This would be a much different community if the street gangs did not have so much sway over the quality of life in Fresno's poorest neighborhoods. That's why I'm supportive of the aggressive action that Police Chief Jerry Dyer has taken against gangs, especially the Bulldogs gang. The random violence committed by these gang members have many Fresno residents fearful of even venturing outside their homes.
An editorial in today's Bee explains for the need to back this effort. Crime is down in Fresno since Operation Bulldog started a year ago.
Dyer's goal is to eliminate the Bulldogs gang. His latest initiative is to go after the gang leaders to go along with the current effort of targeting individual gang members.
Since the anti-gang effort began, Dyer's officers have arrested 4,800 Bulldog gang members or their associates on felonies and seized 168 guns. That's a lot of guns taken off the streets, but also is an indication of how many illegal firearms there are in our community.
Under this program, gang members have a chance to turn their lives around. There are opportunities to get out of the gang life, get job training, have tattoos removed and get drug and alcohol treatment. More should take advantage of this program. Gang life is a dead end.
I talked to some folks today who had moved to Visalia. They said Dyer is doing such a good job that the rats are all running into their part of town.Do I remember reading something about this and how Fresno P.D. is cooperating with other valley areas? Don't stop until thay're on the other side of the grapevine.
I concur that Dyer is doing a good job eliminating the bulldogs from Fresno and yes they are going to outlying areas. I am for trying to rehabilitate them into productive people. Cornerstone Church does a good job of showing them they can make a change. If they go on the other side of the Grapevine they will eventually be back bigger and stronger. Pray for all of our communities.
N.I.M.B.Y seems to be a shortsighted goal of any problem.
(Not in my back yard)
Can we also focus on Vocational options starting in 6th grade? Having schools geared towards nothing more than a "maybe" college entry is ridiculous. Unless things have changed significantly since I was in school.
Do not just spend everything on the stick. Figure out how to fill up Fresnos various unions instead of just prisons.
Vocational classes were offered when I was in high school quite some time ago. It was great not only offering to learn a trade but it was also fun and interesting. We absolutely have to peek their interest to keep them wanting to learn.