Westside : Anti-Gang Program Makes Debut in L.A.

Residents gathered in Venice on Friday to introduce a program to help fight gang violence. It is run by Barrios Unidos, a nonprofit organization based in Santa Cruz that has similar programs in 13 other California communities. The newest chapter, the only one in Los Angeles, will work with volunteers in Venice, Culver City, Santa Monica and West Los Angeles.

Paid staff members from the Venice area will lead the effort, but the program will also rely on a network of former gang members and inmates to counsel teenagers and young adults. Besides providing gang intervention, the group plans to run recreational activities, tutoring, and after-school programs.