GRASSROOTS: DECREASING YOUTH GANG VIOLENCE

Grassroots: Decreasing Youth Gang Violence in Monterey County.

Delna Fenton

California State University of Monterey Bay

Authors Note:

Delna Fenton, Department of Collaborative Health and Human Services, California State

University Monterey Bay

Report created for course CHHS 302: Professional Communication.

Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Delna Fenton,

Collaborative Health and Human Services, California State University Monterey Bay, Seaside,

CA 93955.

Contact: dfenton@csumb.edu

GRASSROOTS: DECREASING YOUTH GANG VIOLENCE

Table of ContentsIntroduction......................................................................................................................................1

Discussion of Causes.......................................................................................................................2

Family members involved in gangs........................................................................2

Living in poverty....................................................................................................2

Lack of support, engagement and supervision.......................................................2

Lack of school interest............................................................................................3

Bullying..................................................................................................................3

Discussion of Effects.......................................................................................................................4

Truancy and drop out..............................................................................................4

Drugs and substance abuse.....................................................................................5

Incarceration...........................................................................................................5

Homicides...............................................................................................................6

Violence and Crime.................................................................................................6

Economic Burden...................................................................................................6

Discussion of Proposed Solution.....................................................................................................7

Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................8

References........................................................................................................................................9

Appendix A....................................................................................................................................13

Charts of Monterey County Reflecting Social and Economic Disparities...........13

GRASSROOTS: DECREASING YOUTH GANG VIOLENCE MONTEREY COUNTY 3

Table of Contents

Montery County Population..................................................................................13

Economic Spending Compared to Family Income, 2011......................................14

Violence Hot Spot Map.........................................................................................15

Child Maltreatment Reports (2007 to 2011)..........................................................16

Proficiency and Graduation Rates.........................................................................16

Appendix B....................................................................................................................................17

Community of Alliance for Peace and Safety, (CASP):............................................17

Strive To Reduce Youth Violence Everywhere (STRYVE):....................................17

Salinas Comprehensive Strategy for Community-Wide Violence Reduction 2010-

2012 Plan (SWP)……………………………………………………………………17

GRASSROOT: DECREASING YOUTH GANG VIOLENCE IN MONTEREY COUNTY 1

Grassroots: Decreasing Youth Gang Violence in Monterey County

IntroductionGang violence has spun out of control in Monterey County. Monterey County has been

ranked number one in homicide rates at 24 per 100,000 for victims between the age of 10 and 24. This is three times the State level in 2009, 2010 and 2012 (Koller, Koehler & McCoy, 2013). This level of violence is having a devastating impact on the community. The city of Salinas has been dealing with gang and youth violence over 50 years and this culture has become entrenched in the county. While there is a long term culture of gang related activity in the county, there has been a disturbing increase in violence related to gangs over the past few years. The cities of Soledad, Greenfield and King City had the highest per capita homicide rate in the county in 2012. The following year, Monterey led the state in youth homicides for the second year in a row. (Koller et al., 2013).

Gang violence is often the result of poor schools, domestic violence, drug abuse, illiteracy, poverty, child abuse and high rates of male incarceration (Arreloa, 2015) (Appendix A). The effect of increased low income population, homelessness, poor living conditions, and high rates of unemployment over the past decade have hurt the community and this in turn have had a particularly negative impact on the youth of the county. This has created conditions that pushed those youth towards gangs and the gang lifestyle. The communities these youth reside in have then found themselves facing turmoil, violence and high rates of criminal behavior.Suppression tactics by police to help decrease crime and gang activities been utilized in the 1970 and 1980’s and remains prevalent today (Spergel et al., 1994). However, according to a report from the Justice Policy Institute, traditional gang suppression is counterproductive (Justice Policy Institute, 2007). A new approach, STRYVE, needs to be implemented. This approach looks at reducing youth violence through health care and education instead of a law enforcement only effort. Reducing youth gang violence starts, with the parents, guardians and families of the county’s youth. By treating the underlying causes before they become an issue, the community will be better able to stop what has become a major stumbling block to its success. It will take bringing business and government into the conversation to begin making the necessary changes and efforts to reach the people who most need the help.

Parental education is an important aspect in the prevention of youth violence. This keeps youth out of gangs by providing parents knowledge to help build youth’s self-esteem. It also provides parents and families with the tools to better raise and work with their children, thereby helping to avoid some of the most likely causes of them turning to gangs and the gang lifestyle.

