City May Seek State Funds to Fight Drugs

A state-funded program to help police and local schools discourage students from using illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco is among topics on the agenda for Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

Police Chief Randall Gaston is seeking council authorization to join Anaheim Union High School District in applying for a $100,000 grant through the Partnership for Suppression of Drug Abuse in Schools. The money would be used to hire a school and community officer to identify and arrest students who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and track the progress of youth in intervention programs.

The program would focus on Anaheim High School and nearby middle and elementary schools. Gaston said that the number of local students identified as “high risk” is growing.

The council will also hear a request from the Police Department to approve an advisory committee that would identify the needs of students in the targeted schools and evaluate programs to suppress drug, alcohol and tobacco use.

The council meets at 5 p.m. in City Hall, 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. Preceding the session will be a 3 p.m. workshop on expansion plans for the Anaheim Convention Center. Information: (714) 254-5100.