PUBLIC GETS THE MESSAGE TO PREVENT TEEN PARTIES

Youth Volunteers Distribute Annual Graduation Safety Bulletin

SAN DIEGUITO ---- San Dieguito Union High School District hosts graduation ceremonies at four high schools on June 13, and teen volunteers are using the occasion to send an important message to parents and graduates regarding local laws prohibiting underage drinking parties.

The "Graduation and Summer Safety Bulletin," sent jointly from the school district, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department and San Dieguito Alliance for Drug Free Youth, alerts students and parents to the dangers of underage drinking, the responsibilities of party hosts, and local Social Host Ordinances (SHO).

Social host ordinances hold party hosts responsible for making sure minors do not have access to alcohol. Violators may face six months in jail and pay fines up to $1,000 including costs for law enforcement services. Party hosts are required to control access and quantity of alcohol, verify the ages of guests, and supervise the activities of minors.

San Diego County Sheriffs have issued over 100 citations for SHO violations since 2012 in their contract cities and the unincorporated areas of the County, according to data analyzed by the Center for Community Research.  Over half of those cited were minors under 21, and nearly 2/3 were male.1

The public seems to be getting the message – nearly half of adults surveyed in the North Coastal region reported awareness of SHO in 2013, compared to only 26 % in 2011.2

Preventing underage drinking is important. People reporting first use of alcohol before age 15 are more than five times more likely to abuse alcohol later in life compared with people who first used alcohol at age 21 or older.3 Alcohol is also associated with the leading causes of death for teens and young adults including motor vehicle crashes, homicides, suicides and unintentional injuries.4

 “Our teens are important to their families and friends, and we want them to enjoy graduation without any negative experiences," said San Dieguito High parent Olivia Jacobsen.

 “This is an important time to spread the message to teens and parents about preventing underage drinking,” stated Mckenna Dunn with La Costa Canyon High School Teens for Teen Safety.  Youth volunteers will be on hand at graduation ceremonies being held June 13 at La Costa Canyon, Torrey Pines, San Dieguito Academy, and Canyon Crest Academy High Schools. The youth represent various groups including Teens for Teen Safety, Young Leaders in Healthcare, and La Colonia Changers.  These groups are sponsored by local community agencies including Scripps Hospital, La Colonia de Eden Gardens, County Office of Education’s Friday Night live, and San Dieguito Alliance.

Because preventing alcohol consumption by minors is everyone’s responsibility, the public is encouraged to report underage drinking parties to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department:(858) 565-5200, San Diego Police Department Northwestern Division: 858.523.7000, or Carlsbad Police Department: 760.602.2442.