Van Nuys : Council Gives $4,000 to 2 Youth Programs

The Los Angeles City Council this week allocated $4,000 to two youth programs at the Van Nuys Division of the Los Angeles Police Department.

On Wednesday, the City Council granted $2,000 each to the police station’s Jeopardy and Explorer Scout programs on a motion by Councilwoman Laura Chick. The money will come from community service funds of Chick’s office.

The Jeopardy program provides a sports program, tutoring and counseling to disadvantaged and at-risk youth. It is an effort to provide young people with alternatives to gangs and encourage them to learn skills for a brighter future. The money will be used to renovate the program’s building, which was recently donated by Rickey Gelb, a Valley businessman and community activist.

“This program provides young residents of the San Fernando Valley with opportunities not normally available to them,” Chick said, “including helping them develop their self-esteem and providing them with quality after-school activities.”

The Explorer program gives young people a chance to see what a career in law enforcement might be like. It also provides the Police Department with support staff. The money will go toward the cost of training and equipment for the Scouts. Explorer Scouts have helped the LAPD by staffing front desks, and controlling crowds at community events.