'There Have Been Too Many Shootings,' Assemblyman Alejo Says

Assemblymember Luis Alejo, who represents Gang-ridden communities like Watsonville, Gilroy and Salinas, introduced AB 310 this week, a bill that would give $3 million to the California Gang, Crime, and Violence Prevention Partnership Program.

He made the following statement through following the introduction of the bill:

Every year, crime costs millions of dollars to our communities in the form of stolen or damaged property, loss of work time, costs to operate the criminal justice system, and the pain and suffering of crime victims.

Over the past decade researchers have identified intervention strategies and programs that reduce delinquency and save lives. It is important to invest in community-based programs that can divert first-time offenders from further encounters with the justice system.

When law enforcement and communities come together to run proven programs in cities with high rates of gang activity, we have a better chance at being successful. That is why I decided to introduce AB 310, to make sure our communities are equipped with resources to stop violent crime.

There have been too many shootings, too much violence. This funding can make a real difference in making our neighborhoods safer.

AB 310 will be eligible to be heard in a California State Assembly policy committee after 30 days of being in print.

Do local gangs scare you? Do you feel like it's getting worse? What do you think of Alejo's bill? Tell us in the comments!