South Bay : Toma’s Anti-Drug Crusade

David Toma, the former narcotics officer whose exploits were portrayed in two TV series, “Baretta” and “Toma,” will bring his anti-drug crusade to three Palos Verdes Peninsula high schools next week. He is also scheduled to appear in the South Bay Union High School District in June.

On the Peninsula, Toma will start at Miraleste High on Monday, move to Palos Verdes High on Tuesday, spend a day at Rolling Hills High on Thursday, then wind up at Rancho Del Mar Continuation High School on Friday. Morning assemblies will precede afternoon sessions in which Toma will discuss drug use and other personal problems with small groups of students.

Toma, known for his dramatic speaking style, also will meet with parents at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Rolling Hills gym. School officials, anticipating a large turnout, advised parents to get tickets, at $2, in advance.

The Palos Verdes Education Foundation, which is sponsoring Toma’s appearance, said about 50 volunteer professional counselors will be on hand all week to talk with children and parents about their reactions to Toma’s message.

Toma’s appearances at South Bay Union schools will generally follow the same format throughout the week of June 1.