SAN DIEGO -- The community must pull together to help end a spate of deadly gang violence in southern San Diego, Councilman Charles Lewis said Tuesday.

He took office last month representing District 4, which includes the communities of Oak Park, Webster, Emerald Hills, Mount Hope, Mountain View, Chollas View, Lincoln Park, Encanto, Valencia Park and Skyline.

Appearing emotional at times, he said he has been especially bothered by the shootings, including one New Year's Day that left two women dead and an 8-year-old boy in critical condition.

He said a number of people at Dr. J's Liquor in Lincoln Park were present when he arrived shortly after the shooting. He urged witnesses to the crimes to come forward, saying they can remain anonymous.

"We have to work together on this," he said during the City Council meeting. "We have to stand up."

If "you say, 'I'm scared, I'm fearful' (about coming forward), then the next bullet might hit your mother, might hit your sister, might hit your child," Lewis said.

Lewis called the shooters "thugs" and "punks," and at one point addressed them directly.

"How dare you shoot into a car with babies and an 8-year-old! How dare you!" he said.

A toddler in a bullet-riddled car at Dr. J's was unscathed.

Lewis said he has met with Police Chief Dave Bejarano, and will meet next with City Manager Michael Uberuaga to see what can be done.

"We take it very seriously," Uberuaga said.

Lewis praised police for taking guns off the street, and said it might be a good idea to expand an injunction in place against Lincoln Park gang members.

Council members Toni Atkins and Ralph Inzunza said their districts are also facing more gang-related problems.