Valleywide : 8 Local Schools to Get Anti-Gang Funds

Eight San Fernando Valley schools will benefit from an injection of state funds to prevent student gang involvement.

The money stems from anti-gang legislation by Assemblyman Richard Katz (D-Sylmar) in 1988. Katz initially proposed the Gang Risk Intervention Program (GRIP) as a pilot project, but last year the Legislature passed the bill and made the program permanent.

The Legislature set aside $3 million in the 1995-96 budget for Katz’s program--$1 million more than the program received last year.

This year, $1 million will go to Los Angeles County schools, $1 million for other schools in Southern California, and $1 million for schools in Northern California.

“It’s aimed at keeping gang wannabes from becoming has-beens,” Katz said.

“It is directed at elementary and junior high school kids . . . who are vulnerable and beginning to make important decisions.”

The money funds after-school sports leagues, arts and crafts, and tutoring. It will also be used to teach peer counseling and crisis-intervention skills.

“It gives kids alternatives to running with gangs and doing drugs,” Katz added, noting that a 1994 report from the governor’s office found that schools involved in GRIP had reduced high school dropout rates, dealt with fewer truant students and had less violence and gang activity.

Valley schools getting money for anti-gang programs this year are Sepulveda Middle School and Langdon Avenue Elementary School in North Hills; Van Nuys Elementary School, Fulton Middle School and Sylvan Park Elementary School in Van Nuys; Olive Vista Middle School in Sylmar; O’Melveny Elementary School in San Fernando, and Osborne Community Education Center in Pacoima.

Funds will be distributed through the Los Angeles County Department of Education.