Teen activities deter alcohol use

EDITOR,
Regarding the grand jury’s conclusion on teen alcohol use, a look at recreation center schedules in Santa Cruz County will show very few, if any, offerings for teenagers.
Budget problems? Among the first cuts considered were to the Santa Cruz teen center, and Boulder Creek recreation totally cut a successful teen program attended by hundreds. All included monthly garage band concerts, annual teen fairs and summer and after-school recreation. The entire teen program only cost Boulder Creek recreation about 3 percent of its budget. Offering activities teens are interested in not only keeps them off the streets, it gives them a sense of community.
Teen concerts at the local hall will deter alcohol use, as will after-school and summer activities. It may not save every teen, but it will help.
I personally have seen positive results. The simple answer to the grand jury’s finding is to provide opportunities and respect our teens.
Jacqueline Clark, Brookdale