CITIES MARK RED RIBBON WEEK

Officials Urge Everyone To Take A Stand Against Illegal Drug Use

Cities throughout the Valley are commemorating Red Ribbon Week, urging
residents to take a stand against illegal drugs and use common sense
when taking legal medications.

Red ribbons will be displayed in public places to remind residents of
the week's special significance, officials said.

Red Ribbon Week is an annual event started in memory of Enrique
Camarena, an agent with the Drug Enforcement Agency who was tortured
and killed by drug traffickers in Mexico.

He was kidnapped Feb. 7, 1985. His body was found one month later in a
shallow grave. Camarena's friends and family wore red ribbons to honor
his memory.

Rose Macias, community safety assistant with Dublin Police Services,
explained that red ribbons are worn during the week to demonstrate a
unified front against drugs. Schools in Dublin will host anti-drug
assemblies and poster contests, Macias said.

In Pleasanton, officers will make the rounds to various schools and
introduce kids to their police dogs, the Pleasanton Police Department
said.

Livermore Police officers also will be making the rounds this week,
warning kids of the dangers of narcotics, officials said.

Police encourage everyone to wear red ribbons and are asking parents
to talk to their children about drugs.