Memorial recognizes SCV youth lost in traffic-related incidents.

 

[view:node_ad=5]The City of Santa Clarita is accepting names for its Youth Grove, dedicated to Santa Clarita Youth, ages 24 and younger, who have died in traffic-related incidents.  There are currently 71 youth represented in this memorial located in Central Park.

 “The Youth Grove is an important component of the City’s efforts to promote public safety.  We have lost so many young lives on the road, and it is our hope that this graphic reminder will deter our teens and community members from irresponsible driving,” said Mayor Bob Kellar.  

The half-acre memorial is home to 71 individual pillars, each representing a young life lost in a traffic-related incident.  It is a grassroots effort built with the purpose of remembering these youth, educating the community about safe driving, and offering a place for reflection.  Each pillar bears a plaque with the youth’s name as well as a reminder that the young person lost will always be “Forever Young,” showing the actual stage that the young person died.

The tree stumps surround a monument that features the “KNOW MORE” vow, which urges the community to “KNOW MORE” about safe driving habits, and to pledge that “NO MORE” young lives will be lost from reckless and irresponsible driving.

“It is important for our community to remember these youth, and to learn from their fatal experiences.  We honor their memories by raising community awareness about the unfortunate consequences of drunk driving or not paying attention while driving so that we do not lose any more lives on our streets,” said City Councilmember Frank Ferry who had spearheaded the efforts that made the Youth Grove possible.

The 3rd Annual “Evening of Remembrance” will take place at the Youth Grove on Thursday, April 16, 2008, at 7:20 p.m. to honor the Santa Clarita Valley youth who have died as a result of traffic-related incidents. The event, hosted by the City of Santa Clarita and the Blue Ribbon Task Force, will be held at the Youth Grove in Central Park, located at 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road.
A completed release form, signed by the parent, is required to include a youth’s name.  In order for the name to be included in time for the Annual Evening of Remembrance on April 16, 2008, the signed waiver needs to be submitted to the City by Wednesday, March 7, 2008. The release form is available at the City’s website, www.santa-clarita.com/blueribbon, or by calling Community Services at (661) 255-4965.