It's so sad so many tiny little boys have to prove they are little boys by joining gangs, carrying guns, shooting others, owning bully dogs, and defacing property. Their impaired mental capacity tells them it shows the world are men when the world sees them for the tiny little boys that they are.

Real men help others, little boys join gangs because they lack any chance of being a real man.

I just think its so wrong that they cant see that the war isnt here with eachother its over in Iraq... so if they want to pick up a gun and kill someone then join the military and go over there and protect our country then! I hate the fact that it doesnt even phase these gang- bangers that if they miss(when shooting) and kill a innocent bystander it just doesnt matter. If they want to shoot eachother, go in a dark alley or somewhere where innocent people dont have to be involved in this hatred. I just dont get it.

There is a huge gang problem. I am a middle school teacher and many of my 11 year olds are already involved in gangs. Although the Youth Violence Prevention Initiative is a good start, we need to hold parents accountable. Where are these young men's parents? Do they care? Their kids would not be joining gangs if they felt loved and secure within their families. They are being taught to fight and break the law from someone.

The only way we will ever end the street gang problem is by legalizing all drugs. Legalizing drugs will take the profits out of drug dealing and end the violence over drug profits that fuels the street gang life style. The street gang problem will never go away or get better until we end the war on drugs and legalize all drugs. Legalizing drugs will go to the root of the problem instead of fighting the symptoms. If any elected official or police officer is talking about a way to stop the gang violence without talking about legalizing drugs, then they are out of touch with reality and just using "feel good" solutions without any hope of really solving the problem.

The only way we will ever end the street gang problem is by legalizing all drugs. Legalizing drugs will take the profits out of drug dealing and end the violence over drug profits that fuels the street gang life style. The street gang problem will never go away or get better until we end the war on drugs and legalize all drugs. Legalizing drugs will go to the root of the problem instead of fighting the symptoms. If any elected official or police officer is talking about a way to stop the gang violence without talking about legalizing drugs, then they are out of touch with reality and just using "feel good" solutions without any hope of really solving the problem.

Ican remember about 15 years ago, the powers to be in seattle said that they had a handle on the gang issue, and that there would be no ganes in seattle. What happened???

I just watched the special on gang violence. I am mystified by the notion that this is a new problem. Gang violence has been a issue in the Seattle area for sometime. Perhaps it's getting attention now because of the economic impact on commerce (Southcenter). I am especially irritated by the Mayor's political posturing regarding the Gang Violence Initiative. Why is funding being withheld by the City of Seattle? Perhaps the City is to immersed in purchasing new office partitions and furniture for City offices. It's time for the Community to wake up and the City powers that be refocus their attention to serious issues. Perhaps when the gangs infiltrate their communities it might change!

Gang violence is a huge problem in the US, and is a problem in Seattle as well. Why isn't it being treated like internal terrorism? That's what it is. Gang members terrorize communities by their actions. Innocent people are hurt or killed. Sounds like terrorism to me. In addition to the positive social programs to help youths make better choices, if there were stronger laws/resources around gang activity, and punishment for those crimes (rather than the usual slap on the wrists), it could help reduce gang activity from our midst and help make our communities safer.

I am a 2nd generation native Southern Californian from Los Angeles, CA. I am a high school teacher in my late 50's and I was a teacher in the LA area. I moved here about 5 years ago. I left So. Calif for a few reasons other than the gang problems. But it did play apart of leaving. Our family lost a friend to a gang shoting ... senseless shootings just for a youth to make it into a gang. Gangs are indeed terrorists!

The youth starting at a very young age need to have youth programs that understand the needs of children that need positive reinforcement and caring. They need to know they have purpose and mentors that can give them the postive tools to guide them to a future that is better, than even thinking they need to join a gang.
Jaime Escalante and the movie "Stand and Deliver" comes to mind!! He taught just 7 miles from where I taught.
Gangs are a huge problem that will continue to grow and become more violent. It is a problem and must be addressed but there is no easy solution. It will take great effort from all levels. Starting at home, going all the way up to the Captiol. It needs to happen as of yesterday!

