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Pastor Adam Valenzuela, of Victory Outreach Pittsburg, leads a prayer during a prayer vigil for the victim of last weekend's campus rape at Richmond High School in Richmond, Calif. on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009. (Dean Coppola/Staff)
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RICHMOND — The parents of the 15-year-old girl gang raped after a Richmond High School homecoming dance made their first public statements Saturday, pleading for peace and asking the public to turn their anger into a positive.

The family's pastor read a prepared statement during a community meeting in the school's auditorium Saturday morning.

"Please do not respond to this tragic event by promoting hatred or by causing more pain. We have had enough violence already in this place. If you need to express your outrage, please channel your anger into positive action," the girl's family wrote. "Be courageous in speaking the truth and in holding people accountable. Work toward changing the atmosphere in our schools and in this community so that this kind of thing never happens again."

Pastor Jim Wheeler, of First Presbyterian Church of Richmond, shared the comments with a couple hundred concerned parents and community members who congregated to discuss safety and available health and safety programs.

Five people are being held in connection with the Oct. 24 on-campus rape that has shocked Richmond and the nation, although police believe many more watched or participated in the assault.

"(The parents) really wanted to change what was happening and they didn't want it to be violent," said Wheeler in an interview at the high school courtyard. "There's been a lot said out there in the media and blogs "... some pretty ignorant

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statements. They just don't want to promote and keep that kind of thing going. They especially want changes in the school's atmosphere."

As for the girl's well-being, Wheeler was at a loss for words.

"I can't answer that," he said. "Physically, there's been an amazing healing, but this is not something that you just heal from right away. I'm amazed, but heartbroken at the kind of road she has ahead of her."

Wheeler said the girl may make her own statement next week, and for now the family wants its privacy. He's not surprised at the nationwide media attention and public outrage sparked by the case.

"I think people are just overwhelmed with the level of violence and the magnitude of the event. A lot of people want to help, but they're just in shock," he said. "In particular, people were standing around and watching. We don't know what to make of that."

Standing in the back of the auditorium Saturday wearing her gray-and-red Richmond High Oilers sweatshirt was senior class President Gina Saechae. The 16-year-old has been a regular media interviewee, appearing on CNN and other networks, often defending her school.

"We work really hard here. "... I just feel we're really trying to achieve and overcome everything and people are trying to put us down," Saechae said. "I still feel safe on campus. "... We're not dangerous. There are not people on campus with guns."

Saechae and other student leaders have organized a candlelight vigil for Tuesday with student speakers and performers to show support for the victim. Students are also wearing blue ribbons in a show of support.

Saturday's events started with a vigil in front of the school. Josh Sanchez, a 15-year-old sophomore at Middle College High School in Richmond, attended to offer his support. He shook his head when asked about the students who watched the rape without reporting it.

"It's probably peer pressure," he said. "People are worried. Maybe they feel that they don't want to be the only one stepping up and then they would be made fun of or ridiculed."

Following the vigil, West Contra Costa Unified School District board member Antonio Medrano led a panel discussion with agencies offering assistance with rape prevention, domestic violence, mental health, gang prevention and gun violence programs.

"I'm horrified about this event," Medrano said. "I'm hoping this community will hear what these groups have to offer."

Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner spoke briefly to the gathering, announcing her office has jump-started the permit process to build the new fence around the campus.

"This kind of gang rape is certainly not normal," she said. "It rises to our attention how we really need to address the heart of the issues."

She said economic stresses, foreclosures and other combinations may have exacerbated the horrific crime.

Rosalinda Quintero, a mother of a Richmond High sophomore, was one of many Spanish-speaking people in attendance.

"The schools really aren't to blame, because in all schools there are dangers," she said through an interpreter. "I heard this school has had a bad reputation, but I don't feel that way."

Halfway through Saturday's program almost 20 parents had signed up to volunteer at the high school.

Linda Baker, mother of two Richmond High students, hoped volunteers could increase security to ensure after school activities survive.

"I know the victim personally," Baker said, "and she's a beautiful person and my daughters love her."

Statement from Richmond High School rape victim's family:
 "STOP THE VIOLENCE! Please do not respond to this tragic event by promoting hatred or by causing more pain. We have had enough violence already in this place. If you need to express your outrage, please channel your anger into positive action. Volunteer at a school. Go help a neighbor. Be courageous in speaking the truth and in holding people accountable. Work toward changing the atmosphere in our schools and in this community so that this kind of thing never happens again.
Please do not let this happen again!"



To help
 The victim's family has requested that donations and cards (no flowers at this time) be sent to Pastor Jim Wheeler, who is coordinating the funds on their behalf. Make checks out to:
First Presbyterian Church of Richmond,
3415 Barrett Ave., Richmond, CA 94805
with "Victory Over Violence Fund" written in the memo line.
For more information, call the church at 510-234-0954 or e-mail firstpresrichmond@sbcglobal.net.