Discussion of Causes

Family members involved in gangsMonterey County is designated as a high intensity gang area with Salinas, Soledad,

Greenfield and King City being, “hot spots” (Koller et al 2013, p.7) (Appendix A). There are 70+ gangs, 16 youth gangs and several prison gangs in the county, with an estimated 5,000 certified and affiliated gang members (Salinas, Parker, Potter, Armenta, & Phillips, 2015). The two largest gangs are primarily made up Nuestra Familia (NF), and the Mexican Mafia (La EME) (Koller et al., 2013). Youth who have family members that are active gang members are exposed to negative gang related behavior. According to a study, ‘Half In, Half Out:” Gang Families, Gang Affiliation and Gang Misconduct, being exposed to an adverse family and social

GRASSROOTS: DECREASING YOUTH GANG VIOLENCE MONTEREY COUNTY 2

background renders involvement in gangs at an early age. Having gang-involved family members was a strong predictor to gang affiliation (DeLisi, Spruill, Peters, Caudill & Trulson, 2012). Also, youth who had immediate and extended family members immersed in gang activities considered themselves as “half in, half out’ of the gang life. In addition, youth who have families involved in gangs have a higher risk of joining a gang and a lower chance of breaking free of the gangs. The effect of gang related crimes, behaviors and anti-social actions involving youth results in a negative impact on the community.

Living in povertyThe level of poverty in Monterey County is high.. In 2012, nearly 40% of Monterey

County residents lived at or below 200% the poverty level (Monterey County Health Department, 2013) (Appendix A). Four cities, Sand City, Soledad, Greenfield and Salinas, had almost 27% of the county’s poor living within them (CDC, 2014). Of these three cities, Soledad, Greenfield and Salinas had the highest homicide rates per capita in 2013 (League of California Cities., 2013). These high rates of poverty can be seen as a breeding ground for gangs. Poverty has a negative impact on children as the adults in their lives are often focused on things other than the children and sometimes basic nurturing skills necessary for psychological growth are missed or never provided. In addition poverty can lead to higher levels of substance abuse and domestic violence. According to the report from the Attorney General’s National task force states, “Children living in poverty are far more likely to be exposed to violence and psychological trauma both at home and in the surrounding community” (Listenbee et al., 2012, p. 34). This connection to violence easily leads children to seek connection outside the home, which in turn leads them directly to gangs. From there it is only a few steps to extended criminal activities and violence. It has been found that youth who are involved in gangs have a higher risk of misconduct (DeLisi et al., 2012).

Lack of support, engagement and supervisionYouth who lack parental, peer support and engagement have a higher risk of gang

involvement. Gang members often come from homes where they feel alienated or neglected. They then turn to gangs when their needs for love are not being met at home (Lees, Deen, Parker, 1994). In the National Gang Center (2014) video, Glenda Garcia, Gang intervention specialist, from the City of Houston Mayor’s Anti Gang Office states, “The trend is no father at home, mom is dating men, stepdad victimizing daughter. The daughter tells mom. The mom is mad at daughter, then blames daughter. The stepfather’s victimization continues. Daughter tries to cope by turning to drugs or runs away.” This disconnect in the home, where children do not receive the support and basic connection needed for psychological growth creates a handle that gangs can grasp hold of and pull the youth to them. Gangs are byproducts of young people having psychological needs that they perceive only being met through gang affiliation. (Branch, 1999).

Parents are in the position of providing a role model to children. They are the providers who initially teach them the difference between what is right and wrong. If this connection is not made, or the modeling is done in a poor manner, the effects can be devastating. It is important that parents provide love, guidance, support, morals, and teaching of social norms in order to succeed in life. According to the Gottfredson and Hirschi’s General theory of crime, there is a link between poor parenting, deviant parents and lack of supervision which can then result in criminal acts of delinquency, smoking, drinking, underage sex and crime. (Friby, 2013) Research

GRASSROOTS: DECREASING YOUTH GANG VIOLENCE MONTEREY COUNTY 3

has shown the importance of parents being a good role model, and the problems that high-risk families have in developing healthy adolescent autonomy and positive social functioning (Harper & McLanahan, 2004). Without basic needs being met, positive guidance and a lack of resources youth will look for other ways to fit into society.

Lack of school interestEducation is an important component of creating a successful life. Youth who become

involved in gangs are often disinterested in school and find themselves dropping out or failing to success completely. Unfortunately, this disconnect is not always the fault of the child, but brought on by poor education opportunities and poor local schools. Youth who are affiliated in gangs lack interest and attachment in school due to inadequate school support and resources. This in turn causes negative attitudes, lack of commitment and with low academics. Low academic performance at the ages of 10, 14, and 16 predicted an increased risk for involvement in violence at age 18 (Hawkins et al., 2000). Research suggests that high school students who do not spend time in after school activities, hang out with peers, and are frequently without parental or adult supervision are more likely to engage in criminal behavior (Arreola, 2013). Along with this detachment from schooling, comes a lack of connection to the community and/or family.

