HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-03-23 - AGENDA REPORTS - ANTI GANG TASK FORCE STATUS (2)CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
NEW BUSINESS: City Manager Approval:
Item to be presented by: Adele Macpherson
DATE: March 23, 1999
SUBJECT: ANTI -GANG TASK FORCE STATUS REPORT
DEPARTMENT: Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Receive and comment.
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The Anti -Gang Task Force has been in existence in Santa Clarita since 1991, addressing
gang activity and youth crime. In August 1998, a drive-by shooting occurred in Newhall
which resulted in one man's death and another man being injured. At the Mayor's request
following this shooting, a group of representatives from the Sheriffs Department and the
City met to discuss ways to prevent further incidents and how to work more effectively with
parents and, specifically, with the community.
At the meeting, numerous suggestions were made including: Working with Our Lady of
Perpetual Help church; utilizing the Hispanic media; working with junior and senior high
schools to prevent recruiting efforts by gangs; aggressive "Scared Straight" types of
programs in Santa Clarita; working with local groups to reach parents; and including Val
Verde in the outreach efforts.
Crisis intervention was involved following the death of a gang member. Anti -Gang Task
Force members met with gang and community members to diffuse the potential for
retaliation and recruitment. Father Norm of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church
held mass on the streets of Newhall and gave a sermon on gangs and violence. Grief
counseling was offered to the community through the Anti -Gang Task Force and took place
at the City's Community Center.
Gang Awareness meetings were held in Newhall and Val Verde targeting parents, with
youth in separate meetings to dilute any resistance they may have in dealing with the
choices that face them. Sheriffs representatives reported on gang activity and recruitment,
and advised parents on what signs to look for in their child and what resources are
available to them. Anti -Gang officials informed both parents and youth of the programs
available, which are designated to redirect lives in a positive direction.
A Gang Intervention Program has been utilized in the William S. Hart Union High School
District targeting gang -affiliated youth and their parents. Rather than allowing youth to
City of Santa Clarita Page 2
Agenda Report
continue down a negative path unchecked, this program intervenes to make it clear that
each person has a choice and that choice has an impact. The realism of incarceration is
stated, coupled with the availability and support and positive programs to those who want
it.
Gang education is currently offered to every seventh grade student in Santa Clarita by
Sheriffs Deputies in 7" grade teen issues classes, as an awareness and prevention method.
In addition, SANE Deputies share appropriate gang information with elementary school
students.
A scholarship fund was established through the City to allow underprivileged youth to
participate in youth sports programs. Team play, skill building, discipline, and self-esteem
are key components to positive youth development and are now available for all youths in
Santa Clarita.
Parenting programs in English and Spanish are offered at low or no cost throughout the
City. Subjects range from positive communication, building self-esteem, successful
discipline, and effectively discerning and dealing with at -risk behavior. Marketing efforts
for the classes include utilization of both English and Spanish forms of media.
Scared Straight types of speakers address targeted at -risk youth in school settings. Some
have been permanently injured due to gang violence; others tell what they do not like about
incarceration and loss of freedom. The affects of the choices at -risk youth are facing are
made clear to them through these programs.
Much work, effort, and funding have been channeled into communicating with, and
educating parents and youth in Santa Clarita and outlying areas. New efforts and
programs are currently in the works which will continue to increase the number of people
reached and the effectiveness of the outreach to them.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
Direct staff to adjust programming.
Request a follow up report.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
AM:ada
council\agn pts\ 1999\ antigmg.doc