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U.S. Attorney General Discusses Gang Violence Prevention Strategies In San Jose

SAN JOSE (KCBS) - U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder met Friday with San Jose's mayor and other city officials to learn about the city's strategy for preventing gang violence. He also toured the San Jose Job Corps Center on East Hills Drive, getting to know the teenagers and young adults who live at the job training facility.

"This for me has been eye opening," he said.

KCBS' Betsy Gebhart Reports:

One of the students, 19-year-old Angel, described trying to set a positive example for two younger brothers, ages 12 and 8, who have already seen the allure of the gang lifestyle.

"Before, I was setting an example for my brothers to be in the gang lifestyle, making them think it was OK to do what they're doing," he said. "But I'm trying to pull them out of that. I'm trying to show them better examples."

San Jose's holistic approach to gang violence prevention, trying to address all of the issues a young person must confront, could offer a model for programs in other cities, Holder said.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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