The Region : Gang Truce Successful

Organizers of a holiday peace treaty involving slightly more than 50 Los Angeles-area youth gangs said the truce has been very successful and they hope that it is the beginning of the end of gang violence. The truce has worked “better than expected for the first time out,” Community Youth Gang Services Director Steve Valdivia said. Since the agreements were signed around Thanksgiving, only one gang killing has taken place, Valdivia said. But, he added, he does not have information on incidents that might have occurred last week. Each of the 50-plus gangs signed a truce with one or two other participating gangs. The agreements varied--some allowed rival gang members to visit relatives or girlfriends in their turf, others simply agreed to stay in their own territory and not kill any1869505836active gangs exist in the Los Angeles area, he said. The truces end New Year’s Day.