Desert Hot Springs trying to clean up its act

Officer Michael Chilner prepares to move a suspect from the Desert Hot Springs Police Department booking area.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Emily Lemus, 8, leans against a mural at the Boys and Girls Club in Desert Hot Springs. The organization has an outreach program aimed at youth in gangs or heading for them.  (Christina House / For the Times)

Twin brothers Jon, left, and Ron Lang, 14, hung out with a rough crowd until a friend was gunned down by gang members two years ago. They started working on their soccer skills and were recruited for a team that recently played in Guadalajara, Mexico. Now they hope to play professionally.  (Christina House / For the Times)

Pastor Jesse Sanchez, left, listens to a discussion at the Victory Life Women’s Home in Desert Hot Springs. When he was 14, he and friends started the city’s oldest gang. Now he is working to combat gangs’ influence.  (Christina House / For the Times)