Jerry Brown

Jerry Brown may have been known as Gov. Moonbeam, but I will give him credit for showing how to communicate with gang members (“Gang Members Join Brown on White-River Raft Trip,” May 12). He has done several key things that make the difference in dealing with the gang members. First, he has acted as their mentor. Most gang members have never had a positive role-model mentor. Second, he has changed their environment. Anything that can be done to get gang members away from their negative inner-city environment affects them positively. Third, he has given them something interesting to do that opens their eyes to some of the other aspects of life.

What is needed to help the gang problem in L.A. is a Jerry Brown California Conservation Corp. for gang members. Most would voluntarily join if given a chance to be involved in an activity that gives them some positive feedback. If we don’t make some major effort in this direction, the inner city is just going to remain a breeding ground for more gang members.

IVAN P. COLBURN

Pasadena