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north orange county 10cities forming task force with $20Mgrant

Fullerton News Tribune - 10/5/2017

A task force of north Orange County cities will receive $20 million in state funding over four years to support programs that combat youth violence, gangs and homelessness in the region.

The body was established by Sen. Josh Newman (D-Fullerton); over the past month, city councils in Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Fullerton, La Habra, La Palma, Placentia, Stanton and Yorba Linda have signed the operational agreement. On Oct. 9, Cypress will vote on joining.

The task force involving police chiefs from the participating cities met earlier this month.

The body will soon receive

initial funding.

"With this funding, we can focus more efforts, resources and attention on the issues that directly affect the quality of life in our community," Fullerton police Sgt. Jon Radus said.

"If we can stop these things from happening before they start, that extra funding will pay dividends in the long run."

Forty percent, or $8 million, of the total funding will go to the law enforcement agencies of Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Fullerton, Placentia and Stanton, which were the first to get involved.

The other $12 million will be distributed to community organizations and the cities' programs of choice. A council of city representatives will oversee spending and ensure initiatives are addressing the issues.

"In today's society, the safety of children is so important," La Palma Mayor Michele Steggell said at a recent City Council meeting. "And we want to make that a priority in our city."

Cities can use the money as they see fit, so long as it addresses public safety.

Buena Park will hire a full-time police officer and two part-time cadets, a staff report says; the three will work with the Boys & Girls Club and local schools to provide youth violence education and gang reduction intervention.

Through a local foundation, La Palma plans to fund a school resource officer that, among other duties, would address crime and disorder problems in or around schools.

Fullerton will use its cut for the salary and benefits of a dedicated full-time corporal, 830 hours of overtime to supplement gang and homeless liaison officer efforts and the purchase and maintenance of a police truck, a staff report says.

Newman lauded the cities for banding together to address issues affecting the region's youth.

"If this was just a Fullerton thing then, sure, we would be helping our community," Radus said. "But what would happen to the communities surrounding us?

"With this regional approach, we'll have a more lasting, positive effect on not only our city, but the cities that surround us," Radus added.

"We're not looking for a short-term fix. We're looking for long-term solutions."