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early prevention and intervention efforts one of their priorities. The City of Santa Ana and other government organizations must approach the youth gang issue as a public health problem that must be dealt with in a carefully coordinated strategic and systemic long-term approach. 5. The City Council should increase the number of commissioners to 18 with the addition of one young adult to the block of voting members. The Commission needs the perspective of young people to truly understand the issues and develop sound recommendations. At least one young adult should be a voting member of the Commission. The Commission would ask the Santa Ana Youth Commission to make the recommendation of the new EPIC member. CONCLUSION During its founding year the Commission spent a significant amount of time reviewing the nature and scope of the gang problem in the City and the county. It also sought to become familiar with the initiatives, programs and resources that constitute the current approach to reducing youth gang membership and violence. Through careful research and collaboration, the Commission established its strategic direction in compliance with the ordinance and the wishes of the City Council. The Commission also developed a roadmap that will lead to sound recommendations for effective and sustainable initiatives and programs. The Commission sought to meet with community members and organizations both formally and informally, to truly understand how the community feels about the youth gang problem and, more importantly, to make their feelings and opinions the hallmark of the Commission's work. After all, it is the residents and businesses of Santa Ana who know and understand the problem best, as they experience it every day. Thus, any solutions will only work if they are included from the start in the Commission's work and deliberations. The community meetings and the walking tours are a prime example of how the Commission has and will continue to make the community a true partner in its work. The comprehensive assessment will provide the Commission with a clear picture of the community with respect to neighborhood and family wellness, the factors that contribute to youth gang membership and what successful resources and programs can be deployed in Santa Ana to improve conditions. The assessment will also outline what key concepts and components must be contained in any initiative that is recommended to the City Council. Thus, the assessment is a critical and paramount component of the Commission's work. EPIC Progress Report to City Council - 2008 Page 25 19D-26