More than 80 clergy, gang interventionists and law enforcement officers met at Church of Scientology L.A. Community Center on Vermont to help find ways reduce crime, drugs and gangs through education and vital social programs throughout Los Angeles—especially those areas in and around "Death Alley".

Community leaders came to listen to the former L.A. County Sheriff and discuss issues and solutions. Many present had worked with Lee Baca for years to improve their communities with programs he recognized and supported.

Baca's message to all was clear. Collaborate, coordinate and persist. It will take hard work through our churches, law enforcement, families and schools: And upgrading education is the key. “Too many of our kids get bypassed, fall behind and become frustrated, demoralized and eventually quit school and then get into trouble,” said Rev. Bob Adams, Director of Public Affairs staff for the Church of Scientology.

“Uniting faith-based and secular organizations with community policing is imperative using programs that work. It takes faith in the purpose and work, and this has to be done,” said Bishop James Franklin Harris from Watts.

Bishop Harris shared how he used the nonreligious moral code, The Way to Happiness by L. Ron Hubbard, passing out the booklets in his community to effectively reduce violence and keep the peace.

Additional speakers supporting effective actions were Sergeant Mark Green, commander of training for the South Bureau LAPD; Isaac Asberry of Teen Intervention Program; Clyde Terry, Sergeant, L.A. County Sheriff’s Department; and David Bates, retired sheriff’s deputy.

Clergy, parents and kids, educators, law enforcement—anyone can take advantage of the many free programs offered by the Community Center which include tutoring, drug education, human rights education, character building training based on The Way to Happiness and much more.

For more information call 310-419-8230.