February 20, 2007 - Remembering Ethan by defeating gangs

Remembering Ethan by defeating gangs

Pomona boy's killing has inspired officials to seek new ways to stop violence

By Mark Petix, Staff Writer

Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

POMONA - Ethan's small grave is still covered with Valentine's Day flowers.

Mylar balloons sway gently in the breeze above marigolds, carnations and lilies. Someone has tucked a small stuffed rabbit between the bouquets.

Three months ago Monday, 3-year-old Ethan Esparza was killed in a drive-by shooting outside his grandparents' house.

No arrests have been made in the shooting, and police have reported no new leads.

But Ethan's death has helped spark an effort by Assemblywoman Nell Soto, D-Ontario, to give gang-plagued cities like Pomona and San Bernardino a helping hand.

Soto has introduced a bill that would hire a statewide Gang Prevention Coordinator, creating a one-stop shop where local governments can get needed information and support to combat gangs.

Small cities are being overrun by gangs, Soto said, and the gang-related killings of Ethan and others show her it's time to act.

She said the proof is in her own backyard.

"I think if anyone needs it, it's Pomona and San Bernardino," she said.

Soto said she appreciates the efforts of local law enforcement and communities to stop gangs.

Pomona Police Chief Joe Romero has promised to get tough and stay tough on gangs that for decades have plagued the city.

Romero and Pomona Unified School District Superintendent Thelma Melendez de Santa Ana have high hopes for the city's new Youth and Family Master Plan, which calls for programs and services that keep kids in school and away from gangs.

District Attorney Mike Ramos said the unit will seek injunctions, or civil orders, that bar gang members from gathering in certain areas or taking part in gang related activities such as graffiti

Earlier this month, San Bernardino County supervisors voted to create a gang-injunction unit, following the lead of San Bernardino, Victorville and Los Angeles.

Soto said a gang coordinator would have a bird's eye view of the problem, instead of what she calls "independent and largely disconnected agencies, community groups, police departments and school districts" trying to solve gang problems on their own.

She said the coordinator would provide strategies and resources that could make the difference in a city's war on gangs.

Soto is not sure how much the program would cost, or if the bill will have the necessary support to become a reality.

She plans to address the need first and later figure out the financing.

"If we stop to think about money, we'll never get anything done," she said.

It has been tried before.

In 1997, the state Senate passed a similar bill, but it was vetoed by then-Gov. Pete Wilson.

But the deaths of Ethan and others in Pomona and San Bernardino have convinced her something has to be done.

All the time, Soto said she hears the pain and worry from her constituents.

"People don't feel very safe," Soto said. "People call and want to know what we're going to do about the gang problem.

"It's not something going unnoticed. We have to do something about it."

Staff writer Mark Petix can be reached by e-mail at mark.petix@dailybulletin.com, or by phone at (909) 483-9355.

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Remembering Ethan by defeating gangs
Pomona boy's killing has inspired officials to seek new ways to stop violence

By Mark Petix, Staff Writer Inland Valley Daily Bulletin POMONA - Ethan's small grave is still covered with Valentine's Day flowers. Mylar balloons sway gently in the breeze above marigolds, carnations and lilies. Someone has tucked a small stuffed rabbit between the bouquets. Three months ago Monday, 3-year-old Ethan Esparza was killed in a drive-by shooting outside his grandparents' house. No arrests have been made in the shooting, and police have reported no new leads. But Ethan's death has helped spark an effort by Assemblywoman Nell Soto, D-Ontario, to give gang-plagued cities like Pomona and San Bernardino a helping hand. Soto has introduced a bill that would hire a statewide Gang Prevention Coordinator, creating a one-stop shop where local governments can get needed information and support to combat gangs. Small cities are being overrun by gangs, Soto said, and the gang-related killings of Ethan and others show her it's time to act. She said the proof is in her own backyard. "I think if anyone needs it, it's Pomona and San Bernardino," she said. Soto said she appreciates the efforts of local law enforcement and communities to stop gangs. Pomona Police Chief Joe Romero has promised to get tough and stay tough on gangs that for decades have plagued the city. Romero and Pomona Unified School District Superintendent Thelma Melendez de Santa Ana have high hopes for the city's new Youth and Family Master Plan, which calls for programs and services that keep kids in school and away from gangs. District Attorney Mike Ramos said the unit will seek injunctions, or civil orders, that bar gang members from gathering in certain areas or taking part in gang related activities such as graffiti Earlier this month, San Bernardino County supervisors voted to create a gang-injunction unit, following the lead of San Bernardino, Victorville and Los Angeles. Soto said a gang coordinator would have a bird's eye view of the problem, instead of what she calls "independent and largely disconnected agencies, community groups, police departments and school districts" trying to solve gang problems on their own. She said the coordinator would provide strategies and resources that could make the difference in a city's war on gangs. Soto is not sure how much the program would cost, or if the bill will have the necessary support to become a reality. She plans to address the need first and later figure out the financing. "If we stop to think about money, we'll never get anything done," she said. It has been tried before. In 1997, the state Senate passed a similar bill, but it was vetoed by then-Gov. Pete Wilson. But the deaths of Ethan and others in Pomona and San Bernardino have convinced her something has to be done. All the time, Soto said she hears the pain and worry from her constituents. "People don't feel very safe," Soto said. "People call and want to know what we're going to do about the gang problem. "It's not something going unnoticed. We have to do something about it." Staff writer Mark Petix can be reached by e-mail at mark.petix@dailybulletin.com, or by phone at (909) 483-9355.
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