What Troy said below is very very true.
"Gang violence is a huge problem in the US, and is a problem in Seattle as well. Why isn't it being treated like internal terrorism? That's what it is. Gang members terrorize communities by their actions. Innocent people are hurt or killed. Sounds like terrorism to me. In addition to the positive social programs to help youths make better choices, if there were stronger laws/resources around gang activity, and punishment for those crimes (rather than the usual slap on the wrists), it could help reduce gang activity from our midst and help make our communities safer."

The gang problem has been in Seattle for over twenty years; I came here from Chicago twenty years ago and worked directly with the Seattle Police Department and the King County Juvenile Detention Center to conduct intervention and supression activities with gang identified youth.The denial by the citizens of Seattle is a primary factor why the gang situation was not sucessfully dealt with. The proper intervention is not in late night programs or specialized activities. The primary issue is the thinking patterns of these families and youth involved in this activity.The need for cognitive restructuring techniques in conjunction with civic virtue education are two approaches I currently use with the youth and families I serve in Snohomish County. The majority of gang involved youth and families do not have the moral, or value systems that dictate civility,compliance,and assimilation to the mainstream culture.The public schools are not effectively able to address this situation as the faculty are not trained in these areas.Until we can address how these individuals think about the laws that govern our community and actively take part as productive citizens they will always hold communities in bondage to fear and anarchy; this is a true form of domestic terroism. Ron Carr

This subject is not getting to the point that needs to be raised. The problem lies with the GANG community and their lack of parental guidance, and the police and media not wanting to attack the problem because they are scared of profiling the race and actual type of people that are the ROOT of this problem. If these issues were brought out and the black community and and police address the problem at them, this issue wouldn't be an issue. Quit being so scared of "offending" anyone. GET TO THE PROBLEM.

Ron Carr is the smartest one on this board. And 'Pete's comment is the sign of a fool. Tell 'Pete' to take his remarks in L.A. Once again, a person(pete) making a statement to make him self feel 'good'. People of Seattle live in denial in their phoney little 'comfort zones'. Well the gangs will drag you screaming out that zone. Not dealing with the reality' of gangs in Seattle will get you killed. I lived in Seattle 30 years, lived in Los Angeles 25 years. Theres 'gang' writing all over SEATTLE. Wake up. Quit fooling yourselves. Bless Ron Carr for stating the real facts. There is no debate.

The other part of gang business is credit/debit card scam and organized retail crime. Fred Meyer stores is the one stop crime destination for gangs. $500 money order with $250 cash back on a stolen debit card with a stolen PIN number is an everyday business because they don't have to show ID. The other problem with Fred Meyer is open exits with no security. Minors walking out with carts loaded with beer. People walking out with KitchenAid mixers and Norelco razors, that they trade for drugs and alcohol. Can our government make Fred Meyer check ID on debit card transactions? Can they make Fred Meyer use only one exit and have an uniform security guard?
It would cut down on gang activity in public place for sure.

It is sickening to watch everyone from the Police Chief, Mayor, and City Council playing "Cover your butt" with regard to this issue.

Public safety is the #1 responsibility of government and they push it down the list so they can waste money on chrome plated sanicans, plastic bag bans, anti water bottle campaigns, and every other social engineering project.

Unfortunatly we are the most responsible because we keep giving them free rides and voting the same people back time after time and hoping that this time they will do something different.

Sorry but the Mayor and every city council member up for election in 2009 needs to be voted out. Send the message that no matter how much we like you until you start doing the right thing we will keep cleaning house until you get it.

I share the frustration expressed by many on this blog re: the gang issue in Seattle. I too moved to Seattle from Southern California several years ago. I was a 3rd generation SoCal native, but the gangs destroyed many of the areas I once called "home." As many of you are aware, the "tagging" is just the beginning of the problem. And it is EVERYWHERE around us. Seattle has an opportunity to take control of this before we become another Southern California. But time is ticking before the opportunity is lost forever. I agree that kids need more support at home, but when that isn't happening, there needs to be strict enforcement of these "lesser" crimes such as tagging, that ultimately will lead to more killings. There needs to be a vigilant maintenance team that covers up the tagging as soon as it happens. Enough with using public money for so many failed public programs. Seize the moment and take control of Seattle so we don't become just "another" gang city.

