2 Teens Sworn In to Delinquency Panel

With two teenagers now on the Ventura County Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission, its chairman said commissioners will have valuable input on youth crime-prevention programs.

Cristen Ferguson, a Ventura High School freshman, and Lelah Baker-Rabe, a Nordhoff High School freshman, were sworn in for four-year terms by Juvenile Court Judge Melinda Johnson at a recent awards luncheon.

“We want their input as to how they feel about youth programs,” said Lawrence Fick, commission chairman.

He said the youths will evaluate and update the commission on DARE (Drug Awareness Resistance Education) and dropout prevention programs.

Fick said it is difficult to find qualified students who want to volunteer their services because the commission meets when school is in session--at noon on the first Tuesday of every month at the county jail.

The commission seeks students with solid academic backgrounds who take part in extracurricular activities and have an interest in law enforcement, Fick said.

Numerous individuals were honored at the awards luncheon for their service to the county juvenile justice system, including past commissioners Jane Brewster, Philip Catalano, Maria Cervantes, Eve Duff, Gloria Huston, Ruben Jimenez and Cathy Koch.

Outstanding Service Awards were presented to employees of several county organizations: Phyllis McBride of the Corrections Services Agency; Rhonda Schmidt of the district attorney’s office; James Harmon of the public defender’s office; and Frank Ferratt of the Public Social Services Agency.

Nancy Whitt of the Corrections Services Agency was also honored for her outstanding administrative support.

State law does not mandate that commissions have youth members, but it strongly recommends their inclusion, Fick said.