| For Immediate Release
October 7, 2008 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Public Affairs Counsel Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami |
PARENTS URGED TO ATTEND SAN CLEMENTE
GANG FORUM TO LEARN ABOUT GANG VIOLENCE
AND PREVENTION
SAN CLEMENTE – A free community Gang Prevention and Education Event will be hosted for parents in San Clemente to discuss the issues and challenges faced by youths related to gangs and violence. The Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD), City of San Clemente, Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA), and Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) are urging parents to attend the informative presentation, where they will have an opportunity to speak with law enforcement and education professionals about gang risks and prevention. The parent resource and education forum will be held on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. at the San Clemente Presbyterian Church, 119 North Avenida de la Estrella, San Clemente.
Parents are invited to attend a 1-hour presentation by industry professionals, including speakers from the OCDA and OCSD, who will discuss gang violence, the San Clemente gang injunction, and prevention for youths. Following the presentation, parents may visit information and resource tables and speak with professionals about signs and tools for identifying and helping at-risk youth. Representatives will be available from the OCSD Explorers and Parent Project, CUSD Learning Link, Orange County Fire Authority, Boys and Girls Club of San Clemente, San Clemente Parks and Recreation Department, Sunburst Youth Academy, Orange County Human Resources, Regional Occupational Program, Costco, Family Resource Center, and Community Education. Bilingual representatives will be available. There is no cost to attend the event and childcare will be available for children ages 5 and older.
“A multi-agency outreach effort is critical for gang prevention and education efforts to be successful. This collaboration of agencies cares deeply about issues that affect San Clemente’s quality of life and the education, health, and welfare of our children and youth,” said San Clemente Mayor Joe Anderson. “I encourage both parents and youth to attend, so together we can ensure the long-term health of our community.”
“Knowledge is a powerful resource in keeping kids safe,” said Superintendent Woodrow Carter. “We look forward to this educational opportunity to work with our parents and students and appreciate the partnership of the OCDA and OCSD in this endeavor.”
“Our communities have the right to expect safer streets and neighborhoods,” said District Attorney Tony Rackauckas. “Parents are the most effective front line in keeping children away from being preyed upon by gang members.”
Schools, community groups, or other organizations interested in requesting similar events in their neighborhoods can visit www.orangecountyda.com and submit the “DA’s Speakers’ Bureau Request Form” under Education & Resources.
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