City officials in Pico Rivera are asking the state for about $500,000 in order to help prevent gang violence.
There has already been improvement with an existing program which aids in keeping teenagers off the streets and moves have been made in order to combat graffiti in the city, yet City Manager Chuck Fuentes has assessed that this is not enough.
Regarding the funding that they are requesting, Fuentes commented “This would just enhance what’s already being done there.” 
The money requested would be utilized by a project of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, the California Gang Reduction, Intervention and Prevention Program (CalGRIP), which has stricter probation terms regarding gang-related crimes and those repeat offenders. Through this project, funds will be set aside for programs against gang violence.

Under the program rules, any funds given by the state will have to be matched by the city also. The City Council of Pico Rivera approved $35,000 for the program since it has already spent almost $463,000 in order to meet the funding they are requesting by the state. Most of the cash spent has gone into suppressing gang violence by providing backup help to a two-deputy gang patrol unit.
If the city receives the funding from the state, another two-deputy gang patrol unit would be utilized to aid in combating gang violence. The funds would also be used to pay for a full-time deputy, full-time civilian clergy member, as well as Pico Rivera Individual Development in Ethics (PRIDE) operating expenses.
Fuentes said "We were helping PRIDE in several ways, but essentially what would happen is that the money going to PRIDE would be more substantial."
Sgt. Steve Sanchez supervises the program and commented that the city made a donation to the Maria Hicks Scholarship Fund, which aids those teenagers who want to go to college.
The program lasts 9 weeks and includes field trips to the Coroner’s Office and jail as well as relaxing outings. Troubled teens from 12 to 15 years of age can be included by their teachers or parents. In the recent year, the program had 20 participants in 2 completed cycles. This was done with only $2,500 given by the Los Angeles Rotary Club.
Sanchez said, "That doesn't even accommodate the nine weeks. But with that, we were able to provide T-shirts for the kids, take them out on outings, plus transportation and food."

Sanchez said, “We've dealt with kids who are borderline wanting to go into gangs, so we're keeping them from wanting to make that decision."