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Minutes 1993/06/03 Joint City Council/ Gang Task Force Meeting June 3, 1993 Gilroy, California Present: Don Gage Paul Kloecker Pete Valdez Roy Sumisaki Lee Neish Sal Castillo Nonnie Capurro Diane McGinty Sally Armendariz Roland Velasco Tobias Rivera Mi ke Gilroy Sara Nelson Dave Bouchard John Garcia Chuck Vargas Robert Castro Herman Garcia Mary Ellen Salzano Anthony Gutierrez Chuck Simonini Rhonda Pellin L~onard Hale Sy'ellen Rowlison Sheriff Gillingham Al Morales Rita Gutierrez-Fisher Ken Noonan Lanny Brown Richard Cadenasso Susan Black Daniel Castaneda .. "/\ Mayor Gage stated that because of the recent escalating gang violence, he wanted to bring people together to discuss issues and raise community awareness of the problem. Chief Sumisaki explained the Police Department's proactive approach to the problem, noting that there was too much apathy and denial. He stated the community needs to work together. He also explained the need of the parents to cooperate. He explained that this is not a Police problem, but rather a community problem. He stated that gang members are coming from outside Gilroy. He explained there has been intimidation of citizens, and explained that citizens can use their camcorders to help report incidents. He stated that parents need to watch what their children wear, especially certain colors. He noted that "trendy" fashions can get you shot. Mike Gilroy questioned what steps the Police Department has taken on the problem. Chief Sumisaki stated that the department is committed to teaching DARE and Juvenile Justice classes, and they are involved in the Neighborhood Watch program. He noted the gang awareness with regard to schools, churches, and social service agencies. He commented on the increased community awareness, because of the Gang Task Force. He stated that his department is prosecuting violators. He noted that they are trying to provide alternative activities for the youth. He explained that his officers are prioritizing calls to address gang activity. Pete Valdez stated that parents and everyone are in a state of denial. He commented that gang members are using public transit to get to our area for gang related activities. He noted that the gangs are hitting our neighborhoods, our commercial areas, and our largest employer. He stated that the suppression efforts are important. Sara Nelson questioned how many local people are involved in gang activity. Chief Sumisaki stated that the figures vary. they have some idea, but with the "wanabes" and the emulating their role models, they don't have a real He noted that kids who are number. Sara commented that she is aware that they are limited by law as to what the officers can and cannot do, but asked what the parameters are. Chief Sumisaki stated that they must have probable cause to make traffic stops, detentions, etc. He stated that with some instances such as youth cutting school, they can take the student back to school. He noted that ACT frequents known gang areas, and they do stop at groups of youth. Mayor Gage questioned whether there was anything that can be done to hold parents accountable. Chief Sumisaki recounted an incident where there were several youth at a residence, and the officers made contact since there were known gang members in attendance. He stated that the parents came out, very upset, and asked them to leave. He explained that the parents were in denial. He noted that they have threatened to file charges of contributing to the delin- quency of a minor against some parents. Suellen Rowlison asked about the job opportunities for gang members. Chief Sumisaki stated that he is working with other jurisdictions on this. Mayor Gage explained that he had met with some gang members and local agencies, and some youth were placed in jobs. He ~"""1. (' ,)-).0 commented that he is meeting at the High School at 1:00 p.m. today regarding job placement and training for youth. Officer Dan Castaneda reviewed a recent incident that started with a.call form the High School regarding suspicious vehicles in the area. He displayed weapons confiscated from the juveniles involved. Mike Gilroy noted the anti-gang activity in watsonville, Salinas and San Jose, and asked if any city had any great success with their anti-gang activities. Chief Sumisaki stated that none have absolute answers, but emphasized that we need to work with parents and the community. Paul K10ecker stated that it was a good idea to hold this meeting. He offered the suggestion of using Channel 34 for weekly presentations from officers relating incidents occurring in the community. He stated that this will make everyone more aware of what is happening. Mayor Gage recognized the Gang Task Force members, and mentioned the diversity. He noted that we need more support and outreach. He stated the next meeting of the Gang Task Force is scheduled for next