Future Uncertain for Anti-Gang Program

When former City Councilwoman Joy Picus and her staff moved out of their offices last week, the future of the West Valley’s largest private, nonprofit gang intervention program became unclear.

Keep Youth Doing Something (KYDS), a program that provides nearly 200 at-risk youth with sports, dancing and other social activities, is the brainchild of Picus’ former aide Sandy Kievman, who coordinated it from her office in Reseda for several years.

Kievman said she plans to continue spearheading the program, although she is unsure where she will work next.

“It’s an awkward situation right now,” Kievman said. “It’s too early to tell how it’s going to work, or where we’re going to have our headquarters. But I’m not planning to abandon the project, that’s for sure.”

The KYDS project, funded by a $40,000 federal grant, includes Friday night events at Reseda Park and Lanark Park in the Canoga Park area.