Become a part of history
and help us make a positive difference in our community!
Youth First History
Between July 2003 and June 2004 there were several gang related shooting in our communities, including the "Post Office" shooting around 5:00 pm in early June 2004.
This type of violence has a way of stopping us in our tracks and asking us to consider what really matters.
On June 14, 2004 over 600 area residents turned out to a community meeting to express their anger, frustration, fear, and sadness over the growing gang violence in our area. From this meeting, the Gridley/Biggs Gang Task Force was born.
At this meeting, citizens of our communities reported that they were not willing to tolerate gang violence and were committed to change. We recognized that gang violence is a community problem, which cannot be addressed by the police alone. We all need to take personal responsibility in making a difference.
What we wanted was:
- increased law enforcement in both the community and schools.
- to learn more about gang behavior
- to learn what we can do to make a difference
- a means to anonymously report suspicious activity or provide information
- more involvement from the schools
Where we are today
We have not had another major gang shooting in our community, though the gang activity has certainly continued. We've formed Youth First to take preventive action with our youth. Our hope is that by providing youth with the assets they need the gang problem, as well as other youth problems, will decrease over time.
We have had an increased presence of law enforcement including the addition of a code enforcement officer, a grant funded school resources officer, and greater collaboration between the police and the community.
We've begun, and will continue, community gang training. These have been held for the community, as well as school staff trainings.
The schools have begun a character education program, which includes classroom instruction, staff inservice, and community participation. The difference on our campuses is noticable and real.
We are hopeful about our future. We know the changes you want to make in our community are long-term goals, but positive changes are happening already. Together, we can make a difference!