Raul Ramirez, Director
News and Public Affairs
KQED Public Radio

Dear Mr. Ramirez:

I appreciate having this opportunity to address the concerns raised by one of my constituents during the KQED Public Radio's Health Dialogues Program on "Violence as a Public Health Issue" on April 9th. I am always glad to hear from the people I represent, and greatly appreciate the time and care it takes to share perspectives and to become involved in the civic process.

It is my understanding that Karen from San Luis Obispo has been involved in mentoring at-risk youth at a crossroads. The kids she works with have the potential to either become lost in the revolving door of our correctional systems, or more promisingly, they have the potential to thrive as engaged and productive members of society. What it takes to go the latter direction is the effort of people like Karen and the presence of the youth crime prevention programs she is involved in.

Unfortunately, the effect of California's budget deficit is the slash and burn of programs addressing the broadest range of individuals, communities, and issues across the state. In the absence of the youth crime prevention programs such as those that Karen has involved herself in, and the absence of state funding in the short term, it might appear that no alternatives exist for reaching our youth and preventing violence.

This dire forecast is not the future. It has, however, become essential to look outside of the state coffers to supplement or supplant productive and creative programming that might be on the chopping block here in California. Working from new evidence that details the most likely time in a school day for juveniles to commit violent crime, I have focused my efforts to create and expand after school programs here in California.

A study of after school programs in 12 high risk communities found that, among kids participating in the programs, vandalism and stealing dropped by two-thirds, violent acts and carrying a concealed weapon fell by more than half, and arrests and being picked up by the police were cut in half. I have worked to tailor legislation to connect with those kids that might otherwise find themselves subject to destructive devices.

Last year, I authored Senate Bill 1478 which secured $40 million in federal funding for after school programs. A portion of that money went specifically to high school students, a group not traditionally reached by current after school programs, and frankly the ones who seem to need it most. This year, I have followed up with Senate Bill 481, a measure to continue that funding pursuant to the federal No Child Left Behind Act. It is through after school programs that we can keep kids happy, healthy and occupied.

Ideally, youth violence prevention programs such as those currently threatened by the budget crisis would be safeguarded. Unfortunately, we have to make many tough decisions. No area of the budget will escape cuts, not even when it comes to our kids. The best the Legislature can do, and will do, is continue to work to turn California's deficits into surpluses, and in the meantime, support solutions such as after school programs funded by federal dollars to get our kids and communities through this fiscally difficult time.

Thank you so much again for the opportunity to respond.

Sincerely,
Bruce McPherson
State Senator, 15th District