On October 4th, at noon, nearly ten people gathered at the Grand Century Mall in San Jose for the “Protect Our Kids, Protect Our Communities” rally. Participants called for California to strengthen public safety legislation, crack down on gang violence and looting, prevent gangs from recruiting minors on school campuses, and rebuild community security and accountability systems.
The event organizer, Johnny Lee Dang, emphasized in his speech that the rally aimed to raise awareness about the worsening crime situation in California. He shared that the passing of his father made him realize the fragility of life and the limited time we have. This realization fueled his determination to take action and uphold justice.
Johnny mentioned the case of Stephen Quick, whose 25-year-old son was fatally shot by an underage gunman driving a white Tesla in a McDonald’s parking lot in April. The perpetrator, under current laws, may only face a sentence of four to seven years. He pointed out that lenient sentences for youth have become an incentive for gang recruitment, calling it an insult to victims and social justice.
During an interview, Johnny stated that gangs are exploiting loopholes in juvenile justice to manipulate children. He stressed that public safety is not a privilege but a right for everyone.
Another organizer, Edward Escobar, highlighted the infiltration of gangs into school campuses, targeting teenagers. He emphasized the need for parental involvement and education to prevent youth from being influenced by gang culture through social media.
Tuan Ngo, founder of Asians Unite, representing the Asian community, pointed out the impact of looting and gang violence on immigrant business districts. He urged the government to increase public safety budgets and implement measures like license plate recognition systems to enhance policing visibility.
Participants at the rally, including Alice Kao, expressed concern over the rise of community violence and gang presence in schools, emphasizing the importance of parental awareness and support for anti-gang legislation.
The event concluded with a unified call to end gang violence, protect children, and promote community safety and justice. Participants reiterated that tackling crime is crucial not only for preserving lives and property but also for fostering trust within communities.
In closing, Edward Escobar affirmed that the rally was not just a gathering but a wake-up call for safe streets, accountable government, and resilient families.
Johnny Lee Dang vowed to continue pushing for legislative changes and community engagement until order and justice are restored in California.