Gang programs agency proposed

City Councilman Tony Cardenas called Friday for the creation of a new city department to coordinate gang prevention and youth development programs.

Cardenas’ plan represents the latest effort by city officials to consolidate gang services. Councilwomen Wendy Greuel and Janice Hahn, acting on a recommendation from City Controller Laura Chick, called last month for shifting anti-gang services into one office that reports to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

Cardenas has been fighting that plan, arguing that gang programs will have inadequate oversight if they are housed in the mayor’s office.

He introduced a motion Friday instructing the City Council’s legislative analyst to report on the necessary steps to consolidate existing programs within a new department.

-- Duke Helfand