Gangs and Drugs Task Force to meet this month

This is a release from the West End Chapter of the Gangs and Drugs Task Force:

The West End chapter of the Gangs and Drugs Task Force will hold its quarterly meeting on Sept. 21 at 3:30 p.m. at the Hill Auditorium at Chaffey High School, 211 W. Fifth St.  

Judge Marsha Slough will speak about the Gangs and Drugs Task Force's plan to continually provide regional leadership and action in reducing the negative influence of drug and alcohol abuse, as well as gang violence in the West End of San Bernardino County. Anyone interested in joining or learning about the Task Force is encouraged to attend. Following Slough's comments, participants will have the opportunity to join work groups to advance the Task Force's vision into an action plan for the West End communities. 

The Task Force is comprised of community members, schools, law enforcement, businesses, clergy, local government, plus local parents and youth all interested in reducing negative influences of substance abuse, violence and gang activity in the county. 

The West End Gangs and Drugs Task Force is part of the countywide San Bernardino Gangs and Drugs Task Force. The Task Force was established in 1989 as a community response to increase awareness and to ensure the safety and development of local youth.  

The West End Gangs and Drugs Task Force held its inaugural meeting on Feb. 23 in Ontario. Supervisor Gary Ovitt and County Superintendent Gary Thomas challenged the 150 attendees to seize this opportunity and reach out to strengthen the community. Since that first meeting, members met monthly to define a community action planning process that resulted in the formation of two work groups:  the Drug & Alcohol group and the Gang and Violence group.  The focus of the groups is to encourage a spirit of action in the community and achieve viable results.  

For more information about the West End Gangs and Drugs Task Force please contact Richard Hernandez at Reach Out at (909) 560-6644.