These hearings open with introductory statements detailing the nature of the gang violence problem and legal precedents for federal intervention. Proceedings from the Los Angeles hearings include testimony by a county supervisor, disrict attorneys, a former gang member, the executive director of the Community Youth Gang Services, and the director of the probation department gang supervision program. The San Francisco hearings include testimony from police and parole officials, district attorneys, and the director of the Center for the Assessment of the Juvenile Justice System. In addition to describing the juvenile gang problem, the proceedings center on the options for incarcerating juveniles, the backlog in the court system, recidivism, probation, and rehabilitation. The provisions of the proposed Justice Assistance Act are discussed in terms of its value in funding state programs. (JAC)