The spread of gang violence in one Kern County city has Sheriff's deputies attacking the problem early.
In McFarland, an explosion of gang-related crime led to more shootings and robberies.
A few times a month, deputies trade in Kern's most gang infested streets for some time in a classroom.
It's called G.R.E.A.T., or Gang Resistance Education and Training. According to deputies, these are some of the children that need it the most.
"You have approximately four-or-five separate gangs here in McFarland and with a population of 18,000-to-20,000 people. To have that many gangs with about 200 to 250 gang members, it is quite a bit," Kern County Sheriff's Deputy Lauro Cantu said.
Deputies also said the first five homicides of 2007 happened in the small city. One shooting killed two people who were gunned down in their McFarland home. As part of gang initiations, deputies say vulnerable children are convinced to committ crimes all over Kern County.
"A lot of these kids are commiting group beatings basically. You have to do work in to get into the gang," Deputy Ethan Plugge said.
Deputies also said many of the children at McFarland Middle School already know gangs play a large role in their communities. "My dad joined in gangs and my mom told him no," student Isaias Hernandez said.
As deputies spend time with these middle school students, their hope is that these children will stay away from gangs.
"When I grow up, instead of being in a gang, I hope to own my own shop. I am going to have my own beauty salon," student Evelyn Andrade said.
The G.R.E.A.T. program is funded by the US Department of Justice. While some Bakersfield City Schools already have the program, McFarland Middle School is the first place the Sheriff's Department has implemented G.R.E.A.T.
