Red Ribbon Week Focuses on Drug Awareness

Essay contests, community fairs and school assemblies are among the nationwide Red Ribbon Week events planned countywide.

The annual events, most continuing through next Saturday, are designed to entertain children while informing them about the dangers of using drugs and alcohol.

“It is extremely important, especially in light of the recent tragic deaths of young people in our society due to substance abuse, that we demonstrate our united commitment to a drug-free society,” said James A. Fleming, superintendent of the Capistrano Unified School District.

Many schools will be asking students to wear red ribbons and will hold relted assemblies and other activities. Some communities and organizations are planning larger events, some of which include:

* Fullerton police officers will hold a public rally at 3 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Police Department, 237 W. Commonwealth Ave. Information: (714) 738-6836.

* Fifth- and sixth-grade students in Orange County can compete in the 11th annual “Why Say No to Drugs” essay contest, sponsored by area pharmacists. The two first-place winners will each receive a $500 U.S. Savings Bond. All entrants will receive certificates of participation. Essays can be typed or hand-written and should not exceed two double-spaced pages. Entries must include the student’s name, school, grade level and telephone number. Submissions must be made by Oct. 31 and can be mailed to OCSHP, attention Zerline Bonuan, 20 Bunker Hill, Irvine, CA 92620.

* Fountain Valley officials and anti-drug activists will release balloons during a rally next Saturday to symbolize the joys of living drug-free. The second annual Red Ribbon Week Rally/Walk includes demonstrations by the Police Department’s SWAT and canine units and a display of firefighting equipment. The event begins at 9 a.m. at the Recreation Center, 16400 Brookhurst St. Information: (714) 593-4446.

* Members of the Irvine Police Department will step outside their usual roles to serve as chefs and waiters during a fund-raiser Thursday. Lamppost Pizza Woodbridge will host the fund-raiser, which benefits Irvine Unified School District’s high school Prevention and Mentoring Team.

* The La Habra Mayor’s Task Force will sponsor the 10th annual Red Ribbon Week Community Breakfast Friday in the La Habra Community Center. The breakfast, from 6:15 to 9 a.m., will feature a talk on family communication. Tickets are $7 per person. The center is at Euclid Street and La Habra Boulevard. The task force also is sponsoring a poster contest. Information: (562) 943-7860.

* The Mission Viejo Walk Against Drugs begins at 8 a.m. today at the Mission Viejo High School Stadium, 25025 Chrisanta Drive. The event is sponsored by the Capistrano Unified and Saddleback Valley Unified school districts and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

Also contributing to this report were correspondents Lisa Addison, Debra Cano and Mimi Ko Cruz.