California fights violent rural gangs

California is fighting a wave of violent youth gangs taking root in the rural central valley.

In Glenn County alone, there are 12 Hispanic and Asian youth gangs. Police blame a surge of crimes, including vandalism, assaults, stabbings, handgun murders, car thefts, arson, sex offenses, school disruption, and juvenile drug arrests, on gang activities which have risen during the last decade.

The county is using a Justice Department grant to hire three Spanish-speaking counselors who will reach out to youths.

Officials say the program will mainly target gang members who can be rehabilitated. Hard-core offenders will be sent to prison.

Copyright Washington Crime News Service Aug 31, 2001
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