BullyingFeeling safe and free of violence is a strong motivator for children. This need to be safe

can drive children towards gangs in order to achieve a feeling of safety and strength. Monterey. County teens reported incidence of pushing, shoving, or hitting on school grounds in 7th grade (51%) more often than in 9th or 11th grade (30% and 24%) (Monterey County Health Department, 2010). Bullying does not have to only occur in schools. Youth often experience it when traveling from school to home, in local parks, neighborhoods, and other public areas.Gangs often wear specific colors to identify their affiliation. Norteno gang members often identify with the color red and Sureno gang members identify with the color blue (Arreola et al., 2013). Wearing the rival’s color can result in harassment, assault or possibly death. This fact has been witnessed many times in Monterey County as a number of the assaults and homicides have been precipitated by what color the victim was wearing. If a gang member sees someone wearing the color of their rival gang, they may assume that person is involved in gangs and may commit an act of violence on that person (Monterey County District Attorney, 2015). Youth have mentioned the apprehension of wearing red or blue due to being mistaken as a gang member (Arreola et al., 2013). The overwhelming affects of bullying can cause youth to turn to substance use, have academic problems and become involved in violence later in adolescence and adulthood (CDC, 2013). These negative effects of bullying make it imperative that methods to combat it need to be introduced and followed in both schools and with the community.

Discussion of Effects

Truancy and drop outYouth involved in gangs are more likely to quit school. Youth gangs are linked with

serious delinquency problems in elementary and secondary schools. Being in a gang contributes to more delinquency than just having delinquent peers (Hawkins et al., 2000). The disconnection to education can cause negative results from low esteem, disconnect to education resulting in displacing frustration towards other or giving up all together resulting in truancy and drop-out. Youth who are truant have a higher risk of being involved in gangs, once involved there is an increase in truancy. According to National Gang Center, risk factor of youth involved with gang

GRASSROOTS: DECREASING YOUTH GANG VIOLENCE MONTEREY COUNTY 4

affiliation are frequent truancy, absences, suspensions, expelled from school, dropping out of school (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention [OJJDP], 2010).)

High school drop-out students by race/ethnicity

(Monterey County Health Department, 2013)

In 2011-12, Monterey County high schools had over 40% of its students drop out of high school before obtaining their degree (Monterey County Health Department, 2013).Research shows that delinquency precedes gang affiliation and also revealed that rates of delinquency are exceptionally high during periods of gang membership (Esbensen & Osgood, 1999). Among youth gang members, a high school drop-out rate was significantly higher than non-gang members (Access Washington, 2001). The rise of competition and academic performance results in stress for student achieve in their full capacity due to challenges they face at home and school. The importance of support from home and school can help them achieve their goals. The importance of a positive environment in school settings, especially if it is lacking at home, is important. This will help the youth receive encouragement and support in order to face any challenges. Without that, a student will quickly become frustrated from not achieving academically and the lack of support from peers and instructors. This then causes anguish, resulting in the student finding other alternatives, sometimes negative, in order to fit into society. The effects of a youth who lacks family, friends and community can be devastating and the youth needs continuous support whether through the home, school, or community in order to remain connected to education and school.

Drugs and substance abuseGangs and drugs are synonymous. Drug sales are one of the most common ways gangs

make money. Along with the sales of drugs comes use of drugs as well as abuse and addiction. They are also twice as likely to be recent and regular users of drugs (Mason &White, 2006). This connection of gang and drugs can have a devastating effect on the community and the families of the gang members. These actions often lead to violence, neglect and other forms of crime such as prostitution, theft and robberies. Youth who are involved gangs are more likely to use and sell drugs. Violence erupts when, “taxes,” are not paid to gang leaders for sales of drugs in certain neighborhoods. Gangs rely on revenue from drug sales and are willing to fulfill the demand for illegal drugs (Arreola, 2013, p. 18). Young gang members who lack job skills or any way to gain employment will often use drug sales as a way to earn money. Raul, a youth gang member stated,” Money gets anything, I want to sell drugs” (Bureau of Justice Assistance & the National Gang Center. 2014). This feeling that

GRASSROOTS: DECREASING YOUTH GANG VIOLENCE MONTEREY COUNTY 5

the sales of drugs are a legitimate way to earn money can become imbedded in youth and make the effort needed to hold a normal job difficult and not worthwhile. The fact is job opportunities are available in the underworld of drug trafficking for youth gang members and that legitimate jobs are much harder to get (Duffy & Gillig, 2004).

