For Immediate Release: October 5, 2007
Contact: Karen Clifton
Phone: (559) 445-5532

Fresno, CA – Law enforcement agencies from all over Fresno County joined Assemblymember Juan Arambula (D-Fresno) today in announcing more funding for gang prevention and intervention in the Central Valley.

According to Arambula, the state just recently allocated $9.5 million dollars to help law enforcement agencies, community based organization and local governments combat gang violence in their communities.

“Right now Fresno County ranks 3rd in the Central Valley region for homicides related to gang violence,” said Arambula.  “We at the state are putting a focus on helping California communities deal with gangs and reduce the destructive impact they inflict on our neighborhoods.”
 
Prior to the announcement, Assemblymember Arambula hosted a roundtable discussion giving local law enforcement agencies a chance to talk with Kirby Everhart, Public Safety Branch Chief from the Office of Emergency Services. Everhart gave the agencies important information on how to apply for grant funding and how money can be used.  Law enforcement agencies were able to discuss the challenges and needs of combating gang violence in the Central Valley with both Arambula and Everhart. 

“The state has allocated funding specifically to prevent and fight against gang violence.  This meeting will allow our local law enforcement to be the first in line to receive funding to combat this growing problem,” said Assemblymember Arambula.

Available funding can be used for gang prevention, intervention, education, job training, and family and community services, stated Arambula.  Grants will be awarded no later than January 15, 2008.

More than 18 different law enforcement agencies, community based organizations and local governments from Arambula’s Thirty-First Assembly District were represented at the roundtable discussions.