These past few weeks I have received numerous inquiries and comments concerning an allegation that was made that the “city of Clearlake presently and previously has done nothing to invest in youth or youth activities; consequently, has not used any city resources to help our youth stay on the right track.”

These allegations provide a unique opportunity to share with our community the involvement the city has had with our youth in recent years.

During these challenging economic times, cities, counties and school districts throughout the state are

reducing or eliminating youth programs due to budget constraints.

Although city resources have been meager in comparison to many other cities and counties, we have continually supported our youth within our financial boundaries.

We have been able to utilize creativity and teamwork to champion our efforts in the following ways.

ATHLETIC FIELDS: Athletic fields are provided for Little League, flag football and soccer activities for the pleasure of our youth. When needed, city resources are used for maintenance of the athletic fields.

YOUTH CENTER: The building which houses the youth center is leased from the city at the cost of $1 per year in order that the youth center may continue to provide a safe haven to children. In addition, the city provided an outside basketball court for the youth center.

SKATE PARK: Over a period of years, the city has worked diligently to acquire grants to build and maintain a skate park for our youth. In addition, the city partnered with clubs, organizations and businesses to donate needed materials in order that the city may continue to perform necessary maintenance at the skate park.

HELMET PROTECTION: The police department provides helmets for our youth to help keep our kids safe while skateboarding and bicycle riding.

BASKETBALL COURT: A basketball court was built next to the skate park for the enjoyment of our youth, with city funds that were added to a donation received by a gracious benefactor.

KONOCTI KIDS DAY: In years past, the city has participated in Konocti Kids Day, providing police and public works services during these events. In 2008, in addition to providing services, the city partnered with Konocti Kids Day to provide the California Air National Guard Helicopter Drug Interdiction Program for our youth at this event. This is a highly proclaimed program throughout the state that is normally brought only into schools for a three hour visit. For the entirety of one year, city representatives worked tediously in this endeavor for the betterment of our youth. The rewards were apparent, as the Air National Guard helicopter touched down at Austin Park, visiting and educating 2,500 youths throughout the entire day to give them the opportunities to help keep their lives on the right track. The positive responses from parents and youth were overwhelming.

TEAM DUI: Team DUI was created to educate our community on the true realties of DUI with the focus on preventing underage drinking. Through the efforts of Team DUI, our youth are given the opportunity to understand the consequences of choices they make, affording them the opportunities to make healthy choices for themselves and others. The valiant mission of Team DUI is of great importance to our youth in the lives that have been saved and many more that will be saved. Youth throughout the entire county benefit from the dedication of Team DUI.

EVERY 15 MINUTES PROGRAM: Members of our police department and a city council member partner with the CHP along with other law enforcement and emergency personal in the efforts of the highly acclaimed Every 15 Minute Program, to provide educational support to our schools for DUI awareness and prevention, helping to give our youth the opportunity to stay on the right track.

TOBACCO EDUCATION: Representing the city, a member of the Clearlake City Council serves on the Lake County Tobacco Education Coalition which educates our youth on the importance of the consequences of cigarette smoking; thereby affording a healthier life.

HALLOWEEN: For the last four years, the city has provided a community Halloween party for kids at city hall to help keep our kids off of the streets so they can enjoy a safe Halloween. During this event, we partner with Konocti School District to purchase reflective “Trick-or-Treat” bags with the slogan “Don’t be Tricked, Drugs are no Treat” which coincides with participation in Red Ribbon Week festivities.

CHRISTMAS: For the past three years, the city has sponsored a Christmas Wish Tree for Children, partnering with Child Protective Services to help grant Christmas wishes for foster children and less fortunate children. Hundreds of children’s lives have been touched through this program. The city also provides police and public works services during the yearly Christmas parade for the pleasure of our youth.

THE POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION continues to provide financial contributions and assistance to youth activities. Their donations have proven to be invaluable to activities such as sober grad night, little league and Toys for Tots among others.

IN YEARS PAST, the city has provided playground equipment at our park and bicycle give-a-ways for children through the efforts of many.

Partnering with our educators and youth leaders, we have also been able to provide assistance to Konocti Unified School District in the form of a school resource officer when funding was available along with city participation in the research of consolidation of resources between the school district and the city.

Several council members participated in Lower Lake High School Challenge Day for the benefit of our youth. We also participate in Child Abuse Awareness Month.

The city is proud that we have been able to build a network with educators, youth leaders and parents for the betterment of our youth.

I would be remiss if I did not mention that the success of the above efforts would not have been possible without the volunteer efforts of many. Many people, including city staff, police department and council members as representatives of the city, have donated countless hours of time to help support our youth.

To some, the activities listed above may be small, but to those involved, the efforts are huge and rewarding. These efforts are immeasurable to the positive impact on our youth.

The city of Clearlake has always advocated for the betterment of our youth and will continue to do so.

Could more be done for our youth? Always! There could never be enough when it comes to supporting our youth. Working together, our community can make a difference in the life of a child. I encourage anyone to get involved.

To the countless individuals who have touched the lives of our youth in so many positive ways, I offer my sincere gratitude along with that of the city of Clearlake.

Judy Thein is mayor of the city of Clearlake, Calif.