Empowering young people in Santa Cruz County

On Friday night in Watsonville, rather than going to the movies or playing video games, about 50 teens spent their free time learning how to build a safer community.

“When I was a kid, I really thought of the gang life like that’s pretty cool,” said Eddie Robles.

Now a senior at Watsonville Community School, Robles has chosen a different path – college. But with gang violence a continuing problem in Watsonville, he said he’s at the event to help teens face the same reality he once did.

“It’s always been a struggle, just because I’ve seen a lot of my close friends not be here anymore. Or I’ve seen them be hurt by the things they do,” said Robles.

The event was hosted by the Santa Cruz County Friday Night Live Youth Program. Their goal is to get more teens involved in solving community problems using games and a fun environment.

“Young people in our community are committed. They care and they want to do something and they want to be involved in creating positive change,” said Brenda Armstrong, prevention program manager.

Armstrong said it’s important to empower youth and give them the opportunity to talk about the problems they face, like gangs and drugs.

“They want to feel safe and safety is a huge issue in our community right now,” said Armstrong.

But all that can change and Armstrong said change starts with thekids who attended Friday night.