Ventura Schools Crack Down After Slaying

Three weeks after the fatal stabbing of a Ventura High student, school officials announced plans to hire uniformed security officers and other measures to crack down on gang activity on campuses.

“There is a perception in the community that our campuses are not safe,” Supt. Joseph Spirito said Friday, announcing a strict new dress code policy, the cancellation of off-campus lunch passes and, to reduce the possibility of drive-by shootings, the closure of Poli Street near Ventura High School.

The superintendent’s actions were prompted by the slaying of Jesse Strobel. The Ventura High student was stabbed to death Jan. 29 as he walked home late at night from a part-time job at his father’s pizzeria in the Pierpont area.

Police said they believe the attack was gang-related. John Strobel, Jesse’s father, said his son told him last month that gang members at the school had severely beaten one of his friends and had warned Jesse, “We’re going to get you.”

Since Jesse’s death, residents and business leaders have rallied to demand that school and police officials step up their efforts to curb gang activity. A town hall meeting last week on the issue drew more than 700 people.

Spirito said he still expects some parents and students to oppose the restrictions as being too stringent.

“We need parent and student support,” he said. “We’re not trying to run a prison. We’re trying to run an institution that guarantees safety.”