Open Letter to the Community Regarding Host Ordinance from Police Chief and School Superintendent

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Graduation for our Coronado High School seniors is rapidly approaching. Unfortunately this time of joy and celebration may result in tragedy and heartbreak for some in our city. Last year, you may recall the tragic deaths and serious injuries of several San Diego County teenagers. These tragic motor vehicle accidents were a direct result of young people consuming alcohol. In some cases alcohol was provided to the children by adults who assumed they could do so in a “safe” environment.

As Police Chief and as school district Superintendent, we would like to stress that there are no “safe” or legal ways to allow anyone under the age of 21 to consume alcohol. California law prohibits giving alcohol to minors and jail time for parents who provide alcohol to a minor who was subsequently involved in a car accident. We joined together to bring this message to your attention in an effort to ensure our children celebrate graduation and safely enjoy the summer.

Please read the two links carefully so that you are fully aware of not only the law, but the severe consequences that you and your child could suffer as a result of alcohol consumption. We wish you a safe and happy end of the school year and summer.

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/alcohol-239544-parents-drinking....

http://www.edline.net/files/_EZHrS_/76e39cb2bd7e95ea3745a49013852ec...

Sincerely,

Lou Scanlon                                                                Jeffrey P. Felix, Ed. D.

Police Chief                                                                Superintendent

Coronado Police Department                                     Coronado Unified School District