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LESSONS LEARNED During 2007 commissioners had an opportunity to interact extensively with community members and leaders, staff, presenters, NGOs and others. Based on these interactions and conversations, the Commission was able to make observations and conclusions with respect to the lessons it learned. The following is a select list of those conclusions, which will help facilitate the assessment and move forward in a focused and systemic approach. • EPIC's focus must be on community-based solutions and on the community's vision. The key to making sound recommendations is getting the community involved at all levels in identifying and prioritizing the issues that affect them. • There is a lack of neighborhood communication and coordination in some areas. EPIC will seek to recommend tactical and strategic solutions that build community and neighborhood capacity to communicate amongst neighbors, NGOs and with government. In addition, EPIC will recommend measures to increase and foster neighborhood leadership. • There is a serious lack of mentoring programs at the neighborhood level. Clearly, nearly all available research points to the need for role models and mentoring programs for youth and especially at-risk youth. • There appears to be a lack of a coordinated approach between the City of Santa Ana and the Santa Ana Unified School District. Although these entities work together from time-to-time, it appears as though regular, coordinated and collaborative efforts to improve community health are not undertaken regularly or often. • The Commission must work to increase trust between some neighborhoods and government. The Commission found that in a number of neighborhoods there exist a distrust of government in general, thus contributing to a lack of communication. • EPIC must consider the political spectrum and encourage bridge-building to be effective. The Commission recognizes the political process is critical in getting things done and it pledges to work with government at all levels to accomplish its goals and objectives. • The private sector must be connected to community needs and more job opportunities must be created. Once again, nearly all research efforts have identified employment opportunities for youth and families as one key step in reducing gang membership and violence. EPIC Progress Report to City Council - 2008 Page 20 19D-21