TEEN CLUBS

In response to Kristen Pitel's well-informed Feb. 2 letter regarding a teen
clubs, I must agree 100 percent.

As a medical student clear across the country in Reno, NV, I see a similar
problem! All of our nightlife revolves around bars and casinos and leaves
many kids bored and spending their nights drinking and cruising the roads.
This is why our teen-age drunken-driving level is so high compared to
California, which has nightclubs for teens (under 18) and young adults (18-21).

Recently I became a member of a local rave production company that threw an
event called "Mission 2 Mars" at the local convention center. What was the
outcome? About 1,200 happy people ages 14-35 came together to celebrate
music and dance. We had no fights; our security found no drugs.

Thinking that raves and nightclubs for kids is a problem is insane. If done
properly, they are a gracious gift to parents and bored teens who otherwise
could put their lives at risk trying to find "fun" in an otherwise boring town.

Domenic Martinello

Reno, Nev.