Laying the Foundation for Peace

By Teresa Rochester

Jan. 29 -- One by one, teenagers stepped before the crowd that filled Santa Monica High School's cafeteria Tuesday night to define violence, the effect it has had on their lives and how it might be combated.

And in response, a number of adults who attended the "Speak Out on Youth Violence Prevention" meeting, stepped forward to reaffirm their commitment and offer a host of services - from tutoring to social justice retreats - for the City's young people.

"I didn't think there would be as good an adult turnout," said Samohi junior Kristina Lizama. "I didn't expect them to put themselves out there making promises as they spoke. It was a shock."

The Speak Out, sponsored by the school district, was a follow up to a December candle light procession and vigil to honor young people and denounce a spat of violence that resulted in the death of two teenagers.

On Tuesday adults - including parents, police, elected and city officials, teachers and district administrators - outnumbered the young people present. Both groups gathered around tables and, armed with colorful markers and poster paper, attempted to answer a series of questions about violence and how to deal with it.

"We have a society that awards aggression and violence. How do we create a society that awards non-aggression?" asked Mayor Pro Tem Kevin McKeown, sitting at a table that included Councilman Richard Bloom, City Manager Susan McCarthy, Julie Rusk of the City's Cultural and Community Services Division, Cathryn Berger Kaye and Nancy Tallerino of Family Service of Santa Monica.

Berger Kaye suggested that one way to get the word out against violence would be through an intensive public service campaign created by young people that would show changing behavior and it's rewards.

"Kids gravitate toward cool," she pointed out.

Participants at the table also suggested taking more personal responsibility in demonstrating non-violent behavior, intervening in conflicts and working to create a more caring atmosphere for young people.

"Those are all scary things but they're something that people can commit to," said Tallerino. "I think people need to be challenged to take personal responsibility for stuff."

After the brainstorming session the adults listened as representatives from each table of teenagers presented their ideas and suggestions in frank and poignant terms.

"I grew up where the hoods pretty much originated from," said Jose Lopez. "I saw two good friends die. I've seen a lot of destruction and I'm tired of it. I know from experience, I'm coming up on six months of sobriety. I know from experience if you're drinking and getting high… you never know what's going to happen."

Lopez said that sobriety programs relied on bringing people together to deal with problems, a practice that also can help defuse violence.

"All those programs are based on fellowship, sitting down and talking about your problems," he said. "It keeps a lot of violence down. Don't sit there and be mean to the gang member. Talk to them. Reach out to them."

Other teens echoed Lopez, calling for more events to bring young people together. Other suggestions included spreading the word about available resources for young people and working with elementary school students to deter future violence.

But it was a teen's idea for a youth retreat that sparked the most discussion. Hands shot up among teens and adults, when Speak Out facilitator Judy Abdo asked for people to help plan the event. When one young person worried about finding the money for a retreat, Abdo -- a former mayor who currently works for the school district -- said the City could worry about the money.

Turning her attention to City staff and council members, including Mayor Michael Feinstein, Adbo said: "If we're going to do something we can't do it on the normal timeline. If there was going to be a retreat, when are we talking about? Soon."

After other suggestions were bandied about, Tessa Hicks, who works with the Anti-Defamation League, invited the teens to participate in a leadership and social justice retreat her organization is offering in March.

Then another adult raised her hand and invited the teens to attend a year-long performing arts program aimed at promoting peace. Soon there were five more commitments and promises from adults to continue their work with the City's young people.

"Me and my staff promise to continue to listen to you," said Paco Rettana of Saint John's Health Center's counseling service.

"We are committing $25,000 to you," said Father Michael Guttierez, pastor of Saint Anne's Catholic Church. "We put our money where our mouths are."