CITY VOTES TO CONTINUE DRUG AND ALCOHOL INTERVENTION PROGRAM AT HIGH SCHOOL

City Council on July 25 voted unanimously in favor of keeping
intervention specialist Mike Darnold on duty at Dana Hills High School
through the upcoming school year.

Darnold's main function -- since the program debuted in 2008 -- is to
serve as a resource for students, families and teachers dealing with
issues arising out of the use of drugs and alcohol.

Although the City of Dana Point pays Darnold's salary, the program is
managed cooperatively by Capistrano Unified School District, Dana
Point Police Services and the city.

Councilwoman Lara Anderson raised the question of why Dana Point is
the only city paying for the program when a large population of Dana
Hills students reside in Laguna Niguel. "Where are their city council
members?" she asked.

Councilwoman Lisa Bartlett said that the city has been in contact with
Laguna Niguel to discuss the possibility of that city contributing
financially to the program in the future.

City Manager Doug Chotkevys said he believes this program serves an
important function and is looking forward to working with Darnold in
the future to study the effects of medical marijuana on the student
population.

"As most cities are cutting services, our community is continuing to
support our children," said Chotkevys.