Gang Intervention Expert to Discuss Local Gang Violence During Friday Seniors Support Network Event

Pasadena Village, a thriving seniors’ support network, is hosting a virtual event on Friday, Feb. 16, featuring local gang intervention expert Ricky Pickens.

“A Conversation with Ricky Pickens” will be a discussion expected to shed light on strategies and experiences concerning gang violence prevention within the local community.

Pickens and his team are working with the Pasadena Department of Public Health on the city’s ongoing efforts to prevent gang violence.

“Our efforts are focused on community outreach in the parks, recreation centers, school zones, and all the youth hangout spots,” Pickens said, going to comment that there’s a critical need for early identification of vulnerable young people and for adequate resources to deter gang involvement.

Pickens underscored the significance of collaborative endeavors within the broader community to support young people aged 10 to 24.

“The public health department has what [is called the] Pasadena Intervention Prevention Consortium, which comprises over 30 to 40 nonprofit organizations, agencies, and individuals, who meet once a month to talk about strategic efforts in addressing youth violence, youth prevention, and intervention strategies,” Pickens said.

Pickens said he was introduced to Pasadena Village through the Community Clergy Coalition, a local faith group that also meets once a month. They later did a presentation of their programs with the organization.

Pickens said he and his team hope to provide an invaluable opportunity for community members to see deeper into the multi-faceted approach required to address gang violence effectively. He said that he hopes this will be a candid discussion on the importance of trust, collaboration, and timely interventions in fostering safer and more resilient communities.

“The most effective strategy is a trusting and consistent collaboration among community partners and stakeholders,” Pickens said. “I think now Pasadena has gotten to a place where our stakeholders, our nonprofit agencies, and individuals who look to serve this population are getting on one page and getting into one approach.”

For more information about how to attend the discussion on Friday, contact Pasadena Village at info@pasadenavillage.org or call (626) 765-6037.