News

Praise for From L.A. to the Bay symposium



04/11/11

From L.A. to the Bay: Community Collaborations and Creative Solutions to Urban Violence in California, a one-day symposium, brought diverse community members to Otis for dynamic conversations about the impacts of urban violence and the power of art, design and collaboration on Saturday. Homeboys History and Culture, a three-year collaboration between Otis and Homeboys led by Dr. Sammy Flores-Pena, inspired the symposium, which included presentations by community leaders, academic institutions, former gang members from Homeboy Industries, and Otis students.

Participant Luis M. Aroche, Manager of Violence Prevention Programs for Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center, commented "I have been a part of many symposia and all of them have been great, but last weekend was explosive and creative. Breaking the lines between Northern and Southern California was a moment to remember. The creativity and uniqueness touched me, and I applaud Dr. Flores and Otis Integrated Learning for the creative vision in making this event a success, as I hope this vision continues."