This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
OC Kids Bribed With Soccer Game Tickets to Stay Out of Gangs
Photo by Quang Ho via Shutterstock
Got motivation, kids? The Chivas USA pro soccer team and the Orange County Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership (GRIP) are hoping the promise of free tickets to see a game is enough to keep a few school-aged kids out of ganglife.The OC Register reports on a new challenge issued to about 800 students at Handy Elementary and Yorba Middle schools in the city of Orange that will find the youngsters rewarded with tickets to see Chivas USA play provided they "stay out of trouble and do well in school."
Another 400 students from 38 other schools throughout Orange County identified by authorities as "high risk for gang activity" are facing the same challenge.
Here's how the challenge (err, bribe?) works:
Kids who have no unexcused absences, no reports of bad behavior, no failing grade at the trimester, and who obey their city's curfew laws will be given free tickets for themselves and family members to Chivas USA games in March and April.
Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas spoke at an event at Yorba Middle School today in honor of the Chivas USA and GRIP pairing. "Stay out of gangs," he told the kids. "It's a...short road that leads to nowhere."
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
