Possible Ordinance on Parental Liability for Student Drug Usage Explored by City Panel

• Letters Exchange Leads to Open Discusssion of Drugs on Campus

BY SUZANNE GULDIMANN

A letter to the editor published in the Jan.1 edition of the Malibu Surfside News that expressed concerns about student drug use at Malibu Park High School has attracted the attention of the City of Malibu’s public safety commission. At a joint meeting with the city council’s public safety committee, the commission discussed the possibility of enacting an ordinance that would make parents liable for their children’s alcohol or drug use.
The letter, written by parents Sandy and Harriet Helberg, stated that students buy and sell drugs on campus “as if it were an open market,” and that the school lacks an adequate security presence. “Police and volunteer parents, as well as surveillance cameras are needed on campus, not more palm trees,” the Helbergs wrote. “Malibu High receives funding that is being used to add curb appeal, parking lots and new staff offices. How about using the funds and donations to protect our kids and keep them safe?”
The commission asked Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station Sergeant. Philip Brooks, who attended the meeting, if drugs are a problem at the school. Brooks replied yes, adding that “It’s a problem at all schools.”
Brooks said that medical marijuana cards have recently become popular with students. “Anyone can get a card,” he said, describing how a sheriff’s deputy recently applied for and received a card on line, The process, Brooks said, “took about an hour.” .
“Law enforcement can only do so much,” added Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station Malibu liaison Lieutenant Debra Glafkides, who was also present at the meeting. She called student drug use “an epidemic throughout county and state. It’s an issue ,and it’s becoming a bigger issue. Law enforcement is only a small part of it,” she said.
“All 10 cities in Ventura recently passed legislation [to make parents accountable],” Mike Matthews, the assistant to the city manager, told the commission.
“If all of Ventura has, then this city should consider an ordinance,” commissioner Marlene Matlow stated.
“I think that’s hysterical,” commission chair Carol Randall said sardonically. “Malibu parents responsible for students?”
A letter refuting the statements made by the Helbergs was written to The News by MHS PTA president Sandy Thacker and printed in the Jan. 8 issue. Thacker outlined the drug and alcohol related programs at the school, which include a program called “Angels at Risk” and drug and alcohol education presented together with the Lost Hill’s Sheriff’s Station, has implemented.
Thacker stated in her letter that MHS “is at the top of the list” in drug prevention outreach.
An informal survey of students, former students, parents and family members conducted by The News revealed that the majority of participants perceive drug abuse as a continuing problem at the campus. Longtime residents and school alumni recounted a long history of drug-related issues at the school, dating back to the ’60s,’70s and ’80s, when the school was a junior high.
“Drugs have always been a problem. This isn’t new,” a school alumnus told The News.
“We need to shed light on this crisis in our “little paradise,” the Helberg’s letter concluded.
“The job of prevention, intervention and responsibility begins at home,” countered Thacker’s letter.
“The symptoms are clear, but you have to pay attention,” Glafkades told the public safety commission.