Pubdate: Thu, 25 Oct 2001 Source: San Bernardino Sun (CA) Copyright: 2001 MediaNews Group, Inc. Contact: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1417 Website: http://www.sbcsun.com/ Note: Letters of 200 words or less are preferred Author: Melanie C. Johnson Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) COMMUNITY SEEKS TO CREATE DRUG-FREE SOCIETY FOR KIDS REDLANDS Community leaders and educators called for parents, teachers and mentors to join together to create a drug-free society for children. That was the message delivered in speech, song and dramatic reading Wednesday morning at the 16th annual East Valley Red Ribbon Breakfast at the University of Redlands' Orton Center. A crowd of more than 500 crammed into the hall. The event launches a week of anti-drug activities at local schools and celebrates the life of Enrique Camarena, a federal drug-enforcement agent who was killed by traffickers in 1985. Assemblyman Bill Leonard, R-San Bernardino, comparing the war on drugs with the new war on terrorism, urged those in the crowd to be their children's best advocates. Leonard said the country's defeat of the Taliban will help stop drug trafficking worldwide, adding that the faction is one of the largest exporters of drugs. "If we can say no to drugs and stop the demand, we can stop terrorists of the world that profit on our weakness," Leonard said. Redlands Unified School District board member and Deputy District Attorney Mike Ramos said more drug prevention programs are needed. "Out of all the trials, I would say in 98 percent of the cases, drugs were involved," Ramos said. "We teach our children. If we go out and say we don't need drugs, then the business is over." Children were the focus of the high school student-run breakfast, with chorale groups from Mentone and Lugonia elementary schools and Cope Middle School performing. The Clement Middle School band also participated. Students won awards for essays on the dangers of drugs and earned recognition for positivity and leadership. Others gave testimonials about why they are lobbying for a stamp to be created honoring the life of Camarena and urged the crowd to support it. Building A Generation Director Maureen O'Keefe Hodge praised the community for coming out in mass to give support to children. The organization, which co-sponsored the event, consists of local agencies working together to push student success. "I think Redlands is an extraordinary community," she said, "A lot of the community participates and is active in making sure we create the best environment for kids." Redlands Police Chief Jim Bueermann agreed that the children should be the focus. "The value of something like this is in the communal celebration of drug-free living and recognizing the good work that young people do," Bueermann said. "These kids are all of our kids. We create policies that facilitate children being drug-free." - --- MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk