-Visioning Program For 2020-
Chapter 3
OUR KIDS: HOW WE SERVE OUR YOUTH

In the minds of many, the most urgent needs driving the call for partnership are those of West Covina's youth. If the community is truly family and child-centered, they say we need to create strong enduring partnerships between all the civic institutions and community organizations that serve the city's youth. This means that the city council, city staff, all the school districts, police, religious and social organizations work together with a shared mission in a coordinated manner.

Currently, institutional responsibility for youth is shared between four school districts, the City of West Covina, the County of Los Angeles, and other institutions. Inevitably, there are overlaps between these institutions, but this can be a strength rather than a weakness if an effort is made to rethink these institutional relationships to support a shared and coordinated partnership. They asked that the Mayor and the City Council take the initiative to help make this happen. If they do so, they will have the active interest and support of the community. Many felt there was no more crucial undertaking required to ensure the future of the community.

Education
Many residents stated that they were originally attracted to West Covina for two reasons - the attractive neighborhoods and the quality schools. Now, they fear local public schools are no longer maintaining the high educational standards of the past. They say that too many kids are no longer staying in school and too few are going onto college. Although they believe the teachers are just as dedicated, they are being overwhelmed by factors beyond their control such as school overcrowding and the growing presence of gangs.

Youth Programs
Beyond concerns about the school system, many spoke of the need for after-school programs and other youth services. In particular, effective programs are needed for latch key kids and other youth in the middle teen years who could benefit from good, personalized programs designed to keep kids on campus by providing them with fun, positive outlets to channel their energy. This might include art and craft classes, dance instruction, computers, and nature walks. A wider range of sports and recreational facilities were called for, including bike trails, a skateboard park, and plenty of open space for play. The youth of the community could also benefit from school and city-sponsored mentoring programs or by providing them with volunteer opportunities that could open their eyes to the needs of the larger community and with it a sense of their own self-worth.

Public Safety
Many residents expressed concern about the presence of gangs in other nearby communities and the need to make certain that the Police Department continues to work tenaciously to reduce the influence of gang activity in West Covina. Some were disturbed by the sight of graffiti in their local neighborhoods, which they saw as a possible sign of gang activity. Some feared that their local youth could be at risk of being drawn into gang activity if existing preventive steps were not continued. Others expressed concerns about teen pregnancies, drugs and substance abuse, as well as the potential for increased violence on local campuses. Most applauded the successful efforts of the local police but also felt an even stronger community-wide effort was needed to support all of our youth.

Everyone is needed to find solutions - students, parents, school boards, city staff, local businesses and others. A variety of youth programs were suggested, as described above, as well as ready access to counseling programs. Leadership for this campaign must come from the city council and the school districts working together rather than apart. A citywide youth ombudsman or coordinator could be appointed to establish linkages between various youth programs and across different school districts.

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