Gangs and California Culture
October 20, 2005, Simon Wiesenthal Center, Los Angeles

In many California communities, gang membership and violence are part of everyday life. For many young people, gang life is a way of life. This meeting will examine the complicated social and cultural issues that lead young people into gangs. It will also address the effects that gangs have on our schools and the quality of life at schools where gangs are present. How can schools and our communities best deal with gangs and how do we prevent more young people from falling prey to gang membership? What actions have been taken by state policy makers to combat gang activity?

This meeting will take place at the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles. Participants will be drawn from the greater Los Angeles area.