Our community in Lincoln Heights, El Sereno, and neighboring areas has been touched by the challenges of gang activity for years. It's an issue that has left a lasting impact not only on our neighborhood, but, most importantly, on the lives of the youth who live here. As community members who deeply care about our children's future, we have seen the pressures that these young individuals face daily – pressures that sway their paths into dangerous territories.

However, we are not without hope. Through our Fall 2025 semester research, conducted by a team of four senior college students at Cal State LA, and our personal experiences, we know that when young people are surrounded by trust, consistency, and meaningful connections both at school and at home, they are significantly more likely to choose safer paths. It is this trust and consistency that mentorship, case management programs, and after-school clubs can offer.

We are calling on Dr. Rocio Rivas, Board Member of Direct 2 of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), to take immediate action. We need expanded mentorship and case management programs, as well as after-school clubs and efforts to strengthen family engagement within our high schools and middle schools, which are most affected by youth gang involvement. By implementing these programs, we can deter our youth from taking part in gang involvement and promote safer, more productive futures.

Mentorship programs have proven effective in countless communities similar to ours. They provide positive role models, guidance, and support systems that encourage academic success and emotional well-being. After-school clubs provide a safe environment where students can explore their interests, build relationships, and find a sense of belonging that is free from negative influences. Strong familial engagement consolidates these efforts within the family unit, creating a unified approach to combating these challenges. 

This is not just an investment in our schools but an investment in our community's present and future. We urge you, Dr. Rivas, to recognize the urgency of this matter and act to enhance the support systems for our youth, ensuring they have every opportunity to succeed and thrive in a safe environment.

Your signature can make a difference in this vital cause. Join us in advocating for a brighter, more hopeful future for our children and neighborhood by signing this petition. Let us stand together to ensure our youth have every tool and opportunity to defy the odds and reach their full potential.