Hahn Proposes Hiring At-Risk Teens for City Jobs

Los Angeles Mayor James K. Hahn announced plans Tuesday to hire at-risk young people for city jobs and to push budget proposals that would put more police officers on the streets--both as part of an effort to combat rising gang violence.

So far this year, more than 184 shootings have been linked to gangs--a 67% increase over the same period last year, Hahn said.

“It’s more than a number. It’s real people,” the mayor said.

In response, Hahn said, 200 city jobs are being made available to at-risk youth for six-month training periods, with the intention of hiring many of them permanently.

Hahn also asked the City Council to approve $2 million for the city’s Summer Youth Employment program, which offers teenagers jobs in city offices and parks.

The moves came just days after the mayor submitted his budget for the fiscal year, a plan that recommends holding fast to current spending levels in many departments but trims in some areas.

As a result, at least one council member greeted Hahn’s latest proposals skeptically, saying that he questions whether there is enough money to pay for it.

Under the mayor’s proposal, “at-risk youth” includes 18- to 21-year-olds who receive public benefits, are teenage mothers or come from low-income households.

Those young people would be eligible to apply for jobs under the new hiring program, Hahn said.

The mayor also hopes to transfer about 100 police officers now working desk jobs to patrol cars.

That plan is part of the proposed budget, which is being reviewed by the City Council and requires its approval.

Hahn also asked the Police Commission to approve drop-in centers in city parks for police officers to regularly visit.

Councilman Nate Holden said he supports the mayor’s proposals, but worries that there may not be enough money to sustain them.

“On paper, [the proposal to open 200 jobs to at-risk youth] sounds very good. My question is, how many jobs are available when these kids are done with the six months?” Holden said.

“In a budget shortfall, we may be laying off city employees, not hiring them,” Holden said.

Hahn made Tuesday’s announcement at Gates Elementary School in Lincoln Heights, where a number of shootings have occurred in recent weeks.

Every two months, Gates students practice drills on how to take cover during a shooting.