Citizens Coalitions Step Up : The resolve of a grass-roots group in Placentia is encouraging

The issues of public drinking and sale of liquor and tobacco to minors have been subjects of national concern in recent years. In Placentia, a coalition of concerned citizens has decided to do something about it locally. This cooperative approach across a broad cross-section of the community is instructive for other cities seeking to address common problems associated with the health and well-being of youth.

Last summer, a group called YMCA Communities in Prevention-North hosted two city forums in an attempt to build community consensus. By interviewing people in the community and collecting data, the group identified public drinking and sale of single cans of beer in local stores as major concerns. It was no surprise that youth access to alcohol and tobacco ranked high among community concerns.

Among other things, the group has recommended that the city tighten its code to regulate the use of interior and exterior neon signs in liquor stores and markets. The coalition is made up of city officials, religious and community groups, businesses, schools and residents. The participants first met in September after summer forums to consider a plan of action.

Earlier this month, the group presented its findings at another community forum, in an attempt to bring people up to date on the work of the project. Strategies are being developed to address such concerns as youth access to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs; public drinking; drug dealing and other drug problems; and drinking and driving.

Other communities such as Anaheim and its Orange County Congregation Community Organization have had some success in recent years in addressing similar concerns. Such communities have found that community-based strategies for addressing problems related to youth can work.

At a time when less government is considered more, when grass-roots organizations are expected to carry more of the burden as public programs retrench, it is encouraging to see the resolve in local communities like Placentia. That these efforts are being conducted across a broad cross-section of the community gives evidence of the power and promise of local coalitions.