Anti-Violence Gathering Today

Mayor Menino is calling on Boston religious leaders and city officials today to discuss the recent surge in violent crimes. Boston's homicide count is currently at 15 for this year, and it's only April. The mayor intends for this to be the first of several meetings this year. It's tough to say what is on the agenda, but it's likely that they are mulling over recommendations by the Legislature's Public Safety Committee. In February, the panel advised the legislature to pump at least $4 million into increased community policing efforts. They also called for anti-gang measures, with a focus on youth prevention strategies. However, the committee failed to make any recommendations about how our cash-strapped state can come up with this money.
Bostonist has ties to one of the Boston Public Schools and two students at that school have been murdered so far this year. It's been really hard for both students and teachers to deal with. Although Boston Public has made efforts to help the students cope, feelings of hopelessness and doubt abound. Reading this this morning, Bostonist was struck by the comments of the latest victim's sister. We hope that today's meeting and subsequent meetings effect some real change in the city.

Contributed by Alex Gantley