> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Reformed gang members can help foster peace
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/reformed-gang-members-can-help-foster-peace-editor/
- Published: 2005-05-02T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T06:52:23.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Pico, #archive-import

I am submitting this letter on behalf of Oscar de la Torre and his efforts to bring peace to a culturally diverse community. First I must state this up front. Oscar, although not a gang member, is very knowledgeable about the gang culture and the many facets involved in that culture. He is also versed on many issues affecting disenfranchised populations.

I am a counselor, trainer and staff member at the Southern California Counseling Center. I am also the founder and director of CleanSlate Inc., a gang violence recovery, rage resolution and tattoo removal program. We are part of a collaborative that includes Children’s Institute Inc., CleanSlate Inc., Southern California Counseling Center, Bresee Foundation, Girl’s in Gangs Inc., Casey Family Foundation and the Pico Youth & Family Center. Oscar has been a vital part of the educational portion of this collaborative. We have anticipated this tension building in our communities for decades now. Educating our youth is what is necessary.

I train and prepare retired, former gang members to do the work of educating and

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 2, 2005.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/050205.pdf?ref=smdp.com)