ANTI-DRUG WRISTBANDS BANNED

Schools: Capistrano district prohibits them during Red Ribbon Week because
of a prank

San Jaun Capistrano A student who used his elastic Red Ribbon Week
wristband to launch a berry has shot a hole in the program at the county's
third -largest school district.

Capistrano Unified School District won't give students the wristbands when
Red Ribbon Week kicks off Oct. 23.

"It kind of pulls the rug out from under us," said Doug Schauer of the
anti-gang Community Service Programs.

Superintendent James Fleming made the ruling after receiving a letter from
the parents of a Niguel Hills Middle School student who said the berry
nearly put their son's eye out last year.

Schools instead will get $300 to $500 from the district for other anti-drug
items. Students will still participate in assemblies and programs.

Capistrano Unified is the only district to reject the wristbands, said
Marilyn MacDougall. The former teacher organizes the county's Red Ribbon
effort, including the distribution of 750,000 wristbands.

"They're a neat thing," MacDougall said. "This was a single, isolated
incident. It's too bad."

The wristbands, she said, represent students' pledge against drugs, give
parents a way to start conversations about drug use and allow 400 Orange
County businesses to give students discounts to support the effort.

Capistrano Unified Trustee Mildred Pagelow said the district must protect
children-and itself form potential lawsuits.

At least one parent disagreed. "It's stupid," said Sheree Ito, mother of
three students. "It's just a knee-jerk response."

Checked-by: Pat Dolan