April 17, 2008 I coordinated a panel of Fresno County representatives to discuss a regional/multi-county approach to addressing gangs. The presentation was given at the San Joaquin Valley Regional Association of California Counties (SJVRACC) Conference.

The panel was led by Chairman Henry Perea, Supervisor District 3 and included:Phillip Kader, Director of Juvenile Services Fresno County Probation, Lt. Michael Brand, and Lt. Jeff Johnson, Fresno County Sheriff's Department; Jeanette Ishii, Assistant County Administrative Officer/Operations and Debra McKenzie, Gang Task Force Coordinator County Administrative Office; Dennis Koch, Deputy Alcohol & Drug Program Administrator, Department of Behavioral Health; and Greg Anderson, Chief Deputy District Attorney Office of the District Attorney.

The idea of a multi-county approach to addressing gangs received a warm reception, and the following day during their business session, the group approved a resolution stating their willingness and interest to participate in such an effort. I'll attach a copy of the signed resolution once received.

Counties represented in the SJVRACC are: Fresno, Kings, Kern, Madera, Merced, Mariposa, Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Tulare.