Declare War on Drugs at Home, Van de Kamp Tells Activist Leaders

State Atty. Gen. John Van de Kamp urged government, religious and community leaders Wednesday to unify their efforts in the fight against drug and alcohol abuse by children.

“I often tell audiences that the real battleground in the war against drugs is not some faraway pink-hued ‘Miami Vice’ world of flash and flamingos, but right here at home in our streets and schools,” Van de Kamp said. “Flak jackets and .357 Magnums won’t help us there. The weapons we need are prevention and education.”

Van de Kamp’s remarks were made at the first day of a two-day seminar designed to help communities develop plans to prevent drug and alcohol abuse by children.

The state Crime Prevention Center and other state agencies such as the Office of Alcohol and Drug Program and the Department of Education were conducting the sessions attended by representative from 42 Southern California communities.

“The purpose of the seminar is to encourage the communities to work together on the program, to coordinate the efforts of schools, law enforcement agencies, private organizations and civic groups for maximum impact,” said Fred Register, a spokesman for Van de Kamp.

In 1985, Van de Kamp established a commission to study the extent of the drug problem in the state. Its report recommended that communities organize their own prevention councils.

“I’m hoping that each team will emerge from this process ready to build a community prevention council as the commission recommended,” Van de Kamp said. “Let’s be building for the long term, architects of a safer, drug-free future for our children.”

Seminars are also scheduled to be held on May 27 and 28 in San Francisco and on June 2 and 3 in Redding. At least 40 communities from each area are expected to attend.