†   Frank wanted to become a Paramedic. The irony for us is that Frank was on a whole new path he had found God and realized what I know he always knew...that Family was everything and the gang life was not.

    †   One month after Frank's death Mothers United Against Gang Violence. We organized several activities to advocate against Gang violence since 4/8/04-candle light vigils for peace on the streets music in the park,with guest speakers,geared at reaching youth/parents of the community.

    †   We also started a fund raiser for the PAL activity CTR in 2004"our hope is to revamp,our organization also non-profit to assit with scholorships/educate youth (high-risk) elementary ie.

    †   We also want to work with other organizations to help the community in whatever way we can. My daughter has been attending the school dist. meetings/citrus high...hoping that we can come out/address the issues of gang violence once all the trials are over with.

    †   It is our hope to get other victims to attend our meetings once a month/I also want to strt a bereavement grp for familys dealing with this type of violence..as you know many do not have insur.more importantly they need someone that knows first hand..about the court process/coping with the loss.

    †   I met with Ida Garcia and the other Mothers that have lost their children we had a successful vigil in 2005" good turnout over 75 people.

    †   Pastor Johnson came out to minister to the Northerners...I pray that we can brainstorm together/unite for the same cause.

    †   Porterville must realize the gang disease is growing..and we must all work together.

Respectfully,
Mary Martinez