Poway Town Meeting to Discuss Substance Abuse

A “community conversation” about teens and drugs planned by the Poway Community Leadership Institute (PCLI) and Rotary Club of Poway will be held on Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. at Templar’s Hall in Old Poway Park.

The event is intended to give residents, adults and teens, an opportunity to share their ideas and have their voices heard, according to a PCLI press release.

According to the Poway Sheriff’s Department, there were 368 arrests of Poway juveniles on drug or alcohol related charges in 2010 and 2011. There were 26 arrests at Poway High School of students possessing drugs or under the influence.

“Those facts indicate we have a problem in Poway,” said Steve Vaus, Executive Director of PCLI, and Poway City Council candidate. “The City, schools, law enforcement and others have made good faith attempts to fight this battle but more must be done. It’s time to involve the entire community in a search for solutions.” 

Officials from the City of Poway, Poway Unified School District, law enforcement, substance abuse experts, the business community, religious and sports organizations have been invited to the meeting.

“Folks in Poway have demonstrated time and again they’re ready, willing and able to face any challenge. Whether there’s a wild fire or a missing young person we step up and do whatever it takes. That’s just who we are,” Vaus said. “If we face this substance abuse battle with that same attitude and creativity our children and our community will be better for it.”