CITY MUST WORK TO KEEP DRUGS FROM KIDS

The loss of a single, young mind to drugs is tragic.

The loss of many young minds is a crisis that calls for community
collaboration and action.

The greatest threat to our youth today is the availability, sale and
use of drugs and alcohol.

Recently, there have been several significant drug busts and arrests
made by law enforcement officers.

They included a person being arrested for possession and sale of
marijuana to minors. The arrest was made across the street from
Glendale High School. The alleged pot seller was observed by Glendale
police as he transacted marijuana out of his vehicle ("Teen accused
of selling pot," June 18).

The arrests were made as a result of "tips" to school officials and
law enforcement by students and an alert adult.

In addition to these arrests, there were reports of minors who used
the drug Ecstasy among others, and who were transported to a local
hospital due to their abnormal behavior and illness.

Alarmingly, the number of youths who have been found to use drugs was
higher this year than past years, according to a local high school
administrator.

Before going any further, let me make it very clear that the
overwhelming majority of our young people are good citizens who are
intelligent and who stay away from drugs and those who use or sell
drugs.

All of us can take great pride in the academic achievements, athletic
participation, artistic activities, career preparation and community
service of the overwhelming majority of our youths.

All of us can take pleasure and satisfaction in watching students
receive an excellent education, engage in healthy and wholesome
activities and grow and mature into beautiful, productive and
law-abiding adults.

The youths who should concern all of us are those who are
disconnected, bored, lack self confidence and goals, and/or want to
be socially accepted even if it is the wrong crowd.

They are the ones who are easily talked into trying or using a joint,
a pill or some other drug, and who are easily tempted to try
something new even they know it is bad for them.

My concern is also about the drug pushers who prey on vulnerable,
disenchanted and disconnected youths.

The recent drug arrests are steps in the right direction.

We are thankful to law enforcement officers who are diligent and
vigilant.

All of us have a responsibility to keep a watchful eye, an open ear,
and a commitment to keep up the vigilance and pressure on drug
sellers in our midst.

We are thankful to our responsible students and adults who take pride
in their school and community and who "tipped" the school officials
and the police of impending drug activities.

These tipsters are our heroes, and we salute them for protecting
their peers and our community from the drug pushers in our midst.

CHUCK SAMBAR is a Glendale Unified School District trustee, president
of the Los Angeles County School Trustee Assn. and a La Canada
Flintridge resident.