Last September 12, the Redwood City Council approved the "Action, Create and Engage" ?ACE? program for youth ages 12-24, a community-based pilot initiative aimed at fostering positive relationships between local leaders, law enforcement and youth in the Bike Life movement in Redwood City and North Fair Oaks.
Developed in partnership 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," he said. Melissa Stevenson DiazRedwood City City Manager, Redwood City.
Beginning in May 2022, more than 200 young people on bicycles began regularly gathering in downtown Redwood City, and community members, property owners and businesses expressed concern 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 needed job opportunities and social services, especially in underrepresented and underserved communities," noted Rafael Avendaño, executive director of Redwood City Together.
Redwood City PAL Executive Director Ivan Martinez said the ACE program "embodies our mission of nurturing 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 People's Budget 2022 and the Redwood City/North Fair Oaks Community Collaboration for Children's Success 2019-2024 Action Plan.
Thus, PAL, in partnership with other community organizations, will offer after-school programs, bike events, entertainment, training and mentoring activities and events for transition-age youth in Redwood City and North Fair Oaks.
The pilot program will also address juvenile delinquency, truancy and criminal disobedience in the community.
In turn, the city reported that the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative has granted $230,000 to support youth programming and activities in support of this plan.
"The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative is thrilled to collaborate 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 other potential financial contributors to help fund the remaining balance of the pilot program; the estimated cost is $350,000.
In addition, Redwood City encourages anyone interested in making a donation to contact the City Manager's Office at (650) 780-7300.
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