PURPOSE
Since 1991, the City’s Anti-Gang Task Force (AGTF) has worked to end gang violence and crime in Santa Clarita through partnerships, proactive programming, and networking. The Task Force is currently operated out of the City of Santa Clarita Community Services Division.
View the 2008 Anti-Gang Task Force Yearly Report
Steering Committee
Steering Committee members include representatives from the city, community, schools, local agencies, and law enforcement. Members coordinate Task Force efforts and priorities and ensure the Task Force meets its mission. Steering Committee meetings are held every other month.
Gang Outreach Committee (GOC)
A recent development for the AGTF is the formation of a new subcommittee called the Gang Outreach Committee. This subcommittee is made up of “front‑line” people from various organizations and agencies throughout Santa Clarita who work one-on-one with gang members and high risk youth, some on a daily basis, and therefore, have first-hand knowledge of gang issues in Santa Clarita.
Through collaboration, outreach, and creative program development, committee members reach out to gang‑affiliated individuals with positive alternatives, resources, and assistance in order to decrease gang membership, intimidation, and crime. Areas of focus include neighborhood committees, mentorship, outreach to parents and connecting with youth on probation to decrease riscidivism.
PROGRAMS
Community Center — Recreational, educational, and wellness programming such as boxing, teen groups, tutoring and sports are provided for high‑risk, low‑income youth and families at low or no cost. The Community Center is located at 22421 Market Street in east Newhall. For more information contact Julie Calderon at (661) 286-4006.
Community Court — The Santa Clarita Community Court is a community-baseddiversionprogram that provides an alternative to the juvenile justice system for first-time, non-violent, juvenile offenders. Juvenile offenders who have committed non-violent petty crimes, such as shoplifting, speeding, and vandalism, are sentenced by a judge to make restitution through community service, attend diversion classes, and pay financial penalties. If they complete the program, their crime does not go on their record.
Hero of the Week — Local youth are selected by school administrators and are recognized publicly for showing leadership qualities, making a positive change in their life, and overcoming obstacles in their lives.
Job Skills Program — Provides high-risk young adults, ages 18-25 years old, the opportunity to gain work experience in the City’s Parks Division.
Teens Against Graffiti (TAG) —Teens, ages 13-18 years old, participate on the third Saturday of every month painting over graffiti in local washes.
YouthEmployment Services (YES) (PDF*) —Provides teens, ages 14-18 years old, whoarehigh-risk, low-income and special education with job employment and job skills training. Employment leads, application assistance, and trainings also provided. 2009 Summer Review 
Youth Resource Directory— An informative book with over 100 resources available for teens in crisis. Link to Youth Resource Directory. Provided free of charge to the public as resources allow.
Youth Employment Packet — A youth employment packet was created for teens who do not qualify for the City’s Youth Employment Services program. The packet includes employment leads and tips on how to search for a job and be a good employee.
P.O.W.E.R. — (Peers on the Way to Everlasting Rediscovery) – An adolescent outreach program offers high risk male teens, in need of support, a peer network to discuss issues that affect their behavior and perception of life. Through participation in the outreach program teens put their lives in perspective and deal with the problems that currently govern their existence. The outreach program is dedicated to help teens rediscover themselves and find a new beginning and make the right choices.
Girls Issues Group (GIG) — Similar to P.O.W.E.R., this support group is offered weekly to high risk teenage girls ages 13-18 who are struggling with gang & drug issues, family problems and other issues. Support, educational outings, mentorship and resources are provided.
New Prevention and Intervention Programming — Includes Neighborhood Committees (residents working with AGTF members to improve the quality of life in their neighborhood), Workshops for Youth on Probation, Mentoring Program (in development), and Parents on a Mission (in development).
AGENCY COLLABORATION
Below are a few of the agencies the AGTF collaborates with for additional resources and programs for high-risk youth:
ACTION — Parent and teen support groups, taught by trained personnel, promote positive communication to effectively resolve conflicts, and develop skills between parents and teens. Classes are held every Tuesday, from 7:00-9:00 p.m., at Canyon High School, in the A& B buildings. Call (661) 297-4660 or 1 (800) FOR TEENS.
SCV Youth Project — The SCV Youth Project is a private, nonprofit agency that provides advocacy, family mediation, crisis intervention, campus outreach, to teens and their families with no strings attached. Call (661) 257-YOUTH or www.helpnothassle.org.
Pyles Survival Training Camp — For high-risk boys, ages 13-14 years old. The week-long survival training wilderness camp is designed to encourage teamwork, trust, build self-esteem and encourage teens to make a new start in life. For more information, visit pylescamp.com.
Vital Intervention Directional Alternatives (VIDA) — VIDA is an intensive 16-week program for "at-risk" teens between the ages of 12 and 17 years old. The program consists of counceling, community service, physical training, and life skills workshops.
For more information on AGTF programs, call Cynthia Llerenas at (661) 250-3720 or send an email at cllerenas@santa-clarita.com.
