Christie recounts that many old school officers actually supported the club’s influence. These veteran cops reportedly had an attitude that they would take help from any source to keep the public safe. They recognized that the club’s "no drive by" policy made their jobs easier and kept the murder rate low in their jurisdiction.

However the younger generation of officers felt very differently. Christie says these newer recruits were often offended by the club's involvement. They argued that the Hells Angels needed to keep their nose out of police business and that the department should have total authority over the city. This generational clash within the force defined the era and created a complex dynamic where the line between the law and the street was often blurred.

🌊 The Legacy of a Peaceful Beach Town

While George Christie resigned his presidency and left the club in 2011 the legacy of that era still defines the Ventura that tourists see today. The culture of the city was shaped by this tension between traditional policing and the club's own brand of street justice. Christie, who is now an author and consultant, continues to share these stories to set the record straight about the reality of outlaw life in Ventura County.

Today Ventura remains one of the safest coastal cities in the region but many locals still remember the days when the red and white patches were a common sight downtown. Whether you view them as protectors or predators there is no denying that the Hells Angels played a unique role in keeping Ventura's streets quiet for over thirty years.