Red Ribbons time again

It’s YOLO time in Petaluma-area schools this week.

YOLO – “You Only Live Once” – is a celebration of a drug and alcohol free life style and is the slogan for this year’s Red Ribbon Week.

In most schools, the Red Ribbons are already prominent on campus, along with signs promoting the week and students’ commitment to remain drug free.

The Petaluma City Council last week proclaimed Oct. 20 through 31 “Red Ribbon Week, a time span that stretches to 11 days to allow for all the activities.

All ready completed are Celebrate Petaluma Day, Sports Day, Make a Pledge Day, Say Boo to Drugs Weekend, Lock Your Meds Day, Wear Red Day and Decoration Day.

Still ahead are Hugs, Not Drug Day and No Bullying Day, both today, Hero Day on Friday, Family Togetherness Weekend on Saturday and Sunday and YOLO Day on Monday.

Red Ribbon Week began in 1985 as reaction to the torture and murder of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. His hometown of Calexico hung red ribbons in his honor, and the red ribbon became a symbol for prevention of drug use as a way to reduce the demand for illegal drugs. The first national Red Ribbon Week was organized in 1988.

In Petaluma, Red Ribbon Week is organized and coordinated by the McDowell Drug Task Force.

Executive director Dick Sharke actually starts the event around the first of October, visiting every school in the Petaluma area, bringing gifts like art supplies, stickers, posters and even sports supplies such as basketballs.

It is a circuit he has made for more than 30 years as he warns students against the dangers of drug and alcohol use and teaches them that, “You Only Live Once.”