It is so bad that the Medics that are trying to save people in the streets of South King County have to wear body armor... And the #1 reason why?... Is gangs.

Every citizen has an uncommon responsibility to be vigilant in his neighborhood and keep tabs on gang activity and report it to the Seattle Police Department.

Gang members may always be around, but if they know that there is a stronger group of citizens willing to confront them when necessary, they will think twice about making mistakes.

Also, each one of us has a responsibility to try to be a positive influence on the children in our neighborhoods to influence them away from gang life.

When I was growing up in Everett, in the 50's, people could leave their doors unlocked, and neighbors could walk into their friends homes, and everyone looked out for each other, even store owners looked out for neighborhood children.Halloween meant home-baked cookies & popcorn balls, and you had the favorite houses to go to for special home-made treats! Then over the last several decades,things have changed so drastically. In addition to the fact that psychos starting poisoning Halloween treats, and killing people,I'm mystified that someone could bitch about celebrating Halloween, but doesn't seem to care how out of control, assault weapons and gang activity has become!!.Gang members are idolized and almost glorified, in movies and music, and the media shows everything related to gangs constantly and continues to give them all the attention they want. Also, everywhere you go, and everything you see on TV, relates to violence, killing, kidnapping, abuse,(all kinds)People are paranoid, afraid to speak their minds (for fear of offending someone or everyone)trying to be politically correct, afraid of celebrating Holidays, and it seems to me, and others who are trying to live a good life and teach our children how precious ALL life is and how to be kind and concerned about your fellow man,that we are ignored because of too many self rightious and self proclaimed individuals, who think they know best. To me it feels like this country is infected with a deadly growing disease, that is slowly destroying things that really matter...concern for your neighbor, family values, respecting peoples property, respecting elders, teachers and even parents!!! This country has not only lost World wide respect, we've lost it in our own back yard.How sad, for what is supposed to be the Greatest, most advanced country in the world.Maybe with our new President (who it seems has some values that matter)we can rebuild our country to the greatness it USED to have.

When L.A. gang members were first appearing on the scene twenty-five years ago, Seattle police, on TV, denied that there was a problem. I remember the police officer who claimed that there were 7 in Seattle and they knew who they were and had control of the situation. At the time, I knew the problem was worse than that, and was pretty disgusted with the police department's denial of the severity of the situation.

