Briefs: Dist. 300 discusses gangs

Community Unit District 300 will conduct a meeting for parents and educators on tackling gangs, drugs and violence in their communities. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at Dundee-Crown High School. Pat Gara, an expert on guns, drugs and gangs, as well as bilingual psychologist Luis Rodriguez, will conduct the meeting. All information will be provided in English and Spanish. Child care will be available.

Man guilty of cop attack

A 21-year-old Palos Hills man this week was convicted of training to punch a an Elgin police officer last year. Jeremy T. Gil, 21, of the 8700 block of West 98th Place, was found guilty of aggravated battery to a police officer, resisting arrest and possession of alcohol. The most serious charge carries three to seven years in prison. Gil, who was 19 at the time of the June 2006 incident, will be sentenced Feb. 7. Authorities said Gil had been drinking at a friend's house before going to an Elgin nightclub. After Gil was kicked out for fighting with another patron, he pushed an Elgin police officer in the back and threw a wayward punch.

Village seeks storm input

To better prepare and respond to a disaster such as the August storms, East Dundee officials are asking residents to evaluate the village's performance. Storm surveys are available online at the village's Web site, eastdundee.net, in the latest village newsletter and copies are also available at village hall, 120 Barrington Ave.

Kids, get your list ready

Local kids have a chance to write Santa Claus -- and he'll actually write back. You can mail your letters to village hall through Dec. 15. In return, Santa will write a personalized letter to each child and send along a recipe book. Special stamps cost $1; nonresidents will pay $2. The address to village hall is 10 N. Water St., South Elgin, IL 60177.