So Red..your solution is to do nothing and let things go on as they have been?  This sounds like a good plan to me and if it doesn't work what have we lost?  People who have been actively involved in gangs have a better idea of what works than the arm chair quarterbacks of the gang and drug scene.

Cynicism and sarcasm are pretty weak tools.  Thank goodness there are people who really want a better world.

Did either of you read the article above?  Or are you just negative by nature?  Oh..we know the answer to that one..on at least one post.

Sooo....since both of you are so clever..tell me what YOU would do to help the gang situation.  A serious answer would be nice instead of a snide remark.

"Supervisor Michael Rubio said at Monday's meeting there are those who have criticized the level of faith the community groups bring to the plan."

So what were the criticisms? Before we shame them for doing so, don't we need to know? Do you know Marylee or was this just another automatic, ultra-rightwing, knee-jerk response? 

I don't have a problem with the second choice but I doubt you'd get the government to declare a state like in "Escape From New York."

On the other hand, since it isn't a viable option either, I'm still waiting for one that we can actually do.  Or one we can actually TRY.

I think the Dept. of Fish and Wildlife should sell licenses to hunt Gang Members, like other animals. They could deciair open season with no bag limit.

If you shoot one, tag him and take him to the nearest checking station so they can replace your tag.......................I wouldn't eat the meat though.

With their tattoos, they should be as easy to identify as certain types of Ducks.

I am glad that Manuel has changed his life and is out to "become part of the solution". But I would NOT call him a "local success story" by any means. Sorry, I know I'll catch some grief for this but the guy is just getting caught up to those of us that made the right choice the first time around. I don't have any praise for someone who has finally seen what is right and wrong. As far as I am concerned, he OWES society a debt and as I see it he is trying to get square, for that I commend him.

Anonymous...When anyone comes from that life and finally "gets it right" it's a success to those of us who work with them.  It's not a "success" like Bill Gates but progress one step at a time.  Sounds like he IS trying to repay the debts he's run up over the years.  Lets hope others follow by example.

You'll get no grief from me..you make some valid points.

I know of Manuel but not much about him. There is a lot of organizations getting in on the gangs, drugs and homeless. Before donating time and money you need to check them out. Some are in it for the money and the government will pay you a lot for working with the kids, addicts, homeless and parolees.They are several churches and people starting group homes because the state pays them very good for housing parolees getting out of prison.Not because of their love for helping others but because it is a good profitable business. Hopefully Manuel is in it for the right reasons.

I noticed a story by Don Clark about the Bakersfield Rescue Mission. Don left out so many of the facts to make the Rescue Mission look good.When a homeless person arrives at the Rescue Mission they have to go through intake. The Mission gives them 5 days to apply for welfare and food stamps. If you refuse to apply they kick you out.If you apply and get food stamps you are required to give them to the Rescue Mission. Some homeless people refuse to give up their food stamps and the Mission evicts them immediately. The Mission tries to take everything away from the homeless and make them dependant upon the Mission.If you receive any type income part time work, paid training, disablity, SSI or Social Security they charge you $200.00 per bed.For each parolee that is court ordered into a rehab program that go into the program at the Rescue Mission the Department of Correction pays the Rescue Mission several hundred dollars per parolee. I have talked to Dean Florez office and they verified that the state does indeed pay the Mission several hundred per month per parolee.Don never mentioned that the Mission makes thousands of dollars per month on their drug rehab program. I went before the city council and they also informed me that the city pays the Mission over $60,000.00 a year to help with the homeless people in Bakersfield.

The food and clothing that is donated to the Rescue Mission goes first to the staff and program men and women(parolees) to pick what they want then the homeless get what is left over. Go look at the program men and women see how they are dressed then look at the rags some of the homeless have to wear.The same for the food that is donated. The program men & women will eat very good while the homeless eat leftovers.The program people get biscuits & gravy, bacon, eggs and coffee organge juice for breafast.The homeless get cold coffee made from old coffee grounds maybe some old cereal with watered down milk. Put on your old clothes put dirt on your face and go eat with them and talk to the homeless don't take my word for it.For lunch the homeless get a peanut butter sandwich no not peanutbutter and jelly just peanut butter. Ask some of the program people what they eat you'll be suprised.They eat better than a lot of working families. The parolees can complain to their parole officer if they are mistreated at the Mission and change programs and the Rescue Mission loses the money.If a homeless complains they are kicked out. A friend of mine at one local TV station and I went to the Cheese Factory in the alley by the thrift shop on Baker Street and the Rescue Mission and spoke with numerous homeless people but the TV news director refused to air it.Had something to do with city hall.

The article stated the Mayor Hall was all for the Mission. If I had a business that made $350,000.00 to $400,000.00 a year from one location I would be all for it too. The Rescue Mission is required to call 911 for eveything from gas, a bloody nose, a fight, headache anything that a person complains about. Hall Ambulance shows up to take them to KMC the city has to pay for the ride. Close to $1000.00 per trip. Also when they call 911 the fire department one block away also respondes. A ambulance and fire truck 4-5 times a day gets expensive.Check it people check it out.

I've never have been able to get anyone to check out the salary of Director Dan Gorman, Don Clark or any of the staff. Should they be required to be accountable.