A serious issue surrounding the closure of Naselle Youth Camp and the "downsizing" of existing programming within JRA's continuum of care is the resurgence of gang violence in Washington's urban and suburban areas on the west side and some areas in eastern Washington A news article I just viewed on King 5 "Upfront" online indicated that according to the Seattle Gang Unit there are over 200 different gangs that call the Seattle area home. In the late 1980's and early 1990's the Crips and the Bloods were prevalent in our institution and overcrowding suggested that new buildings be built to accommodate the predicted trend in juvenile crime. In 1995 a 48 bed unit at Naselle Youth Camp went on-line and Green Hill school was the site of several larger 64 bed "prison-model" buildings and I believe Maple Lane School's campus size was increased with the same type of building. I remember having Bloods and Crips in the same building, overcrowded, in a unit that had 24 rooms, beds for thirty, expanded to 36 with rollaway and "boat beds" That was a very dangerous and memorable time in my career with JRA. It was a custody model with safety and security of youth and staff always a huge concern on a daily basis.
Fast forward to 2009... The influx of new gangs and many different "sets" of the Bloods, Crips, Northenos, Surenos, Folks, Gangster Disciples, Mexican Mafia, etc., are sprouting up in the community again with an increase in gang violence in public places. I have never seen the number of different "sets" of gangs in our institution. So the forecasters say violent juvenile crime is going down, but gang criminal activity (fraud, extortion, theft, burglary, auto theft) appears to me to be rising. Gangs have become more sophisticated and more "21st century" than in the past. The solution to this dilemma is to be proactive and assure the public and citizens that protecting them in their community and rehabilitating these young offenders is taking place. In the lodge I manage at Naselle Youth Camp there are 10-12 gang members from different gangs/sets from all over the state working together on our two DNR crews, that's together! We had a meeting this afternoon where we had the youth brainstorm their incentives for tree planting season. We reward them for reaching milestones (40 thousand, 80 thousand etc.)of a certain number of trees planted with special reinforcement dinners, BBQ's, movies, etc. This year NYC's total tree number to plant is 350,000 seedlings in state forests around Pacific and Wahkiakum County. The weather is nasty, the work is monotonous and physically demanding. We have a total of 4 DNR crews who will be responsible for planting all these trees. The two crews out of my lodge were asked to set their goal for themselves on how many trees they felt they could plant this season. These 20 youth of 2 ten man crews of inner city/suburban/ rural/ gang related/ youth who you might think would set there standards low, decided that their goal for this season would be 250,00 trees out of the 350,000 in the ground. DNR compliance with those trees has to be at least 92% well planted and DNR compliance officers are assigned to the crews to make sure they are planting trees the right way. I have no doubt these youth will meet this goal and it will be something they'll never forget. I tell the youth that they can tell their kids and grandkids they planted "that" forest. This opportunity for the youth and for the state can not be taken away , it is too valuable a lesson that hard work and working together pays off. The environment at Green Hill School and Maple Lane School can never provide the continuum of care for the type of youth we serve. One long term employee indicated that Maple Lane at one time had DNR crews. The program fell flat as the Maple Lane youth said "we aren't going to do that." We have a totally different , and I think healthier environment and I tell the youth that we are a work camp and unless they are physically unable to work or have other issues which prevent them from participating they will be on our DNR crews. A couple may say "that's not for me," and "I'm not going to do that" but their peers are the ones who convince them that it is a "good thing" to work and focus on their education at night school. The number of youth who pass their GED at NYC compared to Maple Lane and Green Hill is glaring (those numbers are being compiled). It is a great environment and a proactive approach is to leave the current continuum of care in place and anticipate the possible upswing in juvenile crime and gang violence in this bleak economy. I bet the citizens of Renton, Tacoma, Seattle, Spokane, Yakima and other communities would question that juvenile crime is going down as well as; why are you closing a medium/minimum security institution? The medium/minimum security youth we have at Naselle would be "eaten up" at Green Hill School and Maple Lane with the older, more violent and sophisticated population which requires fences and razor wire. According to the JRA 2009-13 Strategic Plan, "…it would serve nobody's best interests to place youth who are appropriate for youth camp placement in an unnecessarily restrictive setting like an institution." Saving Naselle Youth Camp from closing is imperative...

i think that the gang prevention that is established here in seattle sucks they patrol only certain areas only to target the drug aspect of the streets. still leaving our community at risk for violince. being a drug addict myself and expireince the dealings with the streets i can actually say dont be surprised of alot more seattle police officers being killled by the troubled youth.

SILENTG,

I work at Green Hill School and I understand the fear and frustration you feel regarding the proposed closure of Naselle Youth Camp...your facility provides important and necessary treatment to the adjudicated youth of our state.

No JRA facility is expendable due to many factors, including safety, security, rehabilitation and overall options. The following will focus on the importance of each facility:

Green Hill School: GHS houses the most sophisticated and violent of the WA's "juvenile" offenders. It also includes the "Youthful Offender Program," which allows juveniles sentenced as adults to be housed at GHC in order to pursue their education needs. These offenders may pursue their high school diploma and GED until the age of 21. GHC also offers Sex Offender Treatment, Intensive Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Treatment (SAGE Program) and numerous vocational programs including auto shop, wood shop, computer technology, welding progams, as well as the opportunity to attend college-level classes through The Evergreen State College. Employment opportunities exist in the Central Kitchen, Laundry Department, Maintenence Department and Juvenile Vocational Industries Program.

