Budget cuts could impact Young Visionaries

San Bernardino would cut $35,000 in funding to Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy if the City Council approves the current budget cut proposal.

Young Visionaries is a gang prevention program based in San Bernardino. It's led by former gang member Terrance Stone. City Councilwoman Wendy McCammack and City Attorney James F. Penman sit on the organization's board of directors. Young Visionaries has also participated in youth-oriented events with the Police Officers Association.

Stone said the funding cutback will require Young Visionaries to rely on other funding sources, such as the U.S. Department of Justice, and will delay implementation of "The Firm." The Firm is a planned program that would employ a group of mediators in an effort to defuse street disputes before gunshots ring out.