Prop. 21

I commend the L.A. County Board of Supervisors on its decision to oppose Prop. 21 (Feb. 9). I was convicted of an armed robbery charge in 1995 at the age of 16 and was sentenced to nine months in juvenile detention camp. During that time, my attitude toward life changed dramatically. Among other things, I became involved in a poetry writing workshop that provided me with a constructive outlet for my emotions.

Today, after 2 1/2 years in the U.S. Navy, I take college classes and teach poetry workshops in juvenile detention camps with the same organization that first introduced me to poetry. I also perform with Street Poets United, a group of juvenile detention camp alumni who, like me, were able to turn their lives around when given a second chance. Under Prop. 21, I and many others in our group would have been sent to state prison.

The juvenile detention system works, especially when in partnership with effective educational programs that follow up with kids after they get released. Prop. 21 is about hate, not hope. Vote no.

ROBERT LIZANA

Associate Director

Dream Yard/L.A.