REMINDER/Business Leaders Conference on Gang Violence, Los Angeles Convention Center, November 13, 2003.

News Editors/Business Editors/City Desks/Assignment Desks

REMINDER...for Thursday (Nov. 13)

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

What:     A conference for leaders from business, community and
          elected officials at which they will receive an in-depth
          briefing on the extent and seriousness of gang violence in
          Los Angeles County and the region.  Sponsored by the Latin
          American Law Enforcement Association (LaLey), a non-profit
          organization.

Who:      Speakers will include LAPD Chief William Bratton; LA County
          Sheriff Lee Baca; law enforcement officials who are experts
          on the gang issue at the city, county and federal levels;
          and LA City Councilman Antonio Villaraigosa will speak at
          lunch.  All speakers will be available for one-on-one
          interviews immediately before and after their presentations.

Where:    Room 404, Concourse Area, Los Angeles Convention Center,
          1201 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles CA 90015.

When:     Thursday, November 13, 2003.  Schedule:

          8:30 - 9:00 AM    Registration & Continental Breakfast

          9:00 - 9:30 AM    Detective Art Placencia, President, LaLey
                            Chief William Bratton, LAPD
                            Sheriff Lee Baca, LA County

          9:30 - 10:15 AM   Detective Marc Espinoza, LAPD

          10:15 - 11:00 AM  Sgt. Richard Valdemar, LACSD

          11:15 - 12:00 PM  Representatives of the Alcohol Tobacco &
                            Firearms Agency (ATF), Federal Bureau of
                            Investigation (FBI), and Drug Enforcement
                            Agency (DEA).

          12:00 - 1:30 PM    Antonio Villaraigosa, LA City Councilman

Background:  There are an estimated 200,000 hard-core gang members
             operating in Los Angeles City and County.  It is
             estimated that 50 percent of the city's and county's
             violent crimes are associated with gangs.  Most of the
             drug dealing in the region is controlled by gangs,
             generating billions of dollars in illicit revenue.
             Gang violence has become the number-one law enforcement
             and public safety problem in Los Angeles.