LA HABRA : Residents Against Gangs to Meet Today

Residents concerned about the growing gang presence in the city are invited to a meeting this afternoon at the La Habra City School District office hosted by Residents Against Gang Existence (RAGE).

The group of residents, school and city officials, and church and Police Department representatives was organized last month to discuss ways to halt the growth of gang membership and activity in schools and neighborhoods.

Since its first meeting in February, which drew more than 80 residents, RAGE has formed five subcommittees to concentrate on specific issues and programs such as youth tutoring, Neighborhood Watch and enacting municipal legislation.

Co-chaired by Councilman Juan M. Garcia and La Habra City School District Trustee Nancy S. Zinberg, the task force also includes Police Chief Steven Staveley, La Habra High School Principal Thomas Triggs and La Habra City School District Supt. Richard Hermann among its members.

Guest speaker Tony Borbon of the Community Reclamation Project in Lomita will share strategies used in that city’s successful effort to take back neighborhoods from gangs.

The meeting will begin at 4:15 p.m. at the school district office, 500 N. Walnut St.