THOUSAND OAKS : Group Seeks Input on Anti-Drug Fight

Seeking community input on ways to stop young people from using drugs, the Conejo Substance Abuse Prevention Authority will host a public forum tonight at the Civic Arts Plaza.

Input from the forum will be used by the group to develop future programs to increase awareness about the dangers of drug use.

“We want to pick their brains and get more community involvement,” said Melody Rafelson, a member of the group and senior assistant to Ventura County Supervisor Frank Schillo.

The Conejo Substance Abuse Prevention Authority was formed in 1980 to deal with drug-related problems of the community. Its board includes representatives from the Conejo Valley Unified School District, the city of Thousand Oaks, the Conejo Recreation and Park District and Ventura County.

Current programs include Red Ribbon Week, which will coincide this month with national Drug Awareness Week from Oct. 21 to 28. During this time, the group will sell red ribbons at schools, churches and community groups to signal a commitment to a drug-free lifestyle.

Tonight’s forum will be held at the board room of the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza from 7 to 9:30 p.m. A second session will be held Oct. 18 in the Founders Room at the same time. Reservations can be made by calling (805) 371-8388.