Bernson Deputy Attacks Gang Funds Allocation

The San Fernando Valley, where gang-related crime more than doubled in 1989, would not get its fair share of $1.4 million in city funds proposed to steer susceptible youths away from gang membership, a top aide to City Councilman Hal Bernson said Monday. “The Valley always gets less,” complained Bernson’s chief deputy, Greig Smith.

On Monday the council’s Public Safety Committee adopted a $1.4-million anti-gang plan recommended by city staff and sent it to a committee chaired by Councilman Joel Wachs, a valley lawmaker.

Gang-related crime in the Valley Bureau rose 134% in 1989 over 1988--from 510 to 1,191--a greater increase than in any of the Los Angeles Police Department’s three other bureaus. The Central Bureau reported a 55% hike in gang-related crimes and the West Bureau reported a 34% increase. The South Bureau had the smallest rate of increase, 6%, but the greatest number of gang-related crimes, 2,674.