Solutions

That's the title of an e-mail I received, and the sad reason why we have the Solutions blog.
"I am related to Rolland Holloway, the latest victim of the senseless crime that is plaguing our streets," they write.
"I would first like to say that Roland was no GANG MEMBER!!. However he was a father of three children that are now left without a father.
"When they ask me why did this happen to daddy? I sit there dumb founded without being able to offer a response. Who will they call daddy now?"
Rolland Holloway was shot to death early last Saturday in the alley behind his Pomona aprtment. He was 31.
They also shot his girlfriend, Pamela Campbell. She died later at a hospital.
Rolland and Pamela are victims number six and seven since 3-year-old Ethan Esparza was gunned down outside his grandparents' home last Nov. 19.
Six people shot to death. One stabbed.
One more family left to wonder why a good man had to die.
"These are questions I would like to ask those that are responsible ... " Rolland's family wrote.
His family people need to stand up to evil.
"People must stand up for our streets and families against these people ..."
Someone out there knows who "these people" are.
It's past time for you to stand up.

Holloway was a good family man, friends said. He loved his dhlidren.
Cool people, another remembered.

Posted by Mark Petix at 12:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

It's now four months since someone fired a gun into a crowd outside a home on East Columbia Avenue, killing Ethan Esparza just hours before his 4th birthday.
Police continue to look for Ethan's killer, and Chief Joe Romero and his detectives are determined to solve the case no matter how long it may take.
But community leaders are also looking ahead, working for change that will prevent another Ethan.
Romero and Pomona Unified Superintendent Thelma Melendez de Santa Ana make it clear that neither Ethan nor California Highway Patrol Officer Thomas Steiner, shot by a 16-year-old gang wanna-be in 2004, will be forgotten.
Pomona's Youth and Family Master Plan is the foundation of change. It is the promise of school and family programs that will pay benefts for years to come.
But to make a plan a reality takes passion and commitment. From everyone.
"It's a window of opportunity," Melendez de Santa Ana said in a story about the anniversary of Ethan's death in today's Daily Bulletin.
"I think we all know that, we all sense that. It brings with it a deep responsibility.
"If we don't take advantage of it, then shame on us."

Posted by Mark Petix at 3:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Ethan Esparza has not been forgotten. Not by Randy Bekendam.
In Tuesday's Daily Bulletin, Staff Writer Monica Rodriguez brought us the inspiring tale of a Rancho Cucamonga man who couldn't, and wouldn't, let the memory of 3-year-old Ethan die.
After Ethan was gunned down in a drive-by outside his parent's home almost four months ago, he asked himself a hard question
"Does my life really make a difference?"
Out of than came Operation ETHAN, or Everyone Together Healing All Neighborhoods.
He says it's a call to action, and we agree.
Bekendam wants to bring people with business skills to help someone learn how to manage a budget.
He wants to create community gardens where young and old can meet and share the fruits and vegetables of their labors.
He wants to keep kids off the streets and give people hope.
It's in the good idea stage now, but Bekendam is giving the community a chance to making a real difference.
Don't think one person can do anything about gang violence?
Think again.

Posted by Mark Petix at 2:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)