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LA mayor names new gang czar
Guillermo Cespedes is the new gang czar in Los Angeles.
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LA mayor names new gang czar
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa Tuesday named Guillermo Cespedes as his new director of youth development and gang reduction.
Cespedes helped develop the city's Summer Night Lights Program while working in Baldwin Village. The program employs at-risk kids to help their peers and keeps parks open late.
Cespedes was born in Cuba and grew up in New York City. He's taught in the African Studies Department at Cal State Dominguez Hills on the contributions of Africa's children throughout Latin America.
Cespedes' wife is Dominique DiPrima, who hosts a well known public affairs program that focuses on African-American issues on radio station KJLH. He replaces Jeff Carr, who’s been promoted to chief of staff for Villaraigosa. Cespedes explained how he sees his role:
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Guillermo Cespedes: “I was probably about 11 or 12 when I first learned the concept of being a point guard in the tough playgrounds of New York City. And I was told that at that point a point guard’s job is to get the ball to the person who has the highest chance of scoring. He will take the tough shots when needed, but for the most part his job is to set up the team.”
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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