Maple Lane School: MLS offers employment and vocational opportunities to youth similar to those at GHC, and also offers more intensive mental health treatment to adjudicated youth in the state. The mental health needs of the youth incarcerated in this facility do not make them functional candidates of any other facility in the state.

Echol Glenn: Echol Glenn houses less sophisticated, younger populations of both male and female gender. They currently are the only facility in the state who house female offenders and do not include a perimeter fence as a stuctural component of their facility. In the current structural state of the facility, Echo Glenn is not capable of houses residents from GHC or MLS, both of which house the largest populations in the state.

Naselle Youth Camp: This facility is able to focus on a very important and underrated area of juvenile rehabilitation that the previously mentioned facilities are not...transition into the community. Echo Glenn is JRA's staging area for our youth to transition both into the community in general, as well as state community facilities.

SILENTG,

I work at Green Hill School and I understand the fear and frustration you feel regarding the proposed closure of Naselle Youth Camp...your facility provides important and necessary treatment to the adjudicated youth of our state.

No JRA facility is expendable due to many factors, including safety, security, rehabilitation and overall options. The following will focus on the importance of each facility:

Green Hill School: GHS houses the most sophisticated and violent of the WA's "juvenile" offenders. It also includes the "Youthful Offender Program," which allows juveniles sentenced as adults to be housed at GHC in order to pursue their education needs. These offenders may pursue their high school diploma and GED until the age of 21. GHC also offers Sex Offender Treatment, Intensive Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Treatment (SAGE Program) and numerous vocational programs including auto shop, wood shop, computer technology, welding progams, as well as the opportunity to attend college-level classes through The Evergreen State College. Employment opportunities exist in the Central Kitchen, Laundry Department, Maintenence Department and Juvenile Vocational Industries Program.

Maple Lane School: MLS offers employment and vocational opportunities to youth similar to those at GHC, and also offers more intensive mental health treatment to adjudicated youth in the state. The mental health needs of the youth incarcerated in this facility do not make them functional candidates of any other facility in the state.

Echol Glenn: Echol Glenn houses less sophisticated, younger populations of both male and female gender. They currently are the only facility in the state who house female offenders and do not include a perimeter fence as a stuctural component of their facility. In the current structural state of the facility, Echo Glenn is not capable of houses residents from GHC or MLS, both of which house the largest populations in the state.

Naselle Youth Camp: This facility is able to focus on a very important and underrated area of juvenile rehabilitation that the previously mentioned facilities are not...transition into the community. Echo Glenn is JRA's staging area for our youth to transition both into the community in general, as well as state community facilities.

I thought this page was very helpful.
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TEACHING THE VALUES OF PEACE

By: Mike (Ali) Raccoon Eyes Kinney

As a Cherokee Native American Activist and a former member of the Richmond California Violence Prevention Movement, I have seen close to 515 homicides in the City of Richmond from 2001 to the present.

The declaration of a 'war on violence' by the Richmond city government was not the panacea, instead it failed miserably.

I have often stated in town hall meetings and on television, the best way to win the 'war on violence' in Richmond is to 'TEACH THE VALUES OF PEACE'.

In the killing fields of Richmond, most of the victims of homicides are youth or young adults. Teaching the values of peace begins with our youth and young adults. From a Native perspective, winning the war on violence begins in the home with a strong, spiritual belief and value system.

We believe that Creator made all generations, past, present and those of the future, holy people. This is what our Elders teach us from the time we are born.

Our families and Elders teach our young people that they must tear away the images and stereotypes that mainstream society has placed upon them as Native peoples.

Violence and killing is not traditional in Native culture, it is a learned behavior from mainstream society.

We teach our youths not to attack, punish or beat themselves up for crimes that they have never committed in regards to racism. Our Elders and families teach our young people to have good self-esteem, self-worth and self-value, for as the original holy people this was Creators plan.

Native people know that it is both family and community responsibility to teach the values of peace to our young people.

We teach our young people honesty and accountability concerning violence. It begins with accepting responsibility for self and acknowledging any past use of violence.

Admitting any wrongdoing, communicating openly and truthfully to renounce the use of violence in the future places our youth on the right path. We place a heavy emphasis that all life is sacred.

