NEWPORT BEACH : Creation of Gang Task Force Urged

In response to the city’s growing gang-related problems, Councilman John W. Hedges and the Police Department are recommending the creation of a task force to advise authorities on gang activities and propose anti-gang ordinances.

While graffiti is the most evident gang problem, an increasing number of stabbings, shootings and assaults have been linked to gangs, acting Police Chief James M. Jacobs said Monday.

The task force could help deter gang activity such as the pencil stabbing involving alleged gang members near Ensign Intermediate School last month, Jacobs said.

Police said the stabbing took place Nov. 20 during a brawl that involved several high school students and about eight Ensign students. One Ensign student later was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. The student who was stabbed was treated and released.

“Hopefully, actions the task force takes will prevent future incidents like that,” Jacobs said.

Jacobs, Hedges and Mayor Clarence J. Turner will be meeting with Santa Ana’s anti-gang task force for guidance in determining what Newport Beach’s task force duties should be. Formal action to create the task force is scheduled for the Jan. 11 City Council meeting.

Police and city officials said the task force will work with the Newport-Mesa Unified School District in an effort to discourage the formation of gangs in the schools and to try to end, or at least curb, gang-related activity by recommending ordinances to control it.

The task force will include two City Council members, a school district trustee, a police officer and two members of the community.

“Anything we can do to help youngsters find a meaningful purpose will help control gangs,” said Roderick H. MacMillian, vice president of the school board.