Kiya Green settled in at the drop-in center at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront on Tuesday evening. She’s 24 and is formerly homeless. Green is living with family now, but stays connected with StandUp for Kids Hampton Roads, which helps people aged 12 through 24 and runs the center. In time, Green wants to mentor others who have struggled.
She was there to talk to members of the Mayor’s Task Force for a Safer Virginia Beach, formed after two shootings at the Oceanfront this spring. The task force wants to get input from young people on how the city can stop the violence and gatherings that can mix adults and youth, sometimes called “pop-up” events or “takeovers.”
The committee will discuss results of its outreach Monday, including a survey with more than 400 responses. It will factor into recommendations expected later this year to City Council. Some recommendations may go to lawmakers in Richmond, including seeking powers to control crowds…