October 1, 2008 - Legislative Committee Seeks Solutions to Help

Assemblywoman Anna Caballero Examines Drug, Mental Health Programs Helping Young People on Probation, Fresno—Assembly Member Anna Caballero’s Select Committee on Youth Violence Prevention held a hearing today at the University of California Center on the role of job training, mental health, drug and alcohol treatment programs in helping youth face down the challenges of growing up in violent environment.

“Fresno is not alone in its struggle to combat gangs and youth violence,” said committee chairperson Anna Caballero (D-Salinas). “Cities throughout our state are looking for answers that will help restore safety to our communities, and protect our children and young people from gang involvement.

“We’re here to learn from you about programs that are working, especially when it comes to intervening in the lives of young people struggling to break violent patterns.”

Caballero stressed that the goal of this hearing and previous ones held by the committee in Los Angeles, Salinas, Oakland, Sacramento and San Francisco, is to “develop a ‘tool-kit’ of ideas at the local and state levels that will help communities dealing with youth violence.” The committee plans to produce its report by the end of November.

Hosting the hearing was Assembly Member Juan Arambula (D-Fresno). Arambula welcomed the committee to Fresno and emphasized the importance of its work in helping communities. Also participating was Assembly Member Joe Coto (D-San Jose), a member of the select committee.

“Our families and communities deserve to have peace of mind when their children are at school or in the front yard playing”, said Arambula. “We’re working hard here in Fresno to reclaim our neighborhoods so our young people have the opportunity to live safe and happy lives.”

Fresno City Councilmember Blong Xiong testified, welcoming the Select Committee to Fresno.

Twelve local experts provided information on drug and alcohol treatment programs for young people on probation; mental health services for young people involved with gangs or youth violence; and job skills training opportunities for young people.

A special panel included youth involved in various rehabilitation programs, speaking from personal experience about what helps them in their efforts to change their lives. Maggie Navarro, Coordinator of the Mayors Gang Prevention Initiative, and Debra McKenzie, Coordinator, Fresno County Gang and Juvenile Prevention Initiative told the legislators about Fresno’s efforts to combat the challenges of youth violence, and help intervene in the lives of young people caught up in gangs and violence.

Assembly Member Arambula thanked Caballero for bringing the select committee and the panelists to Fresno and for showcasing the commitment and innovation of the local area.

A period of public comment took place at the end of the hearing.