Paul D’Auria, chief of police services in San Clemente, patrols the streets. On June 6, Jonathan Mendez, a 14-year-old San Juan Capistrano boy, was struck and killed by a concrete block in a fight with San Clemente gang members. He and other teenagers, identified by authorities as San Juan Capistrano gang members, had ventured into their rivals turf. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Families play soccer in Max Berg Plaza Park in San Clemente. Community policing has allowed parks like this to be family-friendly. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
The quiet neighborhoods and apartments near Calle Canasta and Calle Campana are becoming a problem for police in San Clemente. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Paul D’Auria, chief of police services in San Clemente, stands in an alley off Calle Canasta in one of the areas suspected of some gang activity. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