Wednesday, and asked anyone interested in attending to give their name to Rhonda pellin to add to the mailing list. Herman Garcia reviewed the history of the gang situation in Gilroy, noting that this same activity occurred in the '70s. He stated that we need to address the problems now, and noted that we have been lucky so far. He explained that he had previously given gang information to the Council. He stated that there are probably 500-600 gang members in Gilroy, with 15-20 leaders. He explained that his nephew, Roland Velasco, had done a study on the gang situation in Gilroy. He distributed the findings to the Council. Roland Velasco began discussing his findings, but Mayor Gage requested this be agendized for the next Gang Task Force meeting. Herman stated that the Salvation Army building is available as a youth center at no cost. They are starting a six week pilot project soon. He noted that the City will need to put some things on the back burner and fund activities regarding gangs. He noted the City should fund further suppression efforts. He presented a $1,000.00 check for use by the Gang Task Force from the CAAC. Tobias Rivera, Gilroy Apartments manager, stated that they have tried to change the image of the Gilroy Apartments and the east side area. He stated that the City needs to make stronger laws such as changing the curfew to 9:00 p.m. He noted that things need to start happening now. He explained that we need positive role models. He explained that the Gilroy Apartments have over 95% Hispanic tenants, and with a strong eviction policy that includes no felony convictions or use of drugs, they are developing a more positive image. Diane McGinty commended the City Council and Gang Task Force for coming together. She noted that it is encouraging that the churches are so involved. She commented that the "Friday Nite Live" activity could be an important recreational activity for the youth. She stated that we need places where the young people can go. She reviewed the Teen Congress. Diane Tinsley, Library and Culture Commission member, stated that the Commission has discussed these issues extensively over the last year. She noted her concern over the "tagging" by the gang members. She suggested that an empty building downtown could be used as a youth meeting area. ~ '.'J' * I ", ,J ..1.. f Roy Benizalvo, from the Boy's Ranch, stated that he did not know what the results would be when the Ranches are closed. He explained that 800-900 youth go through the two ranches each year. He noted the Youth Authority is 26% over capacity. He commented that 67% of the youth that come from the Ranch are never locked up again. He suggested the citizens write to Supervisor Honda regarding not closing the facilities. Sally Armendariz addressed the Council in Spanish. Pete Valdez reiterated her comments to the Council and audience where she thanked the Mayor for having this meeting. Her concern is that 50% of the population is Hispanic and we are not communicating to them in Spanish. She asked that the Gang Task Force make the process bilingual, and have the brochures and videos in Spanish. Robert Castro reviewed the Kansas City conference he attended. He stated that we need to come together for the youth. Richard Fernandez stated that he sees the gang problem escalating. He talked about God's Field Church and offered his services. George Garza, Salvation Army, stated that he is working on a graffiti project, and has paint to donate. He noted that they are opening a youth center on June 14th. Mary Ellen Salzano, member of the Morgan Hill Gang Awareness Task Force, asked to join with Gilroy to seek solutions to the problems. She noted they have a $2,000.00 grant and on June 23 at Gavilan College, they are presenting Duke of Earl II, a drama presentation depicting gang problems. She questioned whether we should look at an organization like "Mothers Against Gangs" to help stop gangs. She asked the people in the audience to network with those around them to help with the problem. Mayor Gage thanked everyone for attending, noting that what we need is more hands helping. He noted that we need bilingual people, and to give their names to Rhonda if they are interested in helping. Suellen Rowlison stated that she is only willing to work on the budget situation if we have support of organizations to work with the youth. Pete Valdez stated that he would like to set a subsequent meeting and give direction to the Police Department to address the suppression issue. He noted that one common denominator is economic health of family values. He explained that we need to separate all the issues and work on each one. Sara Nelson stated that she is not unwilling to spend money, but wants to see directions and see what to expect. She explained that she just needs information. Respectfully submitted, /; ) 11/ '. I, /../-' " '--A-~-Itl( A~alz- -;i,{ fit 1'- Administrative Secretary