Lodi has counted four gang-related murders in the last ten months.
In each case, a gun was used and a teenage gang member was suspected in the shooting.
But Lodi Police Lt. Chris Piombo says it was a brazen daylight killing in the street that captured the city's attention.
PIOMBO: "In east Lodi where the suspect tracked down the victim and shot him until he didn't have any more bullets in his gun. That really signaled to us we had to take it to another level with enforcement."
The city council voted to match a state grant, and so will use a half million dollars on programs to fight gangs over the next 2 years.
City Councilman Larry Hansen says some of that money will employ ex-gang members to steer young kids away from the gang life.
HANSEN: "They are able to talk to them on a level they can understand and mentor them and help them make better choices."
