Anaheim : Task Force Suggests Ways to Curb Gangs

When a report was released in 1984 reviewing the extent of youth street gangs in Anaheim, not everyone agreed on how pervasive such gang activity was in the city. But most officials did agree on one thing: A problem existed.

A task force made up of members from different commissions was set up last year to review the “Youth Needs and Behavior Study.” Tuesday, the ad-hoc group presented to city officials its strategy for reducing youth crime.

While the suggestions apply to the entire city, officials will concentrate on a pilot project in the Patrick Henry-Manzanita Park and Central City-Downtown areas, where juvenile crime has occurred.

Better outreach services to youth was one recommendation. “One of the greatest needs” for young people is to identify with neighborhood people who can offer counseling, crisis intervention, information and referral, the report states.

Other suggestions include extensive counseling and recreation services at Manzanita Park, parenting technique workshops and a program to remove graffiti.

“The appearance of graffiti in the community often serves as the leading indicator for individuals to attest to the presence of gangs,” according to the task force review.

The 1984 study had concluded that Anaheim did not have any “formal gangs” but said that the potential for gangs existed.