University Friends Circle Lunch: “Gangs: Social Impact in Merced County”

University Friends Circle (UFC) will gather for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 7 at the Branding Iron Restaurant, 640 W. 16th St., Merced. Sgt. Rod Court with the Merced Police Multi-Agency Gang Task Force will present “Gangs: Social Impact in Merced County.” His talk will define gangs, explain how they operate and cover their effects on the quality of life, schools, the economy and violence.

The cost is $20 for members and $25 for guests. For information on joining UFC or to RSVP, visit friendscircle.ucmerced.edu. The reservation deadline is noon Jan. 2.

The UFC's mission is to inspire and maintain strong relationships between the UC Merced community and the communities of the San Joaquin Valley through activities that promote social and intellectual interaction, programs of service and fundraising initiatives that support UC Merced scholarships.