Symposium to Focus on ‘Youth at Risk’

Pacific Lodge Youth Services on Thursday will hold the third in a series of symposiums that, in the words of one organizer, will “provide a ray of hope” for troubled youths.

The event, titled “Youth at Risk--Creating Solutions,” will feature a panel discussion with questions from the audience.

Panelists will include Lee Baca, commanding officer of field operations for Region II of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Kenneth M. Bachrach, clinical director of the Tarzana Treatment Center, and Superior Court Commissioner Judge David S. Wesley.

The speakers will share their perspectives on youth issues, with a particular emphasis on solutions, said Pacific Lodge President David Genders.

“We aim to bring forward those things parents can do or community members can do or that governmental agencies are trying to do that focus on prevention, and not when kids are already in trouble.”

Young people are invited, but Genders said the event’s audience is “adults in the community--parents, leaders.”

Pacific Lodge, based in Woodland Hills since 1927, began its series of symposiums last year and plans to hold two a year, with the next one slated for October.

The symposium, co-sponsored by the Times Valley Edition and open to the public, begins at 7 p.m. at Pacific Lodge Boys Home, 4900 Serrania Ave., Woodland Hills.