Ari Symons - Confidence, Competence & Convictions

Ari spoke to us today about some of the recent murder cases she's prosecuted including the highly publicized case of Anthony Dewolf (5-strikes and 6 pending convictions) who murdered a disabled fellow homeless person, and the senseless cold-blooded gang related murder of a visiting tree trimmer, Larry Burrough, from Fresno by a 19-year old rotten egg from a decent family.

Both of these cases reveal a part of our community that we all know exists, yet many of us seldom experience first-hand, nor believe it affects us directly.  In fact, Santa Cruz County is in the midst of an alarming surge in homicides (17 reported in 2005, probably many more) and a rapidly growing gang problem.

According to Ari, gang violence is the single most serious threat to our safety.  Gangs are laying claim to whole neighborhoods with the inevitable violence that occurs when rival gangs cross paths - often with innocent by-standers caught in the cross-fire.  In fact, gangs are rapidly becoming sophisticated organizations with leadership hierarchies, "taxes" and ample income streams thanks to drug sales and protection schemes.  

What's the solution?   There are no magic bullets to make this growing problem go away.  We all need to be aware of our surroundings.  Don't wear gang colors.  Don't frequent known gang territories.  Educate our kids. And, support law enforcement.  

Perhaps the most optimistic message comes not from what Ari says, but what she has done and continues to do.  Ari has committed her life to fighting crime on the battlefields of the courtroom.  She has successfully prosecuted more that 200 cases in SCC and continues to fight for the rights and safety of our community.   Without the vigilant counterbalance of law enforcement and the committed acts of concerned professionals like Ari, we wouldn't stand a chance.