For those of you who have been following this blog for a while, you may recall that I have written about a string of horrible crimes that have occurred here in our humble, sleepy little beach town. Back in October, a 16-year-old Santa Cruz boy was stabbed and killed in a fight just blocks away from the high school. Six months after that incident, the boy’s cousin lost his life when he  was shot in an unprovoked attack while he was walking through a park to retrieve a bicycle he had left there. Both murders are believed to have been committed by known gang members. Neither victim was a member or associated with a gang.

I know many people’s reaction to crime is to build more prisons. It’s all about punishment and I agree, there are dire consequences for those who commit these heinous acts. An angry group of protestors has already been formed in response whose very name is suggestive of  retaliation. Although this group’s fears and feelings are understandable, fighting back in this way will only fan the combative flames and prolong the conflict. These crimes need to be prevented in the first place and the solution is education and awareness. That is why my 17-year-old daughter, Sophia and a few dozen of her classmates have formed a peace activist group called Peace on the Streets. Their aim to promote peace and to spread the word that violence never solved anything. Sophia and a few other members were part of a panel discussion on community TV last night and I could not have been more proud of her. If you are interested in learning more please visit their Facebook page. It is open to the public. You do not have to have a Facebook account to visit. You may also learn more by reading the Peace on the Streets blog.