Anti-Gang Program Showcased at Gala

L.A. Bridges, the city’s program aimed at reducing gang violence, was formally introduced Thursday with a gala at the Los Angeles Sports Arena as supporters proclaimed the effort as “the city’s most ambitious attempt to save our youth.”

The goal of L.A. Bridges, which was launched last fall with an $11.2-million budget, is to reduce involvement in gangs, strengthen families and improve academic achievement by creating “bridges” to a variety of public and private organizations in the city, officials said.

“I’m very excited because L.A. Bridges is bringing a lot of segments of the city together,” said program Director Gloria Stevenson Clark.

The program targets teenagers.

“Some kids, you almost know they’re going to be in a gang if they don’t get some kind of intervention,” said Cliff McClain, one of the program’s coordinators.

“However, other kids just need a little tutoring or mentoring to steer them in the right direction. What we have to do is allow these youngsters to make their own choices that lead to their success story.”