It’s taken me a little bit to bask in the passing of Measure W in San Mateo County. Bear with me with my long reflection! This is a half-cent sales tax that will fund county-only transportation projects. It will generate $80M per year or $2.4B over the course of 30 years. This is where I … Continued
Young people have powerful insights on what is going on in their communities — and they are fearless in defying the status quo to push for change. However, they often miss out on a key opportunity to make their voices heard: voting. In Daly City, for example, only 14% of youth turned out at the June elections.
People who work in alcohol and drug prevention often come with a deeply personal story. Someone they loved was injured or killed by a drunk driver. They witnessed — and/or were victims of — the rapid deterioration of family members who use. Perhaps they were themselves the users, and carry regrets with them like stones. … Continued
The central role that youth are playing in today’s social movements is nothing new. From the beginning, they have given life to these movements with their indomitable courage and passion, fresh insights and solutions, and unique perspectives and experiences. What fluctuates is our society’s attention to — and support for — youth voice and leadership. … Continued
Cultura, Organizing, Resistance and Action (CORA), Merced’s first-ever youth leadership academy was held last month over the course of two weekends. A diverse group of 12 young people — including several system-impacted and foster youth — attended from schools in the towns of Merced and Atwater. The majority had never participated in this kind of … Continued
“People look at Marin Oaks like its not a good school. I am so happy there. So many of us are seen as problems but we’re thriving there. We’re not a problem anymore.” Marin Oaks is a continuation school. Where the “bad” kids go in Marin County. The kids who can’t sit still, who disrupt … Continued
May was Mental Health Awareness Month. For YLI youth leaders, it was a time not only to encourage vulnerable communities to access and practice preventative mental health services, but also to dig deeper and talk about how mental health services for substance use can be improved. Youth in Half Moon Bay and Pescadero embarked on … Continued
Ever ride the bus? When you take the Fresno Area Express (FAX), a would-be 20-minute car ride can easily turn into a 2 ½ journey depending on the bus route you take. Riders can wait up to an hour along certain routes, and the frequent stops all add up. Turns out, there’s nothing “Express” about … Continued
