Lynwood : Gang Task Force Approved

The Lynwood City Council has unanimously approved the formation of a task force against gang violence. The council voted to start accepting applications from residents who wish to be part of the 10-member committee. Applications are available at City Hall and must be submitted to the city clerk by March 31. The council is expected to choose 10 people from the list of applicants at its April 18 meeting.

The council also allocated a $5,000 budget for the task force to pay its members a stipend of $25 per meeting. The task force is expected to meet twice monthly to seek solutions to the crime problem among youth gangs in the city and nearby neighborhoods served by the Lynwood sheriff’s station.

Councilwoman Evelyn Wells, who was the first council member to suggest the task force, said the goal of the group will be to discourage youths from joining gangs and to offer them some type of constructive alternative, perhaps some type of educational program.