COMMUNITY SEEKS TO CREATE DRUG-FREE SOCIETY FOR KIDS

REDLANDS Community leaders and educators called for parents, teachers and
mentors to join together to create a drug-free society for children.

That was the message delivered in speech, song and dramatic reading
Wednesday morning at the 16th annual East Valley Red Ribbon Breakfast at the
University of Redlands' Orton Center.

A crowd of more than 500 crammed into the hall. The event launches a week of
anti-drug activities at local schools and celebrates the life of Enrique
Camarena, a federal drug-enforcement agent who was killed by traffickers in
1985.

Assemblyman Bill Leonard, R-San Bernardino, comparing the war on drugs with
the new war on terrorism, urged those in the crowd to be their children's
best advocates.

Leonard said the country's defeat of the Taliban will help stop drug
trafficking worldwide, adding that the faction is one of the largest
exporters of drugs.

"If we can say no to drugs and stop the demand, we can stop terrorists of
the world that profit on our weakness," Leonard said.

Redlands Unified School District board member and Deputy District Attorney
Mike Ramos said more drug prevention programs are needed.

"Out of all the trials, I would say in 98 percent of the cases, drugs were
involved," Ramos said. "We teach our children. If we go out and say we don't
need drugs, then the business is over."

Children were the focus of the high school student-run breakfast, with
chorale groups from Mentone and Lugonia elementary schools and Cope Middle
School performing. The Clement Middle School band also participated.

Students won awards for essays on the dangers of drugs and earned
recognition for positivity and leadership. Others gave testimonials about
why they are lobbying for a stamp to be created honoring the life of
Camarena and urged the crowd to support it. Building A Generation Director
Maureen O'Keefe Hodge praised the community for coming out in mass to give
support to children.

The organization, which co-sponsored the event, consists of local agencies
working together to push student success.

"I think Redlands is an extraordinary community," she said, "A lot of the
community participates and is active in making sure we create the best
environment for kids."

Redlands Police Chief Jim Bueermann agreed that the children should be the
focus.

"The value of something like this is in the communal celebration of
drug-free living and recognizing the good work that young people do,"
Bueermann said. "These kids are all of our kids. We create policies that
facilitate children being drug-free."