Deputies say gang-related crime isn't just limited to a few neighborhoods.

"Gang activity is all over Sacramento County, the City of Sacramento. It's a big problem."

Deputy Michael Saigeon is with the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department.

Six-months ago, the department got an $11.3 million federal grant to fight gang violence. Part of that money was spent on forming a Youth Services Unit, which has six deputies and one sergeant.    

"One of the things that we're trying to do with the Youth Services Unit is come in and take a proactive approach and work on prevention and intervention type services so that we can get out and start working with some of these kids that are walking the line." 

That proactive approach also includes community forums like tonight's symposium….talking to people about how to help youth make good choices in their lives.

Tonight's event will be held in the Arden-Arcade neighborhood at the Howe Community Center starting at 6 o'clock.