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.