On September 12, the Redwood City Council approved the Action, Create and Engage (ACE) program for youth ages 12-24, a community-based pilot initiative that aims to foster positive relationships between local leaders, law enforcement, and youth in the Bike Life movement in Redwood City and North Fair Oaks.
Developed in collaboration with Redwood City Together and the Redwood City Police Activities League (PAL), the ACE program was created in response to community concerns about disruptive youth behavior in the downtown area.
“We want to ensure a safe and fun environment for everyone at our center, while supporting healthy and positive activities for our youth. The ACE Program will support youth development and empowerment, while ensuring accountability for unsafe behavior. We can’t wait to get started,” she said. Melissa Stevenson DiazRedwood City City Manager, Redwood City.
Beginning in May 2022, over 200 youth on bikes began gathering regularly in downtown Redwood City, and community members, property owners, and businesses expressed concerns about disruptive and unsafe behavior, including blocking sidewalks, interfering with traffic, damaging property, and using illegal fireworks near people.
In response, City staff immediately began working on a multi-faceted strategy focused on City priorities related to children and youth, public safety, economic vitality and ensuring a community for all.
“As a collective front, we will be able to support more transition-age youth and their families by connecting them with job opportunities and necessary social services, especially in underrepresented and underserved communities,” said Rafael Avendaño, executive director of Redwood City Together.
For his part, Redwood City PAL Executive Director Ivan Martinez said that the ACE program “embodies our mission to nurture the next generation of leaders in our community by fostering positive relationships between community leaders and law enforcement.”
The immediate action plan is based on community input received through the City’s 2022 People’s Budget and the Redwood City/North Fair Oaks 2019-2024 Community Partnership Action Plan for Children’s Success.
Thus, PAL, in partnership with other community organizations, will offer after-school programs, bike events, entertainment activities, training and mentoring, and events for transition-aged youth in Redwood City and North Fair Oaks.
The pilot program will also address juvenile delinquency, truancy and criminal disobedience in the community.
The city also announced that the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative has provided $230,000 to support youth programming and activities in support of the plan.
“The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative is thrilled to partner with the City of Redwood City, Redwood City Together, and the Redwood City Police Activities League on the ACE program. We know that young people are our future and we are grateful to have the opportunity to support additional programs to advance productive solutions,” said Andrea Jones, Director of Bay Area Giving, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.
The City and its partners are seeking additional potential financial contributors to help fund the remaining balance of the pilot program, which is estimated to cost $350,000.
Redwood City is also calling on anyone interested in making a donation to contact the City Manager's Office at (650) 780-7300.
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