Sheriff’s personnel joined prosecutors, educators, firefighters, and a coalition of officials from youth services and programs to provide more than 100 San Juan Capistrano parents with information to protect their children from an assortment of daily risks.

The speakers at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center talked about drug abuse, Internet dangers and problem of gangs in the city. Many of the parents have children attending the Marco Foster Middle School.

“The Sheriff’s Department is looking for criminals but they can’t arrest the criminals unless you report the crimes,” Deputy Orange County District Attorney Tracy Rinauro told the audience.

The District Attorney has obtained a civil court injunction against one of the leading gangs in San Juan Capistrano and it is designed to protect the ordinary citizens living in the area claim as turf by the gang.

“Lt. Mike Betzler, your city police chief, is one of the hardest working and most caring police officers I’ve ever worked with,” she said. She credited Lt. Betzler and his Department personnel under his command with making the gang injunction a success."

The speakers were all introduced by Lt. Betzler and Department personnel gave presentations on drug trends, Internet safety, and community programs available for the youngsters.

Deputy Scott Yuen described for the parents the difference between legitimate youth associations and gangs.

“They commit crimes,” he said of the criminal street gangs. Youngsters who join gangs are likely going to jail or be killed in gang activities. He said that while many youngsters contend they joined a gang for protection, statistics show that more youngsters are more likely to be victims of violence if they are in gangs than if they stay clear of gangs.

Reserve Deputy Josh Money encouraged the parents to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Reserve High Tech Crime Unit to arrange for a program on Internet Safety.
“We’ll talk to groups of five, 50 or 500, we want to help your protect your children against cyber crime,” he said.

Deputy District Attorney Rinauro said that gangs in San Juan Capistrano are small enough that they can be eliminated as a threat to local children. Left unchallenged, the gangs will lure youngsters to their ranks.

The presentation was a one of a series of programs for youth that have been coordinated by volunteer Heather Prematt.

Her next program is a 5-hour long event scheduled for May 31 at Dana Hills High School.