LAKEPORT – At its recent meeting the Lake County Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission looked at possible budget cuts and programs to improve the lives of area youth.

The group met at the Lake County Courthouse on Jan. 18.

Commissioner Steve Buchholz discussed state budget reductions possibly affecting Lake County's Juvenile Hall finances.

Buchholz, the county's retired chief probation officer who is still working on an interim basis, indicated that any cuts to the county's programs would not be determined until August.

He added that the state has already budgeted a significant amount of funds available statewide to counties in need of upgrades of juvenile facilities. Buchholz said Lake County will continue to pursue funds to improve or replace the crowded north Lakeport facility.

Guest speaker Joan Moore updated the board on the Lake County Youth Center in Clearlake.

The center, open five days a week between the hours of 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., offers a safe setting for after school activities for students 7 to 17 years of age. The center is a place to do homework, read books or play pool, Moore reported.

During regular hours 25 to 40 students per day utilize the facility located at the site of old Redbud Park Senior Center, Moore said. Persons seeking more information or wanting to offer donations can call Moore at 994-7281.

Valerie LaBonte, a regular guest of the commission, informed the board of the progress being made within the private sector to provide tattoo removal services to young men and women transitioning from gang-related lifestyles. Commission members expressed their willingness to participate and advance the effort by exploring funding assistance.

Also on the agenda and addressed at the meeting was the upcoming Gang Awareness Town Hall meeting, to be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 6 at the Kelseyville Presbyterian Church.

The general public is invited to attend the March 6 meeting. All those that share concern for or simply want to learn about local gang related problems are encouraged to attend. The meeting is co-sponsored by the Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Commission and the California Highway Patrol. Contact Kathleen Sheckells at 262-1611, Extension 111, for more details.

The commission invites the public to attend its next meeting, planned for 12:15 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15, at the courthouse, in Conference Room B on the first floor.

E-mail Harold LaBonte at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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