RED RIBBON WEEK FOCUSES ON FIGHTING DRUG ABUSE

COUNTY - Monday marks the start of Red Ribbon Week, and events to
commemorate the week will be held in Santa Cruz and Scotts Valley.

Red Ribbon Week was launched in response to the 1985 murder of federal
drug agent Enrique Camarena in Mexico and honors the fight against
drugs and promotes healthy communities.

The first Red Ribbon campaign was organized in 1986 by parents wishing
to combat the destruction caused by alcohol and drug abuse, Santa Cruz
police officer Jim Howes said.

"This is an opportunity to be visible and vocal in our desire for a
drug-free community," he said.

"Children are less likely to use alcohol and other drugs when parents
and other role models are clear and consistent in their opposition to
illicit use of these substances."

In Santa Cruz, police are teaming up with the Santa Cruz Boys & Girls
Club to mark the cause and will hand out ribbons and fun items to
children from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday. The club is at 542 Center
St.

In Scotts Valley, red will be the color of the week, police said, with
banners on Scotts Valley Drive and ribbons on police cars.

Assemblies are scheduled at several schools on Tuesday and students
will be invited to participate in a poster/essay contest and classroom
door decorating contest with an anti-drug theme. Prizes have been
donated by local businesses.

Officers will visit schools throughout the week, said Sgt. Donna
Lind.

A free costume/skate night will be 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Scotts
Valley Sports Center, courtesy of the center.

Many merchants will also be offering treats for children wearing red
ribbons or bracelets, Lind said.

VHM Christian School, on Capitola Road Extension in Santa Cruz, will
celebrate with a theme each day to mark Red Ribbon Week.

Monday will be a balloon launch, dubbed "Soaring to New Heights Drug
Free."

Tuesday is wild hairstyle day, dubbed "Don't Let Drugs Drive You
Wild." Wednesday, funny caps are in order as they "Put the Cap on
Drugs." Thursday, clothes will go on backward to the slogan "Drugs Put
Your Life Backwards." And on Friday, slippers are in as school
officials urge children to "Wake up and Don't Slip on Drugs."