HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-20-2021_Open Session_Item 7_Brown, Hardy_Revised Violence Intervention and Prevention ProgramsHardy Brown, Publisher Emeritus Black Voice News 10/19/21 Thank you mayor and council My comment tonight is for your discussion on the American Rescue Plan update and Budget Amendment to fund the Violence Intervention Program. I will restate that am against adding another agency in the mix to fight violence (Gangs) in our community. I am in favor of expanding the capacity of the two existing organizations to increase their services to more people in a timely manner. From my experience of working on this same issue in the late 80’s a more comprehensive partnerships with our school district, United Way funded youth agencies, religious organizations, chamber of commerce; businesses large and small meaning mom and pop stores in the neighborhoods, all media especially community owned media and community based groups is needed. The city must fund these two agencies at a higher level in order for them to help assist the participation of these community partners. Our large businesses like Edison, Sempra Gas, Kaiser, Frontier Communication, Stater Bros and other corporations will benefit from this effort and should be asked to help fund in this endeavor. You need to develop and pass a School District and City Wide Policy and distribute it widely, to staff, parents, all businesses, large and small, Religious Organizations, Community Organizations, all media paid ads, opt-eds, editorials and news stories, bus signs, banners, billboards. Saying that San Bernardino is a Public Safety Conscious City; with zero tolerance for gang violence, bullying and domestic violence of any kind. Declare a “Public Safety Month” and various activities with
youth groups and law enforcement groups staff. Work with the workforce development agency to seek summer employment for our youth while providing training on how to build a resume for employment or entrance for college. Make a list of employers in our area who hire youth as part-time workers and in the summer. There is so much that can be done to reduce the incidents of violence in our community if we work smarter, together and not dilute the funds allocated by adding another organization. We have to monitor and inspect what we expect from Young Visionary and HOPE Culture and from your report youv are doing that. This is just a few of my thoughts to add to your discussion. Thank you, Hardy Brown a 6 Ward resident since 1961.