We’re ready to quell gangs
Anyone looking for evidence that the community is increasingly
worried about a criminal gang problem need look no further than
last Wednesday evening’s community forum at Veterans Memorial
Building.
More than 400 people filled rows of chairs as still more
gathered to the rear of the cavernous building. Some 20 tables,
staffed by volunteers and representatives, offered information
about resources ranging from recreation activities to community
service to counseling and intervention services.
We’re ready to quell gangs
Anyone looking for evidence that the community is increasingly worried about a criminal gang problem need look no further than last Wednesday evening’s community forum at Veterans Memorial Building.
More than 400 people filled rows of chairs as still more gathered to the rear of the cavernous building. Some 20 tables, staffed by volunteers and representatives, offered information about resources ranging from recreation activities to community service to counseling and intervention services.
“Nothing like this has ever happened in Salinas,” said Hollister Police Chief Jeff Miller as he surveyed the crowd from the back of the room. Salinas, a nearby city with nearly four times Hollister’s population, has become notorious for gang activity.
It’s hard to imagine an event of such great reach and scope in Salinas. But not in San Benito County – at least not yet.
We share a functioning community, one that shares more than a zip code. Our gang problems are just that: problems. But with 400 people coming home from school and work to tear themselves away from their dinner tables, sofas and televisions on a weeknight, this community has the raw resources to conquer the problem.
We care.
A young man died early last Sunday morning. Even though there’s nothing to link the shooting to gang warfare, the tragedy that is the violent loss of a young life certainly prompted at least some of the people present at the forum to attend.
But this forum was not a memorial service for someone who very well may never have been associated with a gang.
In the planning stage for months before the death of Robert Barraza, the forum was intended to give families the tools they need to be involved, effective parents and to give young people access to better alternatives to gangs.
For those who feel powerless to do anything about gang activity, think again.
The session began with Rosie Betanio, a Hollister police officer, leading the group through a PowerPoint presentation with tips for effective parenting. It’s important for parents to communicate openly with their children, to set limits, and to establish clear consequences and follow through on them.
Simple enough. But it’s just as important for all of us to understand that involvement in gangs will lead to longer prison sentences, as outlined in a booklet presented at the meeting, The Kids and Law: An A-Z Guide For Parents.”
If you were lucky enough to grow up in a small town, you probably learned early that there were lines not to be crossed. Do so, and someone would be sure to let your parents know. That’s what it takes. We all have to care enough to get involved.
After all, we’re family.
