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<br /> ?lIF <br /> Addendum I in this report is a chart of progressive levels of gang activity, with <br /> descriptions of levels "1" through "5". It is the consensus of the Gang Task Force that San <br /> Marcos is at a 3.5 level on this chart, just beyond "Emerging Gang Activity". More than <br /> one gang is operating in the area. Police and school sources know that gangs from outside <br /> San Marcos are. coming here. Gang-related graffiti is common. Gang-related crimes are <br /> up, evienced by the number of drive-by shootings and vandalism. <br /> Juvenile violence is touching the lives of many San Marcans. The possible arson of <br /> the old Coca Cola building is suspected of being started by juveniles. Graffiti from local <br /> gangs has been spotted on the building, and on many nearby structures in the downtown <br /> area. This building was the proposed site of the Incubator Project <br /> Other evidence of organized gang activity was present at the Sights and Sounds of <br /> Christmas two years ago. Tourists from all over the state come to this event, but many <br /> were horrified to witness a shooting one block away from the main festival. Last month, at <br /> the Drug Free Fair, youth were approached by youth who identified themselves as gang <br /> members. <br /> The Task Force examined efforts already underway to deal with this complex <br /> problem, and believes that better coordination and communication would enhance the use <br /> of existing resources, laws, and policies. In addition, it was found that a\vareness of <br /> parents, and of property owners must be heightened. Finally, the Task Force believes that <br /> even with improved use of existing resources, additional resources should be dedicated to <br /> this problem. Specific recommendations follow, within this report. <br /> San Marcos Community Gang Task Force Report Page 6 <br />