The final lesson in teaching the values of peace is quite simple. It is helping young people understand their relationship to others and all things in Creation.

Be responsible for your role, act with compassion and respect, and remember ALL LIFE IS SACRED. Native culture is prevention!

Mike (Ali) Raccoon Eyes Kinney

TEACHING THE VALUES OF PEACE

By: Mike (Ali) Raccoon Eyes Kinney

As a Cherokee Native American Activist and a former member of the Richmond California Violence Prevention Movement, I have seen close to 515 homicides in the City of Richmond from 2001 to the present.

The declaration of a 'war on violence' by the Richmond city government was not the panacea, instead it failed miserably.

I have often stated in town hall meetings and on television, the best way to win the 'war on violence' in Richmond is to 'TEACH THE VALUES OF PEACE'.

In the killing fields of Richmond, most of the victims of homicides are youth or young adults. Teaching the values of peace begins with our youth and young adults. From a Native perspective, winning the war on violence begins in the home with a strong, spiritual belief and value system.

We believe that Creator made all generations, past, present and those of the future, holy people. This is what our Elders teach us from the time we are born.

Our families and Elders teach our young people that they must tear away the images and stereotypes that mainstream society has placed upon them as Native peoples.

Violence and killing is not traditional in Native culture, it is a learned behavior from mainstream society.

We teach our youths not to attack, punish or beat themselves up for crimes that they have never committed in regards to racism. Our Elders and families teach our young people to have good self-esteem, self-worth and self-value, for as the original holy people this was Creators plan.

Native people know that it is both family and community responsibility to teach the values of peace to our young people.

We teach our young people honesty and accountability concerning violence. It begins with accepting responsibility for self and acknowledging any past use of violence.

Admitting any wrongdoing, communicating openly and truthfully to renounce the use of violence in the future places our youth on the right path. We place a heavy emphasis that all life is sacred.

The final lesson in teaching the values of peace is quite simple. It is helping young people understand their relationship to others and all things in Creation.

Be responsible for your role, act with compassion and respect, and remember ALL LIFE IS SACRED. Native culture is prevention!

Mike #Ali# Raccoon Eyes Kinney

TEACHING THE VALUES OF PEACE IN INDIAN COUNTRY

By: Mike (Ali) Raccoon Eyes Kinney

As a Cherokee Native American Activist and a former member of the Richmond California Violence Prevention Movement, I have seen close to 515 homicides in the City of Richmond from 2001 to the present.

The declaration of a 'war on violence' by the Richmond city government was not the panacea, instead it failed miserably.

I have often stated in town hall meetings and on television, the best way to win the 'war on violence' in Richmond is to 'TEACH THE VALUES OF PEACE'.

In the killing fields of Richmond, most of the victims of homicides are youth or young adults. Teaching the values of peace begins with our youth and young adults. From a Native perspective, winning the war on violence begins in the home with a strong, spiritual belief and value system.

We believe that Creator made all generations, past, present and those of the future, holy people. This is what our Elders teach us from the time we are born.

Our families and Elders teach our young people that they must tear away the images and stereotypes that mainstream society has placed upon them as Native peoples.

Violence and killing is not traditional in Native culture, it is a learned behavior from mainstream society.

We teach our youths not to attack, punish or beat themselves up for crimes that they have never committed in regards to racism. Our Elders and families teach our young people to have good self-esteem, self-worth and self-value, for as the original holy people this was Creators plan.

Native people know that it is both family and community responsibility to teach the values of peace to our young people.

We teach our young people honesty and accountability concerning violence. It begins with accepting responsibility for self and acknowledging any past use of violence.

Admitting any wrongdoing, communicating openly and truthfully to renounce the use of violence in the future places our youth on the right path. We place a heavy emphasis that all life is sacred.

The final lesson in teaching the values of peace is quite simple. It is helping young people understand their relationship to others and all things in Creation.

Be responsible for your role, act with compassion and respect, and remember ALL LIFE IS SACRED. Native culture is prevention!

Mike #Ali# Raccoon Eyes Kinney