News
June 29, 2011
News
The Oceanside Police Department (OPD) will have over 100 police officers in the beach and downtown to help enforce the city’s alcohol-free areas, which include beaches, jetties, the pier, and all parking lots. OPD reminds everyone that public consumption of alcohol is prohibited, as well as public drunkenness. To ensure a safe and enjoyable weekend, the Department’s philosophy will be one of ZERO TOLERANCE against crimes, acts of civil unrest, and fireworks.
Lieutenant Leonard Mata says “The police department is committed to providing a safe environment for the 4th of July event; therefore we are asking our community and guests to do their part by obeying the laws that were enacted to provide for their safety.”
Aaron Byzak, President of the North Coastal Prevention Coalition, whose mission is to reduce the harms of alcohol and drugs in the Tri-City area, says “As we celebrate our country’s founding by gathering at the beach with our friends and neighbors, we hope that everyone will remember to act responsibly.”
During the 4th of July weekend, the City of Oceanside will host their annual Fourth of July celebration. This year due to financial restraints the fireworks display will not take place. About 100,000 people are expected to attend the weekend festivities, the mission of the Police Department is to provide for public safety during the weekend events, promote community safety and effectively manage the flow of pedestrian and vehicle traffic. The Fire Department will also have emergency personnel pre-staged in both the Harbor Beach and Pier area on July Fourth. They will have additional paramedic and fire crews roaming the area to provide emergency services in the area.
Teri Figueroa. (2011, July 2). Police: Avoid alcohol on beach. North County Times, Local, B3.
June 9, 2011
News
Vista Community Clinic's school newsletter features all of our recent events on their lastest publication.
June 1, 2011
News
Memorial Day weekend is meant to signal the beginning of summer,
not the end of your driving privilege
North Coastal Prevention Youth Coalition (NCPYC) teen prevention advocates participated with Oceanside Police Department (OPD) at a DUI checkpoint to thank sober drivers and urge the public to help prevent underage drinking this holiday weekend and throughout the summer.
Teens distributed ‘Lifesaver’ candy and information on social host ordinances and preventing underage drinking to drivers stopped and deemed sober.
The event took place on Sunday, May 29, 2011 from 9:30 PM to 11:00 PM near the intersections of El Camino Real and Oceanside Boulevard.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, in 2009 more than 700 people in the state were killed in a crash where the primary collision factor was driving under the influence of alcohol. During the 2010 Memorial Day Weekend, OPD issued 21 citations for driving under the influence (2011 results pending). Alcohol is the most abused drug by teens; 37% of high school juniors in the Tri-City area of Carlsbad, Oceanside, and Vista report drinking in the past 30 days (WestEd, CA Healthy Kids Survey 2009).
May 20, 2011
News
Enforcement of Social Host Ordinances Can Help Deter Underage Drinking During Prom, Graduation and Throughout the Summer
Prom, graduation and summer vacation are synonymous with youthful celebration. This time of year is exciting for youth and parents alike, as momentous milestones are met. However, it can also be a time for risky experimentation and unfortunate consequences, particularly related to underage drinking.
Some parents may be tempted to host after-prom and graduation parties where alcohol is provided, thinking that they can better protect teens by providing supervision and by keeping them from driving drunk. However, underage drinking, regardless of the setting, is illegal. It is also dangerous.
Social Host Ordinances (SHO) have been adopted in all cities and unincorporated areas of San Diego County to help reduce the problems of underage drinking. Anyone who hosts a party, gathering or event where minors are consuming alcohol may be cited and/or arrested, fined up to $1,000, incarcerated for up to six months or billed for police services.
The North Coastal Prevention Coalition (NCPC) recently attended law enforcement briefings in the cities of Carlsbad, Oceanside, and Vista to provide an update on social host ordinances, and share community support for enforcing underage drinking laws. Based on feedback from 150 law enforcement surveys collected, 93% were aware of the social host ordinance and 82% believe it is an effective tool for reducing underage drinking at private parties. Law enforcement officers are also very aware of the extent of underage drinking, with 83% agreeing that most underage drinking takes place at private parties and 70% reporting responding to calls for service in the past year where underage drinking was occurring at private parties. NCPC’s recent evaluation of the Social Host Ordinances in Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista indicate that there have been 75 SHO citations issued in these cities between July 2007 to July 2010. While outcomes vary by case, the potential of court appearances, a criminal record, and steep fines should give party hosts ample reason to make sure they take reasonable precautions to prevent underage drinking in their homes. SHO define these ‘reasonable steps’ as: 1) Controlling access to alcohol; 2) Limiting the quantity of alcohol; 3) Verifying age of party guests; and 4) Supervising the activities of minors.
In addition to surveys from law enforcement, NCPC has collected hundreds of surveys from teens and adults throughout the Tri-City area. Both groups agree that house parties are a top spot for teen drinking; 85% of youth (n=335) and 84% of adults (n=327) indicated house parties as one of the most common places where underage drinking occurs. This confirms the need to educate the community about SHO and encourage law enforcement to utilize SHO to prevent and stop underage drinking parties.
Due to the potential for increases in underage drinking during this time of year, NCPC supports both Tri-City law enforcement and community members to utilize the SHO in an effort to prevent the harms of underage drinking. The public can report underage drinking parties to their local law enforcement agency:
• Carlsbad Police Department- 760-931-2197
• Oceanside Police Department- 760-435-4900
• Vista Sheriff’s Non-emergency- 760-940-4300
In addition, NCPC recommends parents follow these tips to help keep teens safe and sober during prom and graduation:
• Never provide alcohol or drugs to your teen or others.
• Communicate with your teens regularly and openly about alcohol and drugs.
• Communicate with other parents about your expectations and theirs.
• Discuss your expectations and rules for prom and graduation, other activities & outings.
• Know who will be driving and what your teen’s plans are.
• Remind your teen not to use alcohol or drugs, or ride in a vehicle with anyone under the influence.
March 30, 2011
News
Hundreds of North County youth will gather again to celebrate the 8th Annual 420 Remix-A Celebration of Sober and Drug Free Life Choices on April 20th, 2011 from 3pm to 6pm. All 6th to 9th graders in the cities of Carlsbad, Vista and Oceanside are invited to attend. The event will take place for the third year at Boomers! Family Entertainment Center, located at 1525 W. Vista Way in Vista, California.
Celebrated in other circles as the ‘time to get high,’ April 20th (420) is considered by some to be a marijuana smoking holiday. Smoke shops, radio stations, and parades perpetuate this message, portraying marijuana use as a laughing matter. NCPC has partnered with Boomers! to counter this message and reclaim April 20 as a day to celebrate sober and drug free life choices.
420 Remix-A Celebration of Sober and Drug Free Life Choices
Stacey Brandt. (2011, April 17). Anti-drug group to hold alternative celebration. North County Times, Local, B1.
Aaron Burgin. (2011, April 20). Event aims to reclaim '420' as anti-drug day. Union Tribune, Local, B Section.
Nannette Stamm, MPH. (2011, April 20). Youth marijuana use on the rise nationwide. North County Times, Online.
América Barceló. (2011, April 29). Jóvenes dicen 'No' a las drogas. El Latino, Front Page.
