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Bold headlines appear across the front pages of newspapers, and television reporters soberly file live updates from crime scenes. L.A. neighborhoods synonymous with gang violence seem remote to most of us, but they reach into all our lives. Because of our fraying social services network and municipalities on the brink of insolvency, the business community can, and should, assist in the fight to prevent young people from joining gangs.
As a first step, we must recognize that gang violence is a critical social issue, and it extracts a high toll on the business community and the general public. The city of Los Angeles alone harbors over 400 gangs with more than 39,000 members, according to the Violence Prevention Coalition of Greater Los Angeles.
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa recently noted that while “overall crime continues to drop in Los Angeles, we continue to see gang violence as one of the serious threats facing our city.”
Gang violence is costly to the business community as urban blight and graffiti negatively affect real estate and property values. In addition, fear of crime deters both potential investors and existing customers, and the impact on small business is profound.
To read complete article, visit Los Angeles Business Journal here.
Amelia Xann joined The Foundation in 2000 and oversees all program initiatives of the Center for Designed Philanthropy as well as The Foundation's grant programs. Ms. Xann serves as a philanthropic advisor to donors and family foundations on a range of issues including intergenerational philanthropy, strategic giving and leaving a legacy.