IncarcerationInvolvement in gangs results in incarceration. This in turn deprives the incarcerated youth

of opportunities to further his life and increases his chances of failing in the future. Illegal activities leading to incarceration can have a lasting mark on an adolescent’s transition to adulthood (Harper & McLanahan, 2004). Incarceration also has a negative effect on the community at large, creating stress and division in the family.

HomicidesThe loss of young lives due to gang violence affects not only the family, but the growth

and production of the community. For the past 3 years, 85.7% of homicides in Salinas were gang-related (Arreola et.al, 2013). Monterey County has the highest homicide victimization rate for Californians between the ages of 10 to 24, followed by San Francisco County, San Joaquin County, Alameda County, and Stanislaus County (Violence Policy Center, 2015). The extremely high rate of homicides reflects back to the community and to the factors related to the youth being disengaged from society. Youth homicides are often due to gang retaliation or attempt to prove themselves to older gang members (D. Rager, personal communication, March 3, 2015). These actions of youth retaliating and proving themselves is foremost the most violence crime to seek just for acceptance.

Violence and Crime Violence and criminal behavior are part of the destructive nature of the gang related

lifestyle. These actions often end up negatively affecting the community financially, emotionally and politically. Gang members like stealing, cheating, and abusing or breaking rules especially if they personally benefit in these actions. When gang related youth are raised being victimized, they then considered this behavior normal, often they will believe that if they do not victimize first they will become the prey (Bureau of Justice Assistance & National Gang Center, 2014). Gang members’ violent offense rates are up to seven times higher than the violent crime rates of adolescents who are not in gangs (Howell, 2006). This propensity to violence and violent behavior quickly can turn a community into a fearful and distrusting place, which in turn can lead to additional violence and violent behavior. Youth gang members who are exposed to anti-social acts in their daily lives see a change in perspective. They begin to see this behavior as normal. A youth gang member, Dustin was exposed to prostitution, breaking into homes and drug dealing. He said, “Thought it was normal, but not normal (Bureau of Justice Assistance and Office of Justice Programs [BJA], 1999).” The dishonesty, theft, and destruction that is associated with the actions of gangs leaves costly consequences that financially affects businesses and the community.

Economic BurdenThe financial cost of the numerous violent and criminal acts of gangs is very high. The

estimated annual cost of gang violence in the Monterey County is $207,000,000. In 2012, the Monterey county Probation Department reported an average daily cost of $243.58 to keep a youth in juvenile hall and $327.95 to house a youth in the youth center (CDC, 2014). The direct costs associated with gang violence includes law enforcement and suppression efforts,

GRASSROOTS: DECREASING YOUTH GANG VIOLENCE MONTEREY COUNTY 6

prosecution, incarceration, court costs, probation supervision, and the cost of medical services and hospitalization for victims and families. The indirect costs include lost productivity, long term effects of trauma, reduced property values and investment in high crime areas, and loss of tourism revenue due to real and perceived danger (Koller et al., 2013). A study done in a trauma center found that the cost of 272 gangs related gunshot victims totaled nearly $5 million. This equaled to $5,550 per patient, per day (Howell, 2006). A single adolescent criminal career of about ten years can cost taxpayers between $1.7 and $2.3 million (Howell, 2006). An indirect burden which affects the businesses and the community is a fear to go out, or come into an area. Business owners are hesitant to have extended hours, due to the concern of vandalism, the safety of their employees or themselves. Gang violence affects businesses by effecting the image of the communities creating a loss of customers and potential businesses which then results in a loss of revenue.

Discussion of Proposed Solution

While the difficulties of attacking the youth gang problem in Monterey County can seem overwhelming and impossible to deal with in a rational manner, it is possible to do so effectively. It means looking at the problem from a different angle then has been used in the past and attempting to work with the community and families to reach the youth before they begin to search out gangs.

A use of a public health model to address these issues is of paramount importance. In order to reach the people who are most in need of support will require that the organizations build a feeling of trust and commitment to those they serve. An organization that has been working towards this type of implementation is STRYVE, (Striving to Reduce Youth Violence Everywhere). This program encourages the creation of prevention and education programs that help foster skills and interventions before youth violence happens. It utilizes a science based, multi-disciplined approach that works to stop violence and gang related activities before they begin. This then avoids the wasting time and resources on responding to violence after it occurs. In addition to the STRYVE model, the County would need to continue the implementation of The Comprehensive Strategy for Community Wide Violence Reduction (Comprehensive plan/SWP) based on the work completed by the Community Alliance for Safety and Peace (CASP). There are four key principles to the plan: These principles provide a framework to envision the goal and objectives (Arreola et al., 2013)(Appendix B).

1. A single operational structure that manages actions and progress2. Action is research and data driven.3. The youth are at the center.4. There is deep and meaningful engagement with the community.

Implementation of SWP supports the solicitation of working relationship among the public and private entitles. This then shows commitment to the community and captures the voices of the community and those who are directly or indirectly receiving the CASP.

The greatest promise for reducing crime and building safer communities is by using an evidence based approached that brings together the most effective prevention programs across multiple domains. The best programs include general parent education and management training, preschool intellectual enrichment programs, child skills training, mentoring, teacher training, and anti bullying programs (Farrington, 2014). Implementing afterschool programs as such as Second Chance or Friends Outside for families who have incarcerated family members help create the needed connection between family members. Creating improvement in schools to

GRASSROOTS: DECREASING YOUTH GANG VIOLENCE MONTEREY COUNTY 7

better support academics at all levels. Supporting educators and staff to assist in obstacles and challenges in and outside of school settings. There are programs like YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, as well as after school programs providing supervision, engagement, structure, and support for youth and also extending help to the family.

Conclusion

Monterey County youth gang violence has had a destructive and lasting impact on the community. There are many predictors that affect the youth of the community which then lead youth into gang involvement:

High Concentration of Gangs Living in Poverty Lack of parental engagement and supervision of youth Bullying School factors of low academics and low commitment.

These factors often are part of an adverse family and social background, which in turn creates an expectation of the gang lifestyle in youth. In order to combat these factors it will require the engagement of law enforcement officials, major stakeholders, business members and members of the community to implement strategic plans that will work to reduce the rates of homicide in communities.

By starting in the home and with the families that are most in need of help, real change could be made to not only help the family, but the community as a whole. By providing evidence based resources and programs for parents and youth real changes could be made that help create a foundation that can not only decrease youth homicide, but help create better quality lives for everyone.

GRASSROOTS: DECREASING YOUTH GANG VIOLENCE MONTEREY COUNTY 8

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Appendix A

Charts of Monterey County Reflecting Social and Economic Disparities

Montery County Population

(Monterey County Health Department, 2013).

The natural increase of the population maintains a slight shift. The dramatic shift in the net domestic migration resulted in a shift in the total population.

GRASSROOTS: DECREASING YOUTH GANG VIOLENCE MONTEREY COUNTY 13

Economic Spending Compared to Family Income, 2011

(Monterey County Health Department, 2013).

This represents the disparities in the Montery County economy. Due to low incomes, many of the daily needs are being subsidized in order to survive. Violence Hot Spot Map

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Hot Spot are locations of high levels of gun violence and homicide. In 2012, the majority of the violence occurred in the city of Salinas, followed by the south county cities Soledad, Greenfield and King City (Koller et al., 2013).

Child Maltreatment Reports (2007 to 2011)

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(Monterey County Health Department, 2013).

Rates show a high level of maltreatment in the age group under 1 year and the ages of 11 to 15.

Proficiency and Graduation Rates

(Monterey County Health Department, 2013).

2012, graduation rates and English and Math proficiency correlate to the violence hot spot areas.

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Appendix B

Organizations and programs that collaborate to decrease violence and improve the success of youth.

Community of Alliance for Peace and Safety, (CASP): A coalition of organizations and leaders from Salinas and Monterey County working to reduce violence and build a better future for the children in the county of Monterey. It is based on four key principles:A single operational structure manages actions and progress.Action is research and data driven.The youth are at the center.There is deep and meaningful engagement within the community.

Strive To Reduce Youth Violence Everywhere (STRYVE): A Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), federal program. STRYVE has been implemented in Monterey County by the Monterey County Health Department. It is under the management of Linda McGlone, Senior Health Educator. The STRYVE model is based on a public health approach to reducing violence. The vision is to promote safe and healthy youth, allowing them to achieve their full potential through violence-free families, schools, and communities. Focus on decreasing violence by increasing public health leadership, promoting widespread adoption of youth violence prevention strategies based on evidence gain from the community and reducing rates on a national level.

Salinas Comprehensive Strategy for Community-Wide Violence Reduction 2010-2012 Plan (SWP): A working plan committee consisting of faith, government, education, probation, businesses, health and non-profit organizations that works to ensure gang related violence reduction plans are serving the community.