Red Ribbon Week Focuses on Drug Awareness

Children: The national event will include essay contests and community
events across the county aimed at teaching kids about the dangers of
substance abuse.

Essay contests, community fairs and school assemblies are among the
nationwide Red Ribbon Week events planned countywide.

The annual events, most continuing through next Saturday, are designed to
entertain children while informing them about the dangers of using drugs
and alcohol.

"It is extremely important, especially in light of the recent tragic deaths
of young people in our society due to substance abuse, that we demonstrate
our united commitment to a drugfree society," said James A. Fleming,
superintendent of the Capistrano Unified School District.

Many schools will be asking students to wear red ribbons and will hold
related assemblies and other activities. Some communities and organizations
are planning larger events, some of which include:

* Fullerton police officers will hold a public rally at 3 p.m. Oct. 27 at
the Police Department, 237 W. Commonwealth Ave. Information: (714) 7386836.

* Fifth and sixthgrade students in Orange County can compete in the 11th
annual "Why Say No to Drugs" essay contest, sponsored by area pharmacists.
The two firstplace winners will each receive a $500 U.S. Savings Bond. All
entrants will receive certificates of participation. Essays can be typed or
handwritten and should not exceed two doublespaced pages. Entries must
include the student's name, school, grade level and telephone number.
Submissions must be made by Oct. 31 and can be mailed to OCSHP, attention
Zerline Bonuan, 20 Bunker Hill, Irvine, CA 92620.

* Fountain Valley officials and antidrug activists will release balloons
during a rally next Saturday to symbolize the joys of living drugfree. The
second annual Red Ribbon Week Rally/Walk includes demonstrations by the
Police Department's SWAT and canine units and a display of firefighting
equipment. The event begins at 9 a.m. at the Recreation Center, 16400
Brookhurst St. Information: (714) 5934446.

* Members of the Irvine Police Department will step outside their usual
roles to serve as chefs and waiters during a fundraiser Thursday. Lamppost
Pizza Woodbridge will host the fundraiser, which benefits Irvine Unified
School District's high school Prevention and Mentoring Team.

* The La Habra Mayor's Task Force will sponsor the 10th annual Red Ribbon
Week Community Breakfast Friday in the La Habra Community Center. The
breakfast, from 6:15 to 9 a.m., will feature a talk on family
communication. Tickets are $7 per person. The center is at Euclid Street
and La Habra Boulevard. The task force also is sponsoring a poster contest.
Information: (562) 9437860.

* The Mission Viejo Walk Against Drugs begins at 8 a.m. today at the
Mission Viejo High School Stadium, 25025 Chrisanta Drive. The event is
sponsored by the Capistrano Unified and Saddleback Valley Unified school
districts and the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

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