The South Coast Partnership is pleased to announce the return of Willie Stokes, author of “The Testimony of a Black Sheep.” The book provides an “up close and inside” view into the gang culture. Stokes will be meeting with Pescadero and La Honda parents at 5:30 pm on June 1, 2011 at Pescadero High School.

Young Leaders from the South Coast of San Mateo County

On Friday, May 13, Puente’s Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Prevention Youth Group was recognized by the Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) of San Mateo County for the group’s work in the community. Some key examples of their work on the South Coast include Movie Nights, a Youth Access Survey (2010), and collaborating with Puente’s monthly food drive.

Taking in Hollywood movies and identifying relevant issues for South Coast youth are only a part of the Movie Nights. Puente’s AOD Youth Group takes it a step further by engaging the youth in small group dialogues that focus on addressing change led by youth for youth.

In the fall semester of the 2010-2011 academic year, the youth group administered a youth-developed survey, with guidance and training from YLI, to measure youth access to AOD.

Puente is known for its efforts to support and encourage a more healthy South Coast, so it comes as no surprise that the Puente’s AOD Youth Group works with Puente senior staff in its monthly food drive in partnership with Second Harvest. Under the planning of Lorena Vargas, Puente’s Safety Net Services Coordinator, the youth help organize and distribute food from all food groups to families of the South Coast community.

Congratulations to the young people of Puente’s AOD Youth Group!

Shop at New Leaf on Community Day, Thursday, May 26 — 5% of sales will be given to Puente. Puente will also host an open house 5-7 pm at the market. Pescadero chefs will serve authentic Mexican dishes.  For more information, contact Tricia Dell at (650) 879-1691 ext. 148 or click here.