A Closer Look:

PARENTS: BE AWARE OF YOUR TEEN'S ACTIVITIES

Part 3 of a series

Most interviewed for this series have said that alcohol is a problem
with La Canada teenagers. However, illegal drugs are definitely
present as well, law enforcement officials say.

"There are issues of drugs in the La Canada area," said Sgt. Harold
Chilstrom of the Crescenta Valley Sheriff's narcotics division.

He added that heroin is present, as it is in neighboring Crescenta
Valley. "But I am hearing there is evidence of methamphetamine and
marijuana [in La Canada]."

Chilstrom said that La Canada is not immune to the same drug dangers
that other communities face and parents can play an important role in
protecting their children.

"Ask questions. Get more involved with the kids," Chilstrom said.

Other law enforcement officers interviewed for this series have said
that La Canada teens spend a lot of time behind closed doors and estate gates.

"Don't allow them to be clandestine," Chilstrom said.

He added that parents should go into their teen's room and not
necessarily search, but look around.

"A good way to conduct spot checks is by Mom doing the laundry and
putting the clothes in drawers," he said, "if the situation is a
touchy subject."

Chilstrom added that teenagers in both La Canada and Crescenta Valley
are obtaining drugs from outside their communities.

In interviews with teens who have used drugs, the most common
scenario is that the teen travels to an area in Los Angeles, buys the
drugs and brings them back to sell or share with friends.

James Hamilton, a young heroin user, said that where and how to get
drugs is common knowledge for many local teens. He began his drug use
as 12-year-old smoking marijuana, as he grew older and began using
different types of drugs he was shepherd by other users on how to
obtain what he needed.

"They definitely go out of town," Chilstrom said. "Talk to the kids.
If they said they are going to Los Angeles find out why and where
they are going. Ask them if they are spending money or where their
money is going."

He added that a parent is the best to know whether their teen is in
trouble. Chilstrom suggests parents stay up and greet their child
when they come home after being out with friends.

"If the [teenager] says he or she is spending the night at a friend's
house, contact that person's parents," he said.

Recently Chilstrom spoke at a seminar at Crescenta Valley High School
where he gave parents some information on warning signs of drug use.

"They say the eyes are the window to the soul. In this case they are," he said.

He explained that some types of drug use cause eye dilation. He
advised parents to notice any extreme mood changes, sleeping patterns
or new friends.

"Little pieces of foil, especially if there are burn marks," he said.
"Ziplock bags; I don't know if parents would know what marijuana
smells like, but any kind of smoking not good for kids this age."

During that same seminar, Chilstrom along with Deputy Scott Shinagawa
and Dr. Greg Lizer, a pediatrician from Descanso Pediatrics,
suggested that if a parent is concerned they should contact the
school's counselors, their pediatrician or the school's resource
officer. At La Canada High School that is Deputy Lisa Walter.

Chilstrom stressed parents need to be aware drugs are in the area and
are affecting teens; open communication is the best way to deal with the issue.