Foundation Frees 60 of Their Tattoos

Gang symbols tattooed on more than 60 people--including a 3-year-old boy and a 62-year-old woman--were removed Saturday in Oxnard.

The 2-year-old program, which uses laser surgery to remove tattoos, is sponsored by the Chuck Muncie Youth Foundation in conjunction with Ventura County Public Health.

Those who take advantage of the program are expected to volunteer for community programs.

One man, who is on probation and speaks to local jail inmates, received laser surgery on tattoos that cover his face, including his lips, neck, ears and eyebrows, Muncie said.

“Seeing him today getting his tattoos removed from his forehead . . . the guy had a tear in his eye,” said the former National Football League running back. “He was so happy and inspired.”

The 3-year-old boy, Michael Rubio, was brought in by his grandmother, who wanted to have three tattooed dots between his thumb and forefinger removed, Muncie said.

“He handled the tattoo removal probably better than anybody else,” Muncie said. “He didn’t bat an eye.”

More that 1,500 people have had their tattoos removed through the foundation’s New Start program, which also provides job training and school homework assistance programs, since it was begun.

Saturday’s tattoo removal session was filmed by ABC television for the series “More Than A Game,” which profiles good works performed by athletes.

The show featuring Muncie will air at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 20 on KABC.