> ## 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. # Retaining faith that gangs can be kicked - URL: https://www.smdp.com/retaining-faith-that-gangs-can-be-kicked/ - Published: 2007-02-01T16:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-23T23:58:44.000Z - Author: Kevin Herrera - Tags: Community, Venice, #archive-import *Congregations unite to end gang violence* ST. ANNE’S CHURCH Tired of watching fellow parishioners fall victim to random acts of violence, members of congregations in Santa Monica and parts of Los Angeles joined public officials here Tuesday night to jump-start a regional approach to eradicating gangs from their neighborhoods. Those who believe in a higher power said they are putting their faith in God that, through collaboration, they can give young people hope so that they will be less likely to join a gang and embark on a life of crime. To do so, local governments will not only have to dedicate financial resources to youth programs, parenting classes and public safety, residents must also do their part, those who attended the meeting said, including walking the streets to show unity and a willingness to stand up to the evil forces that are trying to destroy their communities. “The violence is real,” said Pastor Horace Allen of the First Baptist Church of Venice, located in the neighborhood of Oakwood, which has had its fair share of gang-related crime. “Violence starts when we don’t empower families to be families,” Allen added. “Don’t be afraid to stand up. Gangs don’t like it when people come out of their homes and into the streets... And don’t just stay in Santa Monica. Come over to Venice. We need your help too.” A crowd of roughly 50 came out just weeks after a 20-year-old Santa Monica man was shot and killed by suspected gang members while walking with friends near Virginia Avenue Park. Organized by L.A. Voice, an interfaith community organization that tackles critical social issues, the meeting was a follow-up to an earli-er meeting late last year at St. Anne’s where members called on city officials to develop a plan to combat gangs. City officials distributed copies of City Hall’s current budget for youth, along with an update on the actions of community partners who joined forces in 2005 following a series of community meetings called by State Sen. Sheila Kuehl. Those in attendance seemed pleased with responses from city and school officials, who pledged their support for an interfaith effort that could work in tandem with City Hall and the school district by securing funding from sources the former may not be able to access. There is also the belief that the faith-based community may be better equipped to work closely with families who have either been victims of gang violence or are living with a troubled youth on the edge. “I’m heartened to see two communities talking about the need to work together,” said Mayor Richard Bloom. “I truly believe that we cannot solve this horrible problem by ourselves. It does begin at home, but also extends outside of the home. We need to embrace all sides of the issue.” Bloom suggested City Hall try to organize a neighborhood watch program that could work with law enforcement in patrolling city streets, whether it be once a month or once a week. As in prior meetings, focus turned towards education, job training and programs that try to reintegrate youth who have been incarcerated back into society. The negative effects of poverty and racism also surfaced, as participants tried to uncover why youth are attracted to gangs in the first place. Oscar de la Torre, vice president of the Santa Monica-Malibu school board and executive director of the Pico Youth & Family Center, said gang violence in Santa Monica and elsewhere has plagued the poorest of neighborhoods, where kids feel they have no chance at succeeding in life in what he called the “jail before Yale” dilemma. “No gang member is born,” de la Torre said. “They are made... It’s that sense of hopelessness. That’s what we’re up against.” The school district is working hard to close the achievement gap between students of color and their Asian and white counterparts, de la Torre said, and there is some discussion of requiring all new teachers to tour Santa Monica to better understand what types of environments their students are living in. It was also suggested that more intervention be done at the elementary and middle school levels, with educators identifying those children who are most at risk and dedicating extra resources to keep them in school and off the streets. These students would also be taken on field trips so that they might bond with one another and, therefore, gain a sense of respect for one another. “I’ve talked with gang members and they’ve told me that it’s hard to kill somebody when you knew them,” de la Torre said. To assist educators, L.A. Voice recommended school officials look into funding a program in which teachers are paid extra to make periodic visits to the homes of students who are struggling. Currently, the federal government has authorized $15 million to help fund the Nell Soto Parent/Teacher Involvement Program, however, the local district does not qualify because schools do not perform low enough academically, said Ana Maria Jara, a member of L.A. Voice. “Oftentimes, parents feel there are too many barriers between them and the school district” Jara said. “Many don’t know how to navigate through the system... Through the home visitation program, teachers can listen to parents and form a long lasting relationship.” As a sign of their commitment, those who attended ended the meeting by chanting “Si, se puede” (or “Yes, we can”). “Let us reflect on these simple words,” said Father Mike Gutierrez, the head pastor at St. Anne’s. “Let’s get it done.” *Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 1, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/020107.pdf?ref=smdp.com)