BUDGET CUTS MAY COST CITY ITS DARE PROGRAM

Since 1987, The Drug Prevention Program Has Helped Thousands Of Kids.

One of Huntington Beach's foremost programs to help kids stay away from
drugs and alcohol is in danger of folding.

The Drug Abuse and Resistance Education (DARE) program may be among the $7
million in cuts needed to balance the city's budget.

"I hate to see the DARE program go away," said Sarah Battis, a parent at
St. Bonaventure School.

However, the city has asked all departments to reduce spending by 5%, said
spokesman Rich Barnard.

The Huntington Beach Police Department is considering moving its four DARE
officers, as well as other positions such as the regional task force and
the detectives, back to patrol.

"It is up in the air," Huntington Beach Police Sgt. Janet Perez said. "It's
unfortunate, but necessary."

Since 1987, police officers have spent a semester with students at area
schools teaching them drug and gang prevention, resisting peer pressure and
building self-esteem. Each year, the DARE program reaches 1,400 kids.

The city manager will make a decision over the next few weeks to put final
recommendations together for council to consider at the end of the summer.