Youth First

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Youth First History

2003

Mid-July 2003 - Double homicide of two male Hispanics, “Gang Related”

2004

April 2004 - Attempted double homicide of two male Hispanics, “Gang Related”

Early June 2004  - “Post Office Shooting” at approximately 5:00PM one male Hispanic shot, “Gang Related”

June 14, 2004 - Over 600 area residents turned out to express their anger and frustrations at the escalation of gang violence in our area.

What the people said and was recorded at this meeting....By your presence and statements we heard the following:

  1. You are not willing to tolerate gang violence and are committed to change.
  2. This is a community problem that cannot be addressed simply by the police alone.
  3. You recognize a need and recognize a personal responsibility to help make a difference.
  4. You want to hold parents accountable for the actions of their children.
  5. You want increased law enforcement in both the community and schools.
  6. You want to learn more about gang behavior.
  7. You want to know what actions you can take to make a difference.
  8. You want a means to anonymously report suspicious activity or provide information.
  9. You want more involvement through the schools.

 

July 7, 2004 - Second Community Meeting is held and they continue on once time a month till present time (Scott Winters, Consultant hired sometime in June/July 04).

October 2004 - School Community Policing Partnership Program Grant (SCPPP Grant) is applied for and eventually awarded to the Gridley Unified School District, Biggs Unified School District and Gridley/Biggs Police Department (City). This is a police officer position to have police presence at both of our local high schools and working collaboratively with law enforcement around all safety issues in our high schools.

During the process of applying for the SCPPP Grant the Community Group (Gang Task Force) identified and divided into three core groups: Family, Youth Empowerment, and Community to focus and address each area of concern and where they feel they need to and can make an impact.  In each of these groups it was identified that a Character Education program that will work both in the community and in the school could impact the groups concerns. Some goals, mission statement, vision, are drawn up.

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