A week ago a forum was held that had nothing to do with the
coming election. On the same night, in fact, was the first of two
well-attended forums/debates annually held by the Farm Bureau.
A week ago a forum was held that had nothing to do with the coming election. On the same night, in fact, was the first of two well-attended forums/debates annually held by the Farm Bureau.
Organizers of the forum were uncertain how many members of the public would show up for their event. They were uncertain if parents would come out on a school night. They knew there was concern in the community, but it is sometimes difficult to gauge how strong.
So when 250 members of the community came out on a Wednesday night, there was a sense of relief, and a sense that they were, indeed, addressing a top of importance to local residents.
The forum was about youth gangs. It was put on by the Hollister Gang Task Force Advisory Board to help educate parents and residents about how to keep children out of their homes and neighborhoods. The fact that 250 attended the event on the night of a very popular yearly political forum speaks volumes about notions on what the community is concerned about.
We urge those running for office – or in office – to take note. It is common practice during election year for aspiring office holders to talk about the need for gang prevention awareness and tactics. But here, away from the campaigning, was actual effort. We applaud organizers for taking the time and energy to put on the event.
The Gang Task Force Advisory Board has been meeting since 2004. Hollister Police Chief Jeff Miller and his staff have been saying that gang activity has been on the rise the past few years. Officers estimate that currently there are some 1,000 gang members and their associates in Hollister.
On Wednesday night County Probation Officers Nick Rabago and Claudia Huerta and Hollister Police Officer Rosie Betanio presented materials at the Veteran’s Memorial Building and Miller spoke of how community involvement plays a major role in combating gang activity.
Education is their most potent tool. Particularly considering that the city’s lack of funds for prevention or intervention programs will not be increased any time soon.
Keeping all this in mind, it is heartening to see that the efforts of the Task Force – which comprises a wide sprectrum of community members – was rewarded with a deserving audience that took time from busy lives to attend. We hope the Task Force is able to keep up this crucial effort and continues to gain even wider support.
