The Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force to prevent teen alcohol, tobacco and drug use in the City will celebrate its fifth anniversary with a reception on Wednesday, February 16, 2005, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at City Hall in the Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard.

The Blue Ribbon Task Force was started by Councilmember Frank Ferry, a former high school teacher and current Assistant Principal at Saugus High School, in response to rising drug, alcohol and tobacco use among Santa Clarita Valley teens.

The Task Force is comprised of community leaders including representation from the City, school districts, Social Service agencies, the Sheriffs, local businesses, and parents. The group meets monthly to proactively and effectively address teen issues related to drug, alcohol and tobacco use.

Some of the major accomplishments of the Task Force over the last five years include: creating a community charter which recognizes the collective responsibility of the community to provide safe and substance free environments for youth; media campaigns to educate parents about the importance of talking with their children about drugs, alcohol and tobacco before it is too late; creating a parental support group to discuss parenting issues, creating the popular “Teen Scene Unplugged,” an annual program that addresses hot topics related to teens; and starting a fund for a Santa Clarita youth memorial which will memorialize youth who have died in traffic-related collisions and provide a safe place for reflection and mourning in a city park.

“I’m very proud of the strides this Task Force has made for teens. We will continue to work toward a zero tolerance for drug, alcohol and tobacco use among our youth and continue to help educate parents and teens about living a drug free life, ” commented Councilmember Frank Ferry.

For more information about the Blue Ribbon Task Force, contact Tess Simgen at the City at (661) 255-4956.