HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - June 6, 2001 E-28CITY OF LODI COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
AGENDA TITLE: Authorization To Disband The Gang Alternative Project (GAP)
MEETING DATE: June 6, 2001
PREPARED BY: City Clerk
RECOMMENDED ACTION: That the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the disbanding of
the Gang Alternative Project (GAP).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: On May 23, 2001, the City Clerk's Office received the attached letter
dated May 16, 2001 from Dee Porter, Chairperson of the Lodi Gang
Alternative Project (GAP), informing the City Council that the
remaining three members of GAP have voted to dissolve the
committee, due to decreasing membership and lack of available time
to devote to the project.
It is, therefore, recommended that the City Council concur with the committee's recommendation and
authorize the disbanding of GAP.
FUNDING
SJB/jmp
None required.
Susan J. BlackstdPi
City Clerk
APPROVED:
H. Dixon Flynn -- City MaSager
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Regretfully, the Lodi Gang Alternative Project board has Lve d fid>sscitve. While it has served a
very useful purpose for the past nine years: that of changing the direction of "at risk" children,
teens and active gang members, the long standing board has dwindled to three women, all of
whom have full time jobs and families. It has become very difficult to put forth the necessary time
and energy that these kids need.
Our purpose was to fill in the 'gap' between the kids and their schools, police department, court,
and often parents. We served as both a supportive group and a resource center. We opened their
horizons so that instead of quitting school and getting a dead-end minimum wage job they thought
of careers and going to Delta College or trade school to achieve that goal. We talked of self
image and how they could overcome their problems without violence. We found the kids to be
very respectful, friendly and grateful for the help we could give them. I really wish there was a
way we could continue but its just not possible.
The gang problem is still the same, just different kids. There are approximately 300 male gang
members and three independent girl gangs with estimated membership of between 35-50 members
each As you know there has been a lot of gang activity in recent months and that's only the
'reported' activity. The kids frequently tell of car chases of rival gangs between Lodi and
surrounding towns of Woodbridge, Galt, Lockford, and Stockton, often with guns and other
weapons involved. There really is a need for a gap -type of organization and more gang unit
police officers. I've personally donated several copies of my gang book to the new patrol officers
so they can understand the problems better.
There is money in our checking account -- approximately $2700. This was part of our Omega Nu
money which we used for'seed money' for projects, and helping these GAP kids in their efforts to
go to college and trade school-- which what Omega Nu specifically asked us to do with the
money. It was not to go into the City's general fund. I'm hoping that it will continue to be used
for that purpose. The City keeps the books on the account.
We had a lot of good ideas and projects lined up, and will be happy to share the information with
whoever needs it. Running GAP has been a very positive and rewarding experience for me. I
hope you will be able to form another organization with similar goals.
Sincerely,
ep
rso L an tive Project
RESOLUTION NO. 2001-149
A RESOLUTION OF THE LODI CITY COUNCIL
AUTHORIZING THE GANG ALTERNATIVE PROJECT
(GAP) TO DISBAND
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lodi City Council hereby
authorizes the disbanding of the Gang Alternative Project (GAP) Committee, effective
immediately.
Dated: June 6, 2001
I hereby certify that Resolution No. 2000-149 was passed and adopted by the
Lodi City Council in a regular meeting held June 6, 2001 by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — Hitchcock, Howard, Land, Pennino and
Mayor Nakanishi
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
SUSAN J. BLACKSTON
City Clerk
2001-149