Get the Markers Out: It's Red Ribbon Week Poster Time in Pacifica

Pacifica schools and the Pacifica Police Department are taking a visible stand together against substance abuse for Red Ribbon Week, the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation reaching millions of Americans during the last week of October every year.

Locally, participating schools will conduct educational programs and individual classes will be decorating their classroom doors with a “A Healthy Me Is Drug Free” theme. The doors will be judged on creativity and prizes awarded in each participating school.

Luigi’s Italian Restaurant, The French Patisserie and Stillpoint On The Coast Massage & Bodywork are providing this year’s winning door prizes in support of the Pacifica Red Ribbon Week Activities.

By participating in community anti-drug events, young people pledge to live a drug- free life and pay tribute to Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Enrique’ “Kiki” Camarena, an 11-year veteran of the DEA assigned to the Guadalajara, Mexico, office where he was on the trail of the country’s biggest marijuana and cocaine traffickers. 

In 1985, he was extremely close to unlocking a multi-billion dollar drug pipeline but was kidnapped, brutally tortured, and murdered by Mexican drug traffickers. His tragic death opened the eyes of many Americans to the dangers of drugs and the international scope of the drug trade.

Shortly after Kiki’s death, Congressman Duncan Hunter and Kiki’s high school friend, Henry Lozano, launched “Camarena Clubs” in Kiki’s hometown of Calexico, California. Hundreds of club members pledged to lead drug-free lives to honor the sacrifice made by Kiki Camarena.

These pledges were delivered to First Lady Nancy Reagan at a national conference of parents combating youth drug use. Several state parent organizations then called on community groups to wear red ribbons during the last week of October as a symbol of their drug-free commitment. 

The Pacifica Police Department encourages Pacifica's elementary and middle schools to participate in Red Ribbon Week Oct. 23-31 by conducting school wide educational programs and demonstrating their understanding and commitment by decorating their classroom doors with “A Healthy Me Is Drug Free” theme.