You have a Methamphetamine Problem!
Rich has over 25 years in law enforcement working in local police departments, the California department of justice and the Bureau of Drug enforcement. Rich provided us with a shocking overview of the evolution, form and effect of Meth on our local community and communities like ours across the country.
Rapidly becoming the drug of choice, Meth is found in the systems of 35-85% of suspects arrested for all crimes. (35% in Capitola, 85% is communities south and east of here). Meth is being used by children as young as 10-12 years old! Meth is so addictive and so effects brain chemistry that even one experience is enough to hook it's user. Soccer moms and professionals are as easily victimized as is the traditional substance abusers.
The ease with which Meth labs can be put together has resulted in them springing up in city and suburban neighborhood as well as rural locals. The volatility of the process often leads to fires and explosions. The chemicals involved are extremely hazardous and are often dumped directly into the environment. The profit margins are so large that gangs and organized crime are often behind the manufacture and sale of the product.
The Santa Cruz (downtown) and Freedom Rotary Clubs have come together with the United Way of SCC, SCC Drug and Alcohol and other local agencies to lead a community education and awareness effort. Their website is http://www.santacruzmeth.org/.
This note is from Pascal Anastasi, one of the leaders of the effort from the downtown club:
We have scheduled four public forums beginning in October. I will be sending your club details soon. The group is organizing presentations at the middle schools and high schools...we should have more information within the next month or so. They have Meth User Teen/Youths do the presentations...not easy on the heart.
The project is significant...the Santa Cruz Rotary has committed/raised $30,000 for the project. We are combining our resources with the County who recently received a $100,000 grant.
...You and your members are welcome to join in the effort to Create Meth Awareness, Link Assistance for Prevention and Treatment, and Support Legal Efforts to Eliminate. There is plenty...plenty of work that needs to be done.
