Sylmar Inaugurates Anti-Drug Group

Acommunity-wide organization to fight drugs will be launched today by an elementary school in Sylmar, where the world’s largest drug bust took place almost two weeks ago.

The organization, called the Sylmar Community Action Team (SCAT), is being formed by Sylmar Elementary School, at 13291 Phillippi St., where a day-long program aimed at educating the public about the drug problem is planned, said Natalie Messenger, the school’s assistant principal.

“As a school, we’re organizing the community against drugs,” she said.

More than 80 community leaders, parents, educators, business people, elected officials, law enforcement officers and others have been invited to the school to plan a year-long campaign against drugs, Messenger said.

She said the community’s reaction to the seizure of 20 tons of cocaine and $15 million in cash Sept. 29 at a Sylmar warehouse was one of shock, dismay and concern. “People are worried,” Messenger said. “There’s just an overall concern. And we’re responding to that concern.”

Today’s activities will begin with an assembly for students at 8:30 a.m., after which the adults will meet. A “Just Say No to Drugs” fair will feature booths dispensing anti-drug materials throughout the day. A back-to-school night for parents and students will round out the day.

The anti-drug effort is being spearheaded by Yvonne Chan, principal of the school, Messenger said.