With local alliances in Norteno and Sureno street gangs
increasing in recent years, the City Council took a stand 11 months
ago.
Enforcement and awareness, they vowed, would increase. They
formed a
”
gang task force
”
subcommittee in January to work with the Hollister Police
Department and other community leaders on stopping such
proliferation.
With local alliances in Norteno and Sureno street gangs increasing in recent years, the City Council took a stand 11 months ago.
Enforcement and awareness, they vowed, would increase. They formed a “gang task force” subcommittee in January to work with the Hollister Police Department and other community leaders on stopping such proliferation.
Then Police Chief Bill Pierpoint laid out an enforcement strategy. Newly elected Councilman Robert Scattini heralded plans for a graffiti eradication program. And the new district attorney, John Sarsfield, committed to stiffer penalties for proven gang-related crimes.
The troops, it seemed, were mounting.
The task force, however, held only one meeting. Pierpoint soon after announced his retirement. The graffiti plan never materialized. And talk of the gang issue – submerged by a tide of other pressing priorities – silenced.
“It fell by the wayside,” said Councilwoman Pauline Valdivia, brainchild of the defunct gang task force.
Other demanding concerns, Council members said, have competed with gang enforcement. But gang-related threats, they acknowledge, haven’t gone away.
Almost a year later, after a strenuous search to replace Pierpoint, new Police Chief Jeff Miller and Council members say the issue of gang abatement remains high on a list of police priorities.
“I wouldn’t say that nothing’s been done,” said Mayor Tony Bruscia. “There’s so much more that could be done.”
Most recently, a Hollister shooting Monday was likely gang-related, police suspect. The victim, who survived, has Norteno affiliations, according to police Capt. Bob Brooks.
The predicament is also evident at San Benito High School, where police and school officials say gang memberships, and related incidents, have escalated over the past few years.
“Unfortunately, I do see an increase,” said Leticia Horta, a police officer assigned to the high school and other area schools for the past year and a half.
A gang-related fight occurs at San Benito High School, she said, “pretty much every other day.”
On Dec. 5, a major altercation involving numerous students broke out on Nash Road. And a month ago, a knife fell from a student’s pocket during a scuffle. Fortunately, she said, no one has pulled a weapon on another student since she’s worked there.
Usually, the fights are caused by students strutting gang-affiliated colors – red for Nortenos, blue for Surenos, she said. In recent years, the school has tried to lower the slew of violence by restricting what students can wear, she said.
“It’s out there,” Valdivia said. “We all know it’s out there and it’s probably getting worse.”
Valdivia didn’t commit to forming another task force. But something further, she said, must be done.
Two Hollister activists and former Council candidates – both pleased 11 months ago at officials’ ambitions – recently spoke out on the Council’s inaction.
Paul Grannis, who has often publicly criticized the Council and ran for a seat in 2000, said the task force’s demise was predictable. Henry Sumaya, an active member of the Hispanic community who ran for the Council in 2002, called Hollister “the city of no pity” during public comment at a recent meeting.
“Evidently, the city was hot to do (the gang task force), but nothing has developed,” Sumaya said.
Councilman Tony LoBue said Miller has been settling into his position. Soon, he said, “I think you’ll see some rapid action.”
Miller realized Council members’ concerns, though, even before his hiring in August – the Council grilled him on ideas for gang alleviation during his interview with them, LoBue said.
About a month ago, Miller formed a “gang team” of eight officers – from patrol and detective ranks. Those officers, he said, will receive continual training relevant to gang enforcement.
“We’re stepping up our efforts,” Miller said this week.
Miller and the officers recently met with Sarsfield, who said he remains staunch in his approach to organized crime.
His office, he said, has routinely filed gang enhancements. If someone commits a serious felony to benefit a gang, a conviction could result in longer sentences, he said.
Miller also said the department will be more aggressive when residents fight in public. Someone involved won’t necessarily have to file charges. If people brawl in Hollister, he said, “we’re going to take action.”
Meanwhile, the Police Department has continued its Juvenile Impact Program, which allows first-time offenders of lesser offenses an alternative to incarceration or probation.
The minors, along with their parents, attend classes about gang- and drug-related behavior, Miller said.
Senior Hollister officials, however, stymied by shrinking revenues, are examining all city positions and programs for potential cuts before July. Sarsfield made a case Thursday for continued city funding of endeavors to reduce gang activity. Gangs, he said, “can strike without warning.”
LoBue said the budget situation affects every aspect of the city’s operation.
“Is it going to affect (gang enforcement)?” he asked. “Well, yes.”
Said Bruscia: “We’ll be lucky to keep up what we’re doing.”
Leaders agreed, though, that increased relations with residents, more education to vulnerable kids, can offset funding roadblocks.
“People are afraid, they’re scared,” Valdivia said.
Miller is willing to talk with various groups throughout town, he said.
“We have to unite as a community and send a strong message (to gang members),” Miller said. “No matter who you are, you are not welcome, and your behavior will not be tolerated.”
