Capitol Theatre to host anti-gang forum

Capitol Theatre to host anti-gang forum

by Phil Ferolito
Yakima Herald-Republic

YAKIMA, Wash. -- Yakima Valley residents are invited to join lawmakers, law enforcement experts and community leaders to discuss a growing statewide gang problem during a special town hall meeting Tuesday at the Capitol Theatre.

Hosted by KYVE-TV 47, the event will feature a panel of law enforcement officials, including state Attorney General Rob McKenna and King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg.

The gathering, being called "Confronting Gang Violence: A Town-Hall Discussion," begins at 7 p.m. and is intended to bring communities together over the growing gang problem and explore possible solutions, said executive producer and host Enrique Cerna.

Local county and city leaders, lawmakers and school officials have also been invited to the event, he said.

"This is their community and this is their concern and we hope people turn out," he said.

A comment period will be offered to the public.

In addition to lawmakers and law enforcement, former gang members and families touched by gang violence will share their stories, he said.

"Our whole approach is to look at the problem and hopefully look at some solutions," he said. "We've been following the whole issue of gang violence for a couple of years. We've seen a spike in gang-related violence, particularly over the past year."

While the Yakima Valley has seen a recent increase in gang activity, Cerna describes it as a statewide problem.

From rural communities such as Sunnyside and Moses Lake to urban areas like South Park and White Center in Seattle, police are seeing increases in graffiti, drug trafficking and violent crime associated with gangs, Cerna said.

Hopefully, the event, which will be broadcast in Seattle and Spokane, will mobilize communities to seek out solutions, he said.

"It's a challenge," he said. "On the one hand, people want something done. And on the other hand, there's a certain fear that goes with it. You have young people killing each other and for what?"

http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/2009/10/15/capitol-theatre-to-host-